Golden Wildebeest

  • Average weight male: 250 kg

    Golden Wildebeest

  • Average weight female: 180 kg
  • Shoulder height male: 150 cm
  • Shoulder height female: 135 cm
  • Mating season: March, April, May

Golden Wildebeest naturally occurred along the Limpopo River basin, adjacent to the Tuli-Block of Botswana. Early farmers in the 1920’s, called them “Vos Wildebeest”
The first Golden Wildebeest Bull was captured by Alec Rough in the early 1990’s in the Limpopo Valley. This is the area where the majority of Golden Wildebeest originate from. They formed an integral part of the large migratory herds that once moved freely between South Africa and Botswana.

Golden Wildebeest were first referred to as “Red” or “Yellow” Wildebeest by pioneer breeders. The decision to change the name of these colour variants was as a direct result of false accusations made by Nature Conservation officials that game farmers created these animals by cross-breeding Black and Blue Wildebeest. Wildebeest hybrids (Black and Blue Wildebeest Crossbreds) were also referred to as Red Wildebeest by Nature Conservation officials.

Due to extensive DNA sampling and research done by Dr Antoinette Kotze, the Yorks could clearly show that no Black Wildebeest genes occurred amongst any of their Wildebeest herds.
By disproving this accusation, Barry York (founding member of Golden Breeders) decided to distance himself from any further confusion and founded the name “Golden Wildebeest”. This name was soon adopted by all in the wildlife industry.

Hunting blue wildebeest can be most exciting and we would recommended it to any hunter visiting Africa. This large beast is with good reason, often referred to as the “poor man’s buffalo”. As both sexes carry horns and are of similar body size and color, sorting out the bulls from the cows can sometimes be difficult. Look for heavier muscled individuals with thicker horn bases and more droop – Rely on your PH. Older bulls will usually appear darker in color with wider stripes. Mature bulls can weigh as much as 600 pounds.

On the open plains, the wildebeest is easy to locate from a distance, however, stalking him (especially in the bushveld) is quite another story. He can be elusive and shy, so walk slowly into a suspected resting area, into or across the wind glassing well ahead for movement.

Blue wildebeest is an extremely tough antelope – hunting blue wildebeest with less than .270 caliber and a good 150-grain bullet is not recommended.

The prominent hump on the shoulder and the mane may often lead to a body shot placed too high – Be aware of this.

Draw up the back edge of the front leg and place the shot about one third into the body – not above the middle line. This ‘high heart’ shot will take heart and lungs. The animal will rock to the shot and probably go down within 50 yards. If your shot placement is not quite on the mark, be very cautious in a follow-up. This beast can be extremely dangerous when wounded. Approach a downed wildebeest from the ‘off’ side with great care, as they have been known to get up and charge.

Recommended calibers: 7mm rem. mag, 30-06, .300 win. mag. (minimum legal bullet weight is 150 grain)