Reviews Sniper Vs. Baboon Invasion: Ultimate Varmint Hunting [VIDEO] Iain Harrison January 22, 2026 1 Comments, Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Read our affiliate policy. Find out more about how we test products. In South Africa, baboons are regarded by farmers with the same mixture of loathing and respect as hogs in Texas. They're smart, destructive and cost people a lot of money in lost production and damaged equipment. Case in point; lots of folks have been installing solar panels, due to the state power company being, well, crap. Baboons see solar panels and for some reason feel the need to completely rip out any wiring; not because it's edible, or something they could use for nesting materials etc., but because they're assholes. Monkeys are smaller, cuter, but similarly destructive – think mice vs rats. As a result, most farmers or anyone bordering large tracts of land have a shoot on sight policy when it comes to large primates. So naturally, we took the opportunity to help out. Slinging 6.5mm projectiles from a couple of precision bolt guns, we got to test our fieldcraft and marksmanship skills in challenging conditions, and came away humbled by an adversary that's surprisingly difficult to hunt. Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
I went to Botswana in 1974 working for a Safari company called Safari South as a truck driver. I brought my Pre 64 Winchester Model 70 in 270 with me on my supply trips. I only had a 4X scope on my rifle at the time but records show I had a 60% kill ratio that summer. Great fun as Baboons were declared vermin at the time and no license needed and no limits. With today's tech the fun would be terrific.
