The Blue Wildebeest, also called the Common Wildebeest, is a large antelope and one of two species of wildebeest. It grows to 115–145 cm shoulder height and attains a body mass of 168–274 kg. They range the open plains, bushveld and dry woodlands of Southern and East Africa, living for more than twenty years. The game ranches of southern Africa maintain managed populations of this “Beest” which offer wonderful opportunities for hunting Blue Wildebeest. Probably the most conspicuous feature of the Blue Wildebeest are the large horns shaped like parentheses, extending outward to the side and then curving up and inward. As both sexes carry horns and are of similar body size and color, sorting out the bulls from the cows can sometimes be difficult.

Look for heavier muscled individuals with thicker horn bases and more droop.  The Blue Wildebeest is an awkward looking animal but is considered by most hunters as the toughest of the Antelope family.  They have large humped shoulders and hindquarters which slope downward.  Their deep necks contrast with their long slender legs.  When they are walking you get the impression that they are extremely weary, but their unusual build allows them to rapidly break into a run.