Large, mature crocodiles are the apex survivors of Africa’s waterways—animals that have lived for decades, growing slowly into dominant territorial predators. By the time they reach this size, they have long contributed to the stability of their population. Ethical hunting of these old individuals has minimal impact on breeding dynamics while supporting conservation efforts and helping manage areas where human-wildlife conflict can arise. Honouring these animals is a recognition of their age, power, and the wild systems that allowed them to endure.
This category recognises one of Africa’s most ancient and formidable predators. To qualify, a crocodile must measure a minimum of 15 feet from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail, with 15 feet set as the minimum entry length. Only free-range crocodiles will be accepted. All entries must include clear photographic evidence for review by our panel of experts, including a photograph showing a tape measure taken from the centre front of the snout, across the head parallel to the axis of the skull, to the back centre of the skull. In cases where photographic evidence is inconclusive, the skin or skull may be required to be physically measured by an official Big Old Bulls Club representative.
crocodile Measurement (Rowland Ward)
- Measure the total straight-line length.
- Start at the tip of the snout.
- End at the tip of the tail.
- The animal must be laid out flat and straight.
- Use a rigid tape or measuring stick (not curved along the body).
Key rules
- Measurement is taken in a straight line, not along the body contours.
- The crocodile should be measured as it lies naturally, without stretching.
- Record in feet and inches.
- No deductions or additions—just overall length.
Typical benchmark
- For a Nile crocodile, Rowland Ward generally lists a minimum of 16 feet (192 inches) for record consideration.
Common mistakes
- Don’t follow the curve of the spine or tail.
- Don’t measure over bends in the body.
- Don’t pull the tail to artificially increase length.