Animals for the Hunt

DAILY RATES

There has been many bad situations involving dangerous game that could have been avoided. Therefore, we have a slightly higher daily rate to justify having a second Professional Hunter accompany you on your hunt making sure everything runs smooth as planned.

Rates Include:

• An unforgettable experience in Africa
• All Lodging and meals
• All land transportation for the duration of the safari
• Services of a Professional Hunter
• Rifle and ammunition usage (if you don't want to bring your personal rifles with)
• Services of camp staff
• Services of trackers and skinners
• Laundry service
• Field preparation of trophies
• All applicable taxes
• All applicable license and permit fees

Rates Exclude:

• Air transportation to and from South Africa
• Taxidermy work
• Dipping, packing and shipping of trophies

VIDEOGRAPHY

We work with one of the best in the business. Averaging around $330 per day, African Sun Productions is sure to get the shots you expect from a top of the line videographer. 

SOUTH AFRICA US DOLLAR PRICELIST 

** Some species  are not available at our base camp concessions and would require traveling to other parts of South Africa.

Baboon

Black Wildebeest

Black wildebeest are herd animals that are naturally prevalent on the central plains of South Africa. After nearly being hunted to extinction in the early 1900's, conservation efforts have increased their numbers to sustainable levels.  Income derived from hunting is an important contributor to the conservation efforts of the black wildebeest.

Blesbuck

The common Blesbuck is a medium sized buck that live in herds on the open grasslands and are primarily grazing animals. Blesbuck are one of the most commonly hunted antelope in South Africa. They favour open plains with water available. Due to the terrain, faster shooting calibers with a relatively flat trajectory are best, as the shots are mostly taken from a long distance.

Blesbuck (White)

The Blesbuck is a medium sized antelope hailing from the South African. They live in herds on the open grasslands and are primarily grazing animals. White blesbok are a colour variation on the common blesbuck. They are native to the same regions as the common blesbuck, and are hunted in the same manner.

Blue Duiker

Blue Wildebeest

Blue wildebeest are a very popular species that can be hunted on the plains. Traditionally walk-and-stalk is the preferred method of hunting. Special care must be taken on the final approach to a herd, as most members are on the alert and any movement will startle them and prevent a successful hunt. Blue Wildebeest are grazers and move in herds of anything from 25-50 animals in open terrain. Grass is their preferred food, but they will also eat shrubs and leaves if grass is in short supply.

Bontebok

The bontebok is a very handsome animal and makes a unique trophy the serious hunter. It prefers the open plains, occasionally venturing into bush. Bontebok move in herds, feeding mostly on grass and need water daily. The best time to hunt them is between February and October when grass is plentiful.  They can be hunted outside this period, but are a more difficult target,  as they tend to frequent the more open and mountainous areas.

Bushbuck (Cape)

The Cape Bushbuck is a sub-species, and they are the smallest of South Africa's spiral-horned antelope. They can be elusive as they are solitary animals, only pairing up with females for mating. The males tend to favour thick vegetation and can be found late afternoon in the thick bush surrounding river courses.  Bushbuck have been known to lie in ambush of hunters if wounded, so caution should be exercised.

Bushbuck (Limpopo)

Bushbuck are the smallest South Africa's spiral-horned antelope. They can be elusive as they are solitary animals, only pairing up with females for mating. The males tend to favour thick vegetation and can be found late afternoon in the thick bush surrounding river courses.  Bushbuck have been known to lie in ambush of hunters if wounded, so caution should be exercised.

Bushpig

Bush pig are a medium sized species of pig, the hunting of which mostly takes place at night, as they are nocturnal animals. Their preferred habitat is dense overgrowth. They are not especially attractive animals and have long, shaggy coats of varying colours, with short tusks on their upper and lower jaw. While they are not normally aggressive, a wounded or trapped animal can cause injury to an unwary hunter, so backup is recommended when hunting them.

Cape Buffalo

One of the Big Five, buffalo prefer densely wooded savanna areas, making them difficult to spot.  This often means taking a shot at reasonably close range (30M-80M). They are best hunted in the Winter months when the leaves have fallen from the vegetation. Hunt between June and September.

Cape Grysbuck

Caracal/Lynx

The caracal, known locally as the 'rooikat', is a smallish cat similar to the lynx with fur varying from a light to dark brick red. They sport a short tail and prominent ear tufts. The males and females are similar in size and they are mostly nocturnal.  Their prey is primarily birds, small mammals and reptiles, but they are capable of hunting medium-sized antelope as well.

Civet Cat

The name of this carnivore is somewhat misleading, as it is related to the mongoose family. It preys on birds and small mammals, as well as opportunistically on insects, amphibians, reptiles and fruit. It is nocturnal and very shy, thus very rarely seen. When startled, it gives off a distinct smell from glands near its anus.

Common (Grey) Duiker

The common duiker, also known as the grey duiker, are normally taken opportunistically when hunting other species of antelope.They are one of the smaller species of antelope species, and survive due to the fact that they are exceptionally alert to any potential threat.  Often the opportunity to bag  one will be when it is startled, and flees, dodging and side-stepping away from any perceived threat.

Common Reedbuck

The common reedbuck is a beautiful medium sized antelope that frequents wetlands and permanent water sources. It is active during the late afternoon, evening and early morning.  It mostly avoids the heat of day, where it will bed down in long grass.  It will remain still for as long as possible in the face of a potential threat and will often present only a brief target from when it flushed from its hiding place.

Crocodile

Crocodiles hunting presents a very testing and enjoyable hunt for a marksman in search of an impressive full mount trophy. They have an acute sense of smell, reasonably good eyesight and can sense vibrations through the ground when they are laying on the river banks.  Successfully hunting one will probably entail setting up a blind in a good position near a suitable animal, or sneaking up to a shooting position.  Accurate shooting is essential, as a wounded animal will retreat to the water, and their carcasses do not float.  It is not advisable to enter crocodile inhabited water in search of a possible trophy.

Eland (Cape)

Eland (Livingstone)

Elephant

The African elephant is the largest of the Big Five, and hunting it is very arduous physically, requiring that the hunter be in good shape. Very often large distances need to be covered on foot, often for days on end, before a prime trophy specimen is found.  At first light, the tracker will search for fresh spoor, and only if it is fresh enough and potentially a tusker, will it be followed. Familiarity with the weapon being used is essential, as elephant encounters mostly occur at close range, making the first shot crucial.

Fallow Deer

Fallow deer is a non-indigenous species imported from Europe that grow to excellent trophy size due to the agreeable climate, in contrast to their native country. They are grazers and are found in a wide variety of habitats due to their adaptibility.  Only males have antlers, with maximum growth achieved in the months of October and November.  They can be hunted in much the same manner as the North American white tail, and are active early mornings and late afternoon.

Gemsbuck

Genet Cat

Genet cats are more closely related to the mongoose family than felines. They are small, weighing between 3lbs to 5lbs, with colours varying from yellowish to grey and black spots on their sides and distinctive white markings around the eyes, mouth and nose.  They are solitary nocturnal creatures that hunt small mammals, birds and insects.  They live in dense bush and are extremely agile.

Giraffe

The giraffe is the world's largest ruminant.  They are difficult to approach due to their sharp hearing and eyesight.  They are mostly hunted by the spot and stalk method or tracking.  A large caliber rifle is required due to their exceptionally tough skin, and if mounted in the preferred method, from the shoulder up, a high ceiling.  The back skin is more or less the same size as that of a full cow hide.

Hippopotamus

Hippopotamus hunting is an extremely dangerous endeavor.  Hippos are the cause of more deaths in Africa a year than any other animal, due to the fact that they rely on water, which frequently brings them into contact with humans.  They will instinctively attack anything that stands between them and water when they are on the retreat, as well as to defend their territory.  They spend their days in the water, emerging at night to cover vast distances in search of food.

Impala

The impala, known as the rooibok locally, will be hunted by pretty much every hunter that comes to South Africa.  They are both browsers and grazers, and are adaptable to a multitude of different habitats.  They move around in large herds  and bunch up when they are threatened. Due to their small frame, there is a distinct risk that a bullet will pass straight through an animal and hit an unintended target on the other side. Only the rams carry horns. Their meat is also delicious and is a staple around the campfire.

Jackal

The jackal is a scavenger found widely throughout any region hunted in South Africa.  It is slightly smaller than the North American coyote. They are considered a pest by livestock and game farmers, as they take the vulnerable young of other species.  They are mostly targets of opportunity and will be encountered whilst looking for other game.  Very often farmers will request that hunters encountering them, shoot them on sight.

Klipspringer

Klipspringers are part of the Tiny 10 antelope species.  Their habitat is rocky terrain and mountainous areas. They possess excellent camouflage, and are very hard to spot. They are extremely agile and can navigate the steepest terrain with apparent ease. You need to be a good shot to bag one of these beauties, as they are very alert and present a small target.  Their hair is susceptible to hair slip, so they need to be skinned immediately after bagging.

Kudu (Southern Greater)

Kudu horns are one of the most sought after trophies for any serious hunter of African game.  They have a special place in the hierarchy of big game hunting.  Kudu are found throughout the country.  Their preferred habitat is hilly terrain with overgrowth.  Their natural camouflage makes them difficult to spot in dense vegetation.  Traditionally, the largest sets of horns have been found in animals from the more Northern regions of South Africa.

Leopard

Hunting a leopard is the most challenging of any of the Big Five.  They are very elusive and avoid human contact as far as possible.  A successful hunt is never guaranteed.  They are mostly hunted over bait, often meaning many long hours spent waiting for an opportunity to present itself.  Leopard hunting is strictly regulated, with only a limited number of pre-issued CITES tags being made available every year.  To increase the chances of a successful hunt, it is best to plan to stay for a lengthy period of time and have a great deal of patience.

Lion

Lion hunting is mostly done as walk-and-stalk safaris.  It is very challenging and the thrill of seeing the animal for the first time is something you will never forget.  This is the experience of a lifetime and an absolute must for any hunter serious about completing the Big Five.

Mountain Reedbuck

As the name would suggest, you will be hunting the mountain reedbuck in steep terrain involving a lot of climbing.   The males are the only ones that have horns in the herd.  They are found in small family herds and are extremely alert to any possible danger.  You will be shooting from long range with an altitude differential, so a fast, flat shooting caliber would be the rifle of choice.

Nyala

The Nyala is a spiral horned antelope, medium bodied, with striking white markings down the flanks of the immature males and females. They have a white chevron marking on their faces between the eyes and a distinctive white crest running down their backs. Their preferred habitat is wooded savanna. The males are substantially larger then the females, weighing in at between 200-300 pounds.

Ostrich

Porcupine

The African porcupine is a member of the rodent family.  It is not an animal that is commonly hunted by trophy hunters when they come to South Africa, but tends to be a target of opportunity.  They are nocturnal animals and should be treated with caution at close range. A great number of over zealous hunting dogs have learned, to their regret, that a face full of quills are extremely painful.

Red Duiker

Red duiker is a small antelope, whose distinguishing characteristic is its chestnut colour.  Both sexes have horns, the males ones being twice the size of the females.  They frequent the forest regions, and are foragers.  They are best hunted with a shotgun or solid bullets.  Most encounters with them are fleeting due to the terrain, so quick and accurate shooting is required to bag one.

Red Hartebeest

Red hartebeest are one of the fastest antelope found on the plains of South Africa. They like open terrain where they can use their speed to their advantage.  Despite having poor eyesight, they more than make up for it with acute hearing and a sharp sense of smell.  They should be approached from downwind and are often very wily prey.  Both sexes have horns, so care should be taken in distinguishing them.

Red Lechwe

Red lechwe are not originally from South Africa and were introduced from neighbouring countries.  Their preferred habitat is shallow floodplains and they are well adapted to the water, being excellent swimmers.  Slow on land, they will flee to water to avoid predators.  They can be found feeding on river grasses knee deep in water early mornings and late afternoons, spending the day on land resting out of the worst of the heat. It is almost guaranteed that you will get your feet wet hunting and retrieving your trophy.  Only the males have horns.

Roan Antelope

The roan antelope is the second largest plains antelope in South Africa.  Their numbers have increased over the last few years due to breeding projects that have reintroduced them into areas that they were present in before.  They have medium sized horns and care should be exercised when selecting a target, as both sexes have horns.  Due to their relative scarcity, they are pricey to hunt, but make a fabulous addition to your collection.

Sable Antelope

The majestic sable is one of the most sought after trophies on any African hunt.  The distinctive scimitar-shaped horns and colouring make them one of the most beautiful antelope in Africa.  They are mostly active during the early mornings and late afternoons.  Their colouring makes them relatively easy to spot even in vegetation.  Despite the fact that they are somewhat expensive to hunt, their sheer magnificence makes them worth the price.  Care should be exercised in choosing a specimen, as both males and females have horns.

Springbuck (Black)

The black springbok is not a sub-species of the common springbok, but a colour variation.  Due to their relative rarity compared to their brothers, they are more sought after as a trophy.  Expect to shoot over open terrain when hunting them.  They are not very large or especially hard to bring down, so a smaller caliber will suffice.  Springbok are indigenous to South Africa, making them on of the must-have trophies of a hunt here.

Springbuck (Common)

The common springbok is South Africa's national animal, and is one of the more common species of antelope.  They are prevalent in all the open plains areas of the country, and do well in the more arid areas, as they obtain all the moisture they need from their food. You should be hunting them with a high velocity, flat trajectory caliber.  Their exceptional eyesight means that it will be challenging to get into place to take a good shot in the terrain they frequent.  They have very striking markings, which makes them a beautiful trophy.

Springbuck (Copper)

The copper springbok is a colour variation of the common springbok.  This makes it more sought after as a trophy.  Both sexes have horns, with those of the males being longer and heavier.  They are social creatures and form quite large herds. They will drink water when it is available, but can obtain sufficient moisture from the vegetation they eat, making them well adapted to the more arid regions.

Springbuck (White)

The white springbok is variation in colouring of the common springbok.  They share the same habitat and behaviour as the common springbok.  They are social animals and will bunch up when threatened.  They display a form of behaviour called "pronking", which happens when they are running and will then leap into the air with stiff legs and hooves bunched.  They are found on all the open plains of South Africa. They are both browsers and grazers and will alter their diet as the habitat changes.

Steenbuck

Steenbok are a small antelope species that are common throughout South Africa. Only the males have horns.  They are solitary animals that are not dependent on a primary water source, getting their hydration from their food.  They are not commonly hunted specifically as a trophy, and would tend to be a target of opportunity. Primarily active early morning and evenings, they are browsers but also graze on fresh grass shoots. They lie flat in the grass to avoid detection, making them hard to spot.

Tsessebe

The Tsessebe is a darkish brown herd animal with black blaze on its face.  It has a somewhat odd appearance, with its shoulders being higher than its hind quarters.  This, however, does not prevent them from being the fastest antelope on the continent.  They can be stalked early mornings, or ambushed when they are seeking shade.  They have a tendency to be inquisitive, so will not run far after being startled before stopping to get a second look.  Both sexes have horns.

Vaal Rhebuck

The Vaal rhebuck is only found in South Africa.  They are relatively scarce, making them very sought after by trophy hunters.  They frequent mountainous areas and may just be the most challenging antelope to walk and stalk hunt.  They are very agile, and possess an exceptionally keen instinct for danger.  Their eyesight is second to none, and if startled, will run for a long distance, remaining on the alert for a long period of time thereafter.  The prospective hunter should be physically fit and able to hit a target at a long distance. A flat shooting caliber is recommended.

Warthog

Warthog are common throughout Southern Africa, and can be found in almost all habitats other than thick forests and desert.  They are medium sized  members of the pig family.  Both sexes have tusks, with those of the male being much more prominent.  Their meat is delicious and they are a favourite with most of the big cats, who prey on them.  They are found around waterholes and pans.  From downwind, it is possible to stalk to within a very close distance of a warthog.

Waterbuck

Waterbuck are a large speices of antelope with a distinct white circle around their tails. The males are slightly larger and heavier than the females.  They are social animals and congregate in nursery or bachelors herds. As the name implies, they are found near water sources.  Their habitat preference of scrub and savanna near to water sources brings them into competition with humans a lot, causing population numbers to drop over the last while.

White Rhino

The white rhinoceros, largest of the five species of rhinoceros, weighs on average around 2 tons for the mails, slightly less for females. It has a massive body and large head, a short neck and broad chest.

Zebra (Burchells)

The Burchell's zebra is common throughout the plains and open grasslands of Southern Africa.  They are grazers but will also browse in wooded areas should the need arise.  They are large equids, with the mature males weighing up to 800 pounds. They are dependent on water and must drink daily, so they will always be found in proximity to water sources. The herd will consist of a dominant stallion with mares and foals. Young males get evicted form the herd when they mature and will live in bachelors herds until they can challenge for a herd of their own.

Zebra (Hartmans)

Hatrmann's mountain zebra is a subspecies of the mountain zebra.  They are equids with distinctive black and white stripes, are sought after for their hides as trophies.  The Hartmann's zebra occurs in smallish herds and favours mountainous terrain, and as such are exceptionally good climbers.  They are slightly smaller than their plains cousins and are also adapted to the more arid conditions they are native to.