Is blue wildebeest difficult to hunt?

It is not extremely shy, but very tough and requires correct shot placement.

Where should I aim on a blue wildebeest?

Just behind the shoulder and slightly lower than mid-body to hit the heart-lung area.

Is blue wildebeest related to black wildebeest?

Yes, they belong to the same genus but differ clearly in behaviour and habitat.

When is the best time to hunt blue wildebeest?

Early morning and late afternoon.

Blue Wildebeest
– Africa’s most iconic herd animal

Do you want to hunt Blue Wildebeest

The blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) is one of Africa’s most recognisable plains game species. Its heavy forequarters, sloping back and distinctive beard give it a raw and unmistakable appearance. It is closely related to the black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou), yet differs clearly in colour, behaviour and habitat.

For many hunters, the blue wildebeest represents honest, demanding hunting where correct shot placement and respect for the animal’s toughness are essential.

Species description and behaviour

The blue wildebeest is powerfully built with strong shoulders and a compact body. Mature bulls show broad horn bases and a heavier overall appearance. The species lives in herds and reacts quickly as a group, often covering long distances once disturbed. Despite its seemingly clumsy movement, it is fast, resilient and extremely tough.

Habitat in the Eastern Cape

At Side by Side Safaris, blue wildebeest inhabit open grasslands and rolling veld in the Eastern Cape. The terrain offers long sightlines and limited cover, which often results in medium to long shooting distances.

Hunting blue wildebeest with Side by Side Safaris

Blue wildebeest are hunted using classic spot-and-stalk methods. The challenge lies in selecting a mature bull within the herd and waiting for a clean, ethical shot opportunity. Most shots are taken between 150 and 300 metres.

Shot placement - Blue Wildebeest

The vital zone sits further forward than many hunters expect. On a broadside animal, the optimal point of aim is just behind the shoulder and slightly lower than mid-body to reach the heart-lung area.

Best calibre

Due to the animal’s toughness, calibres with good penetration are essential. At Side by Side Safaris, .308 Win, .30-06, 7mm Rem Mag and 6.5 PRC with premium bullets perform very well.

Ethical hunting and selection

At Side by Side Safaris, only mature blue wildebeest bulls are harvested, selected based on horn development, body mass and behaviour within the herd.

Facts

NAME: BLUE WILDEBEEST
SCIENTIFIC NAME: CONNOCHAETES TAURINUS
WEIGHT MALE: 250 KG
WEIGHT FEMALE: 180 KG
SHOULDER HEIGHT MALE: 150 CM
SHOULDER HEIGHT FEMALE: 135 CM
MATING SEASON: MARCH, APRIL & MAY

Do you want to hunt a Blue Wildebeest?

See our hunting videos

FAQ - Blue Wildebeest

It is not extremely shy, but it is very tough and demands correct shot placement.
Most shots are taken between 150 and 300 metres.
Just behind the shoulder and slightly lower than mid-body.
.308 Win, .30-06, 7mm Rem Mag and 6.5 PRC with premium bullets.
Yes, they belong to the same genus but differ in behaviour and habitat.
Early morning and late afternoon.