About the Nile Lechwe
General Information
The Nile lechwe, also known as Mrs. Gray’s waterbuck, is a highly specialized, semi-aquatic antelope native to the expansive marshlands of South Sudan and western Ethiopia. Perfectly built for life in the wetlands, they are easily distinguished by their spreadable hooves and oily, water-repellent coats that allow them to navigate thick mud and swim effortlessly through deep swamps.
Nile lechwes are social animals that gather in large herds ranging from 50 to several hundred individuals, grazing on the lush aquatic grasses and marsh vegetation that emerge as seasonal floodwaters recede. Because their native floodplain habitats in the Nile River basin are often affected by human settlement, cattle grazing, and civil unrest, these magnificent wetland dwellers are currently classified as endangered in the wild.
Description of the Nile Lechwe
The Nile Lechwe males look drastically different from the females. Females and young calves sport a bright golden-brown coat, whereas mature males develop a striking, dark chocolate to blackish-brown coat offset by a brilliant white patch across their shoulders and neck. Only the males grow horns, which are heavily ridged and curve gracefully outward and backward in a striking lyre shape, often reaching up to 34 inches in length.
Both sexes have noticeably long, shaggy hair (especially on the cheeks and necks), a short nose, and a grease-coated, water-repellent coats.
Adult Males
Coloration
- Mature males sport a dark, rich mahogany, or brownish-black coat with a striking, blazing-white “saddle” or patch across their shoulders.
Horns
- Only males grow horns, which are heavily ridged at the base, grow up to 19 to 34 inches long, and curve outward in a lyre shape before bending forward at the tips.
Size
- Size: Males are larger, weighing 198 to 265 pounds and standing 39 to 41 inches tall at the shoulder.
Adult Females
Coloration
- Females are smaller and retain the vibrant, golden-brown (or blond) coloration they are born with, offset by lighter underbellies.
Horns
- Females lack horns completely.
Size
- Females weigh 132 to 198 pounds and stand 31 to 33 inches tall at the shoulder.
Suitable Weapons
For a Nile Lechwe rifle we recommend a 6.5 mm or larger cartridge.
Hunting Area
You can hunt Nile lechwe on private exotic ranches in Texas, as their native habitats in South Sudan and Ethiopia are largely restricted or closed to hunting.
Trophy Expectations
A good trophy size for a Nile lechwe is a horn length of 26 inches or greater. While horns typically range from 20 to 30 inches, anything over the 26-inch mark signifies a highly desirable, mature bull.
Key Physical Features of a Trophy Bull
- Horn Shape: Look for long, heavily-ridged, S-shaped horns that sweep backward and then hooks forward at the tips.
- Coat Coloration: A prime trophy male will have a striking, dark blackish-brown coat contrasted by a large, distinct white patch across the shoulders and neck.
- Body Mass: Mature bulls generally weigh between 200 and 265 pounds and stand roughly 38 to 41 inches tall at the shoulder.
Cost to Hunt
A 3 to 4 day Nile Lechwe hunt in Texas (including food, lodging, and trophy fee) costs between $8,500 and $18,000 depending on the ranch.
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