African Hogs ~ Hunting The Pigs Of Africa
Some hunters really love hunting African hogs, taking as many as possible on a southern African hunt. Other pig hunting specialists venture into the rainforests especially for the impressive Giant Forest Hog.
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WARTHOG
| Phacochaerus aethiopicus |
| RW Minimum |
RW Record |
RW Measurement Method |
SCI Minimum |
SCI Record |
SCI Measurement Method |
| 13" |
24" |
6 |
29" |
342/16" |
12 |
Habitat and Requirements:
- Warthogs have a wide habitat tolerance but prefer open woodland savannahs.
Social structure:
- They are normally found in family groups.
- Warthogs have the habit of kneeling on the front knees while feeding and foraging.
- They shelter in burrows at night, which they enter tail first.
- Socially, three main groups are encountered, namely solitary boars, bachelor groups and matriarchal groups.
Gestation Period:
- After about 5-6 months gestation, 3 or 4 piglets are produced.
Identifying the sex:
- Males are bigger than females in body and tusk
- Females only have 1 set of facial warts, closer to the nostrils.
- Males have another pair of warts near the eyes which serve as protection during fights.
Hunting methods:
- Spotting,walking and stalking the likely habitats.
What to look for in a good trophy:
- Upper tusk length is the usual criteria for a good warthog which are easily seen. If you see at least 10" sticking out, go for it.
- Remember about 1/3 of the tusk length is embedded in the jaw.
- Check that both tusks are present and that one is not broken.
Shot placement:
Related Warthog topics:
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BUSHPIG
| Potamochoerus larvatus |
| RW Minimum |
RW Record |
RW Measurement Method |
SCI Minimum |
SCI Record |
SCI Measurement Method |
| 51/2" |
117/8" |
5 |
11" |
1612/16" |
12 |
Habitat and Requirements:
- Bushpigs have a wide habitat tolerance but prefers open woodland savannahs with water.
Social structure:
- They are normally found in groups of females and young and one boar.
Gestation Period:
- After about 5 months gestation, 1 to 4 piglets are produced.
Identifying the sex:
- Males are bigger than females in body and tusk.
- Both sexes have a light coloured mane.
- Both sexes have sharp tusks which are not very long and are not conspicuous.
- Males have a bony ridge and warts on the snout.
Hunting methods:
- Bushpig are rarely seen during the day as they are strictly nocturnal feeders.
- You might get lucky spotting and stalking the likely habitats on an overcast day.
- Baiting can be done with rotten meat or vegetables like corn. Make a rough blind and sneak in very early or late.
What to look for in a good trophy:
- Upper tusk length is the measurable bushpig trophy but these are not always easily seen.
- Check that both tusks are present and that one is not broken.
- A good old bushpig will be large in the body.
Shot placement:
Related bushpig topics:
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GIANT FOREST HOG
| Hylochoerus meinerthageni |
| RW Minimum |
RW Record |
RW Measurement Method |
SCI Minimum |
SCI Record |
SCI Measurement Method |
| 77/8" |
151/2" |
6 |
14" |
2512/16" |
12 |
Habitat and Requirements:
- This animal travels between forest and open savanna areas twice daily along wellworn paths.
Social structure:
- They live in large herds (sounders) of up to twenty animals.
Gestation Period:
- After about 5 months gestation, 2 to 6 piglets are produced.
Identifying the sex:
- Males are significantly bigger than females in body and tusk.
- Under the eyes of mature males are two large, naked 'warts'.
- Both sexes have upper tusks that flare outwards and upwards over the snout.
- These teeth are constantly rubbing against the shorter lower canines, filing then to razor sharpness.
Hunting methods:
- Spotting,walking and stalking the likely habitats.
What to look for in a good trophy:
- Long and thick upper tusks.
- Check that both tusks are present and that one is not broken.
- A large giant hog is indicative of an old animal.
Shot placement:
Related giant forest hog topics:
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RED RIVER HOG
| Potamochoerus porcus |
| RW Minimum |
RW Record |
RW Measurement Method |
SCI Minimum |
SCI Record |
SCI Measurement Method |
| 5" |
51/2" |
6 |
11" |
16" |
12 |
Habitat and Requirements:
- Thickets, forests, savannas and swamps.
- Prefers moist areas with soft ground and permanent water.
Social structure:
- A social animal, living in groups of 4-10, sometimes up to 20.
Gestation Period:
- After about 5 months gestation, 1 to 4 piglets are produced.
Identifying the sex:
- Males have a long snout with lengthwise ridges and warts, which are often hidden by the bushy facial hair.
- The upper tusks are relatively small and almost invisible, while the lower ones are long and razor sharp.
- The boar is larger than the sow. Also, the male has recognizable humps/lumps on both sides of the snout
Hunting methods:
- Spotting,walking and stalking the likely habitats.
What to look for in a good trophy:
- Long and thick lower tusks.
- Check that both tusks are present and that one is not broken.
- A large hog is indicative of an old animal.
Shot placement:
Related red river hog topics:
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Related topics:
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