INFORMATION
Location
Australia (North & East parts of country)
Dates
February-August in Queensland for multiple deer species.
May-October in Northern Territory buffalo, banteng, rusa deer, scrub bull, pigs.
Species
Northern Territory: Water Buffalo, Banteng, Wild Hog
Queensland: Red Stag, Rusa Deer, Fallow Deer, Axis Deer
Cost
Daily Rates: 1×1, $550/day…2×2, $400/day…Non-Hunter, $200/day.
Trophy Fees: Please see Price List at the bottom.
Overview
In Australia’s Northern Territory, hunting for water buffalo and banteng is by spot and stalk in very flat terrain. The land is easy to negotiate, with mosquitos in swamps and heat being your biggest challenges to overcome. In the eastern part of the country, where deer hunting takes place, hills are easy to moderate to negotiate. Estate hunts can be arranged, as can free-range hunts in more demanding terrain.
Hunting Australia
This outfitter offers multiple hunting options in two regions of Australia. In the Northern Territory, hunts are based out of Darwin. This is the water buffalo and banteng capital of the world. Wild hogs can also be hunted and fishing can be arranged.
Hunting the paperbark forests and surrounding swamps in the Northern Territory is one of the most unique adventures in the world. Seeing multiple buffalo a day is the norm, with success on big bulls being 100% over the years.
On my last trip, I took a record class water buffalo bull with my bow, and two buddies each took big bulls with their rifles. This outfitter has taken top five in the world water buffalo and banteng and knows the land and the hunting, incredibly well. We saw multiple potential world record water buffalo on my hunt, but they didn’t leave the swamp and we could not access them on foot. One evening I had what we figured would have been a world record bull prance by inside 40 yards, but never slowed for a shot with my bow. Seeing buffalo with horns spanning 9-feet from tip to tip will leave you in awe!
Buffalo often end up being taken in short, grassy plains. Banteng are normally found in flatland forests with thick scrub. The better shape you’re in, the more ground you can cover, the greater the chance of getting a prized bull. Make sure your feet are in good condition, for even though the terrain is easy, you can log miles a day.
Deer hunts are based out of Queensland, Australia, with Brisbane serving as the hub. The hunting here is much like hunting the Coast Range of the Pacific Northwest, though not as deep of canyons. The habitat is brushy, and walking and glassing to locate game, then commencing a stalk, is the norm. There are some exceptional red stags here, and the trophy fees are very reasonable compared to red stag hunting in other parts of the word. Rusa deer and fallow deer are also available, and sometimes, axis deer can be found.
It’s common for hunters to combine hunts in Queensland for deer with hunts in the Northern Territory for water buffalo and banteng. Spending a few days hunting deer, first, then heading north for a week of buffalo and/or banteng hunting is a good way to see the country and experience what hunting in Australia is all about.
The outfitter will prepare all your trophies and arrange for them to be shipped home.
Tag & License Costs
Tags and license are covered. Hunters are responsible for expediting trophies (packing, dipping, shipping home). A visitor permit is now needed to discharge a firearm in Australia, which is secured at no cost, with your passport photo.
Shipping Your Trophies Home
The costs of preparing, shipping and importing your cape and horns/antlers are your responsibility. The outfitter will help initiate this process, then it’s up to you to finalize and coordinate final importation. Recently we’re hearing from clients in the U.S. that the costs are around $1,000 (depending on how much you have), which includes the expeditor’s costs and certification. The outfitter works closely with Raitt International Freight, in Queensland, Australia, http://www.raitt.com.au/
Travel Planning
If hunting deer, fly directly into Brisbane, Australia (Toowoomba West Wellcamp Aiport), where you’ll be met by the outfitter. If just desiring to hunt water buffalo or banteng, you will fly directly into Darwin, where the outfitter will meet you. If your hunt starts in Queensland for deer, then continues to Darwin for water buffalo and banteng, you and the outfitter will travel, together. Flights home will depend where your last hunt took place, either out of Darwin or Brisbane. Flights from the U.S. usually go direct into Sydney, then on to Toowoomba or Darwin.