Equipment for a lady archer - impala & warthog

[Witherstick]

My wife and I have started talking to a hunting operation in South Africa. She currently shoots a 40 lb recurve but can easily shoot 45.  They prefer she shoot 50 lb which she can do, but I am concerned about how comfortably she can shoot at 50. 

We would enjoy taking Hill style bows on this trip, but it isn’t an absolute necessity.  Just a strong preference.

So, we would like to hear from some of you with experience hunting impala and warthog. We are very interested in what possible equipment setups you personally recommend for her.

[Mike Yancey]

45 would be plenty on Impala for sure. The main thing is it be Fast and QUIET. They are the string jumpingest things on earth. 40 should be fine too, just MAKE sure that the outfit is set up for traditional, many say bow hunt friendly and the water hole is 25 yards from the blind.
The outfit that I hunt with is very traditional and primitive friendly and he prefers them. Look at Sofala Safaris in SA. They have several videos of me shooting things there with a selfbow.
You will love the trip!

[Witherstick]

Thanks Mike. 

We actually are talking to Sofala for the very reasons you mentioned.  We actually watched your video also.  She is very comfortable shooting 45 lbs although she currently shoots a great northern super ghost at 40 with 485 grain POC shafts.

I think they would just prefer she shoot a little heavier.  Myself, I think she is good to go as is. 

[acolobowhunter]

I hunted in Namibia with Makalaan Outfitter.  They also are set up for bow hunting only.  The have pit blinds as well as elevated blinds.  All shots were under 20 yards and lots of game.  Since Covid shut down much of the hunting last year, many of the outfitters are anxious to get hunters back and some are offering very good hunting packages.  You might check them out.  They are really nice people and the hunt was super.  We took a few extra days and they took us around the country and into a couple parks where you could see every animal that is in Africa.

[acolobowhunter]

See my story and photos in this Dark Continent heading under "I'm Back"

[acolobowhunter]

I agree with Mike 40#'s is enough for those animals.  Shot placement is critical however.  Do some research, as the vitals are further forward on African animals that here in the U.S.  Take your time and wait for the animal to present the perfect shot.  As far as Impala's we would have 20 - 100 come in at one time, so you will have plenty of chances.  No need to rush a shot.

[Witherstick]

We will check into Makalaan. Thanks

[Mike Yancey]

If you hunt Sofala the water holes are 11 yards from the blind and 13 yards to the back of the hole on average.

[96ssportsp]

If you hunt Sofala the water holes are 11 yards from the blind and 13 yards to the back of the hole on average.

Wow....that makes for a nice set up.  

Scott.

[hybridbow hunter]

On impala 40#  will work. On warthogs it depends the size. In high fence/high animal density/high hunting pressure like in South Africa the warthogs don t really have enough time to get big and you will mostly shoot 60-100# animals so 40-45 could work if placement is perfect. In low fences farm with a natural animal density big predators and free roaming animals and..less hunting pressure because hunting success is harder like you can find in Namibia or Zimbabwe, Zambia etc...they can grow really big close to 200# and then low poundage can reach the limit with no margin. The odd for long tusks are of course higher in those places.Big old warthogs are TOUGH animals

[Witherstick]

We decided on what equipment that she will be using and made the final arrangements except for the flight. She will be shooting a 50# reflex/deflex longbow and 610 grain arrows.

[hybridbow hunter]

I just come back from namibia and situation is ok. I hope you a nice hunt in Africa and great time

[Witherstick]

Thank you.  I hope your trip was enjoyable as well.

[hybridbow hunter]

Yes great trip with blue wildebeest zebra big kudu and 3 nice warthogs

[mj seratt]

I highly urge you to get s copy of The Perfect Shot.  It will show you the vitals that are some different than American game.

Murray