Should I bring my bow?

[Im_Jonesin]

I leave October 8th for my first safari in South Africa. I have planned the trip on bringing my rifle and practicing shooting every week. I made the mistake of shooting my bow some more and forgot how much I love it! Now i'm starting to think I need to bring my rifle AND my bow.
I already have a 4457 filled out for my rifle, if I were to bring my bow would I need that on the 4457? I also have sent out the application for a rifle permit to riflepermits.com including the invitation letter from the outfitter. Would the bow need to be added to the permit as well as the invitation letter?
The only thing slowing me down from packing up my bow is any added hoops to jump through on short notice.
Any information or opinions are welcome! Even if its "forget the bow, just take the rifle"

 

[BRICKBURN]

....................
I already have a 4457 filled out for my rifle, if I were to bring my bow would I need that on the 4457?..

Only if you think that US customs will think you bought it to bring home. Other than that, no.

Would the bow need to be added to the permit as well as the invitation letter? ..........."

NO. There is no requirement for an importation permit for a bow in RSA.


The only other thing I would consider is the possible added cost of extra baggage.


Have fun hunting.

 

[Lee M]

I’ve had no issues bringing a bow on SAA or Ethiopian Air other than being asked to open and show it’s not a gun. I did a 4457 for the 2014 trip, but not for 2016 or 2018. As for bringing a bow along I wouldn’t think twice! Africa is a great place for archers. I left the gun behind the last two trips and borrowed one as needed.

 

[mdwest]

Take it.. you will not regret it..

I took mine on my last trip over.. I only hunted with it once (Blue Wildebeest).. all other animals were taken with my rifle..

But it was well worth lugging the extra luggage around..

I wont go back without it at this point.. and the next PG hunt I do may be exclusively with my bow.. I am now hooked on bow hunting Africa..

It only took flinging 1 arrow last time to do it..

 

[G Skinner]

I took only my bow ....... 6 game over 10 days ... leave the gun at home LOL ! Good Luck and Play Safe !
Glen

 

[Hogpatrol]

I would first check with your PH/outfitter. He may not have bow hides/blinds set up. I wouldn't worry about the 4457.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

I went on my first safari this year, only took one rifle. I have booked back for next year already for a 9 day safari. I will be taking 2 rifles and my bow. I will be bow hunting mostly in mornings and rifle hunting the rest of the time. I already know it will cost me $200 each way on Delta for the extra case.

 

[joker2400]

Take it. The worst thing that happens is you walk and stalk and dont take any animals with it. IMO any respectable outfitter with competent PHs should be able to make a plan to get you some archery success with a bow if you inform them now. Especially October. If there are no rains the waterholes should be well utilized.

 

[Im_Jonesin]

As far as baggage fees, should I expect ~$200 for the rifle and then ~$200 for the bow? I am flying delta if that helps

 

[joker2400]

As far as baggage fees, should I expect ~$200 for the rifle and then ~$200 for the bow? I am flying delta if that helps

No, one should be included in your airfare. If you take what you need, with some creative packing you may not need a suitcase depending on the size of your cases.

 

[Hunter101]

Take your bow You will have no problems may have to show it once in the states. Over there they don't ask. First of Oct maybe the best time to bowhunt hot and dry game got to drink. Bow hunting so much fun over there!