When you’re tracking the most dangerous animal to hunt, there’s a thin line between being the hunter and becoming the hunted. Dangerous game animals don’t play by your rules – they’ve survived for millennia by being stronger, faster, and sometimes smarter than their predators. Let’s examine the top 5 most dangerous animals you might encounter on a big game hunting expedition, why they’re so lethal, and how to handle an encounter when things go south. We give our recommendations for cartridge sections at the end of the article.
1. The African Elephant
The African elephant tops our list not just because of its massive size, but because of its extraordinary intelligence and unpredictability. Weighing up to 6 tons, these giants can move through dense bush without making a sound – a terrifying quality when you’re on foot.
What makes elephants so dangerous? Their near-human intelligence allows them to remember threats and plan attacks. They can smell humans from vast distances and may circle around to approach you from behind. A professional hunter I knew was killed when a cow elephant silently approached him from behind – he never even had the chance to raise his rifle.
Cow elephants with calves rank among the most deadly creatures you’ll encounter. They correctly assume everything wants to harm their offspring and will respond with lethal force.
If an elephant decides you’re a threat, it won’t stop attacking until you show no signs of life. Their massive weight and strength mean they can crush, throw, or impale you in seconds.
In My Experience:
“When hunting elephant, wind direction is everything. They can’t see you well, but they can smell you from a mile away. Always approach from downwind, and constantly check for shifting air currents. If you’re spotted, don’t run – stand your ground and be prepared to make a perfect brain shot. Your guide should always carry a heavy caliber backup rifle. And remember – if you have to shoot, there’s no such thing as a warning shot with elephants.”
2. Cape Buffalo
Cape buffaloes have earned the nickname “Black Death” for good reason. These massive bovines are responsible for more hunter fatalities in Africa than any other animal. They don’t just look at you like you owe them money – they look at you like they want to collect that debt right now.
What makes buffaloes so dangerous is their toughness and vindictiveness. They can absorb tremendous damage and still remain on their feet long enough to kill you. When wounded, they’ll often circle back and ambush their pursuer, hiding in thick brush and charging without warning.
A Cape buffalo’s horns are designed to gore and throw predators, and their massive weight can easily crush a fallen hunter. Unlike other prey animals, buffaloes don’t just run when attacked – they fight back with tactical intelligence.
In My Experience:
“In Zimbabwe, I hunted Cape buffalo with a single-shot Thompson/Center Encore rifle. Before the hunt, I practiced reloading without looking down so I could keep my eyes on the animal. My guide told me if a buffalo charged, aim for the nose between the nostrils, directing the bullet into the brain. I also removed my rifle sling to avoid interference.
When facing a buffalo, your first shot must be perfect – aim for the heart/lung area for a clean kill. Always be ready to follow up quickly, and never assume a downed buffalo is dead until you’re absolutely sure.”
3. Brown Bears and Grizzlies
Brown bears and grizzlies combine size, speed, and raw power in a package that commands respect. These apex predators can weigh up to 1,500 pounds and can run down a horse over short distances.
Their danger comes from their unpredictability and territorial nature. Despite poor eyesight, their hearing is excellent, and their sense of smell is 100 times more acute than a dog’s. This means they often know you’re there long before you spot them.
Bear attacks happen with shocking speed – they can cover 50 yards in mere seconds. What makes them particularly dangerous is their ability to take multiple hits and keep fighting, even with fatal wounds.
In My Experience:
“I’ve been charged by more black bears than any other big game species, but grizzlies are on another level entirely. When facing a charging bear, I immediately sit down to get on the same level – this eliminates the need to calculate a lead and allows for direct shots into vital areas. I always have a mental ‘line in the sand’ about 12 paces out. If a bear crosses that line in a charge, I’ll take the shot.
While skinning a grizzly in Alaska, another bear approached showing signs of aggression. My cameraman wasn’t reloaded after my initial kill, so I had him fire a warning shot to throw gravel in the bear’s face. The tactic worked, causing it to retreat. Always stay calm, but ensure your firearms are reloaded and ready during dangerous hunts.”
Ron Spomer gives his perspectives on selecting the right cartridge for different bears in this podcast
4. African Lions
The king of beasts has earned its reputation through millennia of being the ultimate predator. Lions are social hunters with incredible ambush capabilities and the physical tools to quickly dispatch prey much larger than themselves.
Their danger lies in their explosive speed and cooperative hunting tactics. A 450-pound male lion can run 50 miles per hour in short bursts and leap over 30 feet. If one charges, you’ll have almost no time to react.
Lions are unique on this list because they don’t just kill in self-defense – they occasionally view humans as prey. This is particularly true of old or injured lions that can’t take down their normal prey.
In My Experience:
“On my African lion hunt, I carried a Ruger Guide Rifle in .375 Ruger with 300-grain Hornady DGX ammunition. The question that kept me up at night was whether I could stop a charging lion before it reached me. The key is shooting quickly and accurately.
375 H&H and 375 Ruger options on Guns.com
Mental preparation is essential when hunting predators like lions – you can’t hesitate for even a second. I focused on the same principles from my buffalo hunts: aim for vitals, maintain composure, and always be ready for follow-up shots. With lions, your first shot needs to be perfect, because you might not get a second chance.”
Lion hunts are typically executed in the plains areas, so don’t forget to bring along your plains animal rifles as those opportunities are plentiful too.
5. Hippopotamus
The hippo might seem like an odd addition to this list, but these semi-aquatic giants kill between 500 and 3,000 people annually, making them one of Africa’s deadliest animals.
Their danger comes from their aggressive territorial nature and massive jaws filled with sharp, foot-long teeth. Despite weighing up to 4,000 pounds, hippos can run up to 30 mph on land and are surprisingly agile.
What makes hippos especially dangerous is their unpredictability. They appear docile while submerged, but can explode from the water with shocking speed when threatened. Many attacks occur when boats unwittingly venture too close to a pod.
In My Experience:
“Hippo hunting doesn’t present the same danger as the other animals on this list if you’re careful. The traditional approach is to walk the riverbank until you find a bull, then place your shot right under the ear.
The real danger comes from wounding a hippo that retreats to water. Never follow a wounded hippo into water – that’s their domain and you’re at a complete disadvantage. Instead, wait patiently and let the animal expire. The most dangerous hunts often happen when hunters rush or make poor decisions under pressure.”
Lessons Learned
- Get on the Same Level:
When a dangerous animal charges, sitting or crouching minimizes the need to calculate a lead, allowing for direct shots into vital areas. - Practice Reloading:
Learn to reload without looking down to maintain focus on the target during high-stress situations. - Remove Obstructions:
Avoid using slings or accessories that could hinder your movement or weapon handling in close encounters. - Be Prepared Mentally:
Anticipate the possibility of a charge and mentally rehearse your actions. Confidence and composure are your greatest assets. - Know Your Target:
Study the anatomy and behavior of the animal you’re hunting to ensure accurate shot placement and quick kills.
Best Calibers for African Dangerous Game Hunting
458 Win Mag, 416 Rigby, 375 Ruger and 375 H&H are the most often used calibers for hunting African Dangerous Game animals, according to the online forum African Hunting
375 H&H and 375 Ruger options on Guns.com
416 Rigby options on Guns.com
458 Win Mag options on Guns.com
Final Thoughts on Dangerous Hunting
The most dangerous hunts aren’t just physical challenges – they’re mental ones. Whether you’re facing a charging buffalo or tracking a wounded lion, your preparation and composure matter more than your equipment.
What ties these big game hunting animals together is their capacity to turn the tables on humans. They’ve evolved alongside predators for millions of years and have developed effective defenses and countermeasures.
If you’re planning to pursue any of these species, invest in proper training, use adequate firepower, and hunt with experienced guides who know the animals and their behavior. Remember that even with perfect preparation, there’s always risk when pursuing the world’s most formidable creatures.
When hunting dangerous game, there are no second-place winners. Practice until you can’t miss, then practice some more. And when you hear ‘Get ready, here he comes,’ be prepared to act decisively.
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