Blesbok

BLESBOK

The Blesbok, or Blesbuck, (Damaliscus dorcas phillpsi) is related to the Bontebok (Damaliscus dorcas dorcas) and it is purplish antelope with a distinctive white face and forehead. Although they are close relatives of the Bontebok and they can interbreed creating an animal known as the Bontebles they do not share habitat, the Bontebok being found in large numbers on from as far south as Eastern Cape, the plains of the Free State and the Transvaal Highveld. They are a plains species and dislike wooded areas. The blesbuck is indigenous to South Africa and are found in large numbers in all national parks with open grasslands. They were first discovered in the 17th century, and were found in numbers so numerous that herds that reached from horizon to horizon where documented.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The neck and the top of the back of the blesbuck are brown. Lower down on the flanks and buttocks, the coloring becomes darker. The belly, the inside of the buttocks and the area up to the base of the tail are white. Blesbucks can be easily differentiated from other antelopes because they have a distinct white face and forehead. The legs are brown with a white patch behind the top part of the front legs. Lower legs whitish. Both sexes have horns, female horns are slightly more slender. The blesbok differs from the bontebok by having less white on the coat and the blaze on the face, which is usually divided, their coats are also a lighter brown than that of the bontebok.

White Blesbok will occasionally occur naturally, however many are the result of breeding programs by game ranchers.

The length of their horns averages at around 38cm. Male adult blesboks average around 70kg, females average lower, at around 61kg.

STATUS

The Blesbuck was nearly hunted to extinction due to their perceived large numbers, but being protected since the late 19th century their numbers have increased and today their numbers have recovered sufficiently as to not be considered pressured, or endangered. This is largely due to the commercial value that these antelope hold for private land owners, and also the fact that they are one of the few medium sized antelope that can be contained by normal stock fencing.

WEAPONS USED

Because Blesbok are not particularly large animals, any rifle suitable for pronghorn antelope or whitetail deer is sufficient for hunting these antelope. However, because they typically inhabit wide open grassveldt, a long range, flat shooting rifle is recommended. 6mm, .270 Winchester and larger calibers with good optics are good choices.

For archery hunters, any bow capable of downing a whitetail will work. Most Blesbok will be taken near waterholes simply due to the difficulty of getting within bow range. To take one by walk & stalk is a real achievement.