Baboon hunting in South Africa

Chacma Baboons are the only species of Baboon found across South Africa in a range of habitats ranging from riverine forests, grasslands, bushveld and mountains but have a preference for hilly terrain. Being omnivores, their diet ranges from mainly grass, seeds, fruit, pods, tubers, nuts, insects, scorpions to nestling birds and even small mammals. Baboons can be one of the most difficult animals to hunt especially in areas hunted as vermin for crop damage, destruction of lodge buildings or the killing of domestic sheep and goat lambs. A Baboon troop post sentries to be on the lookout for danger that will give a loud alarm bark as a signal of danger giving away an approaching hunter's position. They can be hunted in all the provinces. Large male Baboons have dog-like muzzles and massive canine teeth that can inflict a nasty wound even to an attacking Leopard. They are highly intelligent and have incredibly sharp eyesight, even being able to know the difference between an armed hunter and ranch workers. They are best hunted from a blind or ambushed on their way to or from their roosting sites. Baboons numbers are decreasing but not necessarily threatened although CITES permits are required for the control of any trade. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) also has special import regulations for the importation of Baboons into the USA.