Broadheads and bow poundage

[acolobowhunter]

I just booked a hunt for next August 2018 with Makalaan Outfitters in Nambibia.  Wondering about broadheads and arrow weight, plus bow weight.  I shoot a 70 lb. recurve and shoot 75-95 gold tip shafts.  I purchased a few Rocky Mountain CutThorout at 200 grains. With some brass inserts this should put me around 600 grains.  Think that is enough?  I could add weights to the rear of the inserts if needed.  I just don't want to get so heavy compared to what I have been shooting for many years - that I get to much drop in the arrow and miss a shot.  I will be hunting the plains animals on this trip.  I also have shot the 125 gr. Zwikee heads for many years (double bevel).  Would these work, or would you recommend the heavier single bevel heads.  Your thoughts please.  I have about 10 months to get ready and do a lot of shooting.  Also any suggestions as to what I should take along would help.  How about a good strong bow case for bow and arrows - any suggestions.

Thanks,
[email protected]

[JohnV]

You have plenty of bow poundage and a heavy arrow.  You are good for eland and smaller animals.

[Warden609]

Congrats on your future hunt. You could look into a pelican case or similar style case for your trip. We use them for work and have actually shipped firearms across the country, with zero damage or problems. Good luck!

[Friend]

Don't wish to advertise that I am hunting.

Broke down two bows and stored bows and full quiver in duffel bag with clothing.

Experienced absolutely no issues.

[acolobowhunter]

Thanks all-
"Friend" did you have to clear customs with a bow and arrows in your check on luggage?  Thinking a locked bow case might be better.  Sure don't want to get to hunting camp and bow and arrows having been removed from luggage.

[acolobowhunter]

I will check out the pelican cases.  Most of the ones I have seen are of cheap plastic and make me nervous.  I want to take 2 doz shafts plus several broadheads, as well as arrow repairs, sharpeners, strings, gloves, etc in the case.

[JohnV]

Theft by baggage handlers can be a real problem in Africa.  Try to carry any expensive gear in your carryon luggage if possible.  You will see vendors near luggage checkin that will saran wrap your luggage for a fee.  This makes it more difficult for baggage handlers to go through your luggage and steal stuff.  Saw this in both Johannesburg and Windhoek, Namibia airports.  A lot of locals pay the added fee for this service so theft must be a big problem.  I did not have a problem but know of other hunters who have had stuff stolen.  

Also be aware of restrictions for baggage linear measurements.  Most arrow cases are too long and will only fit in cases that exceed the limit of 62 linear inches (length+width+depth).  To get my arrows to fit in my luggage, I used an adjustable tube arrow case and removed the screw in broadheads and placed them in a protective case with the checked luggage.  A takedown recurve or takedown longbow is best because otherwise you will have oversize luggage fees.

[2wfstlhunting]

I have hunted Makalaan in Namibia twice and traveled with a set of longbows in a tube case both times. The first time I flew to Frankfurt, took my luggage and stayed in a hotel all day and then flew out to Windhoek the same night with a second check in.  The second time I went NYC to Johannesburg and then on to Windhoek same day with the luggage checked through from NYC. NO problem at all either time
You will have a wonderful time and I am truly envious, as I love the ranch and the Louws that own and run the operation.
If I can be of any assistance with information, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

[2wfstlhunting]

....and your equipment is more than enough for any animal on the ranch. Accuracy is the main thing, as it always is.  Study the pictures that show you the more forward position of the heart on African plains game than our whitetails. The largest animals you will come up against would be male eland, zebra and giraffe. Gemsbok and kudu are a little smaller and you weapon is plenty for them

[Mike Yancey]

I took my bows in a longbow tube case and had no trouble in South Africa. Flew Delta and didn't charge any extra for length. Security was good at Johannesburg airport and there was no problem with handlers, they brought our bow cases to us.

I had real good performance out of 185 single bevel Grizzly heads with 200 grain Woodyweights. Shot 60 lb bows and most arrows weighed 850 to 900 grains. Do shoot tight to the front leg and those Kudu and Gemsbok are big and big boned. I passed through the Kudu and centered a rib on the Gemsbok and still went to the off rib before stopping.
I would worry more about quietness than anything else since it sounds like your set up is good.

[jrstegner]

I sent you an email. You should find a lot of useful information there.

[acolobowhunter]

Thank you gentlemen for the reply's.  Glad to hear that my equipment is good enough.  My arrows are 600 grain with the broadheads.  I am taking the Rocky Mountain Cut Throut heads (200 grs.).  Boy those single bevel heads are expensive.  So far, I have purchased 1 dozen.  Maybe I should purchase another dozen later - before the hunt.  Also made up 4 Judo heads of the same 200 grain wt.  Now I just need to do a lot of shooting.
That was a good tip about having the saran wrap put around the bags at the airport.  Why couldn't a person do that at home before arriving at the airport???  I did purchase a good SKB case.  It is pretty deep, so should be able to pack lots of extras in it.  Going to take my bow + extra limbs, then an additional bow.  Both take downs.
Any further helpful information would really be appreciated.

[2wfstlhunting]

Your equipment will be fine and just practice your shooting from elevation or the equivalent of a pit blind

It can get real chilly in the evening and it is usually a little chilly in the AM but warms up quickly, so a warm jacket for camp and layers for the blinds. As the blind hunting will likely dominate, black clothing rather than camo is better. Antonie may stalk eland with you on request, so remember  that and a little camo might be worth bringing if that is of any interest to you.

Bring entertainment, such as lots of reading material for those all day sits.
The chairs are ok but I got a lot of extra benefit from taking an inflatable pillow to sit on all day...my preference is to go out in the morning and stay all day until dark. Others might be happier with mid day returns to the ranch house but not my style.

You will need plug adapters in Namibia for recharging batteries (phone, camera). Antonie will provide them for you.He has Wifi and I was easily able to use it to email from my Iphone

Take a few practice arrows to loosen up with in the morning, or if you are annoyed with a bad shot and need to work it out  at the end of the day. There is a sand mound to shoot into behind the lodge.

If art, crafts, presents, are of interest ( they sure as heck were to me) then you should either ask Antonie to arrange some time at the market town that is about 1/2 way to the ranch, and/or schedule some time in Windhoek after you arrive, to go down town and shop.  There are a few good shops and there is an open air market that is vendors in a big lot.  I have gotten many nice things in both locations. I have wandered around the downtown area shopping and never felt unsafe.

Camera with long distance lens capability.  I enjoyed being able to perch mine on a tripod.  I think that I left one there: please ask Antonie if it is still around.  Everyone takes 100s if not thousands of pictures.  Do it, you won't be sorry

Study all the pictures of animals that you want to take.  If horn size is important to you then really learn what that means by looking at lost of pictures and find someone with experience that can coach you.  Frankly, you will get a kick out of anything that you take but the more you know the better prepared you are to make those split second decisions.

Happy to answer any questions.  
Steve

[2wfstlhunting]

Your equipment will be fine and just practice your shooting from elevation or the equivalent of a pit blind

It can get real chilly in the evening and it is usually a little chilly in the AM but warms up quickly, so a warm jacket for camp and layers for the blinds. As the blind hunting will likely dominate, black clothing rather than camo is better. Antonie may stalk eland with you on request, so remember  that and a little camo might be worth bringing if that is of any interest to you.

Bring entertainment, such as lots of reading material for those all day sits.
The chairs are ok but I got a lot of extra benefit from taking an inflatable pillow to sit on all day...my preference is to go out in the morning and stay all day until dark. Others might be happier with mid day returns to the ranch house but not my style.

You will need plug adapters in Namibia for recharging batteries (phone, camera). Antonie will provide them for you.He has Wifi and I was easily able to use it to email from my Iphone

Take a few practice arrows to loosen up with in the morning, or if you are annoyed with a bad shot and need to work it out  at the end of the day. There is a sand mound to shoot into behind the lodge.

If art, crafts, presents, are of interest ( they sure as heck were to me) then you should either ask Antonie to arrange some time at the market town that is about 1/2 way to the ranch, and/or schedule some time in Windhoek after you arrive, to go down town and shop.  There are a few good shops and there is an open air market that is vendors in a big lot.  I have gotten many nice things in both locations. I have wandered around the downtown area shopping and never felt unsafe.

Camera with long distance lens capability.  I enjoyed being able to perch mine on a tripod.  I think that I left one there: please ask Antonie if it is still around.  Everyone takes 100s if not thousands of pictures.  Do it, you won't be sorry

Study all the pictures of animals that you want to take.  If horn size is important to you then really learn what that means by looking at lost of pictures and find someone with experience that can coach you.  Frankly, you will get a kick out of anything that you take but the more you know the better prepared you are to make those split second decisions.

Happy to answer any questions.  
Steve

[acolobowhunter]

I really appreciate all the suggestions.  This will be a fun trip and hunt, but I sure appreciate all the help here.  This is a big trip for my wife and I and want it to go as smooth as possible.

[2wfstlhunting]

The Mrs (Melinda) is a lovely person, and it is a most peaceful place to pass the days sitting on the porch and reading.   The blinds are big enough for two to fit easily so she may want to spend the day with you. The ranch is quite a distance from any town: the light pollution is negligible and the night skies are beyond belief.

[acolobowhunter]

Still hearing with problems in Johansburg with luggage and paying bribes to get bow cases back.  Talked to Antonie with Makalaan Safaries and he suggests flying into Frankfurt then directly to Windhoek to avoid the problems.  He has also heard several problems with flying into SA.  Sounds like the cost might be a little higher going into Frankfurt and a longer layover though.  Might be worth it though to get there with my bows.

[TexasKing]

I just flew through J-Berg 2 months ago and had no problems.
If you’re concerned and need to spend the night there, I stayed at the Afton House and used their VIP service, they will walk your bows through customs

[acolobowhunter]

Good information.  Currently I am looking at flying from Denver to Frankfurt, then to Namibia and avoiding SA.  This route might be a little more expensive and there is a chance of an 8 hr. layover in Frankfurt.  However many have told me that it is nice to get off the plane for a while as the SA route is a killer at 16 hours.  Still have some time yet to decide and the travel consultant is working on some routes and costs for me.

[acolobowhunter]

What did the Afton House charge for walking your luggane / bows through customs?  Might be worth it to have a contact there helping.