The lechwe, also known as the red lechwe or southern lechwe, is an antelope species found in the marshes of south-central Africa. Both males and females average between 100 and 80 kg in weight.
The red lechwe is a medium-sized antelope that is easily recognisable due to the distinctive dark patterns on its forelegs. Their shoulders and croup are stooped forward, and their upper back is arched.
Unlike the puku, which is smaller, the lechwe lacks the patterns on the forelegs and is more golden in colour. This brilliant crimson species is always seen near water. Sustainable herds of lechwe are found mostly in the Okavango Delta of Botswana and the Caprivi Strip of Namibia, while game ranches have given small numbers of this sought-after trophy.
Only the ram has horns, which bend forward at the points and backward at the base. Typically, females of this species are more diminutive than males.
The lechwe lives on the floodplains between the reed beds of swamps and rivers. If they feel threatened, they will quickly take to the water, where they may conceal themselves. While they are swift in the water, on land they are much slower.
Herds of 10–30 of this water-loving antelope can be spotted knee-deep in dams or rivers at any time of day. The lechwe consumes water grasses and other dry grasses on a regular basis, in addition to water. At its peak activity, the herd grazes at dawn and dusk, taking a break from the heat of the day to rest on dry ground.
Taking part in a South African lechwe hunt is a challenging and thrilling experience that will net you a stunning trophy. Not easily frightened, they usually let hunters come within shooting range. However, the tricky part is that the lechwe often watches you approach, but stays just out of reach.
They travel in herds of up to thirty individuals and thrive on a diet of dry grasses, water grasses, and plenty of water on the shallow floodplains along rivers and wetlands between red beds. The lechwe is a slow runner on land but a rapid swimmer, thus it will usually go to the water if it feels threatened.
Retrieval is almost certainly going to take place in water, and shots will have to be taken at fairly long range. Considering the typical distance of your rounds, you’ll want a rifle with reasonable range.
In terms of calibre, a .270 is adequate, and 30 mm magnums will do the trick. As usual, a premium expanding bullet weighing between 150 and 175 grains should be used to take down a medium-sized lechwe.
The target area is the high heart and lungs, which can be reached by shooting straight up the foreleg about a third of the way into the body and squeezing. The water shouldn’t be too deep, and he should be easy to track down and retrieve.
The South African provinces of Free State, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape will all play host to lechwe hunts. Stunning lechwe hunting grounds are available from Hunt24, and our expert hunters will lead you on a thrilling, highly rewarding hunt. The beauty of a lechwe trophy would make it a welcome addition to any collection.
