Best Setup for Archery Cape Buffalo

Cape buffalo are one of the toughest and most dangerous big game animals on the planet. They have extremely thick, almost impenetrable skin. Their ribs overlap and they’ve got a sweet spot the size of a grapefruit. African Dangerous Game are the last critters you want to chase into the bush when wounded, so if you’re going to do an archery Cape buffalo hunt, you better make sure you’ve got the right gear for the job. Not a bowhunter? Here are the best calibers for a cape buffalo hunt.

Prehistory Archery Hunting Methods

The first stone arrowheads were discovered in Africa, which indicates that the bow and arrow was invented there, dating back to 50,000 B.C. Somewhere between 25,000 and 18,000 BC, fire hardened points were developed. These ancient bowhunters would insert the arrowhead into a slot in the front of the shaft and firm it with sinew. Then they glued on feathers and tied them with sinew to the arrow shaft.

One piece bows of yew or elm have been found in Denmark that date between 8,000-6,000 B.C. The first composite bow was developed in Egypt around 2,800 B.C. It was made from wood and tipped on each end with animal horn held together with sinew from different animals and glue. It was almost C shaped and took two people to string it. In 2,500 B.C., the Sumerians were conquered by the Akkadians who used their infantry archers to defeat them. Macedonian archers fought from horseback around 360 B.C.

New World Bowhunting Methods

Fast forward to the short bows used by the Apaches in the New World, Mongols in Asia, and the English longbow which was widely used in Europe.

Modern Archery Hunting

Nowadays you’ve got longbow, recurve, compound bows, etc. Guys like Art Young and Fred Bear were the first to head to Africa to take archery Cape buffalo. Bows have come a long way since then. Here is an up to date list of some of the recommended equipment to set you up for success on your hunt.

Best Setup for Archery Cape Buffalo

If you’ve ever wanted to hunt Cape buffalo with a bow, here’s what you need to know before you book your hunting safari. Be sure to check regulations in the country you are hunting prior to your safari. Not all African countries even allow bowhunting at all.

• Bow: You’ll need a bow capable of propelling an 850 grain arrow at 230 feet per second.
• Arrows: Employ a heavy arrow; 8 grams- 10 grams per bow pound. You can use wood, fiberglass, carbon, carbon compounds or aluminum arrows. Arrows need to be a minimum of 700 grains, but 950-1000 grains are preferred.
• Broadheads: Broadheads must have at least two fixed cutting blades with a minimum cutting edge length and width of one inch (26mm+). Mechanical broadheads are legal in Namibia (but archery hunting for dangerous game is NOT).

Arrows for Cape Buffalo

• GrizzlyStik Momentum TDM Arrow
• Easton 2017 aluminum arrow, with Easton Trooper shafts glued inside.
• Easton FMJ Dangerous Game Arrow

Broadheads for Cape Buffalo

• Grizzlystik single bevel broadheads
• Grizzlystik Silver Flame broadheads
• 200 Grain Muzzy Phantom stainless steel two-blade broadheads
• The original German kinetics Silver Flame broadheads
• Bishop 500 grains 3 blade mechanical cutting broadheads*
• Bishop 600 grain 2 blade broadheads*

*Bishop broadheads are machined out of bar stock from some of the best tool steel available. There is no bend, no break and they fly perfectly.

Thank you Outdoors International!

It was an amazing steelhead fishing trip! I brought my dad along with me and we slayed the fish. If you guys aren't applying for the OI Draws, you should. They're legit!

Tyler Kirk / OI Draw Winner

I couldn't believe we won!

We won this fully guided, all-inclusive New Zealand red stag hunt in the OI Draw! I highly recommend this hunt, and Outdoors International—fantastic company, amazing meals, and hunts that are second to none.

Brandon Ball / OI Draw Winner

I'm so grateful for the opportunity!

Thank you to Outdoors International, all the PH's and their awesome staff. I made some new friends and will be back to Africa again 100%.

Brye Mangum / OI Draw Winner

My most memorable and rewarding experience.

This was my first guided hunt, and the outfitter was amazing. He was able to keep me motivated and encouraged to hold out for true trophies. I would rate him on an 11 on a scale of 1 to 10! I never thought Africa would be a reality for me. Thank you Outdoors International.

Dason Lasater / OI Draw Winner

Outdoors International

Whether it’s hunting, fishing, wingshooting, or outdoor adventure travel, our goal for you is a safe, worry free, successful trip from start to finish. Our continued success depends on giving you good advice.

See Full Bio