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South Africa and Namibia are the only two African countries where rhino hunting is legal. So, if you reviewing rhino shot placement and your game hunting safari includes another destination, you may need a strong word with your outfitter!
When considering shot placement on a white or black rhino and planning an African hunt, the hunter must know; that a rhino is a pachyderm.
It means that the rhino, like some of the other dangerous game animals, has exceptionally thick skin. Only the highest-quality bullets designed for penetration are to be used on this member of the Dangerous 7 and Big 5.
When it comes to rhino hunting in Africa, the bare minimum legal caliber of a .375 loaded with three hundred grain is to be considered. Larger caliber rifles, such as the .416 Rigby, 458 Win Mag, 458 Lott, 500 Jeffery 505 Gibbs, and similar are recommended. The higher the caliber and the better the penetration and stopping power, the better the results. When using premium-grade ammunition designed for penetration with these large caliber rifles, the hunter always needs to be aware of what, if anything, is standing behind the target.
Following a rhino track or glassing and spotting a rhino due to open grasslands being the preferred habitat, is relatively easy on African hunts. Dominant bulls are territorial. Rhinos have excellent hearing and sense of smell, but a rhino’s eyesight is not the greatest. Rhinos are relatively docile, and the hunter should, as long as they remain downwind, get to within 50 yards of the target.
As always when dangerous game hunting in Africa, make that first shot count, especially when considering the alternative of taking on a wounded, well-armed prehistoric beast like a white or black rhino.
When the hunter has the rhino in a broadside position, this high heart/lung shot is the first choice which will be recommended by your professional hunter. Follow the back of the front leg about a third of the way up just behind the roll of skin forming at the shoulder. If the shot is slightly out to the left or right, the lungs will be hit. The heart of a rhino, when compared to other big game animals, is slightly further back and a little lower. A headshot from the side will not be recommended by your professional hunter. While it could be considered as an option, the brain of the rhino lies far back in the skull which makes for difficult shooting. If the rhino broadside headshot was considered, the hunter would need to aim halfway up the forehead from the eye socket. Of course, the other consideration that would make one anxious when taking the headshot is that the quality of the trophy is based on the length of the horns as well as the base circumference. Potentially damaging this trophy is not an option!
This frontal shot will not be recommended by the dangerous game hunting professional hunter. Rhino head movement like with all big game animals is unpredictable. Any sudden movement while the trigger is pulled can lead to undesirable results and a slow and painful death if a quick follow-up cannot be made. If the frontal brain shot is considered, the hunter will need to aim for the dead center of the forehead. A bullet to the chest is mostly not an option as the rhino generally keeps his head low obscuring the target. If a frontal heart shot does present itself and is considered, place the bullet in the center of the chest. Be careful not to shoot too low. When hunting rhinos, this frontal brain shot should only be considered when the rhino is charging.
They need to place the bullet inside the point of the shoulder at the level of the heart.
When on a rhino game hunting safari and the first shot is not well executed, the rhino may present the hunter with a follow-up shot aimed at the rear end should the rhino turn and run. The hunter will need to aim in the center where the tail joins the body to break the vertebrae.
When considering shot placement on a rhino, below are the guidelines that big game animal hunters should follow, at all costs when it comes to rhino hunting in Africa. If presented with a frontal shot, wait for a broadside shot! If presented with a frontal quartering shot, wait for a broadside shot! If presented with a broadside shot, TAKE THE SHOT!!! When the correct opportunity presents itself, remain calm, shoot cooly, do not panic, and aim for the rhino’s entire body but make that first shot count!
Rhino hunting in Africa is an exciting game hunting safari pursuing a unique trophy. The proceeds of legal rhino hunting safaris vastly assist with conservation efforts in protecting one of Africa’s most iconic species against poachers who would drive the rhino populations to extinction.