Bow transportation?

Hi all,

I have a friend who want to hunt in South Africa with his bow. He is new at this and I do not have a clue about bow permits or anything in that department. I know bows are brought without all the trouble of a firearm. Is there any preparations we must take to bring it with him here from the US? Any help would be great. Thanks

Nothing at all. Bows are seen as "Sporting goods" and do not require any special permits to get into South Africa. He doesn't even need to go to the SAPS (police) office at checkout. He can just grab his bowcase and walk out of the airport. Don't let him get tricked by anyone telling him he needs to go to SAPS or offer a "tip" to get through.

Hi Uxbridgesafari,

Tom is right. You do not need any permits or documentation for your bow. Just make sure that your bow and accesories are in a propper bow case that can lock, mark it clearly with your name, adress and contact number on the bow case. It will be a good idea to put the outfitters number on the bow case for in case it gets lost. I know for a fact that bow cases did get lost in the past on the airport.

Good points Niel. That is why I never carry mine in a bowcase anymore...sounds crazy right. I have a "drop bottom" duffel bag that my bow fits into perfectly with foam all around it. From all looks it appears like a normal duffel bag. No problems with "oversize" luggage and it doesn't look like a gun or bowcase so you have no worries on that front. I really think it's the best route to go.

Good idea Tom! I never thought of travelling with my bow without a bowcase.

Seeing how the guys at the airport handling luggage, I really do not want to take the risk putting my bow in a soft bag.

I need to see if I have a picture of it. It's not soft sided. It's a bag meant for holding break down shotgun cases in the bottom and your clothes on top. Basically has really hard plastic around the bottom area where your bow is and the top is thick canvas. I know that "Badlands Terra Glide" is a bag that a lot of guys are using to get around taking a bowcase. My bag is something similar. Cabelas used to make a bag with the same function as well.

Here is a picture of a Terra Glide by Badlands.

Nice Idea TOM. I like the handle and wheels.

I prefer to have my bow protected by my an TSA locked airline approved SKB bow case. This way I am confident that my bow, arrows, sights and other gear are well protected. Just slip a duffel bag over the bow case and I looks like another piece of luggage. Just another idea.

I've got a nice, almost new SKB double bow case that I should sell. They are nice but I haven't used it in years since I started the "bow in the bag" deal. I just like being able to travel with only one bag. My bows, arrows and everything fits in one bag. Then just a backpack for a carry on and off I go. No messing with porters or SAPS people in the airport thinking it's a gun. Saves a lot of time and headaches for me.

Originally Posted by nieluyssafaris

Hi Uxbridgesafari,
It will be a good idea to put the outfitters number on the bow case for in case it gets lost. I know for a fact that bow cases did get lost in the past on the airport.

Even when SAA had the outfitters name, number etc, it took THREE WEEKS for mine to finally arrive at the lodge.
I believe Niel bore personal witness to the "polite telephone conversation" I had with the person at SAA that figured I should come down to Durban and pick up my bow. The bow was delivered to the lodge the next day.

On another note of caution with your BOW and ARROWS.
Transiting particular countries: Amesterdam, NETHERLANDS = confiscated broadheads.

Here is a nice compact product that holds and protects your arrows for transport.
It is fully adjustable to fit any arrow length. Check it out.
Amazon.com: Eastonｮ Arrow Tote: Sports & Outdoors

Tom those bags are really neat! Wayne your bow was only one of a few cases I know of that got lost. Unfortunately if you haven't talked to the people at SAA like that, you most probably wouldn't have seen your bow again.

Originally Posted by nieluyssafaris

........ Wayne your bow was only one of a few cases I know of that got lost. Unfortunately if you haven't talked to the people at SAA like that, you most probably wouldn't have seen your bow again.

In retrospect after the trip I reviewed the transport process and what happened.
It all started with a "tight" connection and a small connecting plane.
The Bow case was left behind at that point in all likelihood. YYZ to DC flight.
From that point SAA thinks they can send it the next day. One flight per day.
Only problem is I am gone onto another country at that point. Being new to this flying to Africa idea.


I put all the paperwork in, "Lost bag claim" with SAA at the airport.
Give them the PH and Lodge contact information.
Email SAA as a follow up. Again provide all contact information, including my local telephone number.
Never get a call.
Hear from PH via email that SAA have the bag and then assume it is on its way. (Do not do this)
I do not check on it again.
I hunt for a week then I attend school for ten days then transfer to the Lodge.
Then find out the Bow has not been shipped to the Lodge.
SAA had moved the Bow by air to Durban and had never contacted me once in THREE WEEKS.
When Kemp finally tracks it down with SAA and hands the telephone to me the SAA rep, that is when he received my exact thoughts on their service and what they had better do.
If I had to spend another day getting that Bow I would have "hunted" the guy when I arrived in Durban.

Moral of the story,
if you can hide that darned bow, great.
Put your name on everything.
Make it as small as possible so it does not get left behind.
If you are going to going on to another country leave a day in between just for insurance.

Good luck.