Africa hunting trips are beginning to show a few trends changes when considering the focus and traditional nature of hunting safaris.
While big five hunting in Africa, along with an enormous variety of Africa plains game hunting safaris which have always been the favorites on offer by African outfitters, we are seeing a growing appetite by international hunters for specialty animals.
Trophy hyena hunting in Africa, for both the spotted hyena and brown hyena is on the increase.
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Hunting Safari Recommendations When Considering Hyena Hunting in Africa
- Hyenas were traditionally combined with other African hunts, especially when leopard hunting in Africa.
- With the price of leopard hunting safaris on the increase, these African cats are no longer affordable for all international hunters.
- Leopard hunting in Africa would normally take place on 14-21-day game hunting safaris, possibly leaving a small margin of time to hunt other opportunistic critters.
- As such, hyena hunting in Africa is becoming popular as a standalone hunting safari.
- The hunter needs to take into consideration that hyena hunting takes place mostly at night as these animals are nocturnal. Occasionally, hyenas do make grand appearances during the day or late afternoon.
Consult with your hunt broker and be sure to add on additional nocturnal species and consider including:
- Honey Badger hunting
- Caracal hunting
- Civet hunting
- Serval hunting
- African Genet hunting
- One of my personal favorites, Porcupine hunting
As the cost of the African hunting trip for hyena hunting already includes day fees, meals, laundry services, skinners, and trackers, synergize the safari hunting costs. Consider, if budget so allows to add on additional nighttime critters and other African cats.
These species share the same habitat as the spotted and brown hyena and may come and investigate the hyena hunting territories under the cover and protection of darkness.
A variety of Africa plains game is always available to keep hyena hunters busy during daylight hours. As hyena hunting in Africa takes the hunter to remote parts of the continent, check with your hunt broker if there are additional species of antelope or cats that are endemic or available to your destination country.
By way of example, should hyena hunting in Africa direct you to Namibia, additional and endemic African plains game to be considered would be:
- Damara Dik-Dik hunting
- Hartmann’s Zebra hunting
- Black-faced Impala hunting
- Cheetah hunting. Cheetah hunting is only legally allowed in Namibia.
If hyena hunting in Zambia, popular African plains game would include:
- Sitatunga hunting
- Kafue Lechwe hunting
Another all-time favorite while hyena hunting in Africa is bushpig hunting, Africa’s version of the European boar. Bushpig hunting also takes place in the darkest hours of the night and is an exhilarating experience. The bushpig has tusks that can grow to a razor-sharp length of seven inches and a trophy bushpig specimen can weigh up to 200 pounds.
As bushpig hunting in Africa also involves baiting, there is an incredibly good chance that this beast will attempt to take the hyena bait. When on a bushpig hunting safari, the hunter needs to know that these hogs have superb hearing, excellent eyesight, and smell. Adding a bushpig or two to your hyena hunting safari is highly recommended.
Africa has a variety of trophy animals to hunt. Ensure that your African hunting trip to a specific destination includes as many species as possible.
FAQs when Hyena Hunting in Africa
Is Brown Hyena Hunting in Africa Legal?
Yes, it is legal to hunt brown hyenas in certain African countries. Brown Hyena are, however, listed as a protected and threatened species by the UICN. A (TOPS) permit must be arranged before the commencement of your game hunting safari. African outfitters will have all the particulars, alternatively consult with your hunt broker.
What is The Best Caliber For Hyena Hunting in Africa?
A 7mm caliber is an excellent choice. Any thirty caliber will suffice, even a .308. My preferred rifle of choice when on a hyena game hunting safari is a 300 win-mag loaded with 180 grains.
Regardless of the caliber, as on any other African hunting trips, shot placement is critical to ensure a quick and humane death.
Are Hyenas Good Hunters?
Hyenas always seem to be classified as scavengers, but they are, in fact, exceptional hunters, especially the spotted hyena (also known as the Laughing Hyena). Two or three spotted hyenas can easily take down prey such as blue wildebeest, blesbok, and impala.
What Hunting Methods Are Used When Hyena Hunting in Africa?
- Free range hunting of hyena is done by baiting various areas of the hunting grounds.
- African outfitters will start this process before the commencement of the game hunting safari.
- The area showing the most hyena activity will be the start of the hyena hunting adventure!
- Trail cams taking footage of night time activities may be utilized.
- Other hyena hunting options may include calling or spotlighting, and all these methods will be under the cover of darkness.
What Will The Hyena Hunting Safari Include?
- The trophy fee for the hyena includes any permit costs.
- Accommodation, including meals and beverages.
- Transfers to and from the point of entry into the chosen country. Depending on the hunting area and country, domestic airfare for travel may be required.
- The option of renting a suitable rifle will be available, making it easier to travel across international borders.
- African outfitters promote family-friendly hunting safaris, so the hunter will have the choice of bringing an observer.
What Does it Cost To Go Hyena Hunting in Africa?
Hyena hunting safaris do not cost the earth and are very reasonable and affordable. We reiterate considering the addition of hunting any additional nighttime critters or African plains game species.
A typical five-day hunting safari in countries such as Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe will cost between US $4,500 and US $6,000, depending, of course, on the facilities provided by the African outfitters. Hyena hunting in countries such as Zambia and Tanzania is more expensive.
Are There Discount Hunts For Hyena Hunting Safaris?
Yes, discount hunts for hyenas do become available. African outfitters are issued with permits regulating the number of hyenas that may be hunted every year. Towards the end of the season, tags/permits may still be available, or otherwise classified as unsold. African outfitters who need to utilize these tags before the end of the season will then promote them as hyena discount hunts.
When is The Best Time of Year to go Hyena Hunting in Africa?
Hyena hunting in Africa is not regulated and they can be hunted all year round. When planning the game hunting safari, it would be recommended to go hunting between April to August. Also, be aware that hyena hunting is preferred in dark conditions, it is better not to hunt hyena on the full moon, so it is advised to check the lunar calendar.
How to Differentiate Between Male and Female Spotted Hyenas
The visual sexual determination of a spotted hyena is almost impossible. Female spotted hyenas have an extended clitoris which resembles a penis. Taking the size of the head into account is a consideration, female spotted hyenas are larger than males.
Do Hyenas Make Good Trophy Mounts?
Hyenas make excellent trophy mounts, especially when “full mounted” alongside other smaller African cats or porcupines. It is advisable to make use of local African taxidermists who understand the “makeup” of the hyena trophies. Browse their websites, review the images, or speak with your hunt broker for advice.
Read more about taxidermy.
What Happens if The Hyena Hunting Safari Was Unsuccessful?
No Africa hunting trip comes with any guarantees, much like with life in general. Should the trophy hyena hunt not be successful, African outfitters will refund the hyena trophy fee. Talk to your hunt broker and check historic success rates within the hunting areas, as well as the best hyena hunting months for that specific piece of Africa.
Hyena hunting in Africa is a challenge, not for the faint-hearted, and like any other big game hunting safari, we take what Africa is prepared to give.
Shot Placement When Hyena Hunting in Africa
- Side or frontal brain shots are to be always avoided, as your trophy spotted or brown hyena will most likely be ruined.
- From the broadside, aim a third of the way up the shoulder.
- If the Hyena is quartering away from you, place the bullet just behind the shoulder blade. The bullet will travel into the hyena and penetrate the vital organs, namely the heart and lungs.
- When the hyena is quartering towards the hunter, place the bullet just in front of the shoulder. Draw an imaginary line from the point of entry to where it is projected that the bullet exits the hyena.
Hyena Hunting Lodges in Africa
- When planning the hunting safari and pondering the accommodations and service offerings, know that African outfitters offer some great lodges.
- The quality of hunting lodges in Africa will vary from country to country, but they will be comfortable and serve great food and beverages.
- If the hyena hunting grounds are exceptionally remote, it is suggested that the hunter check the availability of wi-fi, data, and cell signal, alternatively, a satellite phone may be a consideration.
- Chefs employed by African outfitters certainly know how to prepare local cuisine. The possibility of the hunter leaving Africa a few pounds heavier is very likely!
Book That Hyena Hunting Adventure!
Hyena hunting in Africa is an exciting and fulfilling experience, be sure to add this hunt to the books.
Read more about hunting trips in Africa, hunting lodges in Africa, or African specialty animals, including the hyena.
Author: PC van Wyk