Proudly ranked as one of Texas’s Top 11 All-Inclusive Resorts | ~1 hr from Dallas | ~ 3 hrs from Houston, Texas
Trophy Lechwe Hunts in Texas
Guided Lechwe Hunts Near Dallas–Fort Worth at Cedar Cove Ranch
Most African antelopes run from danger. The Kafue Lechwe swims from it. This is an animal engineered for wetlands — splayed hooves for soft mud, long, powerful hindquarters for wading and bounding through shallow water, and a golden-chestnut coat that seems to catch fire in low light. Native to Zambia's Kafue Flats, it's an animal most American hunters have only seen in photographs. At Cedar Cove Ranch, it's out on the range, and the hunt is exactly as distinctive as the animal.
Lechwe don't behave like typical plains game, and that's what makes them worth pursuing. They gather in loose herds, stay close to low, damp ground, and cover terrain in a bounding gait built for wet conditions rather than dry sprinting — watching one move is reason enough to book the hunt. Bulls carry long, lyre-shaped horns that sweep back and up in a curve unlike anything else on our range, and a mature set is one of the more striking mounts a hunter can bring home.
Our East Texas terrain gives Lechwe the low, open, moisture-holding ground they gravitate toward, so the hunt keeps its character instead of turning into a generic pasture stalk. Afterward, trade the wet boots for dry ones back at the lodge, where a chef-prepared meal and a comfortable room are waiting regardless of how the day went.
Professionally Guided • All-Inclusive • Luxury Lodging • Just 1 Hour from Dallas-Fort Worth
Lechwe Hunting at a Glance
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Species: Red Kafue Lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis)
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Also Known As: Kafue Flats Lechwe
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Home Turf: Kafue Flats wetlands, Zambia
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Season: Year-round — no closed season on exotics in Texas
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Difficulty: Moderate
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Weapon: rifle or bow
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Bull Size: 150-250 lbs
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The Trophy: Long, lyre-shaped horns with a distinctive backward-forward sweep
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On the Table: Lean and well-regarded
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Terrain: Low meadow, moist bottomland, open flats
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Where: Cedar Cove Ranch, Eustace, TX
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From DFW: ~1 hour
Why Hunt Lechwe at Cedar Cove Ranch?
The Lechwe is one of the few African antelopes defined almost entirely by terrain — take away the wetland, and you take away what makes the species unique. We haven't taken that away. Our low-lying pasture and bottomland acreage across East Texas gives Lechwe herds the kind of open, moisture-rich ground they actually use, which keeps both their behavior and the hunt itself honest to the animal.
Herds are alert but not paranoid, giving hunters a real stalk without the frustration of a species that flees at the first hint of movement. Our guides know how Lechwe use this specific ground — where they bed, where they graze at first light, and how a herd reacts to pressure — and they'll put that knowledge to work building a plan around your skill level and weapon of choice.
Once the hunt wraps, there's no long drive back to town. Just a short walk to the lodge, a real meal, and a chance to talk through the day with people who understand exactly what you were chasing.
Highlights
✔ A trophy that few hunters ever get the chance to pursue
✔ Guides experienced with Lechwe behavior and habitat
✔ Private, professionally managed East Texas bottomland
✔ All-inclusive package — no surprise line items
✔ Luxury lodge stay, chef-prepared meals
✔ Roughly 60 minutes from DFW
✔ Easy to pair with Nyala, Sable, Gemsbok, Scimitar Oryx, Addax, Nilgai, and more
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Lechwe different from other exotic antelopes?
Their build. Splayed hooves and long hindquarters make them exceptional in wet, marshy ground — a trait almost no other trophy species shares. It's part of what makes them such a distinctive animal to pursue and mount.
When can I hunt one?
Any time of year. Lechwe are classified as exotic game in Texas, so there's no closed season to work around.
How big do they get?
Mature bulls typically weigh 150–250 lbs, with lyre-shaped horns that make for one of the more visually striking mounts available.
Are Lechwe hard to hunt?
Moderate difficulty. They're alert and herd-oriented but not as wary as some exotics, which makes for a genuinely enjoyable stalk without an extreme level of difficulty.
What about the meat?
Lean and well-regarded — good table fare by any standard.
Bow or rifle?
Both are options depending on terrain and conditions; your guide will help determine the best approach on the day.
Can I stack this with another species?
Yes. Nyala, Fallow Deer, Sable, and Gemsbok are common pairings since they're available on the same range during the same visit.
How far is the ranch from the airport?
About an hour from Dallas-Fort Worth.
Is everything really included?
Guiding, lodging, and meals are all part of the package from arrival to departure.
Ready to Plan Your Trophy Lechwe Hunt?
The Lechwe's sweeping horns and golden coat make it one of the most distinctive mounts in the exotic world — and one of the least common. If you want a trophy that starts a conversation every time someone walks into the room, Cedar Cove Ranch is where that hunt starts.