African fox hunting is generally not a priority for most hunters but done when the opportunity arises. You do not need a horse or red jacket for this type of fox hunting.
There are 2 huntable fox species in Africa.
African Fox Species
- Bat-Eared Fox -Otocyon megalotis megalotis in southern Africa & Otocyon megalotis virgatus from north-east Africa
- Cape Fox -Vulpes chama
Where To Hunt An African Fox
There are 2 completely separate populations of bat-eared fox at each end of the continent - so you can hunt a bat-eared fox in Ethiopia and also in Namibia and South Africa. They do occur in Botswana and Zimbabwe but are not hunted in these countries.
You can hunt a Cape fox in some provinces in South Africa and Namibia.
Which African Fox Is Which?
These foxes sometimes go by different names...
- The Cape fox is also known as a silver jackal or silver fox.
- The bat-eared fox is also known as the big-eared fox, black-eared fox, cape fox or Delalande's fox.
Bat-Eared Fox
Cape Fox
African Fox Hunting Prices (For Informative Use Only)
- In Ethiopia, you can hunt a bat-eared fox for between US$150 and US$300.
- In Namibia you need a special hunting permit to hunt a bat-eared or Cape fox to be obtained well in advance of your hunt. There are large differences between outfitters on the trophy fees for both foxes. The bat-eared fox trophy fee is between US$350 and a hefty US$2300. The trophy fee for a Cape fox is between US$500 and US$2850.
- In South Africa you can buy special small predator hunt packages which may include a fox. The trophy fee for a bat-eared fox is between US$400 and US$2000.
- The Cape fox is a protected animal in South Africa and may only be hunted with a TOPS permit obtained before the hunt. The trophy fee for a Cape fox ranges from US$750 to US$2000.
African Fox Hunting Methods
- As Cape foxes are mostly nocturnal, usually sleeping in a hidden spot during the day. You can get lucky and spot one in the early morning or late evening while out hunting something else. If you are doing a specially permitted night hunt for a range of small predators in South Africa, you can use a spot-light.
- Depending on the season and the availability of termites, bat-eared foxes can be both nocturnal or diurnal. Again early mornings and late evenings are the best times to spot one.
A Good Fox Trophy
- Any mature fox will be a good trophy.
Fox Hunting Shot Placement
- Aim at the chest area with a small calibre.
African Fox Vital Statistics
| Bat-Eared Fox | Cape Fox | |
|---|---|---|
| Body Length exc.tail | 21.6" 55cm | 17-24" 45-61cm |
| Weight | 6-11lb 3-5kg | 8-11lb 3.6-5kg |
African Fox Habitat and Requirements
- Both the bat-eared fox and Cape fox prefers bare or short grassland, particularly in more arid areas.
- The bat-eared fox is mainly an insectivore and needs a good supply of termites. The Cape fox will eat anything - from rodents to eggs, beetles and carrion, as well as most insects or fruits.
Afican Fox Social Structure
- Bat-eared foxes are very social animals, often living in pairs or groups of up to 15 individuals.
- Cape foxes are more solitary only forming mated pairs. They tend to forage separately.
African Fox Gestation Period
- The bat-eared fox has a 2-3 month gestation period and usually 1 to 6 young are produced.
- The Cape fox has a 1-2 month gestation period and usually 1 to 6 young are produced.
Fox Gender Identification
- There is not an easily discernable gender difference in foxes. Females are generally smaller than males.
African Fox Trophy Permits (2015)
| CITES | USF&W | EU | AUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
African Fox Trophy Taxidermy
- Most hunters have a full mount of their bat-eared for or Cape fox trophy.