Black Wildebeest Trophy hunting in the Eastern Cape is widespread. This animal was saved from extinction, with only 17 animals remaining. Black Wildebeest is one very tough animal.
There are no seasonal restrictions on Black Wildebeest in Eastern Cape, South Africa. Nick Bowker Hunting offers Black Wildebeest hunting in Africa year-round.

Table of Contents
- Black Wildebeest Cost
- Interesting Facts
- Difference between Male and Female
- About the Black Wildebeest
- Black Wildebeest Trophies
- Trophy Judgement and Rifle Calibre
Black Wildebeest Hunting Cost
The average cost of a Black Wildebeest is $950. Cheap African hunting safari packages often include a Black Wildebeest Trophy.
All-Inclusive $4500 Starter Plains Game Package for seven trophies and eight days hunting. (Inclusive of a Black Wildebeest Trophy)
- Kudu safari hunt
- Impala
- Black Wildebeest
- Springbok safari hunt
- Blesbok
- Warthog safari hunt
- Mountain Reedbuck
The Black Wildebeest trophy hunting package includes a licensed hunting guide and a hunting license, and all permits.



Black Wildebeest in Pictures










Black Wildebeest – Interesting Facts

- Also known as White-tailed gnu, the Black Wildebeest lives in the savannas and plains of South Africa.
- The species’ historic range also included the open plains and grasslands of Lesotho, Swaziland, and Free State.
- The most interesting fact about Black Wildebeest is their comeback from near extinction. Only 17 of these animals remained after being eradicated by Mucous Disease.
- Nowadays, these African antelopes are plentiful across South Africa.
- Black Wildebeest hunting is now commonplace on private reserves.
- Historically Black Wildebeest inhabited the northern temperate grasslands during the dry winter and migrated to the arid southern regions during the rainy season.
- When their numbers were much higher naturally in the central plains of South Africa, they never migrated on masse as their close relative, the Blue Wildebeest, still does in places.


- Being very gregarious animals, forming groups consisting of males and females with calves is usually 30 to 500 individuals.
- Also, seen in groups composed solely of females and their offspring or by single males.
- In periods of drought, animals of various groups gather in herds, reaching thousands of individuals. These herds migrate towards the major rivers and lakes across considerable distances.
- Wildebeest is associated with other African animals. These include springbok, impala, and zebras. They may also associate with the ostriches.
- The Black Wildebeest can run up to a speed of 50 mph. They serve as prey for large predators. Predators include lions, hyenas, leopards, cheetahs, and cape-hunting dogs.
- The lifespan of the black wildebeest is about 20 years.
- Black Wildebeest require excellent shot placement as they are incredibly tough.

Difference Between Male and Female
The horns have a broad base in mature males. The male is more prominent with heavier and slightly longer horns than the female and higher at the shoulder. A shield forms by flattened horns for protection; this is not the female’s case.


About the Black Wildebeest

The Black Wildebeest inhabits open plains, grasslands, and Karoo shrublands in steep mountainous regions and lower undulating hills.
A dominant male Black Wildebeest has a harem of females and will not allow other males to mate with them.
They have a dark brown to almost black coat, slightly paler in summer and coarser and shaggier in the winter. Calves are born with shaggy, fawn-colored fur. Males are generally darker than females.
They have bushy manes, the same as the blue wildebeest that stick up from the back of the neck.
Black Wildebeest females are smaller in size and more slender than males. Males reach about 44 to 48 inches at the shoulder, while females reach 42 to 46 inches.


Males typically weigh 309 to 370 pounds and females 243 to 269 pounds.
A distinguishing feature in both sexes is the bright-white tail, which is long and similar to a horse.
Its bright-white tail gives this animal the vernacular name of “white-tailed gnu” and makes it very easy to tell them apart from blue wildebeest, which has a black tail.
Both sexes have strong horns that curve forward, resembling hooks, which are up to 24 inches long.
The horns have a broad base in mature males and are flattened to form a protective shield. In females, the horns are both shorter and narrower.
Wildebeest hunting is mainly on the open plains but also in savanna areas.

Black Wildebeest Hunting in Africa

Your Black Wildebeest trophy should have an average shoulder height of around 45 inches, weigh about 350 pounds, and have a Horn Length of approximately 20 inches. The Safari Club International minimum score for a black wildebeest is 72.
Trophies are measured by measuring the length along the outside of the horn curl from tip to tip, plus the straight-line width measurement of both bosses for a combined total score in inches.
Black Wildebeest are also known as the White-Tailed Gnu or the “Clowns of Africa,” due mainly to how they tend to run in circles when approached.

Nick Bowker has access to several black wildebeest herds for game hunting. Hunting blesbok and black wildebeest are very similar, with both species out on the open plains.
Anthills are the main hiding point as you try and ambush these plains animals.
As with blesbok, black wildebeest bunch together at stages, so careful communication with Nick Bowker, your professional hunter, is essential.
Black Wildebeest Trophy Hunting is conducted by setting up ambushes looking down valleys, or spot and stalk.

Trophy Judgement and Rifle Caliber
It sometimes takes patience to distinguish the bulls from the cows, with both sexes carrying horns.
Black Wildebeest hunting is best pursued during the morning or late afternoon while the herd is grazing. In cool weather, they will graze anytime but tend to rest during the hottest part.
Black Wildebeest can be very aggressive when mating, disturbed, or wounded. This ‘clown of Africa’ will often trot in circles and chase other herd members.
Big bulls are territorial and often return to their territory shortly after being disturbed by the hunter.
Judging Black Wildebeest trophy quality, it’s essential to look at the boss’s size and the curl’s drop. Also, consider the height of the rise of the tips.

Mature Black Wildebeest bulls will display black hair on their faces and bosses. Red or brown hair is a sign of immaturity.
A very tough game animal to bring down. Bow hunting Black Wildebeest is difficult in a free-range environment.
Black Wildebeest hunting in South Africa on open terrain calls for a flat shooting caliber. Therefore we recommend the flat shooting magnums.
For those hunters who do not wish to go through the red tape of bringing a rifle into South Africa, Nick Bowker Hunting has a Sako carbon light 300 Winchester Magnum fitted with a suppressor.
Mounted on the rifle is a Swarovski DS with a built-in rangefinder. We have hand-loaded Hornady ELD-X 200-grain ammunition. The rifle, including ammunition, is available as part of all hunting packages free of charge.

Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hunt a Black Wildebeest?
The trophy fee as a standalone Black Wildebeest hunt is between $800 to $1000. Daily rates vary between $250 to $500 a day.
Included in the Black Wildebeest trophy fee is a licensed guide. As well as a hunting license and all permits.
A Black Wildebeest trophy is often included in a plains game package. Package prices vary from $3000 to $10,000, depending on location and size. Packages include 5 – 7 trophy animals and accommodation, meals, and daily rates.
How to hunt Black Wildebeest?
Black Wildebeest is hunted on the open plains. The Black Wildebeest is wary and difficult to approach. Longer shots will therefore be required.
Black Wildebeest bunch together. Shooting the right one will need careful communication with your professional hunter.
Where do you shoot a Black Wildebeest?
Shot placement must be in the bottom third of the animal directly above the front shoulder. This will ensure a heart or lung shot. Avoid head and neck shots which are high-risk.
What is a trophy Black Wildebeest?
Black Wildebeest trophies have a Horn Length of approximately 19 – 21 inches. The minimum qualification score under Safari Club International for a Black Wildebeest is 72.
Trophies are measured by measuring the length along the outside of the horn curl from tip to tip, plus the straight-line width measurement of both bosses for a combined total score in inches.

Seasonal Restrictions
When can you hunt Black Wildebeest in South Africa?
There are no seasonal restrictions on Black Wildebeest hunting in the Eastern Cape of South Africa for most outfitters.
How do you judge a Black Wildebeest trophy?
Judging Black Wildebeest trophy quality, it’s essential to look at the boss’s size and the curl’s drop. Also, consider the height of the rise of the tips.
Mature bulls will stand out in the herd and be more visible in horn length and shoulder height. The difficulty comes when approaching solitary bulls, where you will need to rely on your professional hunter.

References:
Smithers RHN – The Mammals of the Southern African Subregion
Kruger Park – African animals
Animalia – All you want to know about animals
Endangered Wildlife Trust – African herbivores
Wikipedia – The Black Wildebeest