Meet your host: André Lureman of Trophy Trails Outfitters Africa. This is a bow hunting company only for bow hunters, by bow hunters. If it shoots an arrow we will gladly guide you on the best hunt you can imagine.
André has been passionate about hunting since the tender age of 8, honing his skills with an air gun and enjoying the thrill of the hunt on a bushveld game ranch. His early successes included bagging a warthog at just 10 years old.
Growing up, André spent his school holidays living the dream lifestyle; hunting on a ranch, tracking and hunting warthogs, game birds, and guinea fowl.
He bartered his first bow with none other than a San bushman while in South West Africa (Namibia) busy with his military service. With this tiny bow he managed his first bow kill: a rabbit. And then the monster was born.
In 1984, André purchased his first bow, igniting a lifelong passion for archery. He spent nine years working as a commercial hunter, supplying meat to a local store specializing in beef and game jerky. His dedication to bow hunting led him to turn professional in 2001, focusing exclusively on bow hunting safaris from 2005 onwards.
Beyond his hunting career, André is deeply committed to conservation and sustainable resource utilization. He actively participates in rhino conservation efforts and the ongoing fight against poaching, particularly the devastating impact of rhino poaching. Additionally, André dedicates his time to youth programs and military veterans, sharing his experiences and inspiring the next generation of hunters and conservationists.
As André aptly states, “I am blessed to work in the bush.” His lifelong passion for hunting, coupled with his dedication to conservation, has made him a respected figure in the African hunting community.
We prefer bow hunting for the added challenge and skill required. Bow hunting demands precision, patience, and a close-range approach, making it a more intimate and rewarding experience. We make time to enjoy the antics of a family of banded mongoose, or watch two sable bulls claiming territory. Other times we just simply appreciate nature.
We also acknowledge our Creator and His divine hand and must therefore always strive to hunt ethically and with respect.
Compound-, traditional- or longbow. Bow hunting in South Africa gives access to the widest variety of game species in the world. Although most international hunters use compound bows equal success can be achieved with traditional or longbow. We cater for both first time and experienced hunters. Bookings will be accepted from individuals, groups or family hunts. As military veterans ourselves we welcome vet bow hunters!
Although most hunts are conducted from well-constructed blinds (pit and elevated) we also cater for walk and stalk hunts. Different species prefer different habitats but you can expect to successfully hunt up to 10 species on a ten-day hunt.
You will be accompanied by an experienced qualified professional hunter during your entire hunt. As qualified professional hunters we prioritize your interests and safety.
Before you book your hunt try and familiarize yourself with the different species you would like to target. Also, note vitals on African game are deeper in the chest cavity than American or European game. African species are notoriously tough so shot placement is crucial. Make sure to practice and that all equipment is up to fine-tuned.
Typically bow shot opportunities will be between 15 to 35 yards. We recommend using well-constructed broadheads, we don’t totally discount the use of mechanical heads but have had most success with two or three bladed heads. Further down in the page you will find information on regulations, minimum draw weights and kinetic energy.
There are minimum legal requirements regarding equipment.
Given the minimum regulations the best bow to use is the one that you can consistently hit your mark with.
The bow hunting season in South Africa ends when the last hunter leaves. We have year-round exemption for hunting which means we can hunt from 1 January through 31 December every year. We do however recommend to book between mid-April / May (the rut) to October. These are the drier, colder months although you can expect temperatures peaking between the 70’s F to the mid-80’s during April and October (25 to 30 degrees Celsius).
