GEMSBUCK

The Gemsbok (Oryx gazelle gazelle) is a large antelope native to arid regions of Southern Africa. They have a striking appearance with a light brown to greyish-brown coat. The lower limbs and parts of the face are white, and there are distinct black markings on the face.

Distribution: South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. 

Size: Is a large antelope native to arid regions of Southern Africa.          

Weight: 400 – 450lb / 240 kg

Shoulder Height: 46 – 48’’ / 1.17 – 1.22 m

Horns: Both sexes have long, straight and rapier-like. Shorter but stouter in bulls; longer and narrower in cows. Ringed for the most part but smooth near the very pointed tips.

Habitat: Found in savannah, light woodland and savannah Bushveld. 

Habits: Gemsbok are mostly diurnal, active during the cooler parts of the day. They are social animals, forming herds of up to 30 individuals, often led by a dominant female. Gemsbok are highly adaptable grazers, feeding on grasses, leaves, and shrubs. They can survive long periods without water and are known for their endurance and ability to withstand extreme heat.

Hunting Tips: Be wary of selecting a solitary animal: because of the straightness of their horns, it is extremely difficult to judge a trophy unless other animals are available for comparison. Very wary and difficult to approach because of the open terrain they inhabit. Dangerous when wounded.

Trophy Information

Good Horn Length: 36’’  

Record Book  

SCI Min. - 81

SCI Min. Bow - 72 

Rowland Ward Min. - 40 

World Record - 49 4/8 

SCI Measurement Method: 1 Rowland Ward Measurement Method: 7-a 

Species & Subspecies Information

Species: 3 – Gemsbok, East African or Beisa Oryx and Scimitar Horned Oryx.  

Subspecies: 2 – Common Gemsbok and Angolan Gemsbok. SCI also has a category for Kalahari Gemsbuck.  

Colour Variants: 3 - Common Gemsbuck, Golden Gemsbuck and Red Gemsbuck.