About the Waterbuck
The waterbuck is a large, robust African antelope easily recognized by its shaggy, grayish-brown coat, prominent white throat patch, and the distinctive white ring around its rump that resembles a “follow me” sign for the herd.
True to their name, these highly water-dependent grazers are rarely found far from permanent sources of water such as rivers, lakes, and floodplains. While not particularly fond of swimming, they are strong swimmers and will readily wade into deep water or reedbeds to evade pursuing predators. Furthermore, their coats naturally excrete a thick, oily, musky-smelling secretion that provides waterproofing and acts as a natural insect repellent.
Socially, waterbucks are sedentary and tend to congregate in small groups. Females and their young form nursery herds, while mature males establish and aggressively defend territories with access to prime grazing and drinking spots. Males unable to claim a territory will form bachelor herds. Despite their size, they serve as vital prey for apex predators like lions and leopards, relying on their endurance and natural camouflage to survive.
Description of the Waterbuck
- Size and Weight: Bulls stand up to 4.5 feet at the shoulder and weigh between 350 to 660 lbs. Females (cows) are smaller, generally about 25% lighter than males.
- Horns: Only the males possess horns. They are prominently ringed, widely spaced, and curve elegantly backward and upward, measuring up to 40 inches in length.
Waterbuck Subspecies
- Common Waterbuck: This variety is found predominantly in southern and eastern Africa. Its’ rump marking features a distinct, white elliptical ring encircling the dark rump.
- Defassa Waterbuck: This variety is found predominantly in Tanzania, Zambia, and Ethiopia. It features solid, wide white patches on either side of the tail rather than a complete ring.
Suitable Weapons
A .30 caliber or larger rifle is best suited to humanely take down a Waterbuck.
Hunting Area
- South Africa: The most popular and affordable destination, particularly in the Limpopo, Eastern Cape, and Mpumalanga provinces.
- Namibia & Zimbabwe: Excellent for classic, free-range hunts.
- Zambia & Tanzania: Best for larger, wilder safaris or if you are specifically looking for the Defassa Waterbuck.
- Ethiopia: The premier location to specifically target the Defassa Waterbuck variety along with mountain plains game.
Waterbucks can also be hunted in high-fenced hunting preserves in Texas.
