More About Mauritius Hippo Hunting

These water horses spend more than 16 hours a day in the water; keeping cool, protecting their skin from the harsh sun, and generally just relaxing. Although these barrel-like creatures may look quite relaxed, never underestimate them. They are killing machines responsible for the deaths of more than 500 people a year on the African continent. Choosing the correct trophy can be a bit difficult when these mammals spend more of the day submerged in water! A trophy bull will have a large head, neck, and tusks, with two bumps next to its nostrils where the tusks touch the top of its mouth when closed.

Shot Placement while Hippo Hunting in Mauritius

Hippo hunting in Mauritius can either take the form of a spot-and-stalk, or the massive mammal will be targeted on land when traveling to and from the water while feeding. At dusk, they tend to leave the water to feed on land, where they will graze for a great deal of the night before returning to the water. As with any dangerous game species, shot placement is critical and you must be sure of your shot before taking it. If not, wait for another opportunity. The first shot is of paramount importance, but the second and third follow-up shots are just as important, especially if the first shot was not 100% on target. The hippo is notoriously difficult to kill, and solid bullets are recommended for this African hunt. There are a couple of options in terms of shot placement for this hippo hunting adventure, including the frontal brain shot, the frontal heart shot, the broadside brain shot with the hippo in the water, the headshot with the hippo facing away from the hunter, as well as the fleeing shot, the neck shot and lastly, the heart and lung shot. The choice of shot placement depends on the situation in which the hunter finds himself, but all options call for accurate, precise shot placement. No hunter wants to be in the situation of the hunt going south very quickly, with a wounded hippo hurtling towards you, intent on doing grievous bodily harm!

What Caliber Rifle is Used for Hippo Hunting in Mauritius?

Hippos have incredibly thick skulls and vertebrae, which calls for solid bullets to be used to ensure proper penetration. When targeting the hippo on a big game hunting adventure, a rifle with a minimum caliber of .375 is a legal requirement, together with the minimum of a 300-grain bullet. No bow hunting of dangerous game is allowed in Mauritius. Should the hippo be hunted at close range on land, with the hunter taking the broadside shot, a .416 Rigby or 500NE is a suggested rifle option to consider, to allow for an accurate kill shot to the heart and a humane death.