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I'm getting close to having shot 100 camels on numerous trips to far west Qld. Seen and used just about everything from .243 to .416 Rigby.

1) What habitat will you be hunting in ?
2) Have they been shot up before ? ie behaviour.

This will help you choose a hunting rig.

They will be accustomed to the sound of diesel-engined 4x4's and associate that with humans. This is one reason I use a petrol 4x4.

If they have been regularly shot up they will run and not stop. You will rarely get a second shot. Camels are inquisitive and will often move off a short way, stop and look back. You have to be ready to take your shot then as it is your best chance. If they move into high gear they are gone.

If its a family group shoot the lead male or matriarch first. Like goats they are lost when leaderless.

I've never shot a camel over 300 yards and most have been within a 100. Be prepared to shoot to 300 metres though. Take a bipod or have a rest ready on your truck. if you are in broken country be prepared to turn off the truck and get out. They will wonder what is going on.

I have found camels react less to slow and heavy projectiles. The higher velocities 'shake them up' more effectively. My 7x57 with 175's was hopeless. Your .338WM or .300 H&H will do fine.

Shot placement. Head shots work (of course). Back of the head is best where the spine meets the skull. The locals where I shoot use a .22WMR for that shot after dark with a spotlight. During the day or in wind I wouldn't !! Neck shots will put them down but not kill them straight out. With larger cals I go for a shoulder shot. This will anchor them for follow up shots.

The best success I have had was with a .264WM and 140 Woodleighs. I am in the process of putting together a varmint barrel .308W with 165 Woodleighs and a BDC reticle scope for my next trips as I like to watch my fall of shot and the BDC will save time with range.

If where your going is wide open, been shot up and flat, buy a .338 Lapua.

They are great sport, either hunting or 'bombing up'.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81qizfK_eW4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFcnTCKTotU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qN2ounlOFVY

Edited by tophet1 (19/07/19 08:06 AM)

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