The Red Hartebeest is a large ungulate standing some 1.2mts to the shoulder and weighing around 135kg. It has steeply sloping back, long legs, large glands below the eyes, a tufted tail, and a long, narrow face. The body hair is reddish brown and is quite fine in texture. It has paler patches of hair on most of its rump and chest and on parts of its face. Both male and female Red Hartebeest have horns that rise from a single pedicel and are 45cms – 70cms in length. Sexual maturity may occur as early as 12 months, but members of this species do not reach their maximum weight until 4 years of age. The Red Hartebeest is a peculiar looking animal with their long faces and swept back horns and are considered easy game. A good Red Hartebeest trophy will have thick bases, a good, deep outward curl and long points with shining tips running back. Red Hartebeests are gregarious animals living in herds of up to 300 animals. A large herd will consist of territorial adult males, non-territorial adult males, groups of young males, and groups of females and young. Male offspring may remain with their mother for up to 3 years, but usually leave their mothers at about 20 months to join groups of other young males. At 3 to 4 years old, males may begin to attempt to take over a territory and the females within it and once a territory has been established, the male will defend it and does not usually leave. Males are aggressive and if challenged will fight. Females and young may move in and out of the territories freely, following the best grazing. Males lose their territory after 7 to 8 years. Red Hartebeest are plentiful in South Africa where good trophies are taken annually. Rifle calibres suitable for Red Hartebeest include .270, 30-06, .308, 7mm & .30 Magnums.
