Buffalo Hunting - Gan Gan - East Arnhem Land

There is no doubt that the Asiatic ‘water’ buffalo are one of the most desirable big-game trophies in the world today and Australia is the number one destination for this species. Australia is the last place where you can see massive, free-ranging herds of these great bovines – it is one of those ‘must-do’ hunts. . We have been the pre-eminent buffalo-hunting safari operator in Australia for over 25 years. We have earned our reputation by securing the best hunting areas, enabling us to supply the largest possible, truly wild-and-free buffalo.

Our current buffalo hunting area is located in East Arnhem Land, approximately a 1-hour air charter from Nhulunbuy, on the Gove Peninsula of the Northern Territory. The hunting areas are best described as super-remote. There are no roads in the hunting area, no cattle, no fences and no people except at the local Aboriginal village, where the airstrip is located. We often see hundreds of buffs in a single days hunting.

On this area we have a diverse of habitats - from coastal beaches to freshwater floodplains to eucalypt woodland to monsoon forest. You never know what you will see around the net bend in the track. We have a strong buffalo herd on this area of more than 4000 animals and each year our trophy AVERAGE for the bulls taken tops the magical 100 SCI. We take only forty bulls each year so there will be great hunting into the future.

You will be accommodated at our comfortable tented base camp, which is situated on a beautiful billabong. Our camp is fitted out with modern facilities including 240 volt power supply, hot showers, flush toilets, comfortable beds, linen, daily clothes washing, etc. Your meals will be prepared by our camp cook, and will consist of the highest quality food available (a combination of fresh and frozen produce flown into camp). Any special requests can be catered for – make sure that you ask in advance, as it is a long way to the corner store.

Hunting is normally conducted by cruising the edges of the numerous huge floodplains and billabongs in our specially equipped 4WD vehicles. Once a suitable old bull is located, the final stalk is then conducted on foot. After your trophy is down, your guide will photograph your trophy and prepare it as per your requirements.

As the land dries out, usually during July and August, we are able to access previously inaccessible areas where the monster buffalo reside. Access to some of our new unexplored areas is by crossing one of the billabongs or lakes by boat, to a waiting 4WD vehicle. This is truly exciting hunting in the “real” Australian outback. We are confident that you will be able to take an excellent buffalo trophy on a 5-day hunt. Most clients in 2006 took their trophy on the first or second day of their hunt. Many clients choose to utilize any extra days hunting with their guide for additional buffalo trophies, wild boar hunting or fishing. Excellent fishing is available right from our base camp.

Hunting Season & Prime Hunting Dates
We conduct our Buffalo hunts during the dry and cool months of May to September. Best time to hunt buffalo is during the driest and coolest months of June, July and August. The largest trophy each year is taken during these months (2001-108SCI, 2002-107SCI, 2003-109.5SCI, 2004-111SCI, 2005–109SCI, 2006-110SCI, 2007-113 and 2008-114SCI))

Recommended Equipment & Clothing
The buffalo available in our hunting areas are larger than African buffalo, and are much more difficult to kill. They can become aggressive and are very dangerous once the shooting starts. We strongly recommend that you use only a large caliber rifle with only heavy premium grade, soft point ammunition. A scoped 375 H&H is the minimum requirement; however a 416 Remington or 458 Winchester Magnum or similar caliber is perfect for the job. Lightweight, dark camouflage cotton clothing is recommended with a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and comfortable walking boots. Insect repellant and sunscreen are also suggested.

2009 Buffalo Hunt Pricing
5-day Buffalo Hunt (per hunter) 1x1-$6,500 2x1-$5,500 4x2-$5,000
Trophy Fee   1x1-$2,500 2x1-$2,500 4x2-$2,500
Total Hunt Cost       $1x1-9,000         2x1-$8,000pp       4x2-$7,500pp

Included in Hunt Cost
 Accommodation, meals, beer and wine with meals whilst in camp
 5 full days hunting in Australia’s Outback
 Complimentary fishing (if time permits)

Not Included in Hunt Cost
 Extra Hunting Days @ $880 per hunter per day (if required)
 Non-Hunting Companions @ $250 per person per day (if required)
 Transport to the hunting area – there are two affordable options; air charter or minibus from Gove. Ask us for a quote.
 Buffalo Trophy Fees @ $2,500 each (if taken)   Wild Boar Trophy Fees @ $450 each
 Firearms/Ammunition Import and Dangerous Goods Permits @ $165 each State
 Rifle Hire @ $110 per hunter (if required)
 Replacement Fishing Equipment @ retail cost (if required)
 Trophy Preparation and Packaging for Freight @ $165 per hunter
See Payment Terms and Cancellations Page
 
Banteng Hunting – Cobourg Peninsula - NT

Hunt Description

Hunt Australia’s banteng hunting is conducted on Coburg Peninsula, Gurig National Park in the Northern Territory. Banteng are one of the true wild bovine of Asia and at Gurig we have the only wild and free, huntable herd of banteng in the world. Banteng are a beautiful, secretive and dangerous animal and a banteng bull makes a wonderful, unique, memorable trophy.

This hunting area is best described as super-remote. At times hunter and guide can be the sole occupants of a 1000 square kilometre wilderness area. Access to the hunt concession is by light charter aircraft from Darwin and thereafter by four-wheel-drive vehicles, specially modified and adapted to the rugged conditions.

As the area is hot and steamy the banteng are not active during the heat of the day, so we will also be resting during the heat of the day. Sambar deer and wild boar also inhabit the hunting area and can be taken if you are well prepared and prompted by your guide. Sambar deer are very secretive animals and another wonderful trophy - to take a stag during a Gurig banteng hunt would be a rare achievement. There is also excellent barramundi fishing in this area and trophy wild goats can be taken on a nearby island, accessible only by charter aircraft.

At Gurig we have a comfortable tented camp with all amenities. Each tent is well appointed and offers comfortable beds, and shower and toilet block. Your every need is catered for and evening meals include a limited range of wines and beers. Power is provided on-site by 240 volt generators.

We are confident that you will be able to take an excellent banteng trophy on a typical 4-day hunt or during an 8-day combination hunt. Most clients in 2007 took their trophy on the first or second day of their hunt. Many clients choose to utilize any extra days hunting with their guide for additional banteng, wild boars, sambar deer or fishing or to continue immediately onto the buffalo camp when they have their banteng bull.

Hunting Season & Prime Hunting Dates

We conduct our banteng hunts during the dry/cool months of May to September. Best time to hunt banteng is during the driest and coolest months of June, July and August. This coincides with the best time for hunting Asiatic buffalo at our Gan Gan (East Arnhemland) concession and most banteng hunters take a discounted 8-day combination package to take in the two bovine species at the two different locations, with time to hunt a world-class trophy wild boar for just the extra trophy fee of $200.

Recommended Equipment & Clothing

Banteng hunting is similar to hunting wary deer, only they will attack you if you give them an opportunity.  They are sensitive, difficult and sometimes dangerous to hunt. They will attack you even before being shot and when shot, they may be determined in their charge. You must be prepared. We strongly recommend that you use only a large calibre rifle with only heavy premium grade, soft point ammunition. A scoped 375 H&H is the minimum requirement, however a 416 Remington or 458 Winchester Magnum or similar calibre is perfect for the job. Lightweight, dark camouflage cotton clothing is recommended with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and comfortable walking boots. Insect repellant and sunscreen are also suggested.

2009 Banteng Hunt Pricing
(All prices quoted in US$ & includes GST where applicable) 1x1  
5-day Banteng Hunt (per hunter) $11,500 Includes banteng tag
8-day Banteng/ Buffalo Combo $19,900  Includes trophy/tag for both bulls

Included in Hunt Cost

 Accommodation, beer and wine with meals whilst in camp
 4-5 full days hunting in Australia’s Outback
 Complimentary fishing (if time permits)

Not Included in Hunt Cost

 Non-Hunting Companions @ $250 per person per day (if required)
 Air charter to the hunting area. Ask us for a quote.
 Additional Banteng Trophy Fee/ Tag @ $7,500 each (if available)
 Wild Boar Trophy Fees @ $450 each (if taken)
 Sambar Trophy Fee @$3,500 each (if taken)
 Firearms/Ammunition Import and Dangerous Goods Permits @ $165 each State
 Rifle Hire @ $110 per hunter (if required)
 Replacement Fishing Equipment @ retail cost (if required)
 Trophy Preparation and Packaging for Freight @ $165 per hunter

Boar Hunting Northern Territory

Hunt Australia has been conducting Boar hunts at Dorisvale Station since 1987. Dorisvale is a working cattle station (ranch) just over 1-hour air charter flight south of Darwin or 3 ½ hours by road charter. There are no trophy fees or bag limits at Dorisvale, however we do not typically shoot sows or young boars.

Trophy boar hunting is very specialized. We have numerous high seats and tree stands in natural feeding locations. We shoot feral donkeys and horses, which are used for bait. Early morning hunting is conducted by departing camp well before first light and sneaking up on these baited areas to catch the big boars feeding in the limited morning light. In the middle of the day we stalk along creeks and the boar’s cool daytime resting areas that are known to carry permanent boar populations. Fast shooting action is required when disturbing the boars in their sleeping areas. In the late afternoon, we position ourselves in the high seats or tree stands and hunt over the selected sight until sundown or even into the evening, if the big boars are feeding later.

Our camp is a very comfortable tent camp with modern facilities including comfortable beds, linen, 240 Volt power, hot showers, refrigeration, deep freeze, laundry facilities, etc. Meals are prepared by our camp cook and are comprised of specially selected quality meats, and a combination of fresh and frozen vegetables flown in at the beginning of the hunt.

It is now possible to drive from Darwin to Dorisvale in an easy 4 hours drive. Some hunters are now choosing to drive into camp to save on the cost of air charters. We cater for family groups and we take the opportunity to teach young hunters how to hunt and how to shoot whenever we have them in camp.

Note: Trophy wild boar are also available in smaller numbers in most coastal hunting areas and may be taken for the cost of the trophy fee only in conjunction with our 5-day buffalo hunts.

Hunting Season & Prime Hunting Dates

We operate our specialized oar hunting camp at Dorisvale Station from May until August each year. July and August are the most productive months, due to the drier conditions.

Recommended Equipment & Clothing

The most suitable rifles are 300 magnum, 8x68S and 338 Winchester magnum for hunting our big Boars. You will not be over-gunned carrying a 375 or 416 magnum. Medium to heavy weight, soft point bullets are most suitable for our boars. Some hunters prefer to use a 308W or 30-06 rifle. These calibers are suitable with heavy bullets when using well-placed shots.

The weather at Dorisvale is cooler than hunting on the coast and dry winter days are warm by mid-morning. However, on occasions during cold winter nights, the temperature at Dorisvale can drop to as low as 4 degrees Centigrade (40 Fahrenheit), so you will need a warm jacket for late evening and very early morning hunts. Lightweight dark-colored camouflage cotton clothing is most suitable for hunting in this area. We also recommend lightweight boots with soft soles.

2009 Boar Hunt   (All prices quoted in US$ and include GST where applicable)
5-day Trophy Boar Hunt (per hunter)  1x1-$5,900   2x1-$4,900

Included in Hunt Cost
 Accommodation, meals, beer and wine with meals whilst in camp
 5 full days shooting in Australia’s Outback (no bag limit and no trophy fees)
Not Included in Hunt Cost
 Extra Hunting Days @ $880 per hunter per day (if required)
 Non-Hunting Companions @ $250 per person per day (if required)
 Air/Road Charters @ retail cost (to be paid directly to the charter company, if used)
 Daily Trespass Fees @ $110 per hunter per day & $50 per non-hunter per day
 Firearms/Ammunition Import and Dangerous Goods Permits @ $165 each per State
 Rifle Hire @ $110 per hunter (if required)
 Ammunition @ retail cost (if required)
See Payment Terms and Cancellations Page

 Cull Hunting and Shooting School

We have been operating feral animal reduction programs in the outback Northern Territory for more than 15 years. During this period, our clients have assisted landowners in reducing the feral animal population, mainly wild donkeys and horses by approximately 60,000 animals. Our Feral Animal Culling hunts are designed to offer a unique opportunity to hunters that like to shoot alot. Nowhere else in the world can you shoot such large game all day, with no bag limit. You can expect to shoot approximately 100 to 200 rounds of ammunition per day on a Cull Hunt. On average, our clients are able to kill 50 to 100 animals per hunting vehicle. You will need hearing protection and you will get a sore shoulder – guaranteed!

Our Cull Hunting area for 2008/2009 is a group of properties, totalling more than 3 million acres, approximately 2 hours air charter south-east from Darwin (the capital city). Most of our Culling clients choose to air charter into camp, however, it is possible to drive out to camp from Darwin (suggest one full day each way). We estimate that this area has more than 20,000 feral donkeys and feral horses. Some of the area has been untouched by hunters for more than twenty years and the landowners are desperate for us to reduce the feral population. At times during your hunt we will be exploring new areas, unchartered by us, using hand-held GPS and topographic map.

You will be accommodated at our comfortable permanent camp, which consists of two bush houses with two large bedrooms each. This camp is fitted out with modern facilities including 240 volt power supply, hot showers, comfortable beds, linen, washing facilities, etc. Your meals will be prepared by our camp cook, and will consist of the highest quality food available (a combination of fresh and frozen produce flown into camp upon your arrival). Any special requests can be catered for – make sure that you ask in advance, as it is a long way to the corner store.

Hunting is conducted by cruising the ranch tracks and by going off-road in our specially prepared 4WD hunting vehicles, into the surrounding countryside. Most shooting is directly from the vehicles, and no animals are recovered. Once we have located a group of feral donkeys, one hunter simply cannot shoot them all. For our Culling program to be successful, we cannot allow any feral animals to escape. This is the reason we recommend that hunters plan to hunt on a 2x1 basis (2 hunters with 1 guide) where possible. If you would like to join a group hunt, we often have clients looking for other hunters to join them for fun and economy.

We start each day with a good breakfast, and set out with a packed lunch. We stop for lunch and then head back towards camp in the afternoon, planning to return around dark. There is time for you to take a hot shower and have some cooling refreshments before dinner and the usual evening entertainment.

We conduct our Culling hunts during the dry/cool months of May to September. The best time to hunt Feral Game is during the driest and coolest months of June to August. Traditionally, the animals are easier to locate later in the year as water becomes scarce. We can also combine this “shoot” with any other hunts that we offer in Australia, New Zealand or New Caledonia. Please let us know as soon as possible if you have your own group, or if you would like to join a group of hunters during 2006.

Practical Shooting School
Dozens of our past clients credit their field shooting skills to the experience and advice they received during our Cull Hunting and Practical Shooting School. Instead of simply shooting every animal we can, here we take a steadier approach.  We discuss each shooting opportunity and formulate a mini hunt for each separate situation.

We help you decide how to hold the rifle, which field position available is best and walk you into each situation. After the shooting is over we discuss what went wrong/right and how to improve your technique and end result.  Then we find another bunch of ferals and do it again, all day, every day. You will notice your improvement and mounting confidence. It really is a lot of fun and nowhere else in the world can you experience this kind of practical tuition and realistically take so many large animals in the one day.

Recommended Equipment & Clothing
As you could be shooting approximately 1,000 rounds on a 5-day Cull hunt, you will need a reliable rifle or two, depending on how furious the action is throughout each day. Even the best guns break down during hard use. These feral animals are big, and we recommend quality scoped rifles in 308W and 30-06 calibres, so that you can shoot all day and all week without hurting yourself. Any premium quality 150-grain ammunition is adequate. The weather is generally warm sunny days and cool nights. Most of the guides hunt in shorts, however you may prefer lightweight long cotton trousers and long-sleeved shirts (to protect yourself from hot barrels). We strongly recommend sunscreen, a wide brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect you from the sun.

2009 -   5-Day Cull Hunt Cost   (All prices quoted in US$)
1 x 1 with 1 Toyota US$5,750/hunter Additional days @ US$880/day
2 x 1 with 1 Toyota US$4,750/hunter Additional days @ US$770/day
4 x 2 with 2 Toyotas US$4,25 0/hunter Additional days @ US$660/day

Not Included in Hunt Cost
 Transportation to and from the hunt area
 Property Trespass Fee @ US$110/day/hunter
 Firearms/Ammunition Import and Dangerous Goods Permits @ US$165 per hunter (extra if other States required)
 Rifle Hire @ US$110 per hunter (if required). Ammunition cost. We carry large stocks of 308W and 30-06 ammunition and can provide quality rifles in these calibres for hire.