Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
Botswana is one of the most diverse and intriguing specialty game hunting destinations in which to hunt. The area is home to both a desert and delta, with hyenas found throughout the country. Three types of hyenas are found in Botswana, namely the spotted and brown hyena, as well as the aardwolf. The spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) is the largest and most social of the three. You will recognize this hyena by its call, which seems like a witch’s cackle or madman’s laugh. The brown hyena (Parahyaena brunnea), which is known as being the rarest of the hyena species The aardwolf (Proteles cristata), a shy, nocturnal animal that lives on termites. Hyena hunts are generally seen as an add-on to an African plains game hunt or a big game hunting adventure. Remember to inform your African outfitter timeously that you wish to engage in hyena hunts, to ensure that all necessary permits are in order and arranged. The best time for hyena hunting is during the dry season that runs from May to around October.
Hyena hunts usually take two forms, either baiting from a blind or walk-and-stalk. Baiting involves leaving bait for the animal to find, such as impala or wildebeest, with the hunter ready and waiting in a blind for them to return to the bait. Alternatively, and depending on the time of year and conditions, the hunt can take the form of a walk-and-stalk that is tracked through the bush. The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s status for the brown hyena is “near threatened” while the spotted hyena and aardwolf have a status of “least concern.”
Shot Placement when Hyena Hunting in Botswana
When on hyena hunting, a brain or headshot is not an option, as this will result in your game hunting trophy being ruined. Rather opt for a shot on the shoulder, or one just behind the shoulder and into the vital organs. This will provide a quick and humane death. Should the hyena be quartering towards or away from you as the hunter, adjust to aim just before or behind the shoulder. Remember, when hunting hyena, the larger the head, the better the trophy.
What Caliber Rifle is used on Botswana Hyena Hunts?
Numerous caliber rifles can work well for a hyena hunting safari. Should you have been on an African plains game safari, your rifle for that safari hunt should suffice, or even a .375 should you have been targeting dangerous game. The minimum caliber rifle should be 7mm, with a high-quality bullet weighing 150 grains. In the 30 caliber rifles, a .308 or 30.06 will get the job done both quickly and humanely.
Search from our range of Hunts across various popular destinations in Africa.
Book Your Hunt
