Waterbuck hunting in Tanzania

Waterbuck have long shaggy hair and as their name would insinuate are a water dependent species often found on flood plains and river banks, never far from water. Tanzania has two species of Waterbuck, the Common Waterbuck with the easily identifiable white ring on its hind quarters and the Defassa Waterbuck without the white ring. The two Waterbuck species are also found in different geographic locations. The Common Waterbuck occurs in the south (Selous), central (Kizigo and Rungwa) and eastern (Masailand) areas of the country whilst the Defassa Waterbuck is found in the wetter, swampier regions of west (Moyowosi) and also in northern (Maswa) Tanzania. Waterbuck are clumsy noisy animals when hunted on rocky hillsides which they also like to frequent where they often may be heard before being seen. They have good eyesight and a keen sense of smell. Waterbuck are somewhat inquisitive at times and in certain areas but still need to be carefully approached when hunting. Waterbuck are mainly hunted for their spectacular looking horns and their meat is reputedly tainted by foul smelling oil glands that produce a waterproof insulating substance which covers their hairy coats. However, by skinning carefully and ensuring the fur does not contaminate the meat during the skinning process, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the venison. Both species of Waterbuck may be hunted on a minimum of a 14 day license and are classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN, no special import and export permits are required.