African Outfitter is an independent international bimonthly publication promoting
fair hunting and ethical business practices within the hunting industry.
From a hunting perspective, the preservation of biodiversity on the
African continent is the first and foremost priority. The emphasis
is however also on the sustainable utilisation of wildlife.
Hunting the Trophy (Kalahari) Gemsbok
Oryx gazella gazella
Benand Els
Gemsbok, along with the sable and kudu, is surely one of Africa’s most elegant game animals. The long, sharp, spear-like horns, distinctive facial mask contrasting with pale bodies and long flowing black tails are enough to fire up any hunter’s lust. The handsome gemsbok is synonymous to the Kalahari (as its name implies), perfectly created for dry hot arid habitats, but just as well adapted to the Bushveld.
The gemsbok is just as elusive and difficult to hunt as kudu and in some terrains even more of a challenge. Those who’ve hunted gemsbok, as well as those who’ve tried, will remember one thing – the white mask looking at you. Most of the time they will see you long before you’ve spotted them, resulting in you either seeing the characteristic white facial mask or their backs as they flee.
These are one of those trophies that have much more to offer than just a trophy against the wall. The meat is exquisite and fly-fishermen can use the hair to tie dry flies with.
General Information
The gemsbok (or Kalahari gemsbok) forms part of the Oryx genus, which includes four species namely Oryx gazella, O. beisa, O. dammah and O. leucoryx.
Firstly, the southern gemsbok (O. gazella) comprises of two sub-species, namely the Kalahari gemsbok (O. g. gazella) and the Angolan gemsbok (O. g. blainei). The Kalahari gemsbok (O. g. gazella) or simply referred to as gemsbok, is widely distributed across South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. There are also some in the western tip of Zimbabwe. The Angolan gemsbok (O. g. blainei) has a smaller body and white ears in comparison with their southern cousins and is found in the southern part of Angola.
Secondly, the East African oryx (O. beisa) comprises of two sub-species, the beisa oryx (O. b. beisa) and the fringe-eared oryx (O. b. callotis) – the two are separated by the Tana River in Kenya. The beisa oryx (O. b. beisa) has a distinctive thin, black line on the side with no black markings on the rump or thighs. They are found in Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, northeastern Uganda and Kenya (north of the Tana River) and are also available in South Africa as an exotic. The fringe-eared oryx (O. b. callotis) is found south of the Tana River in Kenya and in the northeastern part of Tanzania. They have distinctive lumps of black hair on the outer edges of their ears.
The scimitar-horned oryx (O. dammah) from Sahara areas makes up the third species. It is recognised ...
(This article has been abbreviated. Read the full article in African Outfitter, Vol 3/2, February / March 2008)
