Giraffe

Size and Appearance

Giraffes can reach up to 20 feet in height, with males weighing a massive 4,200 pounds. Females are smaller, reaching 14-16 feet tall and weighing up to 2,600 pounds. Their legs alone are more than 6 feet high. They have long necks, long legs, and proportionately short bodies with light tan fur. They are randomly covered in unevenly shaped reddish-brown dots that cover the entire body. Giraffes have small, skin-covered horns, a short mane, and a tufted tail.

Hunting Methods

The walk-and-stalk method is quite popular but difficult to execute, as a giraffe’s view of its surroundings is exceptional. Tracking giraffes is another method and is easily done, especially in areas with softer terrain. Again, these animals have outstanding eyesight and hearing, making the stalk section of your hunt quite challenging.

Challenges and Rewards

Giraffe hunting in Africa can be challenging because of the animal’s exceptional eyesight, height and ability to detect movement over long distances. Stalking often requires patience and careful use of cover, particularly in more open country where giraffe can spot a hunter well before the hunter is within range.

The reward is a very distinctive plains game hunt built around patience, positioning and accurate shot placement on one of Africa’s largest and most recognizable animals.

Rifles and Requirements

Giraffe are extremely large and have very thick skin. Often when shot with a smaller caliber rifle, these animals do not “throw” a blood trail making it extremely difficult to track. A large caliber rifle such as a .375 H & H Magnum or .426 Rigby is recommended.