Valley Bushveld Safaris
Bow Hunting Info
The Eastern Cape Province is ideal for Bow Hunting because of the type of vegetation also called Valley Bushveld from where our name also originated.
Classic Bow Hunting Safaris into Africa have become increasingly popular amongst discerning archers with a variety of species on offer.
The Professional Hunter are highly qualified, experienced and technically competent with the advice they offer for tough African game, hunting methods, equipment limitations that have been tested and proven in the field, as well as legislation introduced by the Government ensures the ethics of the sport is upheld.
Valley Bushveld Safaris is proud that it has carefully selected exclusive areas to ensure maximum success and quality of trophies in their hunts.
Strict zoning policies and area usage ensure rifle hunting is excluded preference to the Bow Hunting option.
A combination of the above factors and the expertise of renowned Professional Hunters will ensure the Bow Hunter an unforgettable Safari of a lifetime.
Compound, longbows and re-curve bows can be used on Plains game. Although no regulation regarding draw weight exists it is recommended to use bows of 60# and higher.
Traditional archers should advise the length of their longbows to enable any adjustments to existing blinds to be made prior to the safari. Three or four bladed broad heads of the thunderhead type are recommended.
| MINIMUM RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COMPOUND BOWS: | Draw Weight | Arrow Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Small Game | 40 lb | 400 grain |
| Medium Game | 70 lb | 550 grain |
| Buffalo, Elephant, Rhino, Hippo | 80 lb | 700 grain |
Bow Hunting Methods
Bow hunts are usually conducted in the ways depending on your specific situation and species hunted:
1. BLINDS
The majority of successful bags are made from permanently constructed blinds. These are situated approximately 20 yards from waterholes and salt licks. Some blinds are elevated from the ground, and others are ground blinds, depending on the terrain, sun and wind direction.
These blinds are spacious and have roofs overhead. Shooting ports are adjustable to suit both standing and sitting archers. Animals bagging regularly through this method are Kudu, Impala, Blue Wildebeest, Zebra, Eland, Gemsbok, Red Hartebeest, Warthog and Baboon.
2. STALKING
This method is used for the “more difficult” species or those that do not frequently visit the waterholes. Some concessions offer the ideal terrain for this method.
The undulating hills, deep gullies and water streams with thick vegetation all make it possible to get within bow range. Species bagged by this method are Bushbuck, Nyala, Duiker, and the species listed under “Blinds”.
Camouflage clothing is legal in South Africa and is highly recommended specially for walk & stalk. Camo clothing should have a predominantly green and dark brown pattern depending on the season.
3. OPPORTUNITY
This includes a variety of hunting methods. The most commonly used is locating animals whilst cruising in a 4x4 vehicle. A large area can be covered using the method without losing valuable time walking through dead terrain. Once game has been sighted the stalk is planned and the vehicle drives off leaving the hunter and his guide in a suitable position.
Often the opportunity arises whereby the hunter is dropped behind cover or downwind and the game is moved towards him by the trackers. This can be very exciting and rewarding, but needs a lot of patience and time.
Any species available in an area can be bagged using this method. A hunter can also select an active game trail used by a specific trophy and erecting a tree stand or temporary blind.