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Like the kudu, the blue wildebeest (Conochaetes taurinis) or gnu is a true icon of Africa. When spread out in a large herd family members communicate with one another with a nasal "gnu" sound and they recognise each voice.
Two young bulls fighting
Two mature trophy size bulls face the camera. The raised horn bosses are family genetic and not a common occurrence. The bull on the right is a Rowland Ward entry.
When hunting blue wildebeest in dense vegetation a heart shot through the shoulder with a well constructed bullet of not lighter than 165/8 gr is imperative. In open plains a well construted, (bonded or premium) expanding bullet of 165 gr and heavier is O.K. but nothing lighter. In dense vegetation a bullet of minimum 180gr in the .30 calibres and 170 gr in the 7mms isrequired. Choose the cartridge/bullet combination that will ensure not higher than 2,500 ft/sec impact velocity, and use a premium bullet in any magnum designated rifle.
That was a very observant observation by frhunter13. I was keeping my eye on the bull we intended to shoot and did not at first pay attention to this social behaviour - only when it happened a second time did Michael point it out and it was obvious to me too.