Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius)

Hippos are responsible for most wildlife related deaths in Africa, standing 150cm/60” tall at the shoulder. They wander out of their water-habitat at night to graze, and, if an unaware person finds himself between the Hippo and its retreat, death is a sure possibility. Hippos have relatively small ears in relation to their bodies. In the water, they only expose their ears, eyes and nostrils. They can submerge for six minutes at a time. Hippos are prone to sunburn, therefore on sunny days one rarely finds them outside the water. Hippos have a pinkish secretion that protects their skins from the sun’s dangerous rays. Hippo cows with calves are very dangerous and will attack any intruder to their territories.

Hippos are quite active outside the water in early mornings and on overcast days, which presents the best hunting opportunities to bowhunters. A very thick-skinned animal, with the skin at the flanks measuring up to 5cm/2” thick. Adequate penetration is vital, using high poundage, at close range and heavy arrows. The best shot would be in the middle of the body, slightly off-line behind the front leg. The heart is quite big, protruding backwards. Only broadside and slight quartering away shots should be considered.

SCI - 50”
Rowland Ward - 297/8”

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