The honey badger is an extremely tough and often underestimated small game specie.They are actually not a true badger and have more common characteristics to a weasel. Honey badgers get their name from their liking of bee larvae which they eat. These animals are known for their strength and ferocity, and when threatened or concerned the Honey badger will defend itself and fight back, no matter the size of the threat.
Honey badgers can be hunted in South Africa,Namibia,Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and Tanzania.There are strict measures in place when obtaining permits to hunt these animals. In South Africa the Honey Badger is a TOPS listed animal, so a permit needs to be obtained before the animal is taken, and needs to be made out in the hunters name.
Honey badgers are mostly nocturnal, but in areas where human disturbances are minimal, they will be seen during the day. Often while out in the field going after something else, one comes across a honey badger, thus they are usually taken when the opportunity arises.
If a Honey badger is a priority animal on your list, they can easily be targeted. Baits are set out in areas where Honey Badgers have been seen, and activity is high. A zebra, wildebeest or similar size carcass makes a great bait for honey badgers and will last a few nights allowing them to come back and feed. Once the animals are feeding and return regularly to the bait, a simple yet effective blind can be built. Waiting in the blind patiently will then lead to a successful hunt. Often Outfitters have permanent honey badger baits running in an area; this helps to determine the number of animals in the area and allows for successful hunting.
Determining the sex of a Honey badger is extremely difficult on a live animal through the binoculars. Generally any mature specimen will make an exceptional trophy as the males and females are identical in appearance. Very old honey badgers will have scars on their face and body which adds good character!
Honey Badgers are known to be the toughest animals in Africa, they are often seen taking on lions which may bother them and catching big pythons which they then eat. Standing at an average of 10 inches high and weighing in the region of 20 pounds, these animals are dynamite in a small package! Their skin is thick around the neck, but also very loose, which allows them to turn around and roll within their skin. They have very small ears which barely protrude and their eyes are small too. Honey badgers have short stocky legs, with extremely sharp claws. All these characteristics are what helps the animals to fend off predators, even a venomous snake bite does not affect a honey badger as it does to other mammalian species.
Honey Badgers are omnivores, they eat a wide range of foods from lion and leopard kills to insects, snakes and fruits. Honey badgers have also been recorded hunting rats, gerbils and frogs by digging them out of where they are hiding. Due to their ferocity and diet these animals can just about survive anywhere.
Shot placement needs to be done carefully on honey badgers, as it is relatively easy to miss the whole target due to the animals being so close to the ground. Ideally one should use a solid bullet to spare the cape. The shot can be placed in the middle of the chest when the animal is facing you, or on the shoulder when broadside. They are not very big animals so do use too much gun, but rather focus on the shot placement. Full mounting a honey badger is by far the best way to present these ferocious animals.
If you are looking for a great African Honey Badger hunt, give us a call or fill out the form below and let us help you find the perfect honey badger hunt for you.
Legacy Outdoors
Offices In:
Idaho, Wisconsin, Alberta, Illinois, Texas, Pennsylvania
