White Blesbuck hunting in South Africa

Although not visible on a White Blesbok, this animal is named after a white blaze on its forehead called a “Bles” in Afrikaans. This endemic species was once nearly hunted into extinction for their meat and magnificent hides. However, due to South Africa’s successful conservation program, this species is now one of the most common Highveld grassland species covering large portions of the central plateau and now introduced to the Bushveld and semi-arid regions. White Blesbok is simply a recessive gene type of the species and not a true albino. White Blesbok numbers have increased significantly over the years with selective breeding management. Trophy quality is generally good throughout the country. This species favours open grassland plains, which in most cases necessitates a long-range shot. Both males and females have horns and they can be hunted throughout the year. They are a water-dependent species and also attracted to mineral licks making this a suitable species to be hunted from a blind by bowhunters. 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 genetically bred colour variants of Blesbok are available for hunting. Unlike these new colour variants, White Blesbok are accepted into the SCI record book. 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.