Commonly found all over South Africa, the warthog is a distant cousin of the European boar. The warthog thrives in grasslands, open grounds and woodlands, pans and water holes. He enjoys grazing on newly sprouted grass in recently burned areas.
The warthog gets his name from the wart-like protrusions on its face. The female has two and the male has four. A female warthog tusks can grow long, and may curve high above the snout. The male's tusks tend to be noticeably bigger and thicker, and a large part is covered by skin.
A decent trophy usually features tusks that protrude approximately 5 inches. The lower and upper tusks constantly mesh together, keeping them razor sharp and making the warthog a worthy and very dangerous adversary. Only the upper tusks are considered during trophy assessment.
Warthogs live in deserted antbear dens. They will use their hooves and shovel-like snouts to clear out the dens, and then back into the burrow. Piglets enter head first into their homes. When they are not grazing, they enjoy wallowing in mud, however, they don't need to drink frequently.
An adult warthog can weigh 250 pounds, and joins small family groups (sounders) that consists of a mother and her piglets - who stay with her for up to three years -, for mating purposes. In most cases, warthogs are quite timid, but females with piglets can be overly aggressive, and have been known to cause injury to hunters with those sharp tusks.
The hide and tusks are important to trophy hunters, while the meat is delicious, and can also be used to bait leopard. Warthog meat does not resemble domestic pork in any way, and it is eaten without skin on. It is delicious cooked "chicken fried".
Whether you wish to hunt warthog for meat or for a fantastic trophy, you should prepare for a challenging, yet exciting hunting trip
| Scientific Name: | Phacochoerus africanus |
| Gestation Period: | 152 - 183 days |
| Male Weight: | 60 - 150 kg |
| Female Weight: | 45 - 75 kg |
| Height: | 64 - 85 cm |
| Tusk Length: | 25 cm |
In most cases, warthogs present on hunting safaris focused on other species. However, if you're specifically hunting warthog, you may find them near watering holes, pans, marshy areas and other wet parts.
Warthogs have keen senses of smell and hearing, so be sure to approach carefully from downwind.
The best equipment for warthog hunting trips include 77mms and 30 calibers with 170-180-grain soft-point bullets. Larger calibers will be best for large, trophy-sized boars.
The warthog's physical appearance and anatomy makes for tricky shot placement.
Many hunters prefer the frontal brain shot for hunting warthogs. For a successful frontal brain shot, aim right between the eyes. In most cases, he should drop right away. However, if he runs away, employ the "Texas heart shot", which is just below the anus.
With side-on presentation, use the high heart shot. Mentally draw a line right up the front leg, approximately halfway up the body and pull the trigger.
If you're unsure at all, ask your professional hunter for advice.
Warthog Placement Shot
Broadside
