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For those hunters seeking the more elusive Blue Duiker, Bushpig or Caracal, can be assured of superb opportunities with fair success when hunting over hounds and terriers in the East Cape.
The Blue Duiker is a real specialized collector's species forming part of the Tiny 10. Hunts are conducted by finding suitable paths in the dense undergrowth of our coastal forests while moving the Duiker’s around by Jack Russells and Fox Terriers. Often hunters will only catch mere glimpses of these tiny masters of the forest with Terriers twenty or thirty yards behind, in hot pursuit. It’s an exhilarating experience and one which will test even the best shotgunners among us.
For the fanatical pig hunters, we offer Bushpig hunting with hounds from our southern concessions. For many it is seen as a religion, with hounds, hunters and Bushpigs often gaining legendary status. For any hunter who enjoys pig hunting, this hunt will be a must. Be warned that this is a physically demanding hunt. Most Houndsman are third or fourth generation pig hunters and enjoy the challenge in the run once the pigs have exited from their nest. Keeping up with these hard men over several hours in the forest through the dense undergrowth and then making a telling shot is one of the most rewarding feelings a hunter could experience and one that is highly recommended.
For the cat hunters looking for that something different we offer Caracal hunting with hounds. Packs consist of Running Walkers and Trail Hounds all fitted with GPS Collars and are put out well before sunrise when favourable scenting conditions are at their optimum.
Houndsman use the quiet early hours of the morning listening for any warning signs of Caracal in the area, with the alerting barks of Vervet Monkeys and Bushbuck often a Caracal's only give away. Once the strike dog has found a scent then cold trailing begins, often covering several kilometres before the entire pack joins the hunt. The trick is to mirror the hounds in the hope of the cat treeing without crossing the path of a Black-backed Jackal as that is sure to turn into a long day on the trail.
All hunts offered with dogs are highly specialized and should always be booked well in advance to ensure availability and opportunity for success.
Hunters can pursue Blue Duiker, Lynx/Caracal, and Bushpig with hounds/terriers in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. Each species offers a unique challenge: Blue Duiker for the Tiny 10 Collectors, Caracal for the cat hunters, and Bushpig for those who enjoy a physically demanding and adrenaline-filled experience.
You’re three or four hunts in with John X Safaris so where to next? You’ve built up a friendship through experiences with your PH that speak louder than words. The African Continent is vast and the destinations plentiful, why not join us on one of our borderless hunts into Africa.
