African Genet Hunting

There are 3 species of genet that may be hunted in Africa. These agile nocturnal creatures are related to civets and mongooses and are frequently found in trees. Like the civet, the genet is commonly called a 'genet cat' on trophy lists but is from the Viverridae family.

Common Genet (Small-spotted) Genetta genetta is found throughout Africa as well as in southern Europe.
Cape Genet (Large-spotted) Genetta tigrina is found only in South Africa.
Rusty-spotted Genet Genetta maculata is found in eastern, southern and central Africa.

Which Genet Is Which?

African genets are mostly on trophy lists as 'genets' or 'genet cats' without specifying the species, so if you are a budding genet collector you may want to check with an outfitter which genet species they have available to hunt.

The 3 main species of genets frequently occur in the same areas as each other so it might be useful to know the physical differences.

The common or small-spotted genet is the only genet which usually has a white tail tip. The spots are smaller than on other genets but unless you find one standing next to a large spotted genet, or you are a genet fundi, this does not help much.
The rusty-spotted genet has larger and paler spots than those of other genets, with more chestnut brown coloured spots (rather than black) on the body. The ears are slightly rounder than the ears of the common genet and the tip of the tail is not white.
The range of the Cape or large-spotted genet from South Africa does overlap with the common genet but the tip of the tail is not white! The Cape genet has larger spots than the common genet but they do not have a long black crest of hair along the spine. They can also have some brown spots as well as black spots.

Where To Hunt Genet

Genets are generally hunted as an animal of opportunity while on a hunt for other species.

You can hunt a genet on a savanna hunt in CAR, on a 16 and 21 day licence in Tanzania and on hunts in Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Since 2010, there was a moratorium on small cat hunting in Mozambique which includes genet.

Genet Hunting Prices

In CAR the genet trophy fee is around 500 Euros, though it is not often found on CAR trophy lists.
In Tanzania, the Government trophy fee for genet is US$250 but after the anti-poaching/Community Development fees are added, you'll be paying a trophy fee of around US$350 to US$450. If you are hunting genet in Masailand or the Selous, the genet is more likely to be a common genet but if it has more chestnut brown coloured spots, it will be a rusty-spotted genet.
For genet hunting in Zimbabwe the trophy fee can range from US$200 up to US$500.
If you are really keen to successfully hunt a genet and not leave it to chance while hunting other animals, you may prefer to do a special nocturnal species hunt in South Africa, where the outfitter is geared up for genet hunting, possibly keeping an area regularly baited where the nocturnal anmals are used to coming. As you are not allowed to hunt at night or use a spotlight unless hunting leopard and hyena in South Africa, the outfitter will need to apply for a special permit to hunt genet at night. This permit cost may be added to your hunt price. In South Africa, genet trophy fees go from US$200 to US$650.
The trophy fee for genets in Namibia ranges from US$250 to US$950. A special permit is required to hunt a genet in Namibia which must be obtained before the hunt starts. So if you are keen to hunt a genet you must tell your outfitter in good time for the permit application and be prepared that it may be refused.
In Ethiopia the common genet comes with a trophy fee of about US$200.

Genet Hunting Methods

Being a mostly nocturnal animal, you may be lucky to see one to hunt if it is out and about in the early morning or at dusk. You might also disturb one who is sleeping in dense vegetation during the day.
As mentioned before, if genet is a priority animal for you, it is best to find a hunting outfitter who specialises in small nocturnal animal hunting and may have a bait area which genets visit occasionally.

A Good Genet Trophy

Any big genet will be a good trophy. As with the civet, the gender of a genet is hard to determine, so in countries where it is not permitted to hunt any female animals, talk to your PH about this before hunting one.

Genet Hunting Shot Placement

Aim for the chest with a solid round.

Male Genet Vital Statistics

African Genet Vital Statistics
	Cape Genet	Common Genet	Rusty-Spotted Genet
Shoulder Height	8.2" 21cm	45-50" 15cm	5.9" 140cm
Weight	3.5lb 1.6kg	4.4lb 2kg	2.6-6.8lb 1.2-3.1kg

Genet Habitat And Requirements

Genets can be found in mosts habitats and are mostly nocturnal and arboreal.

Genet Social Structure

Genets are solitary except during periods of courtship or when a female is accompanied by her young.

Genet Gestation Period

After a gestation period of 2 - 3 months, civets produce between 1 - 4 offspring.

Genet Gender Identification

There is no discernable differences between male and female genets.
Female genets prefer to live in dense vegetation, while males use trees more than females.
Both sexes have the same fur markings of stripes, spots and blotches in black or rusty brown.