Male buck are large, powerful antelope. The male waterbuck is roughly 25 percent larger than females. Waterbuck sport large, rounded ears and white markings on its face, including its cheeks, chin, and throat.
Males are the only ones with horns, which can grow to be as long as 100 cm and are surrounded by a distinctive ring. The horns that are far apart and curl elegantly upwards towards the back. When males compete for territory, they may use these horns fatally.
This attractive antelope has evolved numerous adaptations that have allowed it to thrive in the bushveld.
The name of these creatures gives away the fact that they can’t survive too far from a steady supply of water. Since lions and leopards, among other predatory cats, are highly avoidant of of water, waterbuck have been known to escape by diving headfirst into bodies of water.
Waterbucks employ the “follow me” signal created by the white ring around their rear ends. If one waterbuck sees a predator and flees, the others will know where to go to avoid becoming the prey.
Waterbucks may appear as though they are more at home in colder temperatures due to the abundance of hair around their necks, yet this hair serves a practical purpose. The waterbuck is able to keep its head above water thanks to its hollow hair, which provides added buoyancy.
Waterbucks typically graze on grass in the areas around stable water sources. When the grass is thin, they will begin to browse. The waterbuck needs water constantly and will drink several times a day.
Although mating is most intense in the winter, it can happen at a reduced level at any time of year. Calves, usually born alone but occasionally in twins, are born after a nine-month gestation period. The summer is when most calves are born. Calves will stay with their mothers for several weeks, during which time they will hide in thick brush or tall grass.
This antelope is quite social. Aggressive behaviour and even physical conflict are used by dominant bulls to protect their territories.
Calves, mothers, and young bachelors all gather together in herds. A day in the life of one of these herds might see a wide range of changes as individuals come and go at will. They can swim very far and fast, so when threatened they will seek safety in the deep. They travel in groups of up to 30 animals.
As its name suggests, the waterbuck is one of the larger antelope species that can almost never be found far from a body of water.
Waterbuck are easily observed from a distance in the broad grasslands and river plains where they are most commonly found, nonetheless good binoculars will be necessary for hunters. The waterbuck has great vision and hearing, but it is not at all difficult to approach.
A trophy bull can weigh up to 600 pounds, so make sure to have a powerful rifle if you plan on hunting waterbuck. The bare minimum when hunting on open terrain is a .270 with 150-grain softpoints. The 7mm and 30 calibre heavy expanding softpoints are the best options.
When hunting waterbuck, if the animal turns broadside to you, aim for the high heart and lung and shoot straight up the foreleg, about a third of the way into the body.
In order to preserve the cape, the ideal way to display your trophy is as a shoulder mount on the wall. In the event that you are hunting Waterbuck and are confronted with a frontal shot, aim for the centre of the chest, just below the collarbone.
Waterbuck will go down to a shot to the shoulder or spinal column if the shot is taken high on the shoulder, above the midline of the body, and through the shoulder blade.
Hunting waterbuck can be an exciting adventure, but sometimes retrieval can be just as difficult as the stalk itself, especially if you don’t mind getting your feet wet.
Waterbuck hunting is a specialty of Hunt24, and for good reason. Every region we hunt in is hand-picked to ensure it has not been over-hunted and is capable of producing spectacular trophies. With the help of our skilled guides, you’ll be able to enjoy a thrilling hunt and bring home a stunning waterbuck trophy.
