Average Weight Male: 180kg
Average Weight Female: 155kg
Shoulder Height Male: 120 cm
Shoulder Height Female: 108 cm
Mating Season: March/April (may differ from area to area)
At first glance, hunting Black Wildebeest may seem rather easy, as on the open plain where he is often found, he will be relatively easy to locate. However, closing the distance on him may be an entirely different matter; his excellent senses and herd instinct make hunting Black Wildebeest quite a challenge.
This member of the antelope family is and ox-like animal with unusual horns, a beard, and hair on his nose. He is dark brown in color with a horse-like tail, which is almost pure white. Hence he is sometimes called the white-tailed Gnu. These strange looking “beests” occur naturally only in South Africa. With both sexes carrying horns, it sometimes takes much patience to distinguish the bulls from the cows. Hunting Black Wildebeest is most likely best during the morning or late afternoon while the herd is grazing.
During cool weather, they will graze anytime but when it is warm, they tend to rest during the hottest part of the day. Caution is the “watch word” when hunting Black Wildebeest, as he can be very aggressive when mating, disturbed, or wounded. This “Clown of the Plains” as he is often referred to can be seen running in circles and chasing other members of the herd. Hunting Black Wildebeest in open terrain calls for a minimum of .270 caliber with a good 150-grain bullet. The 7mm Mag or one of the .300 magnums is an even better choice.
These guys are tough, so always use heavy for caliber premium bullets. Follow the back edge of the front leg and place your shot one third up into the body … never more than half way up. Hunting Black wildebeest in “bushveld” conditions may well call for even larger calibers like the 9.3mm or the .375. Your Professional Hunter will be your best guide here.
