I went locally to shoot one but they were all yellow. I called my go-to outfitter but he hasn't called back so I may have to try yet another place. Is the black and age thing or a time of year thing?

P. "Joe" Riccardo

Im no expert but i know its an age thing. I think they start turning black at 3 years

It is both age and time of year. The coats are definitely darker during the winter months - so they'd have their winter coats now. But like Big_B said they've got to be 3 or older to be mostly black. From what I know they may not be totally black to 4-5 years or so.

What were the horns like on the ones you saw? Typically one that is 18" or more is going to be 3 years old or better so I'm guessing if the ones you were seeing were light colored the horns were not too tall?

I can recommend Steven Searcey at Pecan Crossing Ranch, he's active on the boards here (hoof-hunter).

www.pecancrossingranch.com

The photo bellow is of one with horns about 20 inches that I took there at the end of October. He was mostly black but still had a bit of brown back of his head. At the time I took this one he had the longest horns of any on the ranch but there was a nice one that was only an inch or so shorter - but had a wider spread.

Actually.....it's about age and dominance. Their coats actually change color, based on their dominance at the time. A mature buck who is a hard fighter and has a good harem of does will have a dark coat.....whereas a mature buck who is a wuss and keeps to himself will usually have a light coat.

Am I missing it or are there no prices on the Pecan Crossing website?

Good info, Eland Slayer !

That explains a lot.

Regards,
Scott

Thanks for the info! Now I have to find one that's black as tar to add to my collection.

Phillip Robert "Joe" Riccardo

Eland Slayer nailed it.

When the Blackbuck becomes dominant he will become darker, also as they age the darker they will get.

Email Steven and he'll get you the prices. I don't think he has them listed on the website. He does occassionally come on the board here and offer hunts at different prices as well.

His prices IMO are very good. I paid I think it was $1250 for the blackbuck I took there (described/pictured above).

Earl

It is a factor of age and dominance. some may never change. The annual coat change is typically a little lighter towards the summer, but the dominant buck will still retain a fairly dark coat usually. What I would suspect you saw is a herd that recently had the dominant buck shot out, and another has not taken his place yet.