Q 4.   History of the Asiatic WATER BUFFALO in Australia ?

Buffalo were imported from Asia by sailing ships for meat in the early northern settlements in the 1820's.  The buffalo soon colonized through the tropical country and swamp lands, to spread across the top of the Northern Territory.  Since the 1880s animals were harvested on foot, from horseback and eventually four-wheel drives.  Many businesses processed meat for human consumption (local and export), pet meat, hides, animals for live export and game for hunters.  However by the 1970s, feral buffalo numbers were high enough to damage coastal wetlands and thought to potentially harbor disease that could effect the beef export market.  Beginning in 1980s at a cost of $95M the Brucellosis and Tuberculosis Campaign "included" the eradicated of feral buffalo's from all the station country, national parks and wild areas.  Following the end of BTEC all the remaining buffalo were derived from buffalo populations where infection had never been present. ie the herds in central and eastern Arnhem Land.  These Buffalo are controlled on the coastal wetlands.  Inland the Buffalo are a valuable sustainable resource, for meat and hunting by local Aboriginal communities and licensed safari operations.  Mustering companies conduct live capture and inspection of wild Buffalo for the large meat export industry.  Some bulls are relocated to private game ranches.  Arnhem Land Buffalo herds roam freely and like most wild animals sustain their own numbers according to seasonal conditions.

Q 5.   What are Buffalo habits and foods ?

During most of the dry season (May-October) it is common for males and females to live separately.  Females and young are led by an older female. Males inhabit more open plains or slopes with dryer vegetation.  When the season breaks, the older males join the females and drive away younger males.  Although having young anytime, there is a peak of mating in about March, and pregnancy lasts about ten months.   In wet areas buffalo also graze on aquatic grasses, and in dry areas they eat a broad range of grasses and the leaves of shrubs and pandanus.   Bulls eat up to 30kg of dry matter each day.   Dingoes (in packs) and crocodiles occasionally prey on young buffalo, but once adulthood is reached individuals typically live 15-20years.

Q 6.   How big are Asiatic Water BUFFALO ? What RIFLE or BOW ?

Water Buffalo in Australia are similar in size to the African Cape Buffalo and bulls weigh from 1600 to 2200lb (700-1000kg).  We are hunting on foot for the biggest bulls.  Therefore we use larger calibers such as the 9.3x62, 375 H&H, 416 RM and 458 WM & Lott and premium quality Expanding/Soft point or Solid/FMJ bullets.  Bow-hunters require heavy bows +70- 80lb using tough 2 blade broad-heads and heavy 800-1000grain arrows.  A big buffalo bull's ribs can be up to 3/4" thick, and the ribs do not overlap.

Q 7.   How do I find a reliable SAFARI OUTFITTER ?

Around the world, a safari company with long term membership to professional hunters associations is good.  Long term representation with booking agents is good (as agents cannot afford complaints).  You need 100% legal and 100% success.  Ask yourself what you want ?  A legal hunt, or a cheap illegal hunt ?  Do you want to hunt wild game or relocated game ?  Do you want a Arnhem land wilderness hunt ?  Do you want a ranch or station hunt ?  Do you want trophies prepared and delivered.?  Always follow up past references and ask questions.  NT Police and NLC compliance officers, and Rangers are active in the field.  So Australian Buffalo Hunters must carry our correct licenses, access permits, and you must carry your visitors' licenses.