Hyrax hunting
7 hunting trips from 3 outfitters starting from $825
Where to hunt Hyrax
There are five known species of Hyrax, split into two categories, the Rock Hyrax and Tree Hyrax groups. The Tree Hyrax group is represented by the Western, Southern and Eastern Tree Hyrax and the Rock Hyrax group the Yellow-spotted and Rock Hyrax, with the Rock Hyrax having the largest distribution range in Africa. It occurs in rocky outcrops known as koppies throughout sub-Saharan Africa except for the Congo basin and even up to Egypt and the Middle East. They may be hunted in numerous southern and east African countries but only South Africa has listing offers on BookYourHunt.
Price distribution
On private land these animals are often classified as vermin and may be hunted for free. However, they need to be field prepared for export so some do charge a trophy fee. If hunted during the course of a normal plains game hunt in South Africa, the daily rate is approximately $350-$450 per day with a trophy fee of $40-50. This species often does not appear on an Outfitters price list so if you specifically want to hunt one you will need to ask your Outfitter for a price.
When to hunt Hyrax?
Hyrax may be hunted year round in South Africa and Zimbabwe. In Mozambique, Hyrax may only be hunted during the hunting season which opens on April 1 and closes on November 30. Likewise, in Zambia and Tanzania, Hyrax are shot during the hunting season which is from July to December in Tanzania and in Zambia’s case, the season is from May to the end of November. If hunted in Namibia, the hunting season is from February 1 to the end of November.
Hunting methods All hunting methods (8)
In general, Hyrax may be hunted any time of the day and normally when the opportunity arises. In the wild they are often found sunning themselves on rocky outcrops in the early morning sun. This is the closest form of varmint hunting available in Africa that compares with prairie dog hunting in the USA. The best way to hunt Hyrax is find a position in the shade behind some rocks within range of your known target and wait for them to come out and sun themselves on a rock.
Why hunt Hyrax?
For varmint and airgun hunters, hunting these animals can be extremely exciting and can offer some great long distance shooting challenges. Although not normally hunted during the course of a plains game hunt, they may be targeted by small predator hunters wanting something different to mount with the likes of a full mounted Caracal, Jackal or Cape Fox. They are best mounted as full mounts on an artificial rock.
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