Hyena hunting in Zimbabwe

The most common Hyena found in Zimbabwe is the Spotted Hyena where they flourish on the large hunting concessions. The little-known Brown Hyena is more commonly hunted on private land where there is less competition from large predators, like Lions and Spotted Hyenas. In order to hunt both species you may be required to change hunting areas. Spotted Hyenas are often hunted over bait whilst baiting for Lion or Leopard. Sometimes you may get lucky and come across a Lion kill where the Spotted Hyenas are often in attendance to steal a few scraps. Brown Hyena are mostly solitary nocturnal animals feeding mainly on carrion. These shy animals are a lot more difficult to hunt as they seldom vocalise and are much more cautious than Spotted Hyenas when approaching a bait site. Although there is no colour variation between the two subspecies (Northern and Southern Brown Hyena) found in Western Zimbabwe, these brown shaggy coated Hyenas do not have powerful jaws like a Spotted Hyena. Spotted Hyenas are listed as a species of least concern and the Brown Hyena is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN. Currently, no special permits are required to hunt either species.