A South African plains game hunting safari is not complete without adding a warthog to the list of target species. Best of all, it does not even have to be a trophy warthog to have a remarkably enjoyable time. In my opinion, any successful warthog hunt is gratifying.
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Dad, Are There Pigs?
We only target boars or mature sows without offspring. When advising my kids that we have another hunting safari planned, the very first question they ask is, “Dad, are there pigs?” Not, “Where are we going?” or, “What are we hunting?” It’s just a case of: “Are there pigs, and are we allowed to shoot them?” Everyone absolutely loves hunting warthogs and my three boys have hunted plenty of them. They call themselves the “pig experts!”
One of the reasons that this South African plains game animal is such a favorite, is that very often when the African bush is quiet without much activity, sitting back and watching a hornbill going about its business, BAM a pig will just “pop out” opening the door to mayhem.
Below is Slade, with a warthog sow hunted in Limpopo, South Africa. Lovely, curled tusks, typical of a mature female.
Where can I enjoy Warthog Hunting in South Africa?
Warthog can be hunted in most areas of South Africa as populations are widely spread. Larger “tuskers” are found in the Limpopo Province, Kwa-Zulu Natal, and in the Kalahari Desert.
What is the Best Caliber for Warthog Hunting?
When it comes to hunting warthogs, basically the best caliber is the one you have readily available. Warthogs are usually found when focused on South African plains game hunting, so any 7mm or thirty caliber rifle will work perfectly.
The hunter needs to be on high alert as warthog hunting opportunities can come and go in an instant, especially when they are traversing at high speed through the bushveld.
Where is the Best Place to find a Trophy Warthog?
Warthogs favor grasslands, pans, and open woodland areas. They cannot resist freshly sprouted grass and will also inhabit areas where supplementary feeding of domestic livestock by a ranch owner takes place.
In reserves (where warthog hunting is not allowed), they can become very tame due to being fed by tourists and cause havoc in camps by digging up water pipes and drainage systems.
Having hunted warthog in South Africa for many years, there really is no specific “best place.” They just appear, and if not quick enough, just as quickly disappear.
Methods of Warthog Hunting in South Africa
On our ranch in South Africa, we have a saying. It’s “Pig O’ Clock time…” Again, it is to be reiterated that there is no set method, it all depends on what the bush presents and how lucky you get on the day. Every success is different.
Hunters love to sit around the evening fire after the hunting safari for the day has drawn to a close, enjoying a cold beer or sipping on a well-deserved scotch. I think I can categorically state that more tales have been reminisced and revolved around warthog hunting adventures than any other South African plains game animal. Warthog hunting is just action-packed from start to finish and always seems to have components of extraordinary circumstances taking place. Warthogs are unpredictable, to say the least.
They can be hunted:
- From a blind, otherwise known as a hide. African outfitters will often have permanent or temporary structures in place. Animals will be attracted to the area as it may be a water source or a supplementary feeding station.
- Walk and stalk. The hunter will take a slow stroll through the hunting grounds, stopping every 50 yards or so. As warthogs love to graze, the hunter may spot it in the distance. More often than not, the warthog is “spooked,” and the hunter needs to be quick to hit the target.
- By chance. I cannot tell you how many times I have had people walk into camp talking about the monster, or “mini rhino” warthog they just saw. Not in any special place or doing anything in particular. Warthogs have the uncanny habit of just appearing out of nowhere. I often send my kids to the neighboring ranch to fetch tools or drop off an item for delivery. They will leave on the four-wheeler, with the faithful 30.06 over their shoulder, and often return with a warthog over the back, or with long tales of how the “monster” warthog narrowly escaped.
When is the Best Time of the Day for Hunting Warthog in South Africa?
As a warthog is such a sought-after South African plains game hunting trophy, this question is always pertinent and often asked. Many African outfitters will advise as to early morning, or late afternoon. From my experience, it is any time of the day. It all depends on the geographic location; weather patterns and I reckon just what the warthogs had planned for that day! We have yet to determine a pattern, but this may be because our hunting safaris are all over Africa.
Warthog Hunting in South Africa: How to Distinguish a Male from a Sow
When warthog hunting, there are a few key differences to look out for, of course, there is time.
A mature male will have two distinct sets of warts on their faces, and females only have two in total. In mature males, these warts are very prominent. Males, if their tusks are not broken off as is often the case, have a set of tusks that are larger and thicker than the female.
African Outfitters will also advise, of course, that the hunter can look out for the presence of a penis in males. A mature male warthog will generally be larger than a sow, but when warthog hunting in South Africa, there are some enormous females with long and curved tusks.
The below image of a trophy warthog hunting in Limpopo, South Africa. It clearly shows the two sets of facial “warts,” hence the name warthog. Keenan hunted this tank of a warthog.
Warthog Poaching and Snaring in South Africa
South African Plains game hunting takes place in either national reserves and parks, or within fenced-off ranches. These privately owned ranches are enormous and perimeter borders are strung with 2,4-meter-high fences.
Like with Cape buffalo, it is not possible to “fence in” a warthog, whether electrified are not. These critters roam where they please.
In South Africa, the corrupt ANC government has allocated land areas to the previously disadvantaged local people. In many of these cases, the new “land owners” strip everything off the land and when natural resources are depleted, start snaring and trapping antelope and warthogs through the fences.
As warthogs traverse territories through these holes in the fences, wire is used to make a “loop” and as the warthog enters, snares around the warthog’s neck. These poachers are now using soft wire to ensure that while the wire holds the warthog in place, it does not cause instant death, thus keeping the “meat fresh” in the harsh African heat. There is a special place in hell for people who mistreat animals like this.
While hunting South African plains game in the Mpumalanga province in 2022, we came across this young warthog boar caught in a wire snare and had no option but to euthanize him.
Warthog Hunting in South Africa: The Need for “Cull Hunts”
There are a few areas in South Africa where the warthog populations are thriving to such an extent that there is a need for “cull hunts.” As South African plains game hunting includes trophy warthogs, and the local hunting community loves to hunt warthogs, they are exceedingly rare.
Are Warthogs Good to Eat?
Yes, indeed, warthogs are exceptionally good to eat. Your African outfitter will have a chef who will be able to prepare a five-star meal after a successful hunting safari. Warthog meat is normally presented in the form of a slow roast using the leg or the neck. Warthog steaks are often marinaded and cooked on a local South African braai (barbeque), but the chef needs to be careful not to overcook as the meat can turn very dry.
Warthogs also make some great bait when leopard hunting in Africa.
How to Identify a Trophy Warthog when Hunting South African Plains Game
Warthog trophies are measured based on the size of the tusks. A rule of thumb is that the tusks need to protrude at least six inches. The heads are boiled, and the tusks will be removed. The entire length of the tusks will be measured. The Rowald Ward measuring system shows a trophy Warthog at 13 inches and uses the SCI method, 29. Only the upper tusks are measured when evaluating the trophy warthog.
Is Warthog Hunting in South Africa Dangerous
Yes, hunting warthog can be dangerous. An adult boar can reach a weight of 250 pounds. The warthog’s upper and lower jaw constantly scrapes together (much like a hippo) sharpening them with every movement of the mouth, resulting in razor-sharp tusks.
Warthogs live in deserted antbear dens (big holes in the ground) and reverse or back up into the burrow. They can come charging out at the hunter at a rapid speed and will gladly gouge a hole into the hunter’s torso.
Shot Placement when Warthog Hunting
- The anatomy and the physical appearance of the warthog make for tricky shot placement.
- From a blind, or if the hunter is lucky enough that the Warthog stands still for a brief moment, shoot the Warthog in the brain. Aim between the eyes.
- From the broadside, much like with antelope when hunting South African plains game, a third of the way up on the shoulder will penetrate the vital organs, resulting in a quick and humane kill.
- As the warthog does not often present the hunter with “the perfect shot,” if it is feeding, the hunter can consider the “Texas heart shot.” Aim for the bullet to enter the warthog’s anus.
Read more about shot placement on a warthog.
How much will it Cost to go Warthog Hunting in South Africa?
Warthogs are usually included in South African Plains game hunting packages. Warthog harvested are billed at a trophy rate which can range between US $450 and US$750. Always budget for a warthog, no hunter on a hunting safari will ever pass up the opportunity of hunting a trophy warthog!
Below: Keenan (right) and Logan “double up” for two warthogs in Limpopo, South Africa. Hunting Weapons, semi-automatic .223, and a knife. According to Logan, the “best day of his life.”
Interesting Facts about Warthogs
- Warthogs live in family groups. These groups of warthogs are called “Sounders.”
- Warthogs can run at a speed of over 30 miles per hour.
- The famous “warts” are in fact not warts at all but are made of bone and cartilage.
- Warthogs can be foster parents if they have lost their own litter.
They are known to feed with their front legs bent and resting on the ground
Warthog Hunting: A Fun African Adventure
The most important part of Warthog hunting in South Africa is that it is fun, hence the reason that warthogs are such popular trophies amongst African hunters, both young and old.
I am often asked, like all hunters do, what was your favorite all-time shot? You would expect the answer to be when I was hunting a lion in South Africa, or hippo in Namibia, or the most difficult shot while crocodile hunting in Mozambique.
The answer as you may have guessed, was while I was hunting South African plains game in Limpopo. This warthog bolted across the side of a mountain ridge at about 200 yards out as if his butt were on fire. I threw lead, and my outfitter advised it was a direct hit. It is probably one of my favorite memories, probably because I just knew it was a “lucky shot,” not that I would ever admit that….
For more about hunting this speedy South African plains game species, read Keenan’s blog entitled “Tusks & Tales of Warthog Hunting in South Africa.”
Author: PC van Wyk