African Fox Hunting

African fox hunting is generally not a priority for most hunters but done when the opportunity arises. You do not need a horse or red jacket for this type of fox hunting.

There are 2 huntable fox species in Africa.

African Fox Species

Bat-Eared Fox - Otocyon megalotis megalotis in southern Africa & Otocyon megalotis virgatus from north-east Africa
Cape Fox - Vulpes chama

Where To Hunt An African Fox

There are 2 completely separate populations of bat-eared fox at each end of the continent - so you can hunt a bat-eared fox in Ethiopia and also in Namibia and South Africa. They do occur in Botswana and Zimbabwe but are not hunted in these countries.

You can hunt a Cape fox in some provinces in South Africa and Namibia.

Which African Fox Is Which?

These foxes sometimes go by different names...

The Cape fox is also known as a silver jackal or silver fox.
The bat-eared fox is also known as the big-eared fox, black-eared fox, cape fox or Delalande's fox.

Click image to enlarge

Bat-Eared Fox

Bat-Eared Fox

Cape Fox

Cape Fox

African Fox Hunting Prices

In Ethiopia, you can hunt a bat-eared fox for between US$150 and US$300.
In Namibia you need a special hunting permit to hunt a bat-eared or Cape fox to be obtained well in advance of your hunt. There are large differences between outfitters on the trophy fees for both foxes. The bat-eared fox trophy fee is between US$350 and a hefty US$2300. The trophy fee for a Cape fox is between US$500 and US$2850.
In South Africa you can buy special small predator hunt packages which may include a fox. The trophy fee for a bat-eared fox is between US$400 and US$2000.
The Cape fox is a protected animal in South Africa and may only be hunted with a TOPS permit obtained before the hunt. The trophy fee for a Cape fox ranges from US$750 to US$2000.

African Fox Hunting Methods

As Cape foxes are mostly nocturnal, usually sleeping in a hidden spot during the day. You can get lucky and spot one in the early morning or late evening while out hunting something else. If you are doing a specially permitted night hunt for a range of small predators in South Africa, you can use a spot-light.
Depending on the season and the availability of termites, bat-eared foxes can be both nocturnal or diurnal. Again early mornings and late evenings are the best times to spot one.

A Good Fox Trophy

Any mature fox will be a good trophy.

Fox Hunting Shot Placement

Aim at the chest area with a small calibre.

African Fox Vital Statistics

<

Fox Vital Statistics
	Bat-Eared Fox	Cape Fox
Body Length exc.tail	21.6" 55cm	17-24" 45-61cm
Weight	6-11lb 3-5kg	8-11lb 3.6-5kg

African Fox Habitat and Requirements

Both the bat-eared fox and Cape fox prefers bare or short grassland, particularly in more arid areas.
The bat-eared fox is mainly an insectivore and needs a good supply of termites. The Cape fox will eat anything - from rodents to eggs, beetles and carrion, as well as most insects or fruits.

Afican Fox Social Structure

Bat-eared foxes are very social animals, often living in pairs or groups of up to 15 individuals.
Cape foxes are more solitary only forming mated pairs. They tend to forage separately.

African Fox Gestation Period

The bat-eared fox has a 2-3 month gestation period and usually 1 to 6 young are produced.
The Cape fox has a 1-2 month gestation period and usually 1 to 6 young are produced.

Fox Gender Identification

There is not an easily discernable gender difference in foxes. Females are generally smaller than males.

African Fox Trophy Permits (2015)

All Huntable Foxes
CITES	USF&W	EU	AUS
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

African Fox Trophy Taxidermy

Most hunters have a full mount of their bat-eared for or Cape fox trophy.

Click images to enlarge

Bat-Eared Fox Full Mount

Cape Fox Full Mount

Taxidermy photos courtesy of Life-Form Taxidermy

Hunting Other African Animals

Big Five Hunting

Waterside Hunting

Other Plains Game Hunting

Spiral Horned Antelope Hunting

Large Antelope Hunting

Medium Antelope Hunting

Small Antelope Hunting

African Pig Hunting

Other Cat Hunting

Animals Of Opportunity

Home > African Game Animals > Porcupine Hunting
Back to Top