Behavior and Habits of the Nile Crocodile

[rooihond]

As the countdown continues, more questions come to mind. Sorry for my meanderings and wandering off from the focus of behavioral traits.

Due to my lack of experience, I continue to wonder about how impressive a 9 foot croc would be. I also question the conservation aspect of hunting a croc this size. It appears that a 9 footer would probably be just short of sexual maturity. Is it acceptable to harvest an animal this size as it is still in the group that Nature tends to collect from? Or is it just large and old enough to be considered part of the "proven" class of croc that should be left alone through its prime years and hunted later? They get pretty old so I don't know if they are usually collected past their prime. As much as I would love to have a chance at a 100 year old dinosaur, the conditions and parameters of my hunt may not allow that as a realistic dream. Should I reconsider my minimum size or hunting parameters to ensure a responsible hunt?

 

[KWALATA SAFARIS]

Rooihond, the big question is were will you be hunting are you hunting a river or are you hunting a farm Dam, are these naturally occurring crocodile or are they released crocodile and did you purchase a certain size...

I know it sounds odd but there are operations in SA that do work like this... A 10 footer for the Limpopo river would be a decent croc depending whereabouts and how high up the river you will be hunting..

Average age of crocodile harvested on Cahorra Bassa are around 75 years of age, I believe SCI entry is around 9ft...?

With a bow it will be a major accomplishment though IMO.

My best always

 

[enysse]

The release crocodile stories both me a lot, makes me want to be damn sure we are in wild country, if I'm hunting one.

 

[rooihond]

Both scenarios of river and dam are available. I haven't purchased a particular size but a particularly large trophy will increase price (approaching ten feet or over). I am not sure if the dam was populated naturally or by an initial stock. A good question for me to ask. Would that affect their behavior? Thanks for the info!

 

[rooihond]

The release crocodile stories both me a lot, makes me want to be damn sure we are in wild country, if I'm hunting one.

What kind of stories? This might draw me to specifically request the river. The river hunt sounds a lot more like the romance of Africa that I envision but my outfitter would likely insist on rifle to help ensure recovery.

 

[KWALATA SAFARIS]

Rooihond, I only have one way to answer and that would be with complete honesty, behavior could be influenced..... Yes not a given but it potentially could be different.

My bet would be that the lake and river has been populated, hence the sliding scale..

Maybe speak to your outfitter, he will have to provide direct answers to direct questions.

My best always

 

[enysse]

What kind of stories? This might draw me to specifically request the river. The river hunt sounds a lot more like the romance of Africa that I envision but my outfitter would likely insist on rifle to help ensure recovery.

Well there are trapped and released crocodiles. I believe there are crocodile (farms or sanctuaries). Some are hunted in small enclosures with ponds or lakes....it's not the experience I would want. Hence price by foot. Just makes me...sad. Sorry if I offended anyone. Probably why I want to hunt Moz.

 

[rooihond]

Thanks, guys. I was ensured that there was no enclosure but I will ask further questions about the other circumstances. I want a genuine hunt even if it means coming back empty.

 

[KWALATA SAFARIS]

Rooihond I am sure you'll have an awesome time and a great safari, please remember to post picks and report...

If you connect with a bigger croc take the opportunity, nothing like .... As you said a big dinosaur!!

My best always

 

[rooihond]

Thanks, Jaco! Thank you to everybody who has been helping me with info. It will be a great time. It is a great time. Planning and considering the options has been very fun.

 

[PaulT]

Rooi, personally I think the target you have set yourself, i.e croc with a bow, to be one of the challenging hunting goals you could set for yourself.

I take my hat off to you in respect for your commitment to task and enthusiasm in the face of this awesome challenge, regardless if you are successful or not.

Having watched and listened to your questions throughout this thread I feel a "kindred spirit" between us as my respect for you and your challenges has grown.

I really wish I was coming on this hunt with you, and genuinely wish there was more I could do to assist with your success.

I hope to come home from my buffalo season this year to read about the MONSTER lizard that Rooihond took with his bow, and if that doesn't happen i'd like to read the report about the tremendous respect that Rooihond has now for Crocs as a game animal after spending his entire hunt trying to get a bow shot at one !
Either way, regardless of the outcome you simply CANNOT LOSE !!

By the time you are finished this hunt you will be a better hunter, you will have a tremendous amount of respect for an animal that most hunters simply don't rate (as they have no horns, antlers or tusks) and you will be at peace with yourself knowing you gave it your best shot.

My VERY BEST WISHES to you on this MOST ADMIRABLE AND HONORABLE QUEST; CROC WITH A BOW !!

 

[rooihond]

Thanks, Paul. This has been a unique learning experience for me. I hope the conditions are acceptable. I am sure that no matter what, it could be a very challenging hunt. I was assured that the pond was not in an encloses area but now I also want to be sure that they have not been recently planted. I don't want to complete the hunt knowing that the cards were stacked.

Thank you for the encouragement. You have helped tremendously and it is fun learning from everybody here. And thank you for the good wishes. I will certainly give it my best shot and report the outcome.

Like I said before, you may end up helping me on a buffalo hunt at your outfit one day. Australia is on my list.

 

[rooihond]

Well there are trapped and released crocodiles. I believe there are crocodile (farms or sanctuaries). Some are hunted in small enclosures with ponds or lakes....it's not the experience I would want. Hence price by foot. Just makes me...sad. Sorry if I offended anyone. Probably why I want to hunt Moz.

I don't think you are offending anyone. I am sure that any of those hunts have some value to them. It is just a matter of what the hunter is looking for. It appears that most, if not all, outfitters can make your hunt as difficult or easy as you want. I appreciate the honesty and light brought to this matter. I am a pretty fortunate guy but this trip is expensive for me. Expensive enough for me to want to be particular. In this case, I want particularly challenging and real(or at least an awareness of any possible artificiality. You and Jaco brought up info that will help me formulate questions for my outfitter to assure that is exactly what I get. If the croc situation doesn't seem up to par, I have a long list of other species that I would like to chase around. Either way, as long as I am not illusioned, I will consider it a great hunt.

 

[rooihond]

I found that I have several choices as far as areas go and the crocs move freely. It also looks like the recent rains and flooding may make things interesting.

These hunts are definitely different than North American hunts with different considerations and conditions. Thanks to all again for the info.