Bow Hunting South Africa

South Africa’s Bow Hunting is the ultimate hunting trip for the avid bow hunter. South Africa offers the visiting bow hunter a tremendous variety of species to choose from during a hunting Safari. Most visiting bow hunters are amazed at the number of shot opportunities provided during each safari day. A typical day in the bushveld will offer three to six good windows of opportunity at highly desirable African game species. South Africa is the ideal hunting destination.

What Game Animals can you hunt with a bow in South Africa?

In South Africa bow Hunting is possible for the various plains game and antelope species like Kudu, Eland, Sable, Waterbuck, Impala and Warthog and include Giraffe as well as dangerous game like Cape Buffalo, Lion and Leopard.

What Equipment is required for a Bow hunt in Africa?

Regulations allow for bow hunting in South Africa with these types of bows – Compound bow, Long bow, Recurve bow and Crossbow. While there are regulations in place that determine the minimum kinetic energy needed for the various game species a bow with a draw weight of 60 pounds or more will be generally suitable for plains game hunting. A bow with a draw weight of 80 pounds or more will be suitable for dangerous animals such as Buffalo and Lion.

Plains Game Bow Hunting in South Africa

Bow hunting plains game in South Africa requires a bow with a draw force of 60 pounds or more. The bow you choose should be capable of shooting a 400 gr arrow at 260 feet per second or higher because some of the antelope will string jump. As for which type is the best bow to take to Africa, the best choice is a bow that you shoot well. A compound bow is easier to maneuver through thick bush and in confined spaces. Ultimately you need to be comfortable with the equipment to have success when hunting Africa.

Dangerous Game Bow Hunting Safari

Hunting South African big game with bow and arrow demands serious equipment, we recommend nothing less than a 80 pound bow, shooting an 800 gr arrow with a fixed blade broadhead. Why? Large thick skinned game such as African Buffalo and Hippo are extremely tough to take down, especially with a bow. These animals have a thick skin with an armor plated rib cage and enormous shoulder bones to avoid. To be successful on these big game animals you need to shoot with pinpoint accuracy and perfect shot placement. Sufficient penetration to reach the vital organs will result in a short follow up and ultimate success.

Broad Heads

Broadheads are a critical component of your bow hunting setup. A broadhead with a large cutting diameter will give you an increased margin of error and a high success rate. We have had great success with both mechanical open on contact and fixed blade broad heads, the proviso is that they need to be razor sharp.

The Best Time of Year for Bow Hunting

Our hunting season takes place during the winter time, so warm camo clothing will play a role in keeping you warm and comfortable during your South African trip. If you will be bow hunting from a well positioned stand we recommend a comfortable set of camouflage hunting gear, so animals will not be able to see you in the hunting shelter. Camouflage hunting gear will also be required if you intend to stalk any of the available species.

Bow Hunting South Africa – Methods For Success

PIT BLINDS

A typical pit blind is constructed by digging a hole in the ground typically 3 to 4.5 feet deep. The stand is then completed by constructing four walls and a roof over the pit. The best bow hunting blinds will normally be situated within 30 ft of waterholes, often some alfalfa will be put out to help attract game to the area. Hunting from a pit is probably the number one most successful methods of bow hunting.

The reasons for the high rate of success include the following:

1. The shot angle is parallel with the ground which aids in shot placement.
2. There is no up or down angle to take into consideration when placing your shot.
3. Both scent and sound are well contained within the pit, so wind direction is not a consideration.
4. While hunting dangerous animals like Buffalo you are perfectly safe within a pit blind.
5. The inside of the pit is dark so any movement while drawing your bow will not be seen.

ELEVATED BOX BLINDS

As the name suggests elevated box blinds are simply a box constructed on four legs above the ground. A well built box stand will have some of the advantages of the pit type and be located near water holes. Quite often the box blind is built from wooden slats which leave a small gap between each piece of timber. Elevated box stands can yield a high success rate if a few things are taken into consideration.

1. The elevated box type does not contain scent as well as a pit type.
2. The shot needs to be placed more carefully because of the elevation and shooting angle.
3. The box type may creek when you move about, so you need to limit movement.
4. Extra care needs to be taken when climbing into a box stand with your bow.

TREE STANDS

Tree stands consist of a platform attached to a tree. Usually a step ladder is then secured against the tree to allow you to climb up to the platform. While you often have a great view of approaching animals, the tree stand does not always provide the best concealment.

WALK AND STALK

One of the most challenging methods of bow hunting in Southern Africa is commonly referred to as the walk and stalk method. While walk and stalk is the least successful method, it is often the most rewarding.

Walk and stalk bow hunting will challenge the experienced bow hunter to the maximum. This method requires constant attention to scent control and concealment. African game animals are always alert to anything out of place and will disappear in a heartbeat. Shot opportunities happen in an instant and need to be taken without hesitation.

The walk and stalk style of hunting requires the hunter and Professional hunter to stalk quietly and carefully into the wind. Once the quarry is spotted the hunter will stalk slowly to within effective shooting range. The hunter needs to draw his bow and release a well placed arrow all without being seen.

African Bow Hunting – Trophy Animals

Africa is one of the most diverse echo systems and can be extremely challenging and rewarding. A bow hunt in South Africa offers a unique experience because of the sheer number and diversity of game animals available for bowhunting. Top hunting game on a Safari in South Africa include Kudu, Eland, Nyala, Sable, Blue Wildebeest, Roan, Waterbuck and Warthog. Of course every archer would add a Buffalo to the top of this list.