Cost and Trophy Fees for Red Lechwe Hunts
The average price to hunt a Lechwe on Safari or exotic ranch in Texas is between $4,500 and $6,500, which is considered moderately affordable for an exotic animal. The final total depends on the size of the rack, trophy fee, rifle or bow hunt, number of days, taxidermy fees, guide fees, quality of accommodations, amenities and services available.
Red Lechwe Hunting Season
All year
Hunting Trophy Red Lechwe
The Red Lechwe males sport long horns, while the females have none. These are spiral horns that are slender and lyre-shaped. The trophies that are hunted in Texas typically run in the range of 28 inches to 30 inches. The lechwe has a bit of an awkward body shape, with high-set hind legs; this is to help it run in swamps, and it means the animal runs with the neck close to the ground and the body slanted forward. Lechwe often stay in water that is knee-deep, both for drinking and to keep predators away. They have water-repellent, long back legs so that they can run quickly, even in the water.
Physical Characteristics
A good-sized male will be around 180 to 200 pounds, but the range for the breed as a whole is from 150 to 260 pounds. The animal stands from 35 inches to 39 inch high when measured to the shoulder.
There are a few different colorations that can be found, with some lechwe appearing black or brown, though the red lechwe naturally has a reddish brown coat. This sometimes has a gold tint. The underbelly of the animal is white, and this runs down the inside of the legs. However, the bottom of the legs, below the knees, is often a very dark brown.
Origin, Native Habitat and Countries
The red lechwe originated in South Africa, and it can be found in countries like Botswana, Congo, Zambia, Namibia, Angola. It really likes swampland, and lives in the Bangweulu Swamps. It will also live in marches and other areas where aquatic plants can be eaten.
Behavior/Social Characteristics
These animals are diurnal, so they sleep at night and come out during the day. They do live in herds, and these can actually have thousands of lechwe. These herds typically just have one gender, though they come together and mix when it is time to mate.