Blesbuck hunting in South Africa

The Blesbok is aptly named for a characteristic white blaze - or “Bles” in Afrikaans - on its forehead. This spot makes it easy to identify. 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 the Common and White Blesbok were available for hunting. Nowadays numerous other colour variant Blesbok have been bred and offered by game ranchers. 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.