Our Species

Blesbok

Overview

Blesbok are medium‑sized antelope distinguished by the white blaze on their face.
Indigenous to South Africa’s highveld, they live in herds on open grasslands. Nick Bowker Hunting offers hunts for both common and white blesbok—colour variants that provide variety for trophy collectors. Because blesbok prefer open terrain, hunts often involve long crawls using slight undulations and ant hills for cover. Their wariness and group dynamics make them a challenging yet rewarding target for hunters seeking a classic plains game experience.
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Pricing & Packages

Trophy fee
From US $450 - US $650
For common belsbok or white blesbok.
Combination hunts fee
From US $5500
For seven species including blesbok, kudu, black wildebeest, impala, springbok, warthog and mountain reedbuck.
Cull hunts fee
POR
Options are priced lower and allow for multiple animals to be taken for management purposes.

Hunting in South Africa

Blesbok inhabit open grasslands and are quick to spot movement.
Herds consist of females, young and a dominant ram. They often bed during midday heat and feed early and late. Nick Bowker Hunting pursues blesbok on foot, using termite mounds and dips to close distance. Shots tend to be longer because animals group together and maintain safe distances from perceived threats.

Trophy Criteria & Scoring

Blesbok horns are ridged and S‑shaped, typically measuring 13 to 15 inches.
The SCI minimum score is 40 points for common blesbok and 39 for white blesbok, combining length and base circumference. When judging horns, look at the width of the bosses, the colour of the horn and the overall length. Mature rams have thicker, darker horns with pronounced ridges.

Shot Placement & Caliber Recommendations

Aim one third up from the bottom of the shoulder to hit the heart and lungs.
Avoid head and neck shots, as the horns and skull do not offer a reliable target. A flat‑shooting calibre such as a 7 mm magnum or .300 Win Mag is recommended for blesbok because of the longer distances often encountered. Nick Bowker Hunting provides rifles equipped with suppressors and premium optics.

Male vs Female

Both sexes carry horns, but rams have thicker, heavier bases and darker colouring.
Ewes’ horns are thinner and lighter in colour. Rams can be solitary outside of the breeding season, while ewes and young form herds. During the rut, rams fight by ramming and twisting their horns to win breeding rights.

MALE

FEMALE

Fascinating Facts

AFRICAN HUNTING GUIDE
1
The name blesbok comes from the Afrikaans word ‘bles’ meaning blaze, referring to the distinctive white face marking.
2
Blesbok can run at speeds approaching 70 km/h, enabling them to evade predators on the open plains.
3
They form dung middens to mark territory, a trait that also assists hunters in locating active herds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common blesbok cost about $450, while white blesbok are around $650.
Blesbok can be hunted year‑round, but hunts during the dry season offer better visibility on the plains.
Aim at the lower third of the shoulder, avoiding head and neck shots.
Look for thick bases, dark horns and lengths over 15 inches.
Yes, but they are thinner and less massive than those of rams.

Ready to Hunt?

Ready to plan your Blesbok hunt? Nick Bowker Hunting can help you design a safari that matches your goals and budget. Contact us to discuss dates, packages and any additional species you might like to pursue.
BOOK YOUR SAFARI HUNT TODAY