Bow Hunting Cape Buffalo

Hi All,
In the back of my mind plays out this Cape Buffalo bow hunt fantasy. I have some questions that
some of the "grizzled" African hunters could answer. Is it something a reasonably sound bow hunter can
do with a reasonable expectation of success? Is it thrilling? Is there a way this can be affordable. I have
three daughters in college so if there is some way of waiting for a bargain ( such as cancellations etc...)
If it does happen what would be considered a rock bottom price. (So I know it if I see it.)


thanks - Jerry

Hi Jerry I wish you luck on your quest! Though I myself have never taken a Cape Buffalo I know many that have with Rifle, Black Powder and a Bow so the answer to your Question about bows is yes it can done with a reasonable expectation of success. as far as affordabilty check the Great Deal on hunt page some of the best I've seen. If you find an Outfitter that say's they can do it a lot cheaper then that you better start doing your reseach on that outfit or you may find yourself in some African jail for poaching if not just giving your money away. Just my thoughts Bob

I think it all depends on what you want. Spiral Horn Safaris (Louis van Bergen) has some right now for $10,000 all in. You could also go to one of the other "hot spots" for bowhunting buff like Mozambique. As of now, $10k seems to be the bottom price with most still fetching $14-18k, depending on hunt location and trophy expectations. If you want a hard bossed, mature bull but aren't into numbers, you can pick up a steal.

As for gear, I would go as heavy of an arrow/broadhead combo as you can. I've got an 82lb bow with grizzly stik "safari" arrows and a 315gr broadhead for my buff (practiced on a giraffe in 11). The whole arrow setup weighs in at 980 grains. Shoot a solid two blade head and you will be good to go. Just pay attention to your KE numbers and you can even shoot lower weight as long as your arrow is heavy with a sharp two blade on the front.

It is a good option with a bow, mid 90'KE is my preferred number, grizzly custom sticks second and a German kinetic 225 grainer as cutter (single blade) would most definitely be my preference... Remember the more blades you have the more resistance you need to deal with so single blade is the best option by far.

A word of advice if I may should you do SA insist on doing walk and stalk and no other as Buffalo in some areas tend to be like cattle. Plan well do proper research and above all enjoy it.... You are about to enter an entire new realm of hunting if you approach it in the appropriate manner.

My very best always

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Originally Posted by Jaco Strauss

It is a good option with a bow, mid 90'KE is my preferred number, grizzly custom sticks second and a German kinetic 225 grainer as cutter (single blade) would most definitely be my preference... Remember the more blades you have the more resistance you need to deal with so single blade is the best option by far.

A word of advice if I may should you do SA insist on doing walk and stalk and no other as Buffalo in some areas tend to be like cattle. Plan well do proper research and above all enjoy it.... You are about to enter an entire new realm of hunting if you approach it in the appropriate manner.

My very best always

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I can't upload my pictures at the moment.
Walk & Stalk Bow Hunting Buffalo is Exciting.

Watched a video of a Bull being taken from a tree stand... Not for me.

I was immediately sold on it when I watched a video of a successful stalk in tall grass.
The hunter was breathing like a steam train climbing into the Rockies....

During my stalk I did exactly the same thing. I never noticed until the PH told me to slow my breathing.

20 yards from a Buffalo with a bow, with little to nothing between you and him......

Yes sir, that is exciting! I'd do it again.

You've gotta get some pictures up man!

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Originally Posted by TOM

You've gotta get some pictures up man!

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Ok.Ok.

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tap won't be able to sleep after viewing your Cape buffalo. (lol)

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Originally Posted by enysse

tap won't be able to sleep after viewing your Cape buffalo. (lol)

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I bug him every day with the avatar :laughing:

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Originally Posted by BRICKBURN

Ok.Ok.

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To small Wayne should have given it another year or two....NOT that sucker is awesome.

Love those bosses!

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Originally Posted by BRICKBURN

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You should have this or one of you with it as your avatar man. What broadhead were you using? Arrow? You do look a bit more tan than I thought you were. ;)

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Originally Posted by TOM

You should have this or one of you with it as your avatar man. What broadhead were you using? Arrow? You do look a bit more tan than I thought you were. ;)

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Bow:
Make: APA INNOVATIONS
Model: BLACK MAMBA XL 7.0, 84#

Arrows:
7595 Gold Tips 30.5 inches with inserts and weight tubes 8 gpi

Broadheads:
220 grain German Kinetics 2 blade (Thank you to Louis for the suggestion)

Helical Feather Fletch - (only way I got to have control that big broad head out front.)

Extreme FOC, reference Dr. Ashby

One day I will get around to telling the whole tale, start to finish. Just wanted to share that you can sneak up on these guys with a bow.
The actual back up was a .375. :)

Hi,
Could a 100 or 125 grain fixed broadhead on a 400 grain easton injexion arrow work on these monsters? It is a set up that gets very impressive penetration. The set up has the ability to deliver great ke. Just wondering if anyone has approached it this way?

thanks-Jerry

At what draw weight? Personally, that seems pretty light to me and I'd rather be in the 800-1000 grain territory in case you hit a rib or bone. When in doubt, go heavier. What broadhead did you have in mind?

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Originally Posted by zenbear

Hi,
Could a 100 or 125 grain fixed broadhead on a 400 grain easton injexion arrow work on these monsters? It is a set up that gets very impressive penetration. The set up has the ability to deliver great ke. Just wondering if anyone has approached it this way?

thanks-Jerry

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Jerry, My arrow was as light (the minimum) anyone is typically allowed to use. 750+/- grains.

I'll state it a little more strongly than Tom.
There is not a reasonable PH that is going to let you in the field with a 500 grain arrow to go after a Buffalo.

There are a host of people that will get into the KE / Penetration debate with you. (I won't)

I would strongly suggest you look up Dr. Ashbys research and read it from start to finish.
Yeah its older, but it is the ONLY study done ON Cape Buffalo and actually set the standard for the law to allow bow hunting in KZN.

Here is another true field test for you:
I used a 415 gn arrow (7595) out of the same bow this fall. 84# on a Mule Deer Buck at 46 yards. It blew through the chest and sunk 12 inches into the ground 42 yards past the buck.

The 758 gn arrow (7595) same 84#bow on the Buffalo; the blood never even dirtied the fletching from 20 yards!!

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Originally Posted by BRICKBURN

Ok.Ok.

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Great looking buff BRICKBURN!
I hope to be able to arrow a buff like that one day:D

Nice Buff Brick

I would truly say that must be the ultimate adrenalin rush. As Jaco stated you should just check that it is wild Buff you are after. There is allot of people with breeding herds these days, those animals are really like cattle.