Draw weight African plains game hunting

Draw weight African game - draw weight African plains game

Plains game 

Does draw weight bow hunting African game out-weigh Kinetic Energy (KE)? Does KE out-weigh draw weight African game? Fact of the matter is there are minimum draw weights for bow hunting African game.

Below is a list of the recommended draw weights for bow hunting African game in South Africa.

This guide is based on the following:

  • the body mass of the animal

  • the arrow having a minimum mass of 7,5 grains / lb draw mass

  • a minimum two bladed, steel cutting edged broad head of 28 mm width (1,1”).

    With bows and bow hunting equipment improvements, the draw weight table below can be used as a guideline. Trophy Trails Outfitters prefer KE.

Follow this link to learn more about draw weight dangerous game

Draw weight African game table - African plains game

Below is a table drawn up depicting the draw weights and KE required per plains game animal. We do realize some hunter body parts will be rupture when drawing a bow with 95 lbs worth of draw weight. Let us concentrate on how to achieve KE rather than personal injury.

Trophy animal

Draw weight required

Kinetic energy required (KE)

Average shot distance

Small body size game animals

Duiker

40 lbs.

40 ft / lbs.

20 – 30 yards

Jackal

40 lbs.

40 ft / lbs.

18 – 25 yards

Steenbok

40 lbs.

40 ft / lbs.

18 – 25 yards

 

Medium body size game animals

Blesbok

55 lbs.

50 ft / lbs.

19 – 25 yards

Bushbuck

55 lbs.

50 ft / lbs.

20 – 30 yards

Impala

55 lbs.

50 ft / lbs.

20 – 30 yards

Warthog

70 lbs.

60 ft / lbs.

19 – 25 yards

 

Big body size game animals

Eland

95 lbs.

60 ft / lbs.

25 – 30 yards

Gemsbok

70 lbs.

60 ft / lbs.

20 – 28 yards

Giraffe

95 lbs.

95 ft / lbs.

30 – 35 yards

Kudu

70 lbs.

60 ft / lbs.

20 – 35 yards

Nyala

70 lbs.

50 ft / lbs.

18 – 25 yards

Ostrich

55 lbs.

70 ft / lbs.

18 – 30 yards

Red hartebeest

70 lbs.

70 ft / lbs.

18 – 25 yards

Roan antelope

70 lbs.

70 ft / lbs.

25 – 30 yards

Sable

70 lbs.

60 ft / lbs.

18 – 25 yards

Waterbuck

70 lbs.

60 ft / lbs.

19 – 25 yards

Zebra

70 lbs.

60 ft / lbs.

19 – 25 yards

Zebra – mountain

70 lbs.

60 ft / lbs.

19 – 25 yards

    
Burchell's zebra draw weight
Discussing draw weight by the fire
Draw weight to bow hunt southern impala
Draw weight gemsbok plains game

Sync all components for successful Africa bow hunting safaris

Arrow weight, broad head type and shot placement

Arrow weight, correct broad heads and shot placement, together with draw weight, form very important components of the complete plains game bow hunting adventure.

However, due to space limitations the additional information you need is discussed in detail with respect to every individual animal.

Follow the link provided with every animal name to read about the arrow weight, broad head type and shot placement of that particular trophy animal.  

Hunting Techniques

  • Scent control: Pay extra attention to scent control, as animals can detect human scent from a blind, especially downwind. If you need to relieve yourself, do so at least 50 yards away from the blind.
  • Patience: Bow hunting from a blind requires patience as you wait for animals to approach. Be prepared to stay still for long periods. Make a mental note of any good dad jokes during slow times.
  • Shot selection: Choose your shots carefully, as you may have limited opportunities. Focus on ethical shots that ensure a quick and humane kill. Your PH will assist in calling a shot in case of a pass-through. But even then, mistakes can, and do happen.
  • Practice and preparation: Advice on the importance of practicing with the specific bow and arrow setup and being mentally and physically prepared for the hunt.

Equipment for your plains game Africa bow hunting safaris

Equipment and accessories

  • Rangefinder: A rangefinder is particularly useful for estimating distances accurately from within a blind.
  • Noise reduction: Consider using noise-reducing ear protection to minimize distractions and help you concentrate.
  • Video camera and still camera: A video camera is an amazing tool analysing shots. Slow-motion tells the story in full. Do not forget the tripod for the video camera. Mant stills are there for the taking when birds and other critters visit the waterhole.
  • Bird setup: some of the game birds visiting the waterhole during the day are very good to eat. If you add a bird arrow or two we can have a tasty meal.

While a blind can provide a tactical advantage, it’s essential to combine it with sound hunting practices, knowledge of the animals, and the ability to make ethical shots.

Bow hunting draw weight South Africa