First African Hunt — “Once in a lifetime waterbuck?”

[303cknman]

Hey guys!

I just came back from my first African hunt in Namibia. I killed a gemsbok, sable, and waterbuck — a great first go IMO! I now see what the fuss is about with African hunting! I’ll be back.

My PH and other PHs at camp seemed really enthused about my waterbuck. They told me it’s a “once in a lifetime” waterbuck. I know it’s a nice old bull! But are they being good salesmen and ensuring I return or did I truly luck out my first go-around? My PH even recommended that I stop my hunt with the waterbuck — “nothing could top it” he said.

Horns measured at 33” long. However, I don’t have the SCI measurements with the bases. I’ll get that when it comes back from taxidermy!

 

[trperk1]

Congrats! I only shot one Waterbuck myself, and didn't measure him, so I don't have enough experience to comment on "once in a lifetime". I do have enough experience to say it's a dandy though!

 

[Zinz]

What a brute! His dark color is also impressive. Holds his mass all the way and worn tips. He was maybe a bit longer a year or two ago, but this is what you're looking for in a Waterbuck, no doubt about it.

It's a whopper, no doubt about it. Congratulations on a helluva bull.

Ed

 

[Zinz]

There's a Judging Species section here on AH. Here's the Waterbuck pages

C

Thread 'Judging Waterbuck'

Apr 17, 2009

Well lets do the same with the waterbuck ... any tips on judging them. This seems to be the place with the most views & people responding so lets keep it popular & the opinions flying!!!!

• Calhoun
• Replies: 52
• Forum: Judging trophies

• 

 

[303cknman]

There's a Judging Species section here on AH. Here's the Waterbuck pages

C

Thread 'Judging Waterbuck'

Apr 17, 2009

Well lets do the same with the waterbuck ... any tips on judging them. This seems to be the place with the most views & people responding so lets keep it popular & the opinions flying!!!!

• Calhoun
• Replies: 52
• Forum: Judging trophies

• 

Thank you! I wasn’t aware of this thread. I’ll post there!

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

Very nice. I measured mine, but didn’t have it scored. I hope you have room to do it life size?

My PH (Riaan Jacobs) said something similar. “You don’t realize what you’ve done”!

They are special animals, I love looking at mine life size…

Congratulations.

 

[Flipper Dude]

Super bull! Congratulations

 

[Firebird]

A gorgeous bull. Will make a beautiful mount and bring back those memories for the rest of your life. I don’t hunt inches and feel like you should hunt waterbuck every chance, every place with everyone you can. But I do understand your ph’s statement and respect what he said

 

[DLSJR]

You were fortunate to shoot an exceptional Common Waterbuck!

Many years ago, I shot a bull in Zimbabwe that was a bit over 31” and I was told I’d never see a better one and was very fortunate to take such a fine specimen. You were indeed fortunate and won’t likely ever see another as large.

 

[Andrew62]

Wowser!! That's a huge waterbuck, congratulations!

 

[gillettehunter]

You have an exceptional bull there. Very fine trophy. Great mass and secondary growth. Plus the length..... Any of us would be proud to kill one like that!
Bruce

 

[303cknman]

Very nice. I measured mine, but didn’t have it scored. I hope you have room to do it life size?

My PH (Riaan Jacobs) said something similar. “You don’t realize what you’ve done”!

They are special animals, I love looking at mine life size…

Congratulations.

I chose my wife over a life size mount . A pedestal mount will have to do. They’ve become one of my favorites as well!

 

[VertigoBE]

Waidmannsheil, that is a beast of a Waterbuck.

 

[RLL]

That’s solid length and a trophy for sure. Most start hunting mature waterbucks when they typically reach 27/28” minimum length and the tips have hooked forward.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

That’s a big fellow. Heartiest congratulations !

This is my life’s only waterbuck.

 

[bakerb]

That’s an awesome bull. I killed one a hair below 30” and the PHs likened it to a 190 whitetail. So I’d say a 33 incher is like a 230-240 whitetail. . . . So Yes, one hell of a good waterbuck. Congrats!

 

[Green Chile]

Yes, no question...huge waterbuck. Any PH would turn inside out trying to get that for their client.

 

[303cknman]

Yes, no question...huge waterbuck. Any PH would turn inside out trying to get that for their client.

Haha my PH said something like “if you don’t shoot it, I will.. then I will shoot you.” Or something to that nature — it was in the heat of the moment. I seriously had the best PH.

 

[Green Chile]

Yes, sometimes a PH will say if you don't shoot that then I will. It really gets the message across to the client....this is an exceptional animal.

 

[wesheltonj]

Excellent Waterbuck. 28" is the Minimum for Rowland Ward. 39 3/8 is the biggest in Rowland Ward records. At 31", I would be finished too with hunting Waterbucks, but of course there is still the Defassa Waterbuck to hunt.