Trophy Hunting Buffalo

The Cape Buffalo is a large African bovine, black in color and carrying a heavy-set pair of horns. Actually, the underlying skin is gray in color, but the short thin growth or black hair covering the skin gives the appearance of being black. Both male and female buffalo have horns. Males tend to have heavier horns, and sport large bosses with wear fissures that hunters refer to as the boss having “character”.

Methods of Cape buffalo hunting vary. Please be advised from the onset your Professional Hunter may have to back you up in the event of a dangerous situation. Typically, buffalo must drink every day. In areas with large herds, the herds are tracked from the waterholes or from where they have crossed the roads, until you catch up with them. Lone Bulls and Bachelor herds are also hunted in this way. The buffalo are then assessed until a target trophy is spotted. Once in range, the hunter will attempt to get a clear shot at his target. This style of hunting Cape buffalo can be both rewarding and can also be very frustrating. Because of the number of buffalo in the herd, it is very difficult to sneak within shooting range of the herd with so many watchful eyes, listening ears and skilled nostrils constantly searching for approaching danger. A saying has evolved that says “to shoot a big buffalo, one must look at a lot of buffalo.”

A minimum caliber of .375 is a legal requirement to hunt Cape Buffalo. A caliber of .416 or larger is preferred for the additional stopping power it provides against a charging buffalo. Many hunters will choose to make their first shot with a quality soft-point cartridge, and then follow up this shot with solids to take advantage of their penetration power. A wounded Cape buffalo that disappears into the thick bush or long grass is among the most dangerous hunting situations in Africa. The buffalo is legendary for both his cunning and lead absorbing abilities. The name “Black Death” is well earned. The wounded buffalo will circle around or backtrack and lie in wait for his pursuers, and then suddenly burst forth on a head-on charge with certain rage and destruction his only intent. This is when you cannot be shooting “too big” of a rifle caliber.