Bow hunting blesbok South Africa

Bow hunting blesbok with the best blesbok bow hunters

Bow hunting blesbok South Africa for the best blesbok bow hunts

This page is dedicated to giving expert bow hunting blesbok advice. We are committed to ethical bow hunting practices in the form of sustainable bow hunting, allowing us and future generations to continue our noble bow hunting sport.

Our team of experienced professional hunters, trackers and skinners have years of knowledge and expertise in locating and ethically hunting blesbok. We believe in responsible hunting that preserves the ecosystem and ensures the survival of wildlife populations.

When you choose to hunt with us, you’re not just participating in a sport; you’re contributing to the conservation of these magnificent animals and investing in the hunting rights of our future generation.

Bow hunting blesbok: A popular choice for African safaris

Blesbok are among the most sought-after antelope species for international bow hunters visiting South Africa. Their abundance and affordable cost make them an ideal choice for those new to South African bow hunting. We offer affordable blesbok bow hunting safaris.

Affordable blesbok bow hunting safaris South Africa

Essential equipment for bow hunting blesbok South Africa

Ensure you’re equipped for a successful blesbok bow hunting adventure in South Africa. This guide outlines the key considerations for selecting the right equipment, including kinetic energy, arrows, shot distance, broadheads, and draw weight. The following aspects all adhere to the South African bow hunting regulations, as set out in the: NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: BIODIVERISTY ACT, 2004 (ACT NO. 10 OF 2004)

Kinetic Energy (KE) for blesbok bow hunting:
  • The minimum kinetic energy (KE) required on our guided blesbok bow hunts South Africa is 50 ft / lb
 
Arrows for hunting blesbok:
  • A minimum arrow velocity of 245 fps is required
  • An arrow weight of 380 grains (gr) is needed
 
Broadheads for blesbok:
  • Broad heads for blesbok is a minimum of 75 grains (gr) to 125 grains (gr)
  • A cut on contact fixed 3-blade broad head
  • Rage II mechanical broad head
  • A fixed blade 2-blade broad head with bleeders.
  • Use the broad head you would like to use and we will make the call on your trophy blesbok.
 
Draw weight for blesbok:
  • The mandatory draw weight for bow hunting blesbok is any increment greater than minimum draw mass. Any draw weight equal to or greater than 55 lb is prescribed for our affordable blesbok bow hunting deals.
Draw weight bow hunting blesbok South Africa
Blesbok bow hunting prices South Africa

Blesbok bow hunting equipment

Sights and release aids: personalizing your setup
  • The choice of bow type, sights, and release aids for bow hunting blesbok is highly personal and depends on your individual preferences and shooting style. While a trigger release works well for one archer, a thumb release is more suitable for another. 
Experiment with different options

Find the combination that feels most comfortable and allows you to shoot consistently accurate. Consider factors such as:

  • Bow type: Compound, recurve, or longbow?
  • Sight type: Pin sights, scope sights, or hybrid options?
  • Release aid: Trigger release, thumb release, index finger release, or handheld release?

The best blesbok equipment is the equipment that works best for you. Take the time to test various options and find the setup that enhances your performance and enjoyment of bow hunting.

Blesbok bow hunting equipment

Bow hunting blesbok South Africa prices

At Trophy Trails Outfitters, for supreme Africa Bow Hunting Safaris, the cost of a blesbok for the 2024 and 2025 bow hunting season is $ 440.

Blesbok bow hunting prices can vary depending on several factors, including:

  • Hunting Outfitter: Different outfitters may charge varying rates based on their reputation, experience, and the quality of their services.
  • Hunting season: Prices may be higher during peak hunting seasons (usually late winter to early spring) when demand is higher. At Trophy Trails our blesbok trophy price remains $ 440 if you add this as an additional animal to a pre-booked hunting package.
  • Accommodations: The type and quality of accommodations (lodge, safari camp, etc.) can significantly impact the overall cost.
  • Additional services: Some outfitters may offer additional services such as trophy preparation, taxidermy, or transportation, which can increase the total cost. At Trophy Trails Outfitters we deliver your trophies to our preferred taxidermist as a courtesy.
  • Trophy fees: Depending on the size and quality of the trophy, there may be additional fees charged for the animal itself. Blesbok bow hunting prices can increase if you are looking to hunt a gold medal blesbok trophy. For gold medal blesbok we have specific hunting areas.

 

General price range:

While specific prices can vary widely, you can generally expect to pay between $3,000 to $6,000 for a stand-alone, guided blesbok bow hunting safari in South Africa. This includes hunting fees, accommodations, meals, and professional guiding services.

It’s important to note that these are approximate figures, and actual prices may be higher or lower depending on the factors mentioned above.

Bow hunting blesbok South Africa by the best blesbok bow hunters

Blesbok bow hunting shot placement

Understanding the anatomy

Blesbok have a distinctive hump on their backs. It’s crucial to avoid aiming too high, as arrows placed between the top portion of the vitals, and the hump can result in wounded animals. The ideal shot placement is typically in the vitals, which lie between the lower one-third to two-thirds of the chest region on a broadside shot.

 
Key considerations:
  • Vitals: The vitals of a blesbok, including the heart, lungs, and liver, are located from in line with the front leg, to behind the shoulder. Aim for the shoulder area to target these vital organs.
  • Angle: The angle of the shot can significantly impact the effectiveness of your aim. A quartering-away shot, often provides a better angle for a clean kill if the angle is not too acute.
  • Distance: The distance to the target will influence the point of impact. Practice shooting at various distances to ensure accuracy.
 
Tips for a successful shot:
  • Patience: Wait for the right shot opportunity. Rushing a shot can lead to mistakes.
  • Accuracy: Focus on aiming precisely at the vitals.
  • Ethical hunting: Prioritize a clean kill to minimize suffering.
  • Practice: Regular practice will improve your shooting skills and increase your chances of a successful hunt.

By understanding the anatomy of a blesbok and practicing your shooting skills, you can increase your chances of a clean and ethical kill. Remember to always prioritize the welfare of the animal and adhere to local hunting regulations.

Bow hunting blesbok shot placement

Blesbok habitat and bow hunting season South Africa

Habitat:

  • Blesbok are highly social animals, typically found in close-knit herds. However, solitary males are often observed resting in shaded areas or even in the open plains. These solitary males may have spent considerable time defending their territory and may not represent the most genetically fit individuals within the population.
  • Due to breeding rights, solitary blesbok males are often highly territorial, having won the right to a specific piece of real estate. And of course: breeding rights! Consider the potential impact of hunting solitary males on the overall genetic diversity of the population.

Ethical hunting practices are essential for preserving wildlife populations. Choose your targets carefully and strive for a clean, humane kill.

Hunting season and conditions:

While bow hunting blesbok can technically occur year-round, the dry season (April to October) offers optimal hunting conditions. During this time, animals often congregate at water sources and feeding stations, providing more opportunities for hunters to observe and target specific individuals.

Bow hunting blesbok during this period can be challenging due to the competition for water and food. The potential for accidental shots (with a pass-through) increases as animals crowd around watering troughs. It’s essential to exercise caution and select targets carefully to avoid injuring bystanders.

The blesbok rut typically occurs from late April to mid-May. From end June onward, hunting of female blesbok (ewes) is prohibited to protect breeding populations.

Blesbok bow hunting tips and tricks

Choose the right equipment:

  • Bow: A powerful enough bow with the correct draw weight must be used to penetrate the vitals of the blesbok.
  • Broad heads: Use broadheads designed for your bow setup. Mechanical-, two-blade or three-blade broadheads will all work fine.

Practice your shot:

  • Target Practice: Spend time practicing your shooting technique, focusing on accuracy and consistency.
  • Distance Estimation: Learn to estimate distances accurately to ensure proper shot placement.

Take a steady shot:

  • Find a stable position: Ensure you have a stable platform for your feet before releasing the arrow.
  • Breath control: Practice deep, controlled breathing to steady your aim.

Respect the animal:

  • Ethical hunting: Always prioritize ethical hunting practices, ensuring a clean kill and minimizing suffering.
  • Follow regulations: All local hunting regulations and permits will be confirmed before your arrival and will be explained by your PH.

Enjoy the experience:

  • South Africa is a stunning country with diverse landscapes and wildlife. We offer the best South African hunting safaris while you enjoy the experience of exploring the African bush.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of a successful and enjoyable plains game hunting experience in South Africa.

Bow hunting equipment Africa bow hunting safari
Bow hunting broad heads Africa bow hunting safari
Draw weight required for African bow hunting safari

Have a look at the South African bow hunting regulations

A typical blesbok bow hunting experience involves:

Arrival and orientation:

You’ll arrive at the hunting lodge where you’ll be welcomed by the staff of the lodge who will see to your luggage and show you to your room. The PH is the one that picks you up at the Johannesburg International Airport. They will provide you with a briefing on the local area, safety guidelines, and hunting regulations.

 

Safari preparation:

Your PH will assist you in preparing your hunting gear and ensuring you have everything you need for your safari.

 

Hunting expeditions:

PH’s will use their expertise to locate suitable hunting areas and provide guidance on shot placement and ethical hunting practices.

 

Game viewing:

In addition to hunting, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy game viewing other wildlife in their natural habitat from the comfort of your blind. Bring a good camera and a video camera. 

 

Accommodation:

You’ll stay at a comfortable hunting lodge, often with amenities such as swimming pools, game viewing platforms, and dining areas. Alternatively you can decide to upgrade to Five Star amenities without compromising hunting quality.

 

Trophy preparation:

Your successfully hunted blesbok will be prepared for delivery to the taxidermist.

Overall, a blesbok bow hunting experience in South Africa offers a unique combination of adventure, wildlife encounters, and the opportunity to contribute to conservation efforts.

 

Hunting experience:

  • Your hunt will be conducted from strategically placed blinds, including pit blinds, brick-and-mortar blinds, elevated blinds, or pop-up blinds, depending on the hunting strategy discussed with your professional hunter (PH).
  • Our experienced PHs have at least five years of plains game hunting experience, and many have over a decade of professional hunting expertise. Our most experienced guides are also qualified as dangerous game hunters.

 

Cost and packages:

  • Hunting package costs vary depending on the animals you choose to hunt. However, we provide clear written agreements outlining all associated costs.
  • Explore our plains game, dangerous game, and Five-Star Luxury bow hunting packages for detailed pricing and information.

 

Ethical hunting practices:

  • We actively contribute to conservation efforts by assisting local farmers with removing snares and eliminating stray dogs.
  • Adherence to specific regulations and guidelines regarding bow hunting equipment is essential for ethical and legal hunting practices. Please ensure your equipment meets all requirements.

By choosing our services, you can expect a memorable and ethical bow hunting experience in South Africa.

Bow hunting South Africa arrival and orientation
Bow hunting accommodation South Africa
Bow hunting preparations South Africa
South African bow hunting blinds
Bow hunting zebra from blind
Bow hunting South Africa trophy treatment