Waterbuck Hunting in South Africa

• As the name suggests, they are never far from water.

• Waterbuck are daytime grazers.

• They can evade predators such as lions by rushing into the water.

• Predatory cats are often reluctant to get their feet wet, even if it means missing out on a meal.

• Waterbuck have a lot of hair around their necks, making them look like they should live in colder climates.

• As the hair is hollow, it allows for extra buoyancy when swimming and lets the waterbuck keep its head above water.

• Waterbuck release a special oil over the hair, which repels the water and prevents it from becoming saturated.

• The oil has a foul smell, and it was thought to be distasteful to crocodiles for a long time, thus keeping the waterbuck from being eaten.

• This theory, however, has been disproved.

• A more credible theory is that the oil acts as an insect repellent and reduces the number of ticks that the waterbuck have.

• The trademark white ring around the waterbuck’s hindquarters is a follow-me sign.

• If one of the groups spots a predator and runs, the rest will follow to avoid becoming dinner.

• Waterbuck hunting involves much glassing on savanna hillsides to find a loan bull.

Description of Waterbuck for Hunting

Waterbuck inhabit scrub and savanna areas along rivers, lakes, and valleys. A social animal, the Waterbuck, may form herds of 4 – 15 individuals.

These groups are either family groups with females and their offspring or bachelor herds.

Males start showing territorial behavior at five years but are most dominant from six to nine.

Males reach approximately 50 inches at the shoulder, while females reach 47 inches.

The Waterbuck is one of the heaviest antelopes.

A newborn typically weighs 30 pounds, and growth in weight is faster in males than in females.

Males typically weigh 450–600 pounds, and females 350–450 pounds.

The Waterbuck is of a robust build. The shaggy coat is reddish-brown to gray and becomes progressively darker with age.

Males are darker than females. Though thick, the hair is sparse on the coat. The hair on the neck, however, forms a long shaggy beard.

The long, spiral horns curve backward, then forward. Found only in males, the horns range from 22 to 30 inches.

The length of the horns is mainly related to the bull’s age.

A rudimentary horn in the form of a bone lump may be found on females’ skulls.

Information for Waterbuck hunting

African animals’ bodies comprise about 70% water; it is no surprise that African mammals have had to develop tactics for keeping hydrated in a predominantly hot and dry environment.

Waterbuck is very water-dependent, being especially prone to dehydration.

They are always within a 5-mile radius of water but usually less than 2 miles from water and will drink several times daily. 

Waterbuck are primarily grazers and feed on medium to short grass close to water.

Their digestive systems are adapted to coping with a high amount of roughage, although they select the more palatable protein-rich grasses when available.

They will also browse grass during the dry months. Grass has lower moisture content than browse, and Waterbuck needs to drink regularly to help digest their food.

Because they drink frequently, their droppings are usually wetter than other ruminants, and the pellets tend to deform and stick together in clumps.

After a gestation period of nine months, a single calf is born, or rarely twins.

The mother hides the young in a dense thicket or long grass for a few weeks after birth before joining the herd. 

Most calves are born during the summer months in South Africa, while mating occurs during winter.

Mating can happen during the year at a lower intensity.

Your waterbuck trophy should have an average shoulder height of around 52 inches, weigh about 550 pounds, and have a Horn Length of approximately 26 – 28 inches.

The Safari Club International minimum score for a waterbuck is 67. This is measured by adding the length of each horn and the circumference of the bases.

The Waterbuck is a sought-after trophy for many hunters traveling to Africa, with its impressive horns sweeping back and hooking forward.

Its sheer size makes it a desirable trophy on many safaris. Methods of hunting include ambush techniques and spot and stalk.

Hunting a free-range waterbuck is not easy. Stalks will be long, and patience is required.

A waterbuck bull is a must for any aspiring African hunter.

Waterbuck is very territorial when mating, and it is common to encounter bulls in a ferocious battle while hunting.

Most Waterbuck are shot behind high fences in the Eastern Cape; Nick Bowker hunting has access to several free-range herds in the Bedford area.

A combination hunt in Bedford of red lechwe, nyala, sable antelope, kudu, and Waterbuck makes for a spectacular hunt.

As with most African animals, shot placement should always be in the bottom third of the shoulder. The 7 mm and 30 calibers are the preferred selection. A Waterbuck is a large antelope.

For those hunters who do not wish to go through the red tape of bringing a rifle into South Africa, Nick Bowker Hunting has a Sako carbon light 300 Winchester Magnum fitted with a suppressor. Bow hunting in our area for Waterbuck is very difficult.

Mounted on the rifle is a Swarovski DS with a built-in rangefinder. We have hand-loaded Hornady ELD-X 200-grain ammunition. This setup, including ammunition, is available as part of all hunting packages free of charge.

An old waterbuck bull is one of the most cunning animals to hunt. It is very alert, with a keen sense of smell and super eyesight.

Waterbuck is a very worthwhile trophy on any safari-style South African hunting trip.

Judging the trophy quality of a waterbuck can be challenging at times, especially for lone bulls.

As with all African animals, a thick, heavy, darkened neck is the first sign of maturity and often the most visible maturity characteristic when observing at a distance.

Also, look at the color of the horns. An old bull will exhibit at least two-thirds of the horn as an off-white color.

Look at the bases and ensure they are solid and prominent.

The hook in the horns is where the hidden length lies and differentiates a good bull from an outstanding bull.

A good symmetrical shape with smooth tips signifies an old bull and a trophy worth considering.