Saddleback Blesbuck hunting

The saddle-backed blesbuck is a unique and visually striking color variant of the common blesbuck, distinguished by its darker saddle-shaped marking across its back. This rare variation can primarily be found on well-managed game farms and hunting reserves in South Africa, particularly in the Limpopo, Eastern Cape, and Free State provinces.

Saddle-backed blesbuck are most often hunted using the spot-and-stalk method, a classic plains game approach. These animals prefer open savannahs and grasslands, making them easy to spot but challenging to approach due to their keen eyesight and wariness. Long-distance glassing is essential to locate a trophy ram, followed by a careful, strategic stalk using available terrain and natural cover to close the distance. Shots are typically taken at medium to long range, so hunters should be prepared with a flat-shooting rifle and quality optics to ensure success.