Ostrich

Ostrich

  • Average weight male: 155 kg
  • Average weight female: 140 kg
  • Shoulder height male: 170 cm
  • Shoulder height female: 170 cm
  • Mating season: All year

The ostrich is the largest living bird on the planet. He is flightless and characterized by soft, drooping feathers. Found widespread over much of southern Africa, he has only two toes, a very long neck and very long legs. His neck and head are covered with fine bristles, while his legs are bare. Males are black in color, placed with a white spot on the wings and tail. The female is predominantly grey to dark brown. Eggs are laid on the ground and parental care is the duty of both males and females. Because of his black color in terms of sun exposure, the male normally takes his turn at night.

This “Big Bird” inhabits the bushveld, as well as the more arid desert areas, and occurs in flocks of 30 to 40 individuals when not breeding. Males perform elaborate courtship ‘dances’ when breeding. The ostrich tends to dine on grass, berries and seeds, newly sprouted plants, small reptiles and insects.

The ostrich is a fast runner, able to reach over 70 kilometers pr. hours in short bursts, with a average speed around 50 kilometers pr. hours.

While hunting ostrich is often an overlooked endeavor by foreign hunters, the hunting of ostrich is actually very challenging and a great experience. The Ostrich has a small brain compared to its body size (only weighing 40 gram), but extremely large eyes (weighing 60 gram each), which can detect the slightest movements up to 3,5 kilometers away. This makes stalking an ostrich (especially in herds) very challenging.

Ostrich is mainly pursued for the hide and meat. The hide/skin of the ostrich though, is widely used as exclusive and exotic leather, very popular in boots or belts. The leather can also ideally be used for furnitures or anything else within your imagination. If you do not wish to have the skin tanned as leather, the trophy is often made as a shoulder mount, with wings spread. The back skin, will still be available to be tanned and made into a number of very attractive leather goods. The meat of the ostrich is taken mostly from the upper legs and the neck and is considered extremely delicious by some.

Aim point when hunting ostrich is either dead center on the body (which will penetrate the shoulders), or in the front part of the body (where the heart/lungs lies). Do NOT shoot behind the legs as on other game – discuss shot placements with your PH before hunting!

A great conversation piece and addition to your trophy room – Try hunting ostrich if the opportunity presents itself.

Recommended caliber: .243, .270, 7mm, .308, 30-06