Trophy Hunting Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus, "African Lens-Pig") in South Africa

DESCRIPTION

The warthog is one of the species which can be trophy hunted on a hunting safari in South Africa accompanied by experienced professional hunters from the Grootpan Outfit.

The warthog is a wild member of the pig family that lives in Africa. The common name comes from the four large wart-like protrusions found on the head of the warthog, which serve the purpose of defense when males fight as well as a fat reserve. Warthogs range in size from 0.91 to 1.5 meters (3.0 to 4.9 ft) in length and 50 to 150 kg (110 to 330 lb) in weight. A warthog is identifiable by the two pairs of tusks protruding from the mouth, which are used as weapons against predators. The upper canine teeth can grow to 23cm (9.1 in), and are of a squashed circle shape in cross section, almost rectangular, being about 4.5 cm (1.8 in) deep and 2.5 cm (0.98 in) wide. The tusk will curve 90 degrees or more from the root and the tusk will not lie flat on a table, as it curves somewhat backwards as it grows. The tusks are used for digging, for combat with other hogs, and in defense against predators-the lower set can inflict severe wounds. 

Warthog ivory is taken from the constantly growing canine teeth. Each warthog has a pair of teeth in each jaw with the lower teeth being far shorter than the upper teeth. Both pairs grow upwards, with the upper teeth being by far the more spectacular in appearance. The lower pair, however, is the more dangerous: the teeth are straight, sharply pointed, and keep a keen edge by the upper pair rubbing against the lower pair. The tusks, more often the upper set, are worked much in the way of elephant tusks with all designs scaled down.

The male is called a boar, the female a sow, and the young piglets. Warthogs are powerful diggers, using both snout and feet. Whilst feeding, they often bend the front feet backwards and move around on the wrists. Although they can dig their own burrows, they commonly occupy abandoned burrows of aardvarks or other animals. The warthog commonly reverses into burrows, with the head always facing the opening and ready to burst out if necessary.

Warthogs are fast runners and quite capable jumpers. They will often run with their tails in the air. Despite poor eyesight, warthogs have a good sense of smell, which they use for locating food, detecting predators and recognizing other animals.

Although capable of fighting, with males aggressively fighting each other during mating season, a primary defense is to flee by means of fast sprinting. The main warthog predators are humans, lions, leopards, crocodiles, and hyenas. Warthogs can inflict severe wounds on lions, sometimes ending with the lions bleeding to death.

WHERE TO HUNT WARTHOG

Warthog have widespread distribution in Africa. In some parts of South Africa and Zimbabwe they are so plentiful that they will become like domestic pets in times of drought, hanging around farmyards, wallowing in the swimming pool and grazing on the lawn. Grootpan Hunting Safaris hunt warthog at both these destinations

TIPS ON HUNTING WARTHOG

Every hunter will hunt warthog when visiting Africa.Warthog are widespread and found in most hunting areas of southern Africa. There is no particular way to hunt warthog  as they are usually shot while hunting other game. The hunter should place his shot on just behind the front leg and preferably not try a brain shot, as the brain is small and surrounded by bone. A headshot will sometimes drop the hog but don't be surprised if it gets up and vanishes never to be seen again.

RIFLE CALIBRE FOR HUNTING WARTHOG

Any caliber from a .270 upwards is sufficient.

TROPHY ASSESMENT FOR HUNTING WARTHOG

Males are distinguished from females as they have 2 sets of warts on their faces, below the eyes and midway along the snout, while females only have one set below the eyes.  Male tusks are thicker and are noticeably bigger with a considerable part being covered by skin and bone. Any tusks protruding about 5 inches is a decent trophy size with bigger males usually being solitary and found by chance.

CITES

No restrictions on hunting warthog

RW minimum score - 13"

SCI minimum score - 30"

Share: