Hunting waterbuck
Hunting Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprimnus)
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Best recommended caliber to hunt |
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Waterbuck |
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30-06, 7mm (all), 300 (all), 308, 338, 375 |
Hunting notes when hunting waterbuck:
When hunting waterbuck the hunter can start looking for them close to a reliable water source. As their name implies, they like to be in the close vicinity to a steady water supply.
In the early morning when the hunter walks along a river front, the musky smell of the waterbuck can be observed. The hair is rather oily and is easily transmitted to the hands of the loading team.
Solitary bulls make really good trophies. They can be found laying down in the shade of a tree during the heat of the day. Caution must be exercised when approaching such a bull as the slightest change in the wind direction will render a long arduous stalk worthless.
Waterbuck do not bleed all that much when wounded. In fact a wounded waterbuck can leave no blood trail yet die within 100 yards from the place where it was shot. To hunt a big old waterbuck bull successfully is a feat not all hunters accomplish on their hunting safaris to Africa.
The best recommended caliber for hunting waterbuck is the 300 cal and up.
The average shooting distance when hunting waterbuck is between 80 – 150 yards.
Description:
The waterbuck is a large antelope with course long gray hair. A broad white ring surrounds the rump and a white line runs from the throat to the basis of the ears.
The color on the flanks is lighter than on the back. The hair around the mouth, nose and the area above the eyes are white. The ears are short, round, white on the inside and have black tips. The tail is relatively long and has a black tuft of hair on the tip.
The waterbuck secretes a distinctive musky odor that can be observed early in the morning, especially along riverbanks. The hair is extremely oily and when handled, your hands not only become oily, but also have the distinct musky smell associated with these animals. Many times when out hunting the waterbuck, specially early in the morning and late afternoon, the hunter can experience the pungent smell secreted by these long-haired antelope. The many oil glands make for a greasy coat that is clearly visible on the hands after loading the trophy.
Habitat:
As the name indicates, these animals are associated with water. They will also move into water when drinking. They prefer areas with tall grass or reeds. Open fields can be utilized if sufficient cover is close by.
Reproduction:
A single calf is born any time of year, but the main time for births is during the wet summer months of November – January
General:
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Gestation period |
About 280 days |
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Average shoulder height |
52” |
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Average weight |
Bulls |
550 lbs |
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Cows |
470 lbs |
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Horns |
Only the bulls have horns |
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