Hunting Lion in botswana

More About Botswana Lion Hunting

A lion’s habitat can range from thick bush to dry thorn forests and even open plains, which makes Botswana the perfect destination for an African hunting adventure. Two main regions are perfect for lion hunting in Botswana, offering a textbook habitat for this king of the jungle. Firstly, the Kalahari Desert, a dry arid region, and secondly the Okavango Delta, a lush region offering grassy plains and plenty of water that attracts many animals on which the lion preys. African lions are classified as “vulnerable” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Shot Placement when Lion Hunting in Botswana

A Botswana hunting safari uses two main methods to target this dangerous cat. Firstly, the traditional tracking and walk-and-stalk method is employed, or the lion is baited and hunted from a blind. Baiting involves hanging bait in a tree, just high enough that the lion can still reach it. A temporary hide is constructed, where the hunters lie in wait for the animal to come and feed. A scent trail is created before the bait is hung by a vehicle dragging the carcass across the bush. Botswana hunting safaris are both exciting and challenging, with this apex predator being a worthy opponent! Shot placement knowledge and correct application when firing the first shot is vital for the hunter to survive the lion hunting safari. Lions, when wounded or highly annoyed are extremely dangerous, so make that first shot count and get that game hunting trophy in the salt!

Shot placement options when lion hunting in Botswana can include: The Broadside Shot This shot is one that your PH will recommend should it be appropriate. When taking this shot, the hunter is looking to hit the lion hard straight into the heart resulting in a quick and humane kill. The Frontal Shot This shot will be recommended by your PH and allows the animal a quick and humane death. With its broad chest, the lion presents a large target area for the hunter, with a perfectly aimed shot resulting in the heart and lungs being hit. Quartering away from the Hunter When on your lion hunting adventure, it may be facing away from you. In this instance, shot placement would be where the root of the tail joins the body. This is not a shot that your PH will suggest you take due to a small target and the associated risk. Quartering towards the Hunter When the lion is quartering towards the hunter, the lion will be facing the hunter at a slight angle, with 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. The Fleeing Shot This shot placement should be a follow-up option and not a first shot. If the lion has been wounded due to a poorly placed first shot and is facing away from you, this shot will severe the spine and cripple the lion.

What Caliber Rifle is used when Hunting Lion in Botswana?

While the legal minimum requirement for big game hunting in many African countries is a .375, many hunters prefer a .416 Rigby or a double rifle such as a 470NE or 500NE. Other rifle options while lion hunting in Botswana include a .458 or a .458 Lott. No matter which rifle option works best for you, at the end of the day it is the rifle that meets the requirements and with which you feel confident and shoot accurately, it is your shot placement that can make a difference between a successful Botswana hunting safari or one that went south with possibly disastrous consequences. Ensure that you are properly and adequately prepared for your leopard hunting safari. This African cat is extremely dangerous, don’t be caught unaware or ill-prepared as you will come off second best.