Viper hunting
2 hunting trips from 1 outfitter starting from $13,049
Where to hunt Viper
West African Gaboon Vipers are found in New Guinea, Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Republic of Congo, Cameroon and northern Angola. The distribution of the East African Gaboon Viper is dispersed across the Central African Republic, Sudan, Zambia, eastern Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, eastern Zimbabwe and the coastal forests of Zululand in South Africa. This is a specially protected snake in South Africa and only hunted in Cameroon where it is also a bushmeat delicacy.
Price distribution
Cameroon offers the greatest variety of huntable Duikers and other specialised forest species like Bongo and Forest Sitatunga which ultimately attracts hunters to this region. During these 8 -15 day package hunts you are likely to come over numerous snakes including the Gaboon Viper or Adder. For an additional trophy fee of $250 you will be able to take one of these snake skins home with you. Prices for these hunts are often quoted in Euro.
When to hunt Viper?
In the forested territories of the Cameroon the season runs from March 1 until the end of July. The best months for hunting Gaboon vipers are the dry months of April to June although their preferred habitat in the Cameroon is rainforest. They are not very active snakes and just lie around lazily well camouflaged in the leaf litter of the forest floor. You may bump into one at any time of the day or night.
Hunting methods
Most hunters spend their time avoiding these highly poisonous snakes with massive fangs. To avoid being bitten by one of these snakes while hunting you need to wear high boots and snake proof gaiters. The Pygmy trackers will find them during the course of your walk and stalk hunts as they provide them with an important source of protein. They do not move very fast and are normally dormant so very easy to shoot once located.
Why hunt Viper?
This is not a sought after trophy but it the most beautiful strikingly marked snake with a massive rattlesnake type head. This is more a trophy of opportunity and something you will be on the lookout for during your entire hunt. In many cases just the fear factor will make you want to shoot the snake and want to show your friends back home. The tanned skin is normally just stretched out flat to show off the beautiful patterned markings.
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