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When you are booking an African hunt focusing on one of the most dangerous apex predators known to man, you may want to consider a destination that offers a wild and untamed game hunting environment. Think African hunting adventure. Think Botswana. Think of the Nile crocodile. Botswana is a landlocked country situated in southern Africa, sharing its borders with Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Crocodile hunting in Botswana is growing in popularity and remains a sought-after game hunting safari for those wishing to target this deadly member of the Dangerous 7. Located in the northwestern section of the country, the Okavango Delta is an inland wetland system comprising permanent marshlands and seasonal flood plains. And this is the prize destination when crocodile hunting in Botswana, where this reptile king lies sunning itself on a riverbank…looking as if butter wouldn’t melt in its mouth, but how looks can be deceiving when it comes to this dangerous reptile!
The Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) is an aggressive, cold-blooded, men-eating apex predator. Reaching up to 18 feet in length and tipping the scales at around 2,000 pounds with razor-sharp teeth to rip apart any unfortunate prey that crosses its path, this cold-blooded killer remains a popular trophy for big game hunting throughout Africa. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the status of the Nile crocodile as that of “least concern.” When crocodile hunting in Botswana, a CITES permit is required.
LeopardShot Placement while Crocodile Hunting in Botswana
African hunts featuring this pre-historic killer are exciting, nerve-racking, and downright dangerous. Popular hunting methods to target this beast include setting bait, then waiting for the crocodile to claim it and shooting it from a temporary blind; alternatively using a traditional canoe called a mokoro to search and spot a prized game hunting trophy crocodile and then engage in a walk-and-stalk to claim your prize. A walk-and-stalk crocodile hunting safari is extremely challenging for a hunter, as a crocodile not only has excellent eyesight and hearing but can sense vibrations on land and in water as well, through Dermal Pressure Receptors in its skin. Once close enough to consider shot placement, take a moment to remember that this apex predator will stop at nothing to take you out. It feels no pain or remorse and is only interested in its next meal. Ensuring that your shot placement is 100% on the money is critical unless you want to end up losing your dangerous game trophy to the dark depths of the Okavango Delta.
Once within range of your trophy, popular shot placement options for crocodile hunting safaris include: Frontal Brain Shot: This show is the one that will likely be suggested by your PH, to ensure a quick and humane death. Broadside Brain Shot: Aim above the smile, just behind the eye, as this target is located behind the eyes and slightly above the center of the skull. Heart Broadside Shot: When the crocodile lies broadside, the heart and lungs are exposed and sit about two inches on the inside of the front leg. The hunter needs to consider the position of the front leg when executing this shot, as the heart is not always in the same position. Remember that even though this shot is fatal, the crocodile can still head for the water, so the hunter’s second and third shots should be quick and well-placed to ensure that the trophy doesn’t disappear, never to be seen again! Quartering Away Brain Shot: This is an extremely challenging shot placement option. When given this angle on your African hunt, aim for the brain, found slightly above “the smile” and just behind the eye. To ensure a humane kill and to get your trophy crocodile into the salt, ensure that you are ready with your second and third shots in quick succession.
What Caliber Rifle is Used for Crocodile Hunting in Botswana?
Nile crocodiles are known as being extremely difficult to kill, due to their thick skins which form almost an armor-like shield, combined with their thick skulls and vertebrae. When on an African hunt targeting this predator, rifles such as a 7mm, 300-win mag, or a .375 will get the job done with minimum fuss or mess.
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