Everyone on an African hunting safari wants to hunt a Baboon. This is just a reality when out in the bushveld. In Africa, the Chacma is a common species and can be found in Southern Africa in most savanna and grassland areas, normally raiding crops and causing mayhem wherever they go
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About Chacma Baboons (Papio ursinus)
This species of Baboons is one of the largest of all monkeys and has a wide variety of social behaviors including:
- Dominance Hierarchy
- Adoption of young by females
- Friendships
Generally, the species is not threatened, but the conflict between humans and these Baboons is ever increasing reducing Baoon populations and affecting their social structure. Baboons can be extremely aggressive and Alpha males win their place by decisively winning fights. Big males have enormous canine teeth that can measure more than two inches in length and are quite capable of ripping domestic large digs to pieces. Combined with strong limbs, this makes a Baboon a dangerous opponent. Baboons are opportunistic omnivorous eaters and are known to catch, kill, and eat the body parts of small antelope and domestic animals.
Baboons live in live in large troops which can vary in size from 50 to troops of more than 250 members. There is always an Alpha male in charge, who will gladly sacrifice troop members to protect his own “skin.” A large male Baboon can weigh more than 130 pounds, which is huge and can do serious harm.An African Baboon hunt is normally incorporated into an African hunting safari as an opportunistic hunt, on a 7-to-10-day safari. You shoot Baboons when you manage to see them or get a potential shot. No matter what the distance, you throw lead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Baboons be hunted?
Yes, Baboons are regularly hunted and shot in the southern Africa
What is a Baboons Lifespan?
A Baboon can live to be between twenty and forty years of age
What diseases do Baboons carry?
Wild Baboons are naturally infected with Treponema Pallidum, which is the bacteria that causes syphilis, along with diseases such as Rabies.
How much does it cost to hunt a Baboon in Africa?
On an African hunting safari, the hunter will pay the applicable trophy fee which is usually separate from the cost of the game hunting safari. The trophy fee for a Baboon can average between US$ 100 and US$ 400 depending on the location. On some ranches, you can hunt a Baboon at no cost.
Why do people hunt Baboons?
Baboons are exceptionally destructive and will raid hunting lodges, homes, and crops. In most areas, Baboons are classified as vermin and are eradicated when given the opportunity.
Baboons are happy to kill and eat baby sheep, goats, and chickens and will not hesitate to attack hounds.
What qualities do Baboons have?
Baboons are highly social and intelligent. Never underestimate a Baboon on an African hunting safari!
Baboon Hunting
Baboons always have a sentry on duty which makes it difficult to approach a troop undetected. In fact, this sentry while on duty never sleeps, unlike most laborers in Africa.As Baboons are so intelligent, they can tell the difference between a ranch hand and an armed hunter. On our ranch in Limpopo, South Africa, they will happily sit on the fence not twenty yards from a moving Landcruiser. No problem. But, put an armed hunter on the back of the vehicle, they will run from at least 200 yards away. Baboon hunting is not easy, but it makes for an action-packed hunt. Like when warthog hunting, you never know when you are going to get an opportunity.
Judging a Trophy Baboon
It is not that difficult to judge a trophy Baboon. In general, the males are far larger than the females. They often have “gray hair” and show dominance over the rest of the troop.
Baboon Hunting Methods
Baboons are normally shot when on an African plains game hunt, presenting themselves in inopportune moments. When game hunting in mountainous areas, such as the Waterberg in Limpopo, Baboons can often be seen running across the ridges of the mountains, sitting and shouting from high rocks. During Covid 19, we had a big old male sitting up high on a ridge on the rocks, jumping, barking, and making a racket. We decided to “throw some lead” and knocked him clean off at 580 yards. Keenan did a great job, and the 300 Win Mag worked perfectly. Baboons are often hunted from a blind. While waiting for trophy African plains game, they often appear near waterholes or feeding areas. Shooting distance in these instances is usually 30 to 60 yards.
Baboon Bow Hunting
Baboons can easily be bow hunted, but this baboon hunting technique is usually done from a blind. The bowhunter will need a shooting distance of between 20 on 40 yards depending on his skill and the poundage of the bow.
Baboon Hunting and Trophies
Baboons can make great trophies, especially a big old male showing all his teeth. Full mounts are always a favorite. With a Baboon full mount making use of a good taxidermist, it is always a great opportunity for other hunters, or non-hunters to examine a Baboon up close. These creatures are remarkable, especially considering on average they have a DNA match of 94% compared to humans.
Baboon Hunting: Non-Trophy Reasons
Baboons are a favorite meal of African cats such as Leopards and will often be used as bait on a Leopard hunt. Specialty hunts such as Hyena hunting for Brown and Spotted Hyena also require baits, and a Baboon is perfect. A “meat drag” is also required when Hyena hunting, even if a caller such as FoxPro is being used. The fresher and the longer the drag, the better.
On our recent Spotted Hyena hunt, Tamlyn shot a Baboon, and we dragged him a few miles around the concession. Unfortunately, even though the baboon made the “ultimate sacrifice,” the Hyena hunt was unsuccessful.
Baboon Shot Placement
Hunting a Baboon is not an easy task, but when following ethical hunting practices, ensuring proper shot placement will result in a quick and humane death. When trophy Baboon hunting, avoid the head (even if you have a shot) as your trophy will be ruined.
Aim for the center of the chest, namely the heart and lungs.
Rifles when Baboon Hunting
Shooting a Baboon, unless in a blind, normally occurs whilst on an African plains game hunt. So, the rifle that you are using will suffice. Baboons are not incredibly tough, so a well-placed bullet with an expanding tip from any caliber from a .243 and up will get the job done.
Baboon hunts in Africa are really a fulfilling and fun hunting safari.
Author: P.C. van Wyk