I just got back this weekend from an incredible 9 day adventure in Argentina that started with 3 days of dove hunting in Córdoba and then heading to LaPampa to hunt with Catena Safaris.
I was after water buffalo, a long time dream of mine. I have worn out most anybody here on TG that had experience with buffalo, because I was concerned about arrow failure. I have gotten excellent advice from 1/2 dozen guys, but perhaps the best was from Andy Ivy who said basically, enough is enough, practice,and go do it!
I wish I could post pics here, but I have never been successful...
But after several unsuccessful stalks, I finally got a hurried 22 yard shot on the largest bull of a 29 member herd....and missed!!
I was 4" under his chest, a shot that I have nailed thousands of times in the past year leading up to the hunt.
He was in the rear of the herd as they all spooked and started to disappear once again.
For some crazy reason(I think it was a God thing) the bull directly in front of him wheeled around and started head butting my bull, giving me just enough time to make the shot, this time exactly where I was imagining it going.
My arrow buried to the cresting, angling forward right behind his elbow with a cutting sound I hope I will never forget.
He ran with the rest of the group never changing pace, except for an occasional sparring with the other bull. At about 100 yards he collapsed, literally dead on his feet! He had not lasted 3 minutes tops.
My outfitter, Nicolas Cadena, estimated his weight to be 1800-2000 pounds.
My arrow had about 18" penetration, and had cut through 3/8" hide, rib, and right through his heart.
I was very pleased with my setup, a #69.5 Bob Lee Ultimate recurve, a SBD string, and FMJ DG 300 shafts, with 300 gr Tuffheads on the front. I JB Welded the setup together with Traditional Archery Solutions stainless steel 200 gr inserts, with Bigfoot double footing system for a total of 1000 grains. This was almost the exact set up that Hybrid Bowhunter had recommended.
Not only did the shaft not fail, the arrow only has a slight bend from when he fell.
The cherry on top was getting to be in the blind 2 days later with my son Jake when he shot a very nice Fallow with his ASL, a Miller Old Tom.
My other son Royce set aside his Robertson recurve and shot a very nice stag at dusk of the last day with his guides rifle when it looked like the clock was going to run out on us.
Again, can't thank all the guys here that gave me such solid advice. I was almost obsessing about getting the right setup, but I think it was worth it!
Congrats sir....
,,Sam,,
Great job. Hope we eventually see pics.
Congrats!!! A dream hunt for sure
I'm your Huckleberry for the pics!
Here you go, Tim!
Tim's buff:
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/archeryrules/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-05/6861BBF1-4974-4E9D-8C39-FBC65687A09C_zps43iu3xyo.jpg) (http://s579.photobucket.com/user/archeryrules/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-05/6861BBF1-4974-4E9D-8C39-FBC65687A09C_zps43iu3xyo.jpg.html)
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/archeryrules/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-05/506E7EED-2EDA-4363-B153-AA6FE469E91C_zpsesjmg2u7.jpg) (http://s579.photobucket.com/user/archeryrules/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-05/506E7EED-2EDA-4363-B153-AA6FE469E91C_zpsesjmg2u7.jpg.html)
And Jakes fallow:
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/archeryrules/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-05/C6B1BCF0-0A23-43B1-8D3D-2CB414EDB409_zpsivj0iztb.jpg) (http://s579.photobucket.com/user/archeryrules/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-05/C6B1BCF0-0A23-43B1-8D3D-2CB414EDB409_zpsivj0iztb.jpg.html)
Congrats again guys, on a fantastic hunt!!!
Bisch
Oh yeah, and I can fix that bent arrow for you too. I can make it within .002" straightness again for you. Give it to me next time you see me.
It would be neat to go kill something else with the same arrow!
Bisch
Wow! Good work, glad you got another chance at him. Those horns look almost Cape Buffalo shaped what a cool trophy!
Nice to be able to share it with your sons too :)
Congrats,thanks for sharing.
Congratulations!
Congrats Tim and Jake!
Great stuff, well done to you both
Huge congrats.
Too cool Congrats on your adventure with your sons!
Superb, mate! Good on you!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :archer:
Congratulations, what a nice hunt with your sons.
Congratulations all around, great trophys for you and your son..... :thumbsup:
Congratulations to all, and thanks for sharing your story.
Tim,
Outstanding...Congrats to all on a great trip.
God bless,
Fantastic! Congratulations.
thanks everyone, Pierre, as I think I mentioned to you, I was initially indecisive on which bow to take. The difference your SBD string made for the Bob Lee put it on top. It was measurable difference in performance=penetration!
TexasKing,
you sure deserve that name ! Great accomplishment. Congratulation for that wonderfull Beast :clapper: : :clapper:
Nice, congrats Brother!
congrats
Great hunt! You were obviously all-in for a good bull and took your preparation seriously . It all came together!
Great hunt! You were obviously all-in for a good bull and took your preparation seriously . It all came together!
What a beast!!!! Congratulations!
Well done! A great adventure with your boys.
Very cool
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :clapper: :clapper:
Tim again CONGRATULATIONS :clapper:
Thanks for making the TUFFHEAD your broahead of choice.
You story is great ....What a fanastic adventure.
Joe
Wow. That 1st pic looks like a fallen Rhino. What a beast!! Congrats. Should be a nice mount!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
That is a beast! Congratulations!
YEAH BOY!!!
thanks for sharing :thumbsup:
Wow. What a trip.
Awesome :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Congrats on a nice animal, looks delicious. Did you get to keep the meat, or does it stay in Argentina?
Thanks everyone....
No Pryor, the meat had to stay in Argentina....along with the balance of my savings account and an IOU.
They said they would eat it right there on the ranch, but I didn't get the feeling it would be very tasty. My experience on the farm says when they have visible equipment then they are best suited for other things.
We did eat stag, axis, blackbuck, javelina, dove and pickled rabbit that are all native there.