The giraffe needs no introduction. It's beautifully spotted coat and long neck make it stand out above the crowds and gives it exclusive access to the highest, most succulent leaves. Their tongues are 18 inches long, and they eat up to 140 pounds of leaves and plants a day.
With age, the borders between spots fade until the animal is almost completely dark brown to black in color. Males are significantly larger than females, and also darker in color. Male giraffes have more pronounced horns than females. Old bulls have bad body odor, which affects the quality of the meat.
Surprisingly, at approximately one inch, the giraffe has the thickest skin of all African animals. A typically bull giraffe will measure 16-20 feet and weigh in at approximately 2628 lbs.
Giraffes are typically found in semi-dry tropical areas to dry terrain, preferring habitats with Acacia trees. They can be found in open woodlands, grasslands and savannas near water bodies, as they drink vast quantities of water. They may venture into denser foliage in search of food.
Giraffe is derived from 'zarafa', the Arabic word that means 'fast walker'. There are several different sub-species.
Giraffe hunting can make for an exciting stalk and an interesting hunt, providing you with an amazing and unusual trophy. Mount a full-length trophy if you have a high ceiling, or opt for a shoulder and neck mount, or even a rug and you will draw curiosity from visitors for sure!
Surprisingly, at approximately one inch, the giraffe has the thickest skin of all African animals
| Scientific Name: | Giraffa |
| Gestation Period: | 400 - 460 days |
| Male Weight: | 1 190 kg |
| Female Weight: | 830 kg |
| Height: | 4.3 - 5.7 m |
While giraffes are typically gentle giants, they will fight to the death to defend themselves during an attack. They will kick an attacker using their front feet.
The terrain which they frequent makes it difficult to approach during a giraffe hunting expedition. Its cautious nature combines with exceptional eyesight and hearing to give the giraffe the advantage over the hunter.
When hunting giraffe, the spot and stalk method works well. Tracking its spoor is another good option.
Due to the thick skin, the same bullet used for elephant hunting is suggested for giraffe. It is legal to use fast .7mms, but for body shots, we recommend a 9.3, or a .375 H&M with high quality solids. If you can handle a 40 caliber, it will be even more effective when combined with quality soft-points, especially when you opt for spinal or brain shots.
Surprisingly enough, shot placement can be quite a challenge when hunting giraffe.
The heart is positioned in the center of the chest, above the shoulder joints and far forward. The lungs are also high up in the chest cavity and well forward. A well-placed quartering frontal shot will only break the shoulder joint. Quartering away shots should be avoided.
A brain shot can be difficult as it is positioned high up between and below the horns, but it is very small and will require superb marksmanship to hit it on target the first time.
A spine shot can be placed right in the center of the neck, where it joins the body.
Giraffe Shot Placement
Broadside
Giraffe Shot Placement
Frontal
