Cape buffalo hunting in Namibia

Buffalo, Africa’s largest bovid are generally placid when found in a herd. However, cows with calves can be very dangerous and attack without warning. The old Buffalo bulls known as “Dagga Boys” can be quite temperamental and are even a formidable opponent for a hungry Lion. The greatest respect must be shown when hunting a Buffalo, especially when wounded. Buffalo hunting is often referred to as the pinnacle of hunting excitement, especially after tracking these animals for hours on foot and then confronting them face to face in the thick bush. This species is only available for hunting in various allocated hunting concessions of the Caprivi. In most instances only the bulls are hunted. Mainly mature bulls with hard bosses and impressive spread horns are targeted. In some cases hunters choose to shoot an animal with broomed (worn) off horns which gives the trophy great character. The meat is given to the protein deprived communities who often live side by side with these beasts with whom they often come into conflict and in most cases the villagers come off second best. Community fees are also paid over to these communities as a form of pay-off to ensure that they derive a benefit from not harming these animals and appreciate them as a sustainable resource income where job opportunities are few and far between. Buffalo are classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN and no special hunting permits are required.