Hunting jackal
Hunting the jackal – black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas)
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Best recommended caliber to hunt |
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Jackal – black backed |
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The very first rifle handy! 17 cal, 22-250, 222, 223, 243, 270, 30-06, 308, 300 WSM, 300 WM or any comparable caliber. |
Hunting notes when hunting jackal:
Jackal are wily at best but become incredibly wily with age and after a hunter has taken a shot at them and missed. A wounded jackal that survives is probably one of the most difficulty critters to hunt if he / she survives.
They are devastating when in a flock of sheep. Instead of killing and eating a single animal they go into a killing frenzy and kill as many sheep as they have breath for, and then eat half a hind leg. Most farmers prefer visiting hunters just shoot the jackal as vermin.
Early in the mornings and late in the afternoons the hunter can come across the jackal in open areas, either on its way home, or going out to hunt. If a rifle is handy one is certain to get a shot at it. Predator calling only works until the jackal realizes they have been fooled; hereafter it will take some time before they respond to predator callers.
The best suggested caliber to hunt jackal with is the first rifle handy! It has been our experience that while out bird hunting with a 22, that same 22 can kill a jackal. Same applies for any shotgun.
The average shooting distance when hunting jackal is 30 – 150 yards.
Description:
It has rusty-brown flanks, a white belly and a black and white spotted back. A prominent black stripe covers the tail from the rump to the tip of the tail.
Habitat:
The main contributing factor for good habitat is rainfall ranging between 4” and 40” per annum. They adapt to many different habitats ranging from desert to sub-tropical areas, and highveldt, but excluding tropical rain forests. Open grass plains have a particular attraction.
Reproduction:
During July to August (winter) couples increase the patrolling of their territory. The bitch will find a safe den within the territory to have the pups. The male (and if present, other sub-adults from the previous litter) will bring food to the bitch and the pups.
General:
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Gestation period |
60 days with 2 – 7 pups born per litter (average 3)
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Average shoulder height |
Males |
14” – 16” |
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Females |
13” – 15” |
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Average weight |
Males |
14 lbs – 20 lbs |
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Females |
11 lbs – 20 lbs |
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These are considered vermin and most farmers appreciate hunters shooting them. The jackal is probably the most detested predator of all because of its killing lust. |
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Hunting in Africa rule of thumb: if we do not pay for it – you can shoot it for free!
