South Africa, Lesotho, and Namibia are home to the bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus), an antelope species. Bonteboks are closely related to the Tsessebe.
The bontebok is a medium-sized antelope that is a dark brown colour overall with a large white blaze across its face, a white rump, belly, and hocks, and a black-tipped tail. Both sexes sport horns, but male antlers are often larger and longer than those of females. The average Bontebok stands 35 inches at the shoulder and weighs 160 pounds.
Of the three closely related varieties of antelope (bontebok, common blesbok and white blesbok), the bontebok is the most striking, although bontebok have been known to mate with blesbok. As a result of this tendency, it is required that each herd be registered with Nature Conservation, and that a Certificate of Purity be granted by the same body.
The bontebok is the most colourful of the two, having more distinctive white markings on the face, rump, and legs, yet the two species are often confused with one another. In most cases, the bontebok’s white blaze on its face and forehead will blend together. Ewes are typically smaller than rams, and both sexes like to stick together in their own herds.
South Africa, Lesotho, and Namibia are home to the bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus), an antelope species. Bonteboks are closely related to the Tsessebe.
The bontebok is a medium-sized antelope that is a dark brown colour overall with a large white blaze across its face, a white rump, belly, and hocks, and a black-tipped tail. Both sexes sport horns, but male antlers are often larger and longer than those of females. The average Bontebok stands 35 inches at the shoulder and weighs 160 pounds.
Of the three closely related varieties of antelope (bontebok, common blesbok and white blesbok), the bontebok is the most striking, although bontebok have been known to mate with blesbok. As a result of this tendency, it is required that each herd be registered with Nature Conservation, and that a Certificate of Purity be granted by the same body.
The bontebok is the most colourful of the two, having more distinctive white markings on the face, rump, and legs, yet the two species are often confused with one another. In most cases, the bontebok’s white blaze on its face and forehead will blend together. Ewes are typically smaller than rams, and both sexes like to stick together in their own herds.
While the bontebok has been at risk of extinction in the past, game ranching in Southern Africa has helped to increase the population. This species has reached a point where hunting is sustainable.
Once solely found on the plains of South Africa, game ranching has expanded the availability of this stunning antelope to many other regions.
In South Africa, bontebok can be hunted in the provinces of the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and the Free State, while these hunts are also possible in the neighbouring country of Namibia.
This bontebok hunt in South Africa is for the seasoned trophy hunter who is looking to diversify their collection. The best times to hunt the bontebok are the early morning and late afternoon, when the buck is most likely to be grazing. Bontebok tend to retreat from the midday heat.
In terms of rifle choice, a .270, 7mm, or one of the 30 calibres will do well for hunting bontebok, but any rifle you use for deer hunting will work.
When hunting plains game, or any African species for that matter, it’s important to use high-quality ammunition and keep in mind that shots may need to be taken from a great distance.
The bontebok is protected as a CITES 1 species, hence export and import permits are required. Therefore, it is recommended that you obtain the necessary licences in advance of your safari when planning a bontebok hunt.
Hunting bontebok is typically most successful when done using a spot-and-stalk strategy. Open grassland is ideal since it provides little cover and rarely any broken terrain to employ while stalking.
Because of this, taking a shot may need a considerable amount of preparation and persistence. To successfully shoot a bontebok with a bow, it is best to set up a blind overlooking a mineral block or watering hole.
Like their close relative the blesbok, bontebok are sought after by serious trophy collectors rather than meat hunters. Comparable to the ubiquitous and inexpensive blesbok, these animals are distinguished mostly by their darker coats, black horns, and a white patch at the base of their tails.
The distinctive beauty of the bontebok is best appreciated when mounted, making a beautiful addition to your trophy wall.
Bontebok hunting in South Africa with Hunt24 will be a fantastic opportunity for the avid sportsman looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Africa.
We take great care not to overhunt and to present our clients with only the finest trophies and hunts across our many concessions and hunting zones.
