Hunt Australia
March 2008 Newsletter
2008 Convention Trail
This year our travels were mainly restricted to Texas and the south-west, as we concentrated on the Houston SC, Dallas SC and Reno SCI conventions. We had a very successful tour and it was one of the busiest for quite a few years. Also we send a big thank-you to all of our US-based friends who assisted us along the way - you are all champions!
2008 Bookings
At present we are just finalizing our end-of-season 2008 bookings (August, September) where we have some few vacancies for NT culling, NT trophy boar hunting and the popular ranch deer hunts. There are also a few buffalo positions remaining at our premium Gan Gan concession but these mostly run into late August and September. If you are considering a last minute hunt - get in touch and let's see what we can do for you.
Jim Griffiths from Michigan cracked this massive old bull at Gan Gan last season. There's plenty more where he came from!
2009 Bookings and beyond.
With the conventions over, our main interest in bookings is for 2009 season. It is important to remember that some of the hunts that we do are becoming more difficult to get a tag for, as some are very restricted. These difficult-to-find places are on a first-served basis. Under most pressure are mainly the restricted wild-and-free hunts for various species. These hunts are either limited by tag numbers or very short seasons. Examples of these 2009 hunts are;
Cobourg Banteng (13 places)
NT Estate Banteng (5 places)
Brisbane Valley Rusa (4 places) bow only
Nth Queensland Rusa (9 places) rifle only
Wild Victorian Sambar (4)
Wild Victorian Hog Deer (2)
Australian Wild-and-Free Red Stag (4)
Estate Blackbuck (5)
Many hunters tell us that they will wait till the hunting conventions to book their hunts (for that same year) but in the case of these limited hunts and some others (like New Caledonia) the places are well and truly sold by the time we get to the conventions. If you are looking for the genuine wild and free hunts and the low-quantity estate hunts – you need to get in and book your hunts or tags early!!
Price Increases
With the poor state of the US currency and rapidly rising safari costs, we will unfortunately be forced to increase our prices for 2009 and future hunts on Apil 30th this year. We have set this cut-off date, so that hunters can have the opportunity to lock-in 2009 hunts at the existing prices, before the rises kick-in. Those hunters booking 2010 will have to be at the new 2009 hunt prices but you can rest assured that the price rises will be marginal – the majority in the scale of around $500 per hunter. This will be the first price rise in almost four years for Hunt Australia.
The US$ exchange rate for Australian dollars is currently at a 25-year record high of US95 cents to the Australian dollar and this is expected to reach parity – dollar for dollar – in the coming months. The pressure stems from the extremely strong Australian economy, riding the wave of a massive resources boom, and while interest rates fall in the USA they are rapidly increasing in Australia – in a bid to curb rising inflation. This interest rate difference puts further pressure on all Australian outfitters to raise prices but most are reluctant to do so.
If you are looking at booking South Pacific hunts we urge you to do so before the April cut-off - to lock into the discounted 2008 rates.
Victorian Deer Hunts
Since we started promoting hunts at these new Victorian estates we have had an excellent response. If you are interested in deer and antelope only then this is the hunt for you - as there are ten species available at these ranches. It is important to note however that there are different seasons to take advantage of prime-times for different species. For example - the northern hemisphere species (red stag, elk and fallow deer) and the hog deer - are in their prime early in the season (all of April and early May) while the tropical species like rusa and sambar do not come into their own until June. That being said there is considerable overlap between these two periods, as some species will be available pre-rut and many will carry their antlers right through until the end of August.
This hunter should be well-pleased with his Victorian elk that he took last week in. At 52" main beam length and around 370SCI it is likely to be the biggest elk every taken in Australia.
Licences, Permits and Booking Forms.
This is just a reminder for those who have booked 2008 hunts and our future hunters to try to be ‘model clients’ and get your International Visitors Permits (IVP) for Australia and the corresponding simple form for the New Caledonia hunts submitted ahead of time. Everyone hates doing paperwork but once we get these forms sent and out of the way, it is one less thing to worry about and it is definitely no fun trying to get them approved at the last minute!!
Bowhunters do not need IVP’s and anyone wanted to do a handgun hunt in the Northern Territory must notify us before they send their permit applications in.
So too it is very important that everyone takes the time to fill out the Hunt Australia booking forms. If for no other reason it is very good to know your personal tastes, medical and contact information. There is no point showing up to camp and telling the cook you don’t like WXYZ food if you didn’t tell us ahead of time on the booking form!! Help us to help you and provide you with the best service we can!
Don't mess with the crocodiles!
Reported in the the NT News (Northern Territory) last week was the story and series of photos of this Israeli chap, narrowly avoiding being eaten by a 'salty' crocodile. The story claims that the guy was working on a fishing boat and he was trying to get a photo for his friend in another boat... of him getting friendly to the local reptiles. The man readily admitted that he was teasing this crocodile... rather foolish!! To see the story and additional image click this NT News Link.
Close call: Australian estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles can be very aggressive, especially at this this time of year, when they are breeding.
Cheers for now!
From the Team at Hunt Australia...
www.HuntAust.com.au
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Australian Buffalo Hunters |
BEST GRADE SAFARI
Arnhemland Wilderness Concessions
Australia’s Best Buffalo Safari
• Exclusive Best Grade Safari for the Experienced International Hunter.
• Extra Guides, Extra Staff, Best Camp, Best Trophies, Best Concession
• Australian Buffalo Hunters offer this Unique Dangerous Game Adventure.
• Hunt With Two Professional Hunt Guides - More Time for Additional Buffalo.
• Bigger Expedition Style Tented Safari Camps, in Scenic locations.
• 375 H&H, 416 Rigby, 404 Jeffery, 435 PH Express Rifles.
• Outstanding Trophy Buffalo of 105–130cm, 42–50” Spread, 95– 110 SCI.
• Arnhemland has Australia’s Premium Wilderness Buffalo Concessions.
| 7 - Day |
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BUFFALO Safari |
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1 Hunter |
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€13,200 |
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2 Hunters |
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€ 9,350ea |
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| 10 Day |
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BUFFALO Expedition |
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1 Hunter |
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€20,350 |
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2 Hunters |
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€13,750ea |
INCLUDED
1x Buffalo trophy fee each. Guiding by two professional hunters.
All meals & quality drinks, tent accommodation during hunt.
Firearm permit. Use of Rifles & ammunition.
NOT INCLUDED
Air charter ( 1-3 Pax approx € 950 single, € 1500 twin engine, per flight).
Trophy packing, freight & taxidermy.
TROPHY FEES, DIP & PACKING and OBSERVERS
| Water Buffalo |
€ 2640 |
| Wild Ox |
€ 1100 |
| Trophy Wild Boar |
€ 220 |
| Other Wild Pigs |
€ 55 |
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| Skull/Horns Only |
€ 110 |
| Full Body Cape |
€ 440 |
| Shoulder Cape |
€ 187 |
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| Daily rate |
€ 187 |
OBSERVERS Daily rate € 170
NOTES
Deposit € 2000 per hunter and is non-refundable. All Prices in Euro. GST included where applicable. Hunt Agreement will apply. Arrival city is Darwin. Large Numbers of Buffalo, good numbers of Wild Ox, and some Wild Boar. This is a quality wilderness hunt camp, but not a luxury lodge. Meals cooked by staff & guides. Our expedition style safari camps are movable and always located in the middle of the best Buffalo hunting grounds in Australia, Thus we use large canvas tents, Camp shower and flushing camp toilets, using natural hesian or brush surrounds. Hunting books, music, ice and laundry service available. Doc: 5 Jan 2008
DEER – 2008
Queensland & Victoria - Free Range Hunting
| AXIS DEER |
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Queensland |
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3-Days |
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1x1 |
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€ 3,795 |
Sunny Queensland has some excellent herds of wild Axis (Chital) Deer in outback cattle station country. This is a popular hunt for a very beautiful deer weighing around 180lb (80kg) with an attractive spotted hide. Quality trophies have 26-32” (60-80cm) antlers with 6 points. 100% Success rate.
Arrival: Townsville, Central Queensland.
Season: March - November. |
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| RUSA DEER |
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Queensland |
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4-Days |
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1x1 |
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€ 5,060 |
Northern & central outback Queensland has good numbers of wild Javan Rusa Deer. Stags have a coarse coat, weigh upto 300lb (136kg) and have 6 point antlers around 28-35” (70-90cm) length. 100% Success rate.
Arrival: Townsville, Central Queensland.
Season: March - June.
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| RED DEER |
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Queensland |
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3-Days |
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1x1 |
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€ 5,060 |
Great hunting for excellent wild Red Deer in scenic bush and hill country. Nice 28-33” (70-85cm) 10,12,14 point antlers. Great hunt for traditional breed majestic Red stag weighing approx 350lb (160kg). 100% Success rate.
Arrival: Brisbane, Southern Queensland.
Season: Marchh - August.
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| SAMBAR DEER |
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Victoria |
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7-Days |
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1x1 |
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€ 5,720 |
A mature Sambar stag is a hunters dream. A large stag can weigh up to 660lb (300kg) and sport heavy 6 point antlers 24-30” (60-75cm). Sambar are reputed the most difficult deer to hunt. The hunter must be an excellent stalker, very fit & a fast shot. Terrain is steep mountain country with thick cover. 50% success rate.
Arrival: Melbourne, Victoria.
Season: All year, prefer March - September.
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Arrival: Brisbane, Southern Queensland. Season: Marchh - August.
INCLUDED
1x trophy fee, all meals/drinks, accommodation during hunt. Firearm permit, rifle use.
NOT INCLUDED
Inter-state flights. Hotel accom & meals if required. Trophy packing, freight & taxidermy.
TROPHY FEES, DIP & PACKING and OBSERVERS
| Axis (Chital) Deer |
€ 1,485 |
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| Red Deer |
€ 1,485 |
| Rusa Deer |
€ 2,618 |
| Sambar Deer |
€ 1,485 |
| Trophy Wild Boar |
€ 149 |
| Other Wild Pigs |
€ 55 |
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| Skull/horns |
€ 110 |
| Shoulder cape/horns |
€ 187 |
| Full mount skin/horns |
€ 440 |
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| Daily Rate |
€ 149 |
NOTES
Deposit € 1500 non-refundable. Min booking 2 deer hunts. All Prices in Euro. GST included where applicable. Hunt Agreement will apply for hunt operator. Deer hunts may require extra cost for guide flights. Doc 29 Feb 2008
BANTENG – 2008
Best Season: June, July, August, September
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ARNHEMLAND |
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4-Days |
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1x1 |
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€ 7,590 |
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2x1 |
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€ 6,160ea |
Includes 1x Banteng. Excellent value banteng hunt near Murganella in North West Arnhemland. This area also has very good Wild Boar hunting. Basic tent safari camp. Arrive early day 1, Depart afternoon day 5.
Deposit is 50%. Observer € 135/day. Wild boar € 135. Rifle 375, 404, 416 use € 100 per firearm.
Air Charters required. (approx € 680 each flight)
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| BANTENG SAFARI |
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COBURG |
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4-Days |
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1x |
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€ 10,670 |
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2x |
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€ 8,360ea |
Includes 1x Banteng. An excellent Banteng Safari with the services of 2 guides. Hunt in Coburg Peninsular National Park. Permits required. Quality tent safari camp. Arrive early day 1, Depart afternoon day 5.
Deposit is 50%. Observer € 170/day. Wild boar € 270. Rifle 375, 458 hire € 100 per firearm.
Air Charters required. (approx € 680 each flight)
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Air Charters required. (approx € 680 each flight)
Air Charters required. (approx € 680 each flight)
BANTENG INFORMATION
Banteng are an attractive and very exclusive trophy. This scenic tropical region is the only place in the world to hunt truly wild Banteng. Hunters and guides have been charged on a few occasions. The thicker terrain can result in some exciting dangerous game hunting for aggressive Banteng bulls that weigh up to 1400lb (600kg). Banteng prices will continue to rise in the future, so hunt one soon. Success rate 100% rifle, 75% Bow.
WILD BOAR – 2008
Best Season: June, July, August, September
| WILD BOAR HUNT |
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Arnhemland |
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4-Days |
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1x1 |
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€ 4,620 |
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2x1 |
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€ 3,520ea |
Includes 5x Trophy Wild Boar and unlimited other Wild Boar and Wild Pigs per person. This is exciting fast shooting for large wild boar on flood plains, swamps and paper-bark forests. Expect wet and muddy feet. This area has hundreds of wild pigs. Basic tent camp. Alcoholic drinks not included. Fly in day 1. Fly out afternoon day 5. Success 100%. Trophy size Wild Boar have tusks out of jaw longer than 35mm.
Deposit € 1000. Additional Wild Boar € 135. Observers € 135/day. Rifle 30-06 use € 100.
Air Charter required. (approx € 680 each flight)
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Air Charter required. (approx € 680 each flight)
INCLUDED
1x Guide, Meals & drinks, Accom during hunt. Firearm License (no extra charge).
NOT INCLUDED
Air Charters for hunt area. Trophy dip & packing. Freight & Taxidermy.
DIP & PACKING
Skull/horns € 100, Shoulder cape/horns € 170, Full body skin/horns € 400.
NOTES All Prices in Euro. Deposits are non-refundable. GST included where applicable. Hunt Agreement will apply. Arrival city is Darwin, Northern Territory. All guiding and duties are generally performed by one guide.
Each safari or hunt is in a different area of Arnhemland in the Northern Territory. Doc 28 Feb 2008
Wilderness Concessions
Traditional Dangerous Game Hunting Safaris
Traditional Fair Chase Hunting
Traditional Dangerous Game Hunting Safaris
Providing The Best Safaris in Australia
HUNTING CONSULTANT INFORMATION
1. ARNHEMLAND:
Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory, due east is Kakadu National Park, then further east is Arnhemland approx 100,000 square km (the size of Denmark). It has an uneven coastal line and shape of roughly 400miles E/W and 200miles N/S. The land is owned and controlled by Aborigines, there is no development and the locals want to keep it that way. That’s great for us wilderness hunters, as many fertile areas are full of Buffalo. The remoteness and local people situation is very similar to Tanzania or Mozambique. Most communities are on the coast and some on Islands because the wet season restricts travel inland, thus ALL supplies come by barges from Darwin around the coast. This is also the reason why we only operate hunts in the dry season, and prefer June, July, Aug, Sept. This is a Premium Safari using a classic tented camp. Large numbers of huge Water Buffalo, some Scrub Bull and some Wild Boar. This is one of the worlds best and remotest dangerous game safaris, conducted in very classic and traditional style.
2. ARNHEMLAND PERMITS:
We obtain access permits from the Aboriginal Northern Land council to enter Arnhemland.
3. BUFFALO:
Asian Water Buffalo have been wild in Australia since the early explorers introduced them by ships from India and Indonesia mid 1800s. They thrive in the tropical climate and wet country during the wet season. These inland Bulls often have heavier bosses and thicker wider horns, compared to most coastal bulls. Trophy Bulls generally weigh between 1600lb and 2200lb (650-1000kg). They require large caliber rifles and very tough projectiles, we recommend Solids in the bottom of your magazine. They are as tough as cape Buffalo and often take 4-8 large caliber rounds to stay down. We nearly always get charged once or twice a year. The brain or spine is the only way to successfully stop a charge. Guides generally only use Solids. Big game hunters love the thrill of Buffalo hunting and many return again and again.
4. BANTENG:
These wild Indonesian cattle were introduced by explorers ships in late 1800s and became wild. Bulls weigh 800-1200lb. Mature bulls are dark brown to almost black. Young bulls and cows are brown. They look similar to small Spanish fighting bulls. They can be aggressive if wounded. Premium Soft Point ammo is best, as Solids will pass through.
5. BANTENG HUNT AREA:
WILD Banteng hunts are only conducted at Coburg Peninsular, Arnhem Land, there are only 2 base hunt camps permitted in this area, so we share tented camp facilities with other operators. The area has thick vegetation so hunting can be difficult, and a nice blue ocean coastline. (ocean fishing sometimes available).
6. NORTHERN TERRITORY STATION BUFFALO HUNTS:
For 2 years we conducted station (ranch) hunts to try to deliver a cheaper hunt for clients, HOWEVER there are simply not enough Buffalo, and thus small trophies. We therefore discontinued this option, to continue with Premium Arnhemalnd safaris with large numbers of quality game.
7. WILD BOAR:
Hunters will see some Wild Boar in the central Arnhemland Buffalo hunt areas. We can also extend hunts by 4 days to include wild boar hunting, generally at coastal wetlands, swamps and floodplains.
8. SAFETY & MEDICAL:
There is no Malaria. Darwin and Katherine Hospitals are high quality. Crime in these remote areas is very low. Emergency planes are available due to the remote outback towns. We have Satellite Phones (for emergency only), EPIRBS (emergency locating beacons), GPS’s, and First Aid Kits in all vehicles and guides carry basic first aid items.
9. TENTED SAFARI CAMP:
We use classic tented safari camps which are sometimes shifted during the season to remain close to the best hunting grounds. Tents are heavy duty canvas with camp beds, swags, and all linen provided. We do not build luxury hunt lodges because of the tropical wet season, remoteness and damage by locals when unattended for 6 months.
10. AMENITIES:
This is typical Australian camping with a shower in a canvas enclosure next to the river or stream. Toilets are camp flush toilets.
11. FISHING:
Next to Buffalo camp we can fish the river or streams for Bream (Sooty Grunter) or Barramundi (5-10lb).
For serious fisherman we recommend Anglers Choice Fishing Safaris www.anglerschoice.com.au before or after your hunt.
1-day River or Ocean trips from Darwin, or extended 3-day trips which are simply fantastic for saltwater Barramundi (20-50lb), Jewfish, Snapper, Golden Trevally, Tuna, Mackerel, Cobia, Queenfish, Threadfin Salmon and Mudcrab.
12. OTHER ACTIVITIES:
We recommend a day trip to Litchfield National Park which has many lovely waterfalls, and also 1,2 or 3 days for Kakadu National Park. A must for the girls (and guys) is the Mindel Beach markets in Darwin - set next to the beach. Many people take a bottle of wine and buy lovely food and watch the sunset. This is on Sunday and Thursday afternoons. Non hunters will enjoy the Arnhemland camp, but can also stay in Darwin if they wish.
13. FIREARMS:
ALL SHOOTERS must complete an International NT Police Temporary Firearms License (cost $25). This results in a Firearm License and Customs Import/Export Permit. Plus we have quality 375H&H, 404 Jeffery, 416 Rigby, 435PH Express rifles/ammo available at no charge !!! Rifles are mauser action, with express open sights and optional Leupold 1-4 scope.
14. TROPHIES:
We understand the trophy is the most important part of a hunt. We treat all trophies ourselves ready for export. We package and deliver to freight company. Taxidermy can be done in Australia, Buffalo mount approx US$1500.
15. INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS:
From USA and South America it is best to arrive via Sydney or Brisbane or Melbourne then fly to Darwin. From Europe or Africa it is best to arrive into Perth and then fly to Darwin. (Singapore, Bangkok, Asian routes should be avoided for firearm travel).
16. CHARTER FLIGHTS:
Flights are required for Arnhemland hunts.
17. TEMPERATURES:
Always hot. May, June, July, August is always pleasant with 75-90'F days. September, October is hotter with 80-100'F days. Nights are mostly warm, with rare cool nights.
18: CLASSIC HUNTING:
We hunt on foot, and only drive to hunt areas. We offer a high quality classic style wilderness hunt. We aim to supply the best remote safari possible. Our most important issues are safety and customer satisfaction.
Extra Hunt Information Australian Buffalo Hunters (Jan 08)
Permits:
ALL overseas hunters using firearms MUST have an International Visitors NT Firearm Licence. This is very easy, we forward you the application, which you complete and return by AIRMAIL. If using your own firearm and ammunition a Customs Import / Export permit will be issued. A NLC (Northern Land Council) Aboriginal Land Access Permit is required for entry into Arnhemland, we arrange these for you at no extra cost.
Firearms:
We have 375H&H, 416 Rigby and 435PH Express rifles available, using ammunition loaded with premium Woodleigh bullets. If using your own firearm bring 40 rounds of ammunition loaded with tough high quality Soft Point and RN solid bullets. We have rifle cleaning equipment at camp. We can store your rifle in a gun-safe before or after the hunt near the airport if needed. Bring a spare scope if possible. Ensure your ammunition will feed properly. Do not use high-pressure reloaded ammunition in our very hot climate, as excessive chamber pressures can cause a stuck case or jammed action, not good on a dangerous game hunt.
Binoculars:
Good quality binoculars around 8x32, 8x40 or 10x40 size. A spotting scope is not required.
Camera: We suggest a compact 35mm or digital camera with flash, plus spare film and batteries.
Power: Electricity in Australia is 240volts AC. At camp we have a small 240-volt supply generator.
Climate:
The Northern Territory has a tropical climate. The “DRY Season” of May, June, July, Aug, Sept has great hot weather, max temps vary between 25’C - 35’C, (75’F- 98’F). Nights are often warm and rarely cold. Note: In the lower half of Australia it will be winter in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth.
Luggage Limit:
1x medium size bag approx 30” (800mm) maximum length for clothes, boots etc (not a hard suitcase), and 1x small backpack for hunt items. Strict baggage limits apply on the hunt charter flights. Any extra luggage including suitcase, good clothes, shoes, should be left in Darwin at your Hotel. Large Rifle Cases must be left in Darwin, we supply canvas gun bags for transporting your rifle during the charter flights and hunt.
Footwear:
IMPORTANT Bring 2 pairs of comfortable lightweight hiking boots or treking shoes. “They MUST BE PRE-WORN IN and comfortable”. The temperature is hot and ground uneven, so blisters are often a problem and make hunting painful. Boots should provide some ankle support and hikers with breathable cordura side panels are perfect, being much cooler in the heat. NOTE high leather boots are NOT suitable for hot weather.
Clothes:
We recommend lightweight khaki or green cotton clothing for the hot climate. Short sleeve shirts and shorts are common, some hunters prefer thin long sleeve shirts and long pants. Bring enough clothes for the number of days hunting as we only have hand washing in our remote camps. Other laundry can be done back in Darwin after the hunt. Camouflage clothing is a big advantage, light to medium colours are recommended.
Example 7-10 Day List: 7x shirts, 5x pants/shorts, 7x jocks, 7x outdoor socks, thin jacket, large hat, bathers/swimmers, 2x pair hunting boots, Important: 1x pair thongs (slops/sandals) for around camp.
Personal:
Bring a small flash light (with a headband is useful), a GPS (if you have one), and your medication. We have sun lotion and insect repellent available. Please advise if you have any special food, drink or medical requirements. Ensure you are physically fit as you must carry your own hunting gear and water bottles (supplied).
Flights:
Please discuss your International flight options with us. It is best to arrive into Australia at Sydney or Brisbane or Melbourne from USA, OR into Perth from Europe or Africa, then fly Qantas domestic up to Darwin. Please forward us your flight details. Keep extra copies of all permits at hand.
Note: Flying into Darwin via Asian routes (ie Singapore, Bangkok etc) is not recommended with a firearm.
Trophy Preparation:
Hunters must be aware that time is required during the hunt for the guide to attend to trophy and cape retrieval, fleshing, preparation and salting.
Taxidermy:
Please advise us of your Taxidermist full contact details or receiving agent before the hunt. We will deliver your packaged trophies to a Darwin freight forwarding agent for documentation, permits and airfreight, unless otherwise advised. We recommend airfreight as shipping may take +/- 6 months and incurs port storage fees. Taxidermy can be done in Australia at approx US$1500 for a Buffalo Shoulder Mount, freight extra.
