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Big game hunting in Gabon is the stuff legends are made, with members of Africa’s Big 5 and Dangerous 7 available on game hunting safaris. But the pinnacle of big game hunting in Gabon goes to the king of the jungle, the African lion (Panthera Leo). From Selous to Maisaland, the lion hunting in Gabon is exceptional! Western Gabon boasts large-bodied black-maned lions while southern Gabon is renowned for its maneless lions, who are fearless and fearsome. The sheer number of lions available for hunting safaris, together with the quality of these trophies makes it a prime destination for lion hunting in Africa.
Gabon’s hunting season runs from the beginning of July to the end of March. When big game hunting in Gabon, only lions older than six years are hunted, and a 21-day hunting permit is required for lion hunting in Gabon. Hunting may not take place at night, or under artificial lights. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has identified the African lion's status as “vulnerable.” Lion hunting in Gabon requires a CITES permit, with a minimum 21–day hunting permit. If you want to take your trophy to America, you must ensure that you hunt your lion in an area with conservation concessions to meet the requirements of US Fishing and Wildlife Services (USFWS).
Shot Placement while Lion Hunting in Gabon
A lion hunting safari in Gabon is undertaken in two ways: baiting the animal or through a walk-and-stalk African hunt. While baiting involves hanging bait in a tree, just high enough that the lion can still reach it, and then shooting the lion from a temporary blind, the walk-and-stalk sees trackers and the hunter following the lion’s tracks until close enough to take the perfect shot. Once close enough to make that shot, remember shot placement. While shot placement on any African hunt is important, your shot placement on a lion hunting safari in Gabon might be the difference between life and death, namely yours! Lion hunting safaris are an exciting, adrenalin-filled hunting adventure, but don’t be caught ill-prepared.
Shot placement options for a lion hunting safari in Gabon will differ according to the conditions, the distance between the hunter and the kill zones, and the angles, amongst others. Shot placement options when hunting this fearsome member of the Dangerous 7 can include: The Broadside Shot The broadside shot remains a choice option which many PHs will suggest. When taking this shot, the hunter is looking to hit the lion hard straight into the heart resulting in a quick and humane kill. When the lion stands broadside, the heart will sit behind the lion’s front leg, just above the elbow joint. The Frontal Shot Your PH would recommend this shot, if appropriate. A perfectly placed bullet in this position will hit the heart and lungs and will be humane and deadly. Quartering towards the Hunter When this apex predator is quartering towards a hunter, the lion will be facing him at a slight angle. The perfect shot will be aimed at the base of the lion’s neck where it meets the shoulder. The bullet will go through into the heart and lungs of the lion and will be deadly. Quartering away from the Hunter While lion hunting in Gabon the animal may be facing away from you and shot placement for this scenario would be where the root of the tail joins the body. This is not a shot your PH will suggest due to a small target area. The Fleeing Shot This shot placement is not recommended as a first shot. If the lion has been wounded due to a poorly placed first shot and is facing away from you, this shot severs the spine and will cripple the lion.
What Caliber Rifle is Used for Lion Hunting in Gabon?
The legal requirement for lion hunting in Africa is a .375 caliber. A .416 Rigby or a double rifle like a 470NE or 500NE are good choices when lion hunting in Gabon, while other hunters prefer a .458 or a .458 Lott. On your hunting safari, be sure to use premium-grade ammunition, and remember that soft expanding tips work well when targeting this mighty African cat. While your rifle choice is important, so is your shot placement – make that first shot count! Bow hunting of dangerous game species is not allowed in Gabon.
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