Bow Hunting in Africa

Bow Hunting in Africa

Bow hunting in Africa is one of the greatest adventures that the modern day bow hunter can experience.  Many African countries have legalized bow hunting and have rapidly growing bow hunting industries.  Most African countries allow plains game hunting with a bow.  There are at least three African countries that prohibit hunting dangerous game when bow hunting in Africa. Namibia currently does not allow dangerous game to be hunted with archery equipment.  Zambia also does not allow bow hunting for dangerous game and prohibits the use of crossbows altogether.  Tanzania does not allow dangerous game hunting with a bow.  Tanzania also doubles the license fees and area permits if a hunter uses a bow.

The number one destination for bow hunting in Africa has to be South Africa.  South Africa allows the use of archery equipment for both plains game and dangerous game hunting safaris.  Additionally, South Africa offers a wide array of huntable species that are located in a variety of terrains.  The game ranches of South Africa have welcomed bow hunters and several of these game ranches have converted to offer bow hunting only.  This lack of gunfire keeps the animal populations rather calm and aids in getting the bow hunter within shooting range of his quarry.

Namibia is also a popular destimation country for bow hunting in Africa.  Although Namibia does not allow crossbows or archery hunting for dangerous game, a sizeable amount of outfitters offering bow hunting have emerged.  Due to Namibia’s dry climate, hunting the waterholes can be a productive way to harvest a good bag of plains game.  Namibia requires that an outfitter that offers bow hunting be licensed and certified to provide this service.  Their facilities are inspected by government officials before they can begin conducting bow hunts.  Namibia is the only country where a cheeta may be taken with archery equipment.

Other countries such as Mozambique, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Cameroon offer excellent spot and stalk hunting for both regular and exotic plains game species when bow hunting Africa.  Bow hunting in Africa is truly an archer’s dream!