Ever thought about a hunt in South Africa? Southern Africa is a game rich paradise for adventurous sportsmen seeking a thrilling and unique Safari experience. One of the most sought-after plains game animals for hunters from around the world is the Warthog. Hunting these animals is an exhilarating adventure that combines the thrill of the hunt with the beauty of the African bushveld.
In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need relating to African Warthog hunting, covering everything from their description and size to the best locations for trophy hunting, recommended equipment, and package hunts available.
Description and Size
The Warthog is a fascinating animal, known for its large, curved tusks and unmistakable appearance. The scientific name Phacochoerus africanus is derived from the wart-like protrusions on the face. Adult boars weigh between 130 and 250 pounds, while females, or sows, are slightly smaller. They have relatively poor eyesight, an excellent sense of smell and hearing and love to wallow in the mud at every opportunity to help control parasites.
A huge Warthog can grow up to 5 feet in length, with males having a more massive head and thicker tusks and a heavier body than females. The lower incisors are razor sharp from the constant meshing with the upper set. Males are distinguished from sows by the fact that they grow two sets of warts, while females have only one set. Mother and piglets stay together while males only join the family group when the female comes into estrus.
World Record Warthog – Hunting in South Africa
The world record Warthog, the largest boar ever recorded, was hunted in South Africa’s Limpopo province. This unbelievably impressive animal had a pair of tusks measuring 24 inches on the upper tusks, securing its place in the record books for the fortunate hunter.
Warthog Trophy Size
When hunting for a trophy Warthog, ivory size matters. A big hog is considered a trophy when its tusks measure at least 10 inches in length. The bigger the teeth, the more impressive and valuable the animal is. In some cases, a hog with exceptionally large ivory may even break world records.
The minimum for inclusion in the Safari Club International record book is a score of 29 and Rowland Ward 13 inches on the longest tooth. For Rowland Ward only a single upper tooth is measured.
Habitat and Locations in South Africa
Hunting trips for these animals is available in various locations, including the Limpopo province, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and other prime hunting areas.
These regions offer a diverse range of habitats, including riverine bush, grasslands, and wooded bushveld, perfect habitat for hunting.
Water Dependence for a Warthog Hunt
Warthogs are highly water-dependent, and they often stay close to water sources, such as rivers dams and livestock drinking troughs. They need to drink water daily, which makes these areas excellent for hunting them.
Some of the biggest trophy hogs have learnt that it is safer to drink just at or after sunset, you will need to stalk them to have an opportunity of taking one on an African safari.
Areas with the Best Warthog Trophy Quality
The best areas for Warthog are the Limpopo and the Eastern Cape. These regions have consistently produced some of the biggest recorded, making them a favorite destination for hunters seeking the ultimate plains game hunting experience.
Hunting Rifle Caliber Recommendations for Hunting in South Africa
A suitable rifle for hunting Warthog should be chambered in a caliber powerful enough to take down this sturdy robust animal. Some popular cartridge choices include the 375 H&H, .270 Winchester, .308 Winchester and .30-06 Springfield and other 30 calibers will work well.
It is essential to use top quality bonded bullets with good penetration and expansion characteristics to ensure a clean, ethical kill. The Warthog is a tough critter, use a suitable caliber when hunting.
Hunting Methods – Shot Placement on Hunts
Shot placement is crucial to ensure a quick and ethical kill. When hunting Warthogs, aim for the heart-lung area, which is the most deadly target for a fast and humane kill.
To locate the heart-lung area, imagine a line that runs from the center of the front shoulder up through the center of the body. The vital area lies just behind the front shoulder, approximately one-third of the way up from the bottom of the chest. When the animal is broadside, aim for the point where the front leg joins the body, and shoot slightly above and behind that point for a heart shot.
If the animal is quartering away, you’ll need to adjust your aim accordingly. Aim slightly behind the shoulder and angle your shot forward to penetrate the chest cavity and reach the vital organs. Place your shot so that the bullet will reach the opposite front shoulder.
It is essential to be patient and wait for the right shot opportunity to ensure shots are properly placed when you spot and stalk. Remember that a well-placed shot will minimize the animal’s suffering and reduce the risk of wounding or losing the Warthog. Caution: Be cautious when approaching a wounded animal, as they can be aggressive and dangerous.
Bow Hunting Warthog in Africa
Bow hunting Warthog is an exciting and challenging alternative to rifle hunting. It requires patience, skill, and precision to get within range and make a clean shot to the vitals. Bow hunters should aim for the heart-lung area, just the same as with rifle hunting.
Bow Hunting Equipment
When on a bow hunt in South Africa for Warthog, use a compound bow with a minimum draw weight of 60 pounds or a Traditional bow of 50 lbs draw weight. Best quality, razor sharp broadheads will get the required penetration depth.
A 5 or 6mm carbon arrow are normally used to give good penetration, and are the usual recommendation when hunting. A reliable rangefinder is also essential for accurate distance estimation so that you do not shoot over or under the animal.
What will a Warthog Safari Cost?
Warthog hunting safaris in South Africa offer some of the most affordable hunting experiences on the continent.
The price to hunt a Warthog is $ 650 and a 7 day hunting package including animal fees will cost $ 3 100.
With their relatively low trophy fees, they are considered one of the most affordable animals to hunt in Africa.
Warthog Hunting Packages
A variety of hunting packages are available, catering to different budgets, preferences, and levels of experience. Some packages include only hog hunting, while others offer a combination of Warthog and other plains game species such as Blue Wildebeest, Kudu, Zebra or Impala.
Classic Safari Package
Price $5 550 for 2 X 1 & 1 X 1 $ 6 250
Prices are per package /person
7 Days
4 Game Species Animals – Blue Wildebeest, Blesbok, Impala & Warthog
Accommodation & Meals
Consult the hunting Outfitter to find out what they have available before making your booking.
Conclusion
Hunting the Warthog in South Africa is an unforgettable experience that offers sportsmen the chance to pursue one of Africa’s most iconic animals. With the thrill of the chase, the possibility of claiming a new record, and the breathtaking beauty of the landscape, it’s no wonder that pursuing Pumba remains a popular choice for worldwide adventurers.
Collecting a hog in Africa is an adventure you don’t want to miss out on. Choose a reputable South African Outfitter, plan your trip with care, and prepare for the African hunting safari of a lifetime.
Adrian Anderson first obtained his Professional Hunters license in 1991. He is a Big Five and Dangerous Game licensed Professional Hunter and Hunting Outfitter. He has a tremendous love for wildlife and the African bush and enjoys sharing his knowledge with the hunting clients that he guides. Guiding hunters in Africa’s wild places is a passion and seeing them succeed with their goals brings satisfaction. With knowledge of the Safari industry built up over 32 years he is well qualified to give guidance to his hunting clients.