BOW HUNTING

Bow Hunting

CLOSE UP HUNTING The Arnhem Land bush and terrain generally has very good cover. When Bow Hunting we often hunt the denser bush or creek areas. In the heat of the day Buffalo and Banteng also rest up in such heavy cover. So we must hunt slower, taking our time. To draw a heavy bow on dangerous game takes some courage. But when you're right amongst it, the fear is gone. Its just concentration, stalking, silent steps, waiting, draw unseen, hold on the spot, and release. The flight is good and the animal jumps and takes off. Keep still... our job is to be close, and rifle loaded if needed. Only release that arrow if it is perfect. Banteng and Buffalo have a big target area for the bow, but 25m to 35m is needed to get full broad head penetration. At 75 yards, the hunt has just begun!!

ARROWS & RIBS: After 1500 Buffalo hunts, over 500 capes, and a bunch of removing ribs to inspect heart and lungs. We have thus seen hundreds of Water Buffalo ribs. I often hear misleading info about over-lapping ribs, and +1" (+25mm) thick rib bones, not true. Reality is, from the side for the heart & lung shot, most Water Buffalo bulls tough SKIN behind the shoulder is about 1/2" (12mm) thick, and occasionally around 3/4" (20mm) thick. The RIBS do not overlap, and are just under 1/2" or 12mm at the thickest center of a rib (from heart area to upper lung area). We recommend a toughened solid steel broadhead around 160gr, 200gr or 250gr, and a 750gr to 900 grain total arrow weight works good.

On the subject a skin thickness, on a typical big trophy size mature Water Buffalo bull the skin around the neck can be 1.5" to 2" (40-50mm) thick, and extremely tough. Around the front of chest and shoulders the skin can be 3/4" to 1 1/4" (20mm-35mm) thick. Buffalo skin is like very tough leather, almost like a tyre to cut though. Most knife points don't cut in, even with massive force, so a super sharp pointy point is needed. So apply this to the broadhead too, not too short and wide or it wont fully cut in. Also remember if an arrow or bullet enters when the 1" thick skin is at a 45' angle the path is now 2" of thick skin. (eg 1.5" becomes 3"). So when and where to release an arrow is much more critical than on lesser sized animals.

Check The Wind

BOW HUNTING My first ever client was a Master bow hunter, PH and extreme wealth of knowledge. Dr Adrian De Villiers taught me many skills, that I will apply on every single hunt. Now one of my passions is also bow-hunting. Water Buffalo have excellent smell, eyesight, and hearing. Bow hunters will appreciate our experience and the variation of terrain. Medium to light color camo works well in the Australian bush, and a light weight Leafy mesh jacket is highly recommended (not the pants, they fill with prickles). Remember this is a thick skinned dangerous game animal, thicker skin than a Cape Buffalo, but not as thick as a Hippo skin. So please come with a bow around 70lb, or if you can a 80 lb bow, and heavy +800-1000 grain arrows with a solid 2 blade broad-head. A water buffalo rib can be 1/2" (12mm) at its thickest point, the ribs do not overlap. You will never forget being close up on a large Buffalo bull, the amazing stalk, the tension and excitement, your heart pounding in your throat, then control as you draw, steady, release.... and watch the flight!!

Handgun Hunting

DEDICATED HANDGUN HUNTERS We have 44 Mag Ruger and 454 Casull Freedom Arms revolvers available for our correctly licensed International hunters only. Every year we have enquiries and bookings from dedicated handgun hunters. They hunt at home or aboard; for example European and American big game, and Africa safaris on dangerous game and big game. Plus many hunters enjoy the opportunity to hunt a second buffalo with a preferred revolver. The Freedom Arms is known as the Premier manufacturer of big game hunting revolvers, for their incredible rugged and vault like action operation, and top accuracy. The Arnhem Land bush and terrain generally has very good cover, so we use the skills of the guide and hunter to get closer for the effective shot into the vitals at closer range. Our 28 years of experience will get you close up, and using the best gear available.