WATERBUCK
I took this 27.5 inch, heavy horned Waterbuck in February 2007 in the Masvingo Province of Zimbabwe. My friend and fellow Outfitter, Arnold Payne is holding his head. Notice how massive the horns are. This bull was well over 500 pounds. I used a .280 Remington in a Ruger M-77 rifle. A Nosler 160 grain Accubond bullet dropped him where he stood. It was 110 degrees that day.
Super 30 inch Waterbuck. You will have to hunt very hard to find a big bull like this one. Mature Waterbuck bulls know where to hide and it takes a top notch PH to know where to find them. This gold medal class ram holds the #79 ranking in the forthcoming SCI record book.
Appearance
This is a large, robust antelope. Bulls have a shoulder height of 51 inches and can weigh up to 594 pounds. Cows are smaller than bulls. Waterbucks have a brownish–grey shaggy coat. The eyes and nose are patched with white, and there is a white collar under the throat. The rump has a characteristic white ring. The large rounded ears are a prominent feature. Only the bulls have long, forward curved horns. Both sexes emit a, not unpleasant, musky smell which normally lingers at resting sites.
Diet
The Waterbuck grazes mainly grass near permanent water sources. They will browse when grass cover is in a poor condition. The Waterbuck is very dependent on water and will drink daily.
Breeding
Mating activities peak during winter, but it can occur at lower intensity the year round. After a gestation period of nine months, single calves are born, occasionally twins. Births tend to peak during summer. For several weeks new-born will hide-up in the cover of dense bush or long grass, before they join herds by following their mothers.
Behaviour
This is a gregarious antelope. Dominant bulls occupy territories which they defend by aggressive posturing and even fights. Cows, calves and young bachelors congregate in herds. The composition of such herds can vary daily as individuals freely leave or join these. They are strong swimmers and when seriously threatened, will take refuge in deep water. They are found in herds of up to 30 strong.
Habitat
Inhabits only well watered areas, with a strong predilection for dense woody vegetation and good quality medium to tall grasses. The Waterbuck will on occasion venture into open woodlands and floodplains.
Where they are found
In South Africa it is distributed along the major drainage systems of Mpumalanga, Northern Province and northern KwaZulu-Natal. Recently re-introduced at St Lucia and Itala game reserves in KwaZulu-Natal.
Predators
Hyenas, Lions, and Leopards are the major predators, but Crocodiles, Hunting Dogs and Cheetahs also take Waterbuck.
Latin name
Kobus ellipsiprymnus
Vital Statistics
Weight (Female) : 451 - 550 lbs.
Weight (Male) : 550 - 594 lbs.
Length (Female) : 210 cm
Length (Male) : 210 cm
Gestation Period : 9 months
No of Young : 1 calf
Order : Artiodactyla
Family : Bovidae
Horns : Up to 39" (record)
Breeding : The calves may be born anytime of the year although calving peaks occur in the summer in some areas.
Spoor Description
The spoor of the Waterbuck depends on the age and sex. Some are broad and blunted while others may be pointed and narrow.
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