About the Blesbok
The blesbok is a striking, medium-sized antelope endemic to the open grasslands and plains of southern Africa. Its name derives from the Afrikaans word “bles,” meaning blaze, a nod to the highly distinctive, bright white stripe running down its face, which is usually broken by a horizontal brown band. Both males and females carry uniquely ringed, lyre-shaped horns.
These social, diurnal animals are strict grazers that prefer feeding on short, sweet grasses, often gathering in large herds to rely on group vigilance against predators. Well-adapted to life in wide-open spaces, they are built for both speed and endurance, capable of sprinting at speeds up to 43 mph to evade threats such as lions and spotted hyenas. Because they are dependent on surface water, their daily routines are closely tied to the availability of drinking sources.
Historically, the blesbok ranged the vast treeless savannahs in countless thousands. However, by the late 19th century, relentless hunting for their meat and hide brought the species dangerously close to extinction. Fortunately, through vigorous conservation efforts, protected area management, and reintroduction to private game farms, their numbers have rebounded dramatically. Today, the blesbok is classified as Least Concern and is once again one of the most abundant antelopes in South Africa.
Description of the Blesbok
- Weight: Males typically weigh 143–176 lbs., while females are slightly smaller, weighing 121–154 lbs.
- Height & Length: 33–39 inches tall at the shoulder and reach a body length of about 4’7″ to 5’3″ inches.
- Horns: Both sexes possess ringed, gazelle-like horns that sweep backward and slightly outward. Male horns are generally thicker and longer (around 13 to 19.5 inches), while female horns are slightly more slender and shorter.
Blesbok Color Variants
While the common blesbok features a rich chocolate-brown coat, selective breeding on private game reserves has produced several distinct color variations.
The white blesbok is the most common color variant of the blesbok and is highly sought after by Africa hunters.
The yellow, saddleback, copper, and painted blesbok are also being breed/developed for collectors / hunters of eclectic species / subspecies.
Suitable Weapons
Any long range cartridge from .243 win up to any of the .30 caliber rifles will work great.
Hunting Area
The premier and most natural destination to hunt blesbok is South Africa, where the species is endemic. Because they have been successfully introduced to other regions and thrive on specialized game ranches, you can also legally hunt them in several other global destinations.
South Africa (Primary Native Range)
Blesbok are native to the high-elevation central grasslands of South Africa, known as the Highveld. They are incredibly abundant here and can be hunted across almost all provinces through various outfitters.
- Free State and North West: Classic open-plains terrain perfect for traditional spot-and-stalk hunting over long distances.
- Eastern Cape: Known for rugged, beautiful terrain where blesbok are frequently bundled into multi-species plains game safari packages.
- Limpopo Province
Namibia (Introduced Range)
Blesbok have been successfully introduced to the semi-arid grasslands and mixed woodlands of Namibia. Numerous game ranches host blesbok hunts alongside native Namibian plains game. Note that while South Africa allows year-round hunting, Namibia enforces a distinct trophy hunting season that runs from February 1 to November 30.
Texas
You can also hunt blesbok in high-fence hunting preserves in Texas.
