Hunting for Giraffe

The giraffe is the largest ruminant and tallest mammal, reaching nearly 18 feet. Both cows and bulls have horns. Giraffes inhabit woodlands and shrubveld, feeding on thorn trees. They are not water-dependent and avoid dense bush. They are docile but defend themselves with their front feet. Hunting involves spot and stalk or tracking. They have thick skin, requiring bullets like those used for elephants. Shot placement is crucial: the heart is above the shoulder joints, lungs are high in the chest, and the brain is between the horns. Giraffes can be hunted year-round in Zimbabwe and South Africa, with June to August being ideal. Hunting requires a registered outfitter and guide. Giraffes have excellent eyesight and height advantage, making them challenging to hunt. They are usually spotted from a vehicle and followed on foot. Their tough hides and large bones require careful shot selection. the older bulls are usually darker in colour, have knobbly bumps and lumps on their skulls from fighting and have a bitter offensive smelling odour. Seldom are these animal full mounted unless for a museum piece, however if you have space in your trophy room they make a fantastic shoulder pedestal mount. If it’s the skin you are after you might want to shoot a younger bull than these very old stink bulls as the skin should be in better condition. The leg bones can be engraved and also make great knife handles. The skinned legs also make great lamp stands.