Matlabas Game Hunters is a prime destination for serious bow hunting in South Africa.

Bow Hunting at Matlabas Game Hunters

We cater to all bow hunters, whether you shoot traditional bows or prefer to hunt with a compound bow or crossbow. The Matlabas Bushveldt region in the Limpopo Province offers some of the most spectacular bow hunting opportunities. Most of the hunting is done from blinds and tree-stands and shot distances at the various stands vary from 10 yards to 30 yards. So whether you are a novice or an expert, traditional shooter or modern bow hunter, we will get you on your dream trophy animals.

Most of the blinds are very spacious inside and can comfortably accommodate 3 people with space to move around in. The elevated blinds are furnished with carpeting to keep it quiet for when you have to make that shot count. We will provide you with a packed lunch and drinks for you and your professional guide while you spend time hunting from the blinds. Alternatively lunch can be had at the lodge at your discretion.

Other methods of hunting include spot-and-stalk hunting. Although the success rate of this type of hunting is much lower than hunting from the stands, it is a real adrenaline rush for those who are up for the challenge. Quiet shoes, good camouflage and plenty of perseverance and patience is vital in getting to within shooting range on foot.

Blinds

In various situations pop-up blinds will be used, especially when targeting specific species that do not frequent the regular waterholes very often, or for hunting areas that have a lot of animal traffic away from the regular hunting spots.

At the lodge we have all the equipment needed to tune, or make basic repairs to your archery equipment in case of emergency. Our guides are very knowledgeable on all the aspects of shooting, as well as fine-tuning a bow when needed. An archery pro-shop is located in town (approx. 60 miles/100km) for more serious repairs.

Paperwork needed for bowhunting in South Africa

No paperwork or import permits are required for bringing your bow hunting equipment into South Africa. However, there are some procedures to follow when collecting your bow at OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) which we will discuss with you prior to your safari.

Minimum requirements for bow hunting

The following information was published in Government Gazette on December 11, 2009:

Birds, Hares, Rabbits, Common Duiker, Steenbuck, Black Backed Jackal, Caracal, Vervet Monkey.

Min. Draw Mass: 40lbs
Min. Kinetic Energy: 30 ft/fps
Min. Total Arrow Weight: 300 gr

Impala, Blesbuck, Nyala, Bushbuck, Warthog, Bushpig, Baboon, Kudu.

Min. Draw Mass: 50lbs
Min. Kinetic Energy: 50 ft/fps
Min. Total Arrow Weight: 400 gr

Blue Wildebeest, Burchell’s Zebra, Waterbuck, Gemsbok, Eland, Red Hartebeest

Min. Draw Mass: 60lbs
Min. Kinetic Energy: 60 ft/fps
Min. Total Arrow Weight: 500 gr

Buffalo

Min. Draw Mass: 80lbs
Min. Kinetic Energy: 80 ft/fps
Min. Total Arrow Weight: 750 gr

Giraffe

Min. Draw Mass: 90lbs
Min. Kinetic Energy: 90 ft/fps
Min. Total Arrow Weight: 750 gr

Additional norms for bow hunting equipment

Notwithstanding the requirements contemplated in the table above the following conditions apply:

  • in the case of mechanical broadheads 5% additional kinetic energy is required for Category 1, 2 and 3 wild animals;
  • broadheads must have at least two cutting edges; and
  • the minimum permitted arrow length is 50 cm.