Hunting the species

Blackbuck Antelope

A slender, graceful and handsome antelope with contrasting dark-and-white coloration, considered by many to be the most attractive and elegant of gazelles. One of the few antelopes where the sexes have different coloration. Mature males sport a rich, dark brown to black saddle on the upper parts and outside of upper legs, but with the underparts, inside of legs, chin, ears and area around the eyes a sharply contrasting white. Females are fawn and white in color. Native to the plains of India and Pakistan where Blackbuck were first introduced in the United States in 1932 on private ranches in Texas.  A result of the incredible success propagating Blackbuck in Texas, several reintroductions have occurred in Pakistan, where they had previously been extinct in the wild.

Like most of the antelope species, the method of hunting will typically be Safari style until the bulls are located and a stalk ensues.  Possessing keen eyesight and hearing, careful consideration of the wind must be taken into account as well as being camouflaged for the final approach.  The Blackbuck are known to be “flighty” so the hunter must be ready for the shot when it presents itself.  We prefer the use of stable, shooting sticks while hunting afoot as the Brush Country of South Texas does not always lend itself for a steady rest. For those hunters unable to pursue on foot, hunting from blinds is a productive alternative.  Flat shooting rifles in the 6MM to 30 caliber range with good optics are in order.  The shots can range from 75 to 200 yards.  For the bowhunter, blinds can be set near territorial dung mounds or waterholes for best results.