Serval hunting
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Where to hunt Serval
Serval is a mid-sized feline, and weighs about 9 to 18 kilograms. It’s similar in body shape to domestic cat and leopard, but has relatively small head and large ears, and very long legs. It may stand up to 60 sm. at the shoulder, and leap up to 2 meters into the air, or up to 3.5 meters in length. You will hardly meet a Serval in a desert, nor in an equatorial rainforest. It loves reeds and grasslands with abundant water, where its long legs help it carry the body above water level. Serval prefers savannah, but will be found in other habitats, too, if the two conditions – water and cover – are met. Hunting opportunities for Serval exist in South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Price distribution
The most affordable Serval hunts are to be found in Zimbabwe, where the trophy fee can be as low as $500, and seldom is more than $1,000. In South Africa the average price of a Serval is $1,500. Special night hunting packages, that provide the best chance to harvest a Serval, along with other night dwellers such as Caracal, are priced from $4,000.
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Learn more from our blog story
Felines are perhaps the most successful predators among mammals. More species of felines exist than of canines. When most hunters think about hunting cats, they think either about big cats, like Lion, Leopard and Cougar, or the more familiar species like Bobcat or Lynx. But there are a number of small felines that call Africa home, too. Read about what they are and how to hunt them.
28 Feb 2019 Small Felines. Part II: AfricaWhen to hunt Serval?
There isn’t a magic period when Serval hunting is better than at other times. The small feline is usually hunted in the course of a general ‘plains game’ hunt. Opportunities for such hunts exist all year in South Africa; in Zimbabwe hunting is open year round as well, but the months through November to March are usually too hot and wet for a successful hunt.
Hunting methods All hunting methods (14)
While felines are usually nocturnal, Serval is most active during twilight, and may hunt at day as well as at night. Spot-and-stalk or still-hunting at a place where a good male is known to hunt can work well. Baiting is not a highly successful strategy, because the Serval prefers to hunt and kill its own food, but calling (especially at night, where legal) is perhaps the best option for Serval hunting. You will probably need to spend at least three days before you can set your sights on the cat, but overall the Serval could be the easiest of African small felines to hunt deliberately.
Why hunt Serval?
Africans pursue Serval for its beautiful fur (that can be passed for a leopard), and as retaliatory killing (servals are notorious poultry thieves). Poaching, along with habitat loss, is the greatest conservation threats for these felines. They fight illegal harvest in all forms, protect wilderness from logging and conversion into farms and pastures, but most importantly, they give value to wildlife for the locals. When jobs created by a hunting concession and tips from a successful hunter are worth much more than a couple of chicken a Serval might steal, it is a good incentive not to poach them.In addition to the conservation aspect, Serval a very challenging hunting quarry. And what’s challenging is interesting.
Tailor-made African Hunt South Africa
A safari in South Africa is a truly unique and exhilarating experience. Whether you just want to relax and marvel at the beauty nature has to offer, or are interested in a hunting safari, we offer it all. South Africa hasn’t been called a “World in One Country” for nothing! South Africa has some of the most beautiful landscapes and diverse fauna and flora on the planet. With us, you can experience all of it – from marvellous sunsets to wildlife you won’t see anywhere else in the world. We also offer African-style accommodation that the whole family will enjoy while on safari with us.
Trip duration: 5 - 21 days
Hunting season: 1 Mar 2020 30 Nov 2020
Limpopo Trophy Hunt 1x1 South Africa
We have many different animals species available to hunt in South Africa. Certain animals require permits and therefore require prior arrangement. Once you give us a list of the species you want to hunt we can apply for the required permits. A good hunt on plains game will usually be between 7 to 10 days, depending on whether you are a bow or rifle hunter and how many animals you wish to hunt.
Trip duration: 5 - 21 days
Hunting season: 1 Mar 2020 30 Nov 2020
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