Black Wildebeest vs. Blue Wildebeest

[jacques smith]

Take money and shoot both. No money shoot the black

 

[IvW]

Either one. For me it would depend on where I hunt. Very few areas have both and if they do they will most likely be on two different properties as they interbreed and nature conservation do not like that.

If hunting Limpopo for example I would hunt a Blue if hunting the Freestate I would hunt a black. If the area is a transition zone so to speak and both are present I would hunt whichever presents itself and is a good old bull after a decent stalk or hunt. I would then basically take the one the bush offers.

 

[fourfive8]

Yes, either or both if you can. While both types have similarities they also show differences. The black is a little smaller but both very tough for their size- don't underestimate them. Very enjoyable and worthy to hunt. They do have peculiarities and are fun to watch. Like running full blast with one or two in the herd with their heads turned fully sideways watching you. Seems a common behavior in the black. Also, permitting for hunting/transporting black wildebeest is slightly different- your PH/outfitter will know details.

 

[Ragman]

For my upcoming safari in July, I'm hoping to add an extra critter if I have enough time once my target animals are taken. My significant other wants a zebra. I want a Blue Wildebeest. I love the way they look and in my opinion are in the top tier of animals that one thinks of when African wildlife are on the mind.

So Blue @KMG Hunting Safaris ?

 

[Bruce]

BLUE
Living here in RSA I have both species available whenever I decide to hunt. I have hunted MANY Blue beesties and enjoyed every one of those hunts.
My trophy room lacked a BLACK up there with the BLUES, so I hunted one beautiful, tough bull...used the back skin as a floor mat below the shoulder trophy.
The BLUES make STUNNING flatskins and I have quite a few full flatskins on my trophy room floor.

 

[seattlesetters]

So far the edge is going to the Blue Wildebeest. Second place is “take what comes.” Third place is Black Wildebeest.

I have to admit that I am smitten with the “beautiful” game animals such as Impala, Bushbuck, Nyala and Kudu. I also really like elegant mounts such as Gemsbok, Springbok and Reebok. But the more research I do, the more the Wildebeest are growing on me.

 

[curtism1234]

I think this is something only you can answer because you are the only one who is going to be looking at on the wall every day.

Personally I value mount appearance over the experience factor because most people are going to hunt Africa once, maybe twice...or even more likely - never. I'd rather look at a handful of mounts that's regal, elegant, etc - not "yeah it's ugly, but I had fun". I can see the opposite argument though.

So I'd get on the Googles and image "euro wildebeest" and run through a bunch of examples (different plaques, how it blends in with the rest of room, etc). Since you are looking to hunt impala and zebra, pay extra attention to how the euros look with those shoulder mounts / rugs.

For the record, I would vote Blue but only because you said euro mount.

I would urge you to really prioritize because you may only go one time. That might mean no wildebeest

 

[Hagar]

Black is definitely my choice.

 

[seattlesetters]

I think this is something only you can answer because you are the only one who is going to be looking at on the wall every day.

Personally I value mount appearance over the experience factor because most people are going to hunt Africa once, maybe twice...or even more likely - never. I'd rather look at a handful of mounts that's regal, elegant, etc - not "yeah it's ugly, but I had fun". I can see the opposite argument though.

So I'd get on the Googles and image "euro wildebeest" and run through a bunch of examples (different plaques, how it blends in with the rest of room, etc). Since you are looking to hunt impala and zebra, pay extra attention to how the euros look with those shoulder mounts / rugs.

For the record, I would vote Blue but only because you said euro mount.

I would urge you to really prioritize because you may only go one time. That might mean no wildebeest

This is a very thoughtful response. Thank you.

 

[Hogpatrol]

I have a couple of each and I would definitely go for the black. My ph and I had one black within 10 yards doing about 50 miles an hour. He was headed straight for us and we high tailed it in different directions hoping he was after the other guy. Fortunately he had other intentions and charged a fence, stuck one horn under the top wire, about 1/8" in diameter and TWANG! snapped it like a piece of string and over he went. They are some powerful animals and like some have posted, they can be on the "wild" side. Yep, I'd take a black one first any day.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Great thread! Headed to South Africa in a month and although I haven’t targeted the wilderbeast as a critter to pursue it’s something that is intriguing for sure. This thread has given me lots to ponder.

 

[Hearties]

If you can, save some extra $ and try for both. As IVW says above, there are very few properties that have both species so you might have to travel a bit. IMO the blue is more iconic but the blacks are just crazy - once they “start” there’s no stopping!

 

[G Skinner]

Black ....but then I am bias !
Glen

 

[Savage Hunter]

I think the black looks more interesting.

 

[johnnyblues]

Having taken both wildebeest I would hands down go with the black. For me I found them much more challenging. Their antics need to be seen in person. Took this boy with KMG safaris this past August.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

I thought I had it all figured out, but after reading all the posts I am not sure now. This being my first trip in June, I am still leaning toward the Blue. Its the iconic animal when I think Africa along with Kudu which is #1 on my list.

 

[seattlesetters]

Having taken both wildebeest I would hands down go with the black. For me I found them much more challenging. Their antics need to be seen in person. Took this boy with KMG safaris this past August.

View attachment 222575

That is a great trophy. Congratulations!

 

[mdwest]

Tough call.

I love the shape and appearance of the blacks horns...

But there’s something special about a thick bodied blue.. and the rug one makes is spectacular...

My wife and I took one each on our last hunt together.. and it’s on “the list” for a future hunt as well...

 

[StickFlicker AZ]

On my first trip I had never even thought about a black, but the blue was definitely on my list. A few days before the trip, my hunting partner arranged a side trip to hunt blacks (without my knowledge) for the first few days of our hunt. Although he wasn't successful, I did take a black spot and stalk on the open highveld with my bow. The fact that it was my first African animal, that this particular bull was actually the very first African animal I ever say in Africa (the previous day), and that I shot it in open country spot and stalk with a bow may make it more meaningful to me than the blue I took from a hide on my second trip. But, the black will always be one of my most special African trophies.

Even if you go back many times, the chances are that most places will not offer blacks while almost everyone will have blues. If for no other reason than that, I would take advantage of a black if you have the opportunity. A blue will likely be easy enough to get on a later trip. Yes, there WILL be a later trip.... I do also agree that the blacks are a more interesting animal in both looks and behavior.

 

[leslie hetrick]

I elected to hunt and take both, the black was a chase to be sure and the blue was in pretty close cover.