Draw weight African dangerous game

Draw weight African game - draw weight African dangerous game

An introduction to draw weight African dangerous game

Draw weight African game is an important part in the success of your hunt. The dangerous game component concerning draw weight African dangerous game is much more important than the color of your camouflage clothing.

According to the bow hunting regulations governing bow hunting in South Africa, draw weight is set out at certain levels. As with most rules, regulations and laws, governing bodies are usually slow to respond to everchanging and evolving technology. This means the same, or a higher level of KE can be reached with lower draw weights. We accept the law as it stands but hope for improvement soon.

Bow hunting African dangerous game has strict legal prescriptions with regards to minimum draw weights. Below is a list of the recommended draw weights for Africa dangerous game.

Please use the following as an accurate guideline for bow hunting African dangerous game: never use a mechanical broad head for bow hunting Cape buffalo. The sheer body mass of a Cape buffalo will limit the penetration of mechanical broad heads to the extent the vitals will not be reached.

You are welcome to use mechanical broad heads for bow hunting lions and leopards because they are soft-skinned animals. It is not legal to bow hunt leopards in South Africa.

This link takes you to Plains Game Draw Weight information

Draw weight table for African dangerous game bow hunting

The following table reflects the draw weight for bow hunting African dangerous game in South Africa.

Please note that it is illegal to bow hunt pachyderms (thick-skinned animals) in South Africa. The pachyderms you may not bow hunt are the African elephant and white- and black rhinos.

By implication, the same regulations apply when hunting females of these species.

Draw weight bow hunting African game – draw weight African dangerous game

Trophy animal

Draw weight

Kinetic energy – KE

Average shot distance

Cape buffalo

95 lbs.

80 ft / lbs.

Average Cape buffalo shot distance from a blind will be 19 – 25 yards.

On a walk-and-stalk hunt your average Cape buffalo bow shot will be between 35 and 40 yards.

African lion

95 lbs.

60 ft / lbs.

On a walk-and-stalk bow hunt for African lion, your average shot distance will be between 35 and 45 yards.

Draw weight dangerous game Africa
Draw weight Africa dangerous game
Regulation draw weight buffalo Africa

This link takes you to the Cape buffalo hunting information

Adventure and challenge of bow hunting African dangerous game

Why do people bow hunt dangerous game

  • Thrill of the hunt: The thrill of hunting dangerous game in a remote and exotic location can be incredibly appealing to adventurous bow hunters.
  • Physical and mental challenge: The physical demands and mental focus required for a successful hunt can be motivating for those seeking a challenge.
 
Conservation and trophy hunting
  • Conservation efforts: Many bow hunters feel a strong connection to wildlife and see hunting as a way to support conservation efforts through fees and regulations.
  • Trophy hunting: The desire to obtain a prized trophy, such as a large lion or leopard, can be a motivating factor for some hunters.
Personal growth and experience
  • Self-Discovery: Hunting can be a personal journey of self-discovery and growth.
  • Unique Experience: Hunting African dangerous game is a unique and unforgettable experience that can provide lasting memories.
Ethical considerations
  • Ethical hunting: Many bow hunters believe that ethical hunting, with proper preparation and respect for the animals, can be a rewarding and sustainable practice.

It’s important to note that the decision to hunt African dangerous game should be made carefully, with a thorough understanding of the risks involved, the ethical considerations, and the potential rewards.

Important information

  • Factors affecting draw weight:
    Determine the critical issues before your hunt starts. Know what the KE, draw weight comparison is with the specific broad head. Bring an extra bow string, just in case. 

 

  • Ethical considerations:
    Discuss with us the ethical implications of hunting dangerous game with a bow and the importance of using adequate draw weight to ensure a clean and humane kill.

 

  • Safety tips:
    Maintain a safe distance from any wounded dangerous game animal, being aware of their surroundings, and practicing good shot placement. Wait until your experienced PH pronounces it safe to approach a downed animal.

 

  • Hunting regulations:
    The hunting regulations for dangerous game bow hunting in South Africa is straight forward. Follow this link to read the full regulatory document. We are fortunate enough not to be limited to specific hunting seasons. It does however make sense to be here during the dry season.

 

  • Recommended equipment: There are many bow manufacturers. Much of the exact bow to use depends on the user. Once you have confidence in a specific bow brand, stick with what you know best. Make very sure the broad heads are fixed blade and have very sharp cutting edges.

 

  • Professional guidance: Your PH is the last outpost between you and grave danger. Listen to the experience of someone who has guided bow hunts on dangerous game before. Stay close to the PH and be aware that if a dangerous game animal charges, the threat will be eliminated by the PH.

This link takes you to the African lion hunting section

Bow hunt Cape buffalo draw weight