AUSTRALIA: CMJ’s Australia 2026 Hunt Report

CamoManJ

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This adventure began many years ago with a aspirational interest in hunting dangerous game with big bore rifles through various online forums, friends & mentors. After my last safari in Africa for plains game in 2024, I wanted to experience something different. Then I read reports from hunters hunting Australia with Alex Jagers of Big Country Safaris. Over several WhatsApp texts, phone calls, I was booked & finally met him at a show in Midland, Tx.

The objective of this safari was to gain experience in hunting with my custom wildcat Winchester M70 .458 B&M with a 19” barrel, shooting 420 gr CEB Raptors and 400 gr CEB #13 solids. I wanted to hunt and shoot more animals for a better price with more practice before I try hunting game that will try harder to kill you in Africa like Cape Buffalo, Hippo & Elephant. I also wanted to see what Australia the country was like and to support the conservative hard working hunting community down under.

The firearms import and export process was quite simple and easy, I was impressed. Alex & Big Country Safaris guided and supported me every step of the way, much easier than Africa. Australia has implemented a new online system, applicants simply gather the required information, fill it out online and submit, too easy. The Australian Border Force (ABF) officers were accommodating, professional and were easy going, no worries. Alex’s help and support in this process was a major selling point for booking this safari, it gave me confidence in enjoying my trip stress free.

I left Midland, Tx on July 27, my route took me through IAH, LAX, MEL on United and onto DRW on Virgin Australia, arriving on July 29 at midnight. The firearms process in Melbourne took about 5 minutes, just checking the serial number on my rifle and ABF stamped my paperwork. Nice and smooth.

July 30 & 31.

I wanted a few days to rest, relax, get over jet lag and to get acquainted with Australia. Darwin is a pretty cool town, plenty of things to do, great restaurants and had a welcoming laid back atmosphere.

August 1 @ 6am.

I was picked up a few minutes early, we went to the airport for a quick visit to the ABF. There we started the paperwork process for my export when I leave a week later, just a punctual formality to make it easier for everyone on the day of departure, smart idea.

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The drive to camp was long, but enjoyable with several stops along the way, it took about 9 hours. Eventually, the pavement ended as we got into more rural and remote country, we saw donkeys and wallabies. As we entered the huge concession, we started seeing more and more Buffalo, my anticipation rose with excitement.

I was welcomed into camp like family, I knew I was going to have a great safari and was going to make new friends.

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August 2, first day of hunting.

After a breakfast of pancakes and eggs at 8am we left camp at 9am to check my rifle’s zero, made a few adjustments & went hunting. I enjoyed not having to get up at stupid o’clock in the morning, loved the laid back atmosphere, very relaxing. My PH, Ethan was a Kiwi, a New Zealand native and worldwide guide for many different species.

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We drove around and started looking for an old cow cull buffalo, ended up on high ground for a better view, spotted our target and decided to make our first stalk. After getting a closer look to verify its age and making sure she didn’t have any calves, it was on. About 150 yards in, the wind swirled, she busted us and took off. We went around to get the wind right and saw her trying to give us the slip going the opposite direction in the creek below. We pursued her for a few hundred yards to where a lone bull distracted her, the PH made a grunt and I made a broadside double shoulder shot. The old cow spun around and sat down. I put a finisher in her spine and she was done. It was a 92 yard shot measured with a Swaro EL range binos. The first bullet hit a lot of bone on both shoulders, I do believe I missed the vitals just by just a hair.

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Later in the afternoon, after lunch & a nap we went out for some pigs. My PH drove to a recent buffalo kill, parked the buggy on high ground above the site and on the back side of the hill. We quietly made a stalk to the other side and to edge of the bluff to see a sounder of about 9 pigs feeding on the buffalo carcass. I put on my ear protection, the red dot in my scope on the largest sow and the shooting began. The pigs had no idea I was there nor did they know what was going on, as they ran I followed the ridge above and shot 3 more. Easy target practice.

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For dinner we had slow cooked buffalo curry and rice, that was tender and very delicious, everyone got seconds. Paired with excellent Australian Shiraz red wine and homemade apple pie with ice cream. Helluva first day on safari.

August 3, hunt day 2.

I woke up around 7:15 am, it was a bit chilly after a good night’s sleep. Same schedule everyday, brekkie @ 8am & leave camp @ 9am.

Today we decided to focus on Trophy hunting while being cautiously selective as we had plenty of time. We invited a camp staff member, Jurgen, he is an experienced hunter, guide and photographer from New Zealand to join us because we had planned to hike into an area only accessible by foot. We may need his help to pack out a potential animal and he wanted to do some photography. About half way on the long drive to where we were to hike, we came across an ancient and magnificent buffalo bull that we noticed had a good portion of his horn broken off on one side. He was a big bull, just an incredible beast, after determining it was considered a management animal, I made a deal to hunt him. We made a short stalk from behind where he was standing alone, waited patiently for him to turn broadside and made a 40 yard shot. He never saw us and probably never knew what happened. The 420 Raptor smashed through both shoulders, both lungs, after a few steps he was down & finished off with a spine shot. The 420 Raptor did a phenomenal job of quickly dispatching the animal, the bullet was the only one on this safari that did not exit and was recovered.

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As you can see, the ancient bull’s teeth showed how old he was, and probably didn’t have much time left. He was an excellent Trophy, I was quite proud of this old Bull and he has earned his place on my wall. The last photo shows how thick skinned and tough these buffalo are. I was initially surprised the bullet did not exit, now I realize after hitting so much heavy bone on both shoulders, in addition to both lungs and it’s tough hide.

One of the best attributes of Big Country Safaris and their guides that really stood out was their attention to trophy preparation and meticulous presentation effort for excellent photo sessions. Impressive.

We continued on to the far side of the concession for the planned hike in pursuit of a Trophy Bull. Along the way, we saw several big quality bulls, that we could easily be happy with, but I decided to press on with time on our side. I wanted to hike and work hard for my Trophy with blood, sweat and tears. At the beginning of this hike was quite a bit sketchy, through a bottleneck ravine full of boulders and looked like perfect snake country, my senses were on full alert. Australia’s snakes are no joke, some of the most deadly and dangerous in the World. Of course, soon we came across several shedded snake skins, that really got me nervous, just kind of made my peace, pressed on hoping I’d survive. We hiked & hunted for several miles in this virgin valley, saw many buffalo, some nice bulls, but not exactly what I was looking for. Thankfully, we found a different route over the top of the rocky pass back to the buggy, at least we got a good workout and to see some beautiful remote country. We did see a herd of wild horses, quite a sight and they let us know that they didn’t like our presence by snorting repeatedly.

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August 4, hunt day 3.

Today is day the we really hoped to find and take a nice Trophy. We went to check out a few we had seen earlier in the first two days that were huge, of course we came across several bulls along the way, there were so many quality bulls to choose from. After carefully checking several bulls through our binos and passing them up, we came across the largest bull we have ever seen from the day before. The Trophy hunt was on. There were a few challenges to overcome to get to him, he had many cows around him and a pair of scrubbies, a bull & cow. Lots of eyes and ears looking right at us with the wind swirling. Eventually during our careful stalk, everything leaves in a hurry, straight up the big steep hill with us in hot pursuit. Trying to follow my young Kiwi goat hunting guide in a hectic hurry without falling was quite a feat, but rewarding. The animals kept going and going, over the far side of the valley, we have been beat & retreated. After about an hour, we felt the itch not to give up and to come up with new plan to drive a few miles around to the other side and to try catching them. We were determined not to be beat, blood sweat and tears…let’s do this. Hours later, we hike for a few miles, getting discouraged, but continued. Suddenly, in the valley below we spotted the Bull and his herd, they were too far. We tried to stalk down hill only to get busted once again by the cows, the steep slope full of rocks gave us up. That was it, we were defeated. From there it was getting late in the afternoon, we figured we’d hunt our way back to camp as we were hours from camp. Not long as we made our way down this mountain, lo and behold we saw an even bigger bull in the creek in the valley below. Ethan reacted with excitement as I hadn’t had a decent look at the bull, also surrounded by a herd of cows. Only the bull was looking right at us from 55 yards as I got on the sticks. We waited for him to get out from behind bushes and away from tree branches for a better shot, took awhile. The bull presented me a forward quartering shot, not my preferred angle, but we knew it probably was going to be my best chance to take him. I put the red dot in my scope right on his shoulder, he bucked & nearly fell forward from his busted shoulder, recovering and ran. Immediately, I shot him again, on the left side rear to anchor him, he ran up and over the hill with us in pursuit. The 3rd shot I placed on the right side of his rear, hoping to break some hip bone and slow him down. By the time we caught up to him about 500 yards away, the bull was down. Finished him off with a spine shot, once again. This bull, both his body and horns were huge. He was difficult to kill, tough old warrior. Upon closer inspection, both rear going away shots off hand, penetrated all the way through and exited, with one hitting the rear leg bone which was the 400 gr solid exiting dead straight out of his brisket. The other rear leg shot was with the 420 raptor which did not hit bone and exited with a downward arc at the bottom of his brisket slightly to the right. Quite impressive bullet performance.

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August 5, hunt day 4.

Today was to focused on hunting Scrub Bulls, “scrubbies”. These are feral cattle from 300 some odd years ago that have survived and reproduced, quite an interesting history behind them. I was about to discover how challenging these animals are to hunt and to appreciate their trophy worthiness a whole lot more. We had planned to drive to a different area of the concession where we have yet to hunt that was quite far from camp and where scrubbies were known to frequent. About an hour enroute, we got a call on the radio from the other hunting party ahead of us that saw a scrub bull in the bush and sent us the coordinates. We arrived to that area, drove around for awhile and finally spotted the bull alone next to a tree. After getting the wind in our favor we made a short 100 yard or so stalk, from tree to tree to about 60 yards. The bull started to move to our right, I got on the sticks and waited for him to clear bushes for a broadside shot. He had to stop at look us one last time, mistake, I had him in my crosshairs. The shot hit him perfectly in his shoulder, through its heart and exited his opposite shoulder. The bull turned away from me & I put the 2nd shot right in his rear, dropping him for good. This old scrubbie bull was an impressive animal, I really appreciated him. I enjoyed hunting scrubbies, such a fun and challenging hunt.

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After we loaded up the scrub bull, we continued on to the far end of the concession to meet up with the other party for lunch at a special spot on the river. There we shot each other’s guns, ate lunch, relaxed and napped, bush style.

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For the rest of the day we drove around exploring wild and virgin territory in search of a scrubbie cow for camp meat, also on the look out for pig opportunities. This area was swampy bottom land, perfect for pigs. We did quite a bit of bushwhacking with the buggy running over small tress and bushes trying to find ways around the swamp. We saw wallabies, dingoes and a freshwater croc during our exploration. We never saw anymore scrubbies for the rest of the day, just a ton of buffalo everywhere.

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August 6, The last hunt, day 5.

I had one remaining cow cull buffalo in my deal to end my safari with basically one big game animal per day. We also had a scrubbie cow to hunt for meat if the opportunity presented itself.

As we drove around exploring, we came across a few scrubbies across a creek that was loaded with buffalo. We had the wind to our face, as we began our stalk, again the cow buffalo were a formidable obstacle to overcome. Eventually the buffalo had enough of us and left without alerting the scrubbies nearby. As we got to about 100 yards, I opted not to try for the uphill, partly obstructed shot and my PH was to try with his .375 H&H, as it needed to be a precise head shot. He missed the difficult shot and we began running in pursuit trying to catch up for another shot. I was to put the 2nd anchoring shot when it was my chance. Well, after a few miles of a few busted attempts for a shot, we had to move on, they were impossible to catch up with.

We came across another group of scrubbies and tried to stalk them without success, they just never stopped for an opportunity. Once they know they are being hunted, they just keep going.

Finally, we decided we needed to focus on the final cow cull buffalo. It wasn’t long before we found our target old cow without calves, the stalk began once again. This was a downhill stalk towards a creek, we got within 60 yards and she presented a forward quartering shot looking uphill. I made a shoulder, heart shot exiting just behind her opposing shoulder. She turned downhill where I spine shot her in the rear, she flipped over and rolled down the hill. She was done. The 420 Raptors do their job quite effectively and quickly.

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That concludes my successful safari. I couldn’t be happier with the results of the entire experience, I am very grateful. The camp staff, the food and ambiance of camp was outstanding. I can’t wait to book another safari with Alex and Big Country Safaris. Next time, I will hunt either their coastal or desert concessions for the complete Australian Top End hunting experience.

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Leaving Australia with my firearm was easy and went smoothly, the ABF were friendly, professional and helpful. Alex’s firearms process & support works very well, no worries. I flew to Sydney, stayed the night at the Moxy Sydney Airport hotel which was nice and had airport shuttle service.

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Thank you all for reading this hunt report. I hope you enjoyed it and perhaps it inspires others to make their own adventure down under, you won’t be disappointed.

~ CamoManJ
 
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Great report Jason, really wished I was with you, looks like you had a fantastic trip with some fantastic animals and of course icing on the cake was the fantastic price you told me on the upgrades to first class. Great looking country and did you get to see any live snakes? We will get together for a trip in the next year or two. Oh almost forgot how do you now feel about the hydro dip stock color that you had done.
 
Thank You for sharing! I really need to get over there for this hunt :D Beers:
 
I always knew you were in good hands with the fellas from Big Country, Jason.
So glad to see how well it all turned out.
Glad you enjoyed our country.


Why did I think you were going to extend your stay with a visit to the Banteng country ?
None-the-less, it gives you another excuse for a return trip.

Well done and thanks for posting.
 
Great report Jason, really wished I was with you, looks like you had a fantastic trip with some fantastic animals and of course icing on the cake was the fantastic price you told me on the upgrades to first class. Great looking country and did you get to see any live snakes? We will get together for a trip in the next year or two. Oh almost forgot how do you now feel about the hydro dip stock color that you had done.
Thank you, Sir.
There’s always next time & I am sure you would enjoy it.
My trip was fantastic, United Polaris always makes the long haul easier for sure.
Fortunately, we did not see any snakes, Thank God!
I was surprised, there were very few mosquitoes and flies, I got only 1 mosquito bite & didn’t have to constantly swat for flies in my face.
The hydro dip on the spare B&C didn’t work out as I had expected, I replaced it with a new one.
It would an honor to hunt with you, my friend.
 
Thank You for sharing! I really need to get over there for this hunt :D Beers:

You’re welcome, Sir.

And YES, you do need to experience hunting Australia at least once, probably will want to go back for more.
 
I always knew you were in good hands with the fellas from Big Country, Jason.
So glad to see how well it all turned out.
Glad you enjoyed our country.


Why did I think you were going to extend your stay with a visit to the Banteng country ?
None-the-less, it gives you another excuse for a return trip.

Well done and thanks for posting.
Thank you Paul for your support & encouragement.
You’re right, I can’t wait to return, hopefully 2 more trips…one for the Banteng coastal camp with fishing and the desert concession for camels & donkeys.
 
Awesome - thanks for sharing.
I'm flying into Darwin on Friday this week - hunting with my son, a mate from Perth and his son, hosted by Simon Kyle-Little of Australian Big Game Safaris - can't wait.
You’re welcome, glad to do so.
I will be looking forward to your report with anticipation.
Have a safe and fun trip.
 
Well done, and glad to see that Alex has his rifle import business down packed; my 3rd trip to Australia I want to bring my own rifle.
Thank you.
Australia needs to see that hunters are not intimidated entering their country legally with their own firearms while supporting their economy, I think they understand that.
 
Awesome
You’re welcome, glad to do so.
I will be looking forward to your report with anticipation.
Have a safe and fun trip.
Thanks CMJ - I think I've packed everything. I finished work in Melbourne this afternoon, flew home to Brisbane, tried to finish work reports so I don't have to think about it while I'm away, answered phone calls from every mate wishing me luck with the hunt :LOL:
I'm gonna have to sleep fast - picking my son up in 5 hours and heading to the airport :E Excited:
 
A fantastic hunt report - thanks @CamoManJ some excellent animals you hunted.

It's beautiful remote wilderness out there, I just love it. And Alex and the crew are great fun. I'm heading back up there for my third visit in three weeks, I can't wait!
 
Thank you.
Australia needs to see that hunters are not intimidated entering their country legally with their own firearms while supporting their economy, I think they understand that.
They only understand it for monetary gain…. Such as hunting with a company which they get taxes, fees and permits out of.
 
Outstanding work, Jason.
Good writing.
Good photography.
Good folks doing good.
Congratulations on your immediate success.
 
@CamoManJ

How did you find the heat and humidity in that area?

In Oct 2023 we hunted the backcountry blocks outside Adelaide River, best way I can describe it is like being in Big Bend desert area in July + humidity of the Houston ship channel.
 
Outstanding work, Jason.
Good writing.
Good photography.
Good folks doing good.
Congratulations on your immediate success.
Thank you, Sir.
I’ve learned a whole heck of lot through your own writings on multiple forums.
 
@CamoManJ

How did you find the heat and humidity in that area?

In Oct 2023 we hunted the backcountry blocks outside Adelaide River, best way I can describe it is like being in Big Bend desert area in July + humidity of the Houston ship channel.
The heat and humidity was comfortable, at least for me.
The temperature at night was between mid 50’s to around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
During the day, the heat got up to around mid 80’s to mid 90’s F, tolerable with breezes.
I’m used to low humidity in West Texas and hate high humidity. I never noticed any uncomfortable humidity levels, except 1 or 2 mornings we had some minor fog & dew, which subsided quickly.
I remember your report, especially you enduring such high temperatures and humidity.
 
Awesome! Thank you for taking us along on your Adventure.
 
That's a great write up and good photos, I was there last year with my son for a large cull hunt, Alex delivers. I'm sure like you, going back is on your list, it's certainly on mine. Thanks for sharing.
 

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