Common Blesbuck hunting in South Africa

Aptly named and identified by the white blaze on its forehead called a “Bles” in Afrikaans. This medium-sized, endemic, once prolific species was nearly hunted into extinction. Through the country’s great conservation efforts it has become one of South Africa’s most common Highveld grassland species covering large portions of the central plateau. Quality trophies are available wherever it is hunted and makes for a long shot across the open plains of the Eastern Cape, North West and Free State Provinces. Both males and females have horns and they can be hunted throughout the day. Being a water-dependent species, they can be ambushed by bowhunters from a waterside blind. They do not jump fences and are contained by a normal stock fence thus making them a desirable game farming species. Formerly only Common and White Blesbok were available for hunting. Nowadays numerous other colour variants of Blesbok are available for hunting. Owing to their abundant numbers and affordable prices they are a sought after species by both international trophy and local meat hunters. Classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN, no special hunting permits are required.