The savanna, semi-arid, and desert regions of Africa are home to the world's largest flightless bird, known as the Ostrich. This remarkable creature is divided into two distinct species: the Somali Ostrich and the Common Ostrich, each consisting of three huntable subspecies. Among them, the Southern Ostrich is the most frequently pursued by hunters, predominantly in Namibia and South Africa, although it can also be found in Botswana. The Red-necked, Masai, and Somali Ostriches inhabit East Africa, with the latter species exclusively found in the northeastern part of Ethiopia. If one embarks on a safari in Tanzania, they may have the opportunity to hunt the Masai Ostrich. The cost of acquiring a trophy varies based on the availability and suitability of the Ostrich's habitat, with the most favorable prices found in arid regions such as Namibia, as well as the Karoo and Kalahari regions of South Africa.
In South Africa, Ostrich hunting is permitted year-round, whereas in Namibia, the hunting season spans from February 1st to November 30th each year. Tanzania's hunting season falls between July and December, while in Ethiopia, it extends from October to June of the following year. Given its opportunistic nature as a trophy, Ostrich hunting can take place at any time during the day or year. However, for the sake of comfort, it is advisable to pursue these magnificent birds during the cooler winter months when temperatures are more bearable.
Ostriches possess exceptional visual acuity and acute hearing. When startled, they sprint away at astonishing speeds, swiftly putting considerable distance between themselves and their pursuers, thus thwarting any chance of a successful shot. The optimal approach to hunting Ostriches involves tracking them on foot after spotting them from a distance. It is crucial to utilize ample cover while stalking. Generally, only male Ostriches are targeted, as hunting these birds when they are in a flock proves to be exceedingly challenging. Therefore, it is advisable to identify a solitary bird before commencing the pursuit. If employing bow hunting techniques, the preferred method is to set up a blind near a bait site since Ostriches do not require water on a regular basis.
Apart from being highly coveted as a source of venison, Ostriches lend themselves beautifully to full mounts, provided there is sufficient space available. Additionally, they can be mounted as shoulder mounts or half mounts, with their tails positioned akin to the popular turkey shield mounts. Their feet can be repurposed as lamp stands or bookends. Some hunters collect Ostriches for their leather, transforming them into highly sought-after products such as handbags, jackets, and even cowboy boots.
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