The Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer) was first encountered by European settlers in the Cape of Good Hope region of South Africa, hence the name Cape buffalo (hereafter referred to simply as buffalo). The population, however, extends throughout Southern Africa. The buffalo is one of the famous Big Five species in Africa, the others being the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, and elephant, with the buffalo being responsible for more hunter deaths than any other animal.
A good reason for you to read this blog is to familiarise yourself with the behavior and habitat of the buffalo before you embark on that buffalo hunt you’ve been dreaming of.
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Buffalo Behavioral Traits
Buffalo are extremely social and live in large herds of up to two thousand. We’ve been fortunate to witness such massive herds. My husband and I travel extensively in Southern Africa, visiting the game parks in our camper. We have seen herds of buffalo that are difficult to imagine! On one occasion at Kruger National Park, South Africa, we were in our car at a waterhole and a black mass appeared across the horizon and, like a swarm of locusts, made its way to the waterhole. It took some time for us to realize it was a herd of buffalo, and when the frontrunners eventually arrived at the waterhole, we could still see others coming over the horizon – all in one solid mass. It was incredible.
At Chobe River, Botswana, on one occasion, the river was lower than normal following a drought, leaving a vast tract of grassland between our camp and the river, we sat and watched from our campsite, sundowners in hand, well over 1000 buffalo grazing peacefully, with the sun setting over the Namibian horizon behind them – goosebump stuff.
Now that I’ve exposed you to the romantic side of seeing buffalo in the wild, let’s get to the nitty gritty.
Don’t be fooled, they may look like docile cattle, but a more aggressive and defensive animal you will not find. Wounding a buffalo with a poorly placed shot is a hunter’s worst nightmare, as a wounded buffalo will inevitably charge, and often kill its hunter. They are also known to charge if cornered with no alternate means of escape.
Buffalo herds consist of complex social structures with various subgroups that play different roles in the herd. Understanding these subgroups helps hunters to predict buffalo behavior and dynamics. They are:
Breeding herds comprising mainly adult females, calves, and juveniles. They form the core of the social structure. Breeding herds are typically more predictable in their movements.
Bachelor herds are made up of young males who have moved on from the breeding herd. They can be more aggressive due to male competition. This phase is essential for the social development of young bulls who engage in sparring and prepares them for their future role. They are more mobile and cover larger areas than breeding herds.
Dagga Boys are the older solitary bulls, or small groups of bulls, known for their unpredictable and aggressive nature. They are particularly dangerous to hunters given their solitary nature and potential for aggression. They are less predictable and more independent in their movements, usually staying close to a water source, but can travel significant distances.
The buffalo’s massive, curved horns meet in the middle of their heads by a hard shield known as a “boss” and are used for defense. Buffaloes are well known for working together to protect their own from predators. You, the hunter, are a predator – do not underestimate the buffaloes’ group dynamics. It’s been known for a hunter to be attacked and killed by a buffalo after the hunter had shot and killed another member of the herd. You need to be aware of the actions of other herd members, not only your target animal. A buffalo can reach a speed of up to thirty miles per hour – don’t think you can outrun a charging buffalo.
Buffalos communicate vocally, using body postures and making scents, and are extremely alert and responsive to potential threats, making the effective stealth of your approach when hunting vitally important.
Buffalos are mostly grazers but resort to shrubs and trees when little or no grass is available. They keep within a 12-mile radius of a water source, as they need to drink daily. This makes water sources ideal locations for hunting buffalo. They are most active in the early morning or late afternoon when it is cooler, and rest during the midday hours.
The Impact of Breeding and Calving Seasons on Buffalo Hunting
The breeding season, also known as the rutting season, varies across regions in Southern Africa depending on climate and environmental conditions – the range of dates for the breeding season is from February to May. Buffalo hunting seasons range from April to November. The buffalos’ characteristics change during the breeding season, which although only slightly overlaps the hunting season, should still be considered.
The buffalo herds show increased activity during the breeding season, with the bulls becoming more aggressive and competitive. The social structure within the herds may become more fluid as bulls move between groups to mate.
The following changes may impact on hunting:
- Increased bull aggression, requiring greater caution; wounded bulls are particularly dangerous as their increased aggression can lead to more frequent and intense charges.
- Herds are more active and move often, this can present a challenge to tracking, but at the same time, there are more opportunities to find them.
- Prime hunting times are early morning and late afternoon, and the best location is near a water source.
The calving season ranges from November to February – again, this is out of the hunting season, so may be of no concern for hunting purposes. Calving is often synchronized with many cows giving birth at the same time. This helps reduce pressure on newborn calves by overwhelming predators with many calves at once.
The following should be taken into consideration when hunting:
- Cows will become protective of their calves and may be more aggressive.
- Herds with calves will be more alert and reactive to threats.
- Herds will remain closer to water sources and grazing.
Hunters must be mindful of not causing stress to cows and calves and must not shoot a cow with a dependent calf.
Buffalo Habitats
Buffaloe’s are happiest in open savannas and grasslands with ample grazing and water sources, but in the heat of the day, they may spend time in woodlands, if available, which provide shade and cover.
They can often be found in seasonal floodplains and marshes which offer lush grazing during the rainy season. They are, however, wary of floods and will move to higher ground in the event of flooding.
Buffaloe’s will likely choose to find areas with dense vegetation for cover and protection from predators.
Buffalo Hunting Tips
Guides and Experience
It is a legal requirement in most countries for you to hire the services of a licensed hunting outfitter with a professional hunter. Game Hunting Safaris has many affiliated hunting outfitters in African countries and will be able to match you up with one that will assure you of an unforgettable buffalo hunting experience. Your professional hunter will be familiar with the local buffalo behavior and terrain and will be able to advise you accordingly. He will also brief you on local regulations and ethical hunting practices to ensure a sustainable hunt.
Fitness and Knowledge Preparation
Your professional hunter will brief you on the terrain, the location of water sources, and potential resting spots. You must ensure you are extremely fit as you traverse varied and rugged terrain for long distances – you cannot hold the rest of the group up. It would be impressive if you pick up buffalo tracks, although the hunting outfitter will have a professional tracker for that task. There’s no harm in learning to identify their tracks and signs such as droppings and wallowing areas.
Equipment
You will need a high-caliber rifle (.375 H&H Magnum or larger) with solid, well-constructed bullets capable of penetrating thick skin and bones. Another essential item for your packing list is a good quality set of binoculars and a rifle scope to assist with spotting and ensure accurate shooting. Doing a dangerous game hunting course or a stint in a shooting range with simulated hunts would be advisable before you depart for Africa.
Safety and Approach
The Cape Buffalo has a keen sense of smell, so always approach from downwind, quietly and cautiously, keeping out of sight. Your professional hunter will guide and advise you as necessary.
Shot Placement for Hunting Cape Buffalo
Familiarise yourself with the anatomy and shot placement of a Cape Buffalo. Your professional hunter will brief you on the vital areas to target, i.e. the heart/lung area is just behind the shoulder, or a brain shot if you get close enough and clear. Be prepared for follow-up shots, as buffaloes are resilient and likely to charge if wounded.
Remember, you’re likely not the only hunter wanting to down a buffalo. Buffalo meat happens to rate highly on a lion’s menu. So always be aware of your surroundings. Our favorite saying when we see a buffalo herd is “If there are buffalo, there must be lions!”
Still keen? Bite the bullet (I can’t believe I just wrote that!) and book your buffalo hunt now. Game Hunting Safaris will link you with the right Buffalo hunting outfitter.