AFRICAN BOW HUNTING EQUIPMENT REGULATIONS
Visit the following country links for Bow Hunting in Africa:
South Africa Namibia Zimbabwe Mozambique Zambia Tanzania
Africa offers a wealth of bowhunting opportunities. Although there are 43 countries in Africa, bowhunting in Africa occurs primarily in only a handful of those countries. Each of these countries have different equipment nowhunting regulations concerning the type of animals that may be hunted with a bow, the types of bows that may be used, and the minimum poundages that are required to be able to hunt various animals.
Before you depart to go bowhunting in Africa, you should be sure to learn the latest regulations for bowhunting in the African country that is your destination. Be sure to ask your outfitter or agent what the latest African bow hunting equipment regulations are. If you are not sure that the information they give you is 100% accurate, research it yourself on the internet. Some of these regulations change occasionally, and it is your responsibility to be aware of that countries’ bowhunting regulations.
Two of the most popular bowhunting destinations are Namibia and South Africa. Concessions in Namibia must be approved by the government as bowhunting concessions, and the Professional Hunter (PH) must also be licensed to lead bowhunts! Namibia does not allow dangerous game to be hunted with a bow.
South Africa allows the use of crossbows and no special license is required to guide bowhunters for African animals. South Africa also allows dangerous game to be hunted with a bow and also with a crossbow. Several concessions in South Africa are limited to bowhunting only, and by limiting hunting to bowhunting, the animals are less alert and more apt to come in to waterholes without being on high alert!
Zimbabwe requires that a $1500 permit be purchased in order to be able to hunt dangerous game with a bow. Currently, a video of the hunt is also being required if a bow as used, so budgeting for a video camera operator is also necessary when planning a dangerous game bowhunting safari in Africa.
BOW HUNTING IN SOUTH AFRICA
The following Minimum Equipment restrictions are in place in South Africa:
Small Game such as Bushbuck, Duicker, Klipspringer etc: 25# KE and 350 gr arrows min.
Medium Game such as Bushpig, Kudu, Warthog, Nyala: 40# KE and 400 gr arrows
Large Game such as Zebra, Eland, Gemsbok, Wildebeast: 60# KE and 450 gr arrows
Buffalo and Giraffe: 80# KE and 700 gr arrows
Crossbows are legal in South Africa
BOW HUNTING IN NAMIBIA
The following minimum restrictions are in place in Namibia:
Small Game such as Bushbuck, Duicker, Klipspringer etc: 25# KE and 350 gr arrows min.
Medium Game such as Baboon, Cheetah, Warthog, Nyala: 40# KE and 400 gr arrows min.
Large Game such as Kudu, Zebra, Eland, Gemsbok, Wildebeast: 65# KE and 450 gr arrows min.
The concession you are hunting on must be certified as a bowhunting concession and your PH must be licensed as a Bowhunting PH.
No Dangerous Game May be taken by bowhunting in Namibia!
Crossbows are not legal in Namibia!
BOW HUNTING IN ZIMBABWE
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT ZIMBABWE IS NOW CHARGING A $1,500 PERMIT FEE TO HUNT DANGEROUS GAME WITH A BOW IN ZIMBABWE!
Class D Game such as Warthog, Impala, Bushpig, Sitatunga: 56# and 468 gr min.
Class C Game such as Kudu, Crocodile, Zebra, Gemsbok: 71# and 624 gr min.
Class B Game such as Lion, Giraffe, Eland: 77# and 702 gr min.
Class A Game such as Elephant, Buffalo, Hippo: By special permit only!
If allowed, Cape Buffalo requires an 80# bow and 700 gr arrow
BOW HUNTING IN MOZAMBIQUE
There are no minimum bow weights or arrow weights required by the government.
When you book your hunt, your Professional Hunter will list what equipment you intend to use and submit it with your permission to Bow Hunt in the Country form.
BOW HUNTING IN ZAMBIA
Your outfitter will have to assist you with getting permission to import your bow for hunting purposes.
Zambia does not have any minimum equipment requirements, so common sense should be used. For guidelines, see South Africa’s requirements.
Dangerous Game may NOT be hunted by bow in Zambia!
Crossbows are not permitted in Zambia!
BOW HUNTING IN TANZANIA
Tanzania license fees and area permits are double for bowhunting!
Dangerous game may NOT be hunted by bowhunting in Tanzania!
There are no minimum equipment requirements for bowhunting in Tanzania so use common sense. See South Africa’s requirements for a guideline of minimums required.