Bowhunting in South Africa


Bowhunting was recognized in 1989 as an officially accepted method of sporthunting in South Africa. Since 1st January 1993 the following regulations applied to bowhunting in South Africa. Since the change to the new provinces in South Africa it has been up to the different nature conservation departments in each province to regulate bowhunting but everyone has accepted these regulations and are applying it. There might be other regulations in different provinces. This must be checked with your outfitter when inquiring or booking a hunt.
Category for different species(All species can be hunted with bow and arrow)
[ol][*]Small species (up to the blesbuck and including the nyala ewe but excluding the nyala bull, warthog, bushpig, and predators larger than the black backed jackal.)[*]Medium species (up to the size of a kudu including the warthog, bushpig, and all predators but excluding the lion, leopard, crocodile, gemsbuck and sable)[*]Larger species (up to the size of the eland including lion, leopard, crocodile, gemsbuck and sable, but excluding the buffalo and giraffe)[*]Large species(Buffalo and giraffe)[*]Super large species(Elephant, white and black rhino and hippo. [/ol]
Bowhunting dangerous gameThis includes lion, leopard, buffalo, hippo, elephant, black and white rhino. All bowhunters must be accompanied by an professional hunter with a prescribed certificate of competency.

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Minimum Requirements for Bowhunting Equipment
Minimum Kinetic energy (ft/Lb)





Category

ft/lb

1
25

2
40

3
65

4
80


5
105


Minimum arrow mass(grain)





Category

Mass

1
350

2
400

3
450

4
700

5
850
Special directives for arrows and broadheads
[ol][*]Only arrows with broadheads may be used, except in the case of birds and hares where suitable flat points will be acceptable.[*]Arrows may be of wood, glass fiber, carbon fiber or aluminum[*]Arrowheads may not have barbs or moving parts.[*]Arrowheads must have at least two cutting edges [/ol]
Minimum cutting widthCategory 1,2,3 25mm - any broadhead Category 4,5 28 mm - only 2blade broadheads are allowed
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Nocturnal animalsDuring the hunt for lion and leopard the bowhunter as well as the professional hunter must have a suitable firearm ready.
The following is permitted:
[ol][*]Baiting and hunting from blinds[*]Lighting may be used. [/ol]
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Aquatic animals and big gameFurther to the minimum arrow mass and kinetic energy requirements the following will also apply for the hunting of hippopotamus, crocodile, buffalo, elephant, and rhinoceros.
[ol][*]These animals may only be hunted in day time.[*]The bowhunter and the professional hunter must have a suitable firearm ready. [/ol]
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Experience and competency: Bowhunter
The bowhunter wishing to hunt dangerous game must be in possession of a certificate of competence issued by an institute or person approved by the department of nature conservation. If the bowhunter does not posses such an certificate when his outfitter applies for his license he will still be considered if he can provide evidence of his competence and abilities. The professional hunter accompanying the bowhunter must also be in possession of such an certificate of competence issued by an approved institute.
These are only the minimum requirements for anyone to bowhunt in South Africa. Regulations might differ slightly between the different provinces. Make sure to check with your outfitter before booking a hunt to South Africa.