BlesbuckBlesbuck (Damaliscus dorcas phillipsi) are a common species of antelope found in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. There are hunting packages available from Mkhamba Safaris which include opportunities to hunt this animal. Description The Blesbuck is a small to medium sized antelope. The upper body is a dark reddish brown with a lighter brown patch on the rump. Both sexes have horns that are heavily ridged. The horns grow upwards, curving outwards and slightly backwards with the tips starting to curve forwards. Size Males have an average shoulder height of 95cm an a weight of 70kg. Habits These antelope occur in herds varying in size, up to 300 animals. They are found in open grasslands and will seldom be found in sparse woodland. They are very territorial animals, and the males will fiercely defend a territory, chasing out any herd males, if a herd invades his territory. Solitary males form bachelor herds, which will stay on the outskirts of breeding herds. The Hunt Being a smaller antelope, thy are not so tough, and go down easily, so long as the shot is well placed. The use of binoculars is essential to distinguish the males from the females. There is no best time of the day to hunt these animals as they can always be found in their home territory. The only successful way to hunt these animals is with the walk and stalk method. In some areas they are driven on horseback to placed guns at vantage points, but this type of hunting is seen by Mkhamba Safaris as non-ethical hunting. Minimum Caliber Rifle Required Due to their preferred habitat, a caliber that shoots flatter is essential. A 270 Caliber rifle is adequate. Minimum Requirements for: S.C.I. - 39 inches Roland Ward - 16 1/2 inches Cites Restrictions There are NO cites restrictions on the hunting of Blesbuck. |