Need help with dates for Buffalo Hunt

[Graydon]

We are planning our third trip to Africa in 2019, we currently have dates locked down in the first of August and but have the possibility of moving them to the end of May and first of June. Any one have experience hunting buffalo in early June, flight cost is almost half of what it would be in August... wondering if it will be worth it to change or if the hunting will be worse.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Hunting Mozambique?

 

[Graydon]

Yes in Moz

 

[gillettehunter]

Best to talk to your outfitter. A couple of yrs ago I looked at Zambia early. They told me I would see far fewer animals due to the grass and leaves. I went later and had a great time. He knows the area and what the vegetation will be like. In Moz I expect that later is probably better unless you are hunting buf in the swamps. From the videos I doubt seasons matter unless the water gets too deep.
Bruce

 

[IvW]

Hi, where in Moz will you be hunting?

 

[Red Leg]

Moz is a big place with varied geography. Earlier is generally bad in the coastal region. The vegetation will be extremely thick and May can still be very hot and humid - even rainy. Things are drier later and those conditions will tend to concentrate game. As others have recommended, talk it over with your outfitter.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

I would recommend you keep the August hunt dates. I hunted buff in southern Zim in late May 2015. We were on them every single day but didn't close the deal in 10 days. Very few trees/bushes had started to drop their leaves, so visibility was very limited. When I go again, it will be in August.

 

[Graydon]

Yeah thats what we are worried about is the water and the brush cover having not dropped the leaves. Thanks for the info, we will be in the Niassa, if anyone has any knowledge they would like to share.

 

[thi9elsp]

I concur with others that late August / early September is better. Leaves have dropped and water is drying up. Easier to find and track spoor. I hunted in Niassa province November 2016. Very hot - 97 - 104 Fahrenheit. A lot of hills - more than I expected. I went with Majune Safaris and have a hunt report posted. I was not in Niassa hunting block but on the edge. PM me if you want to chat more.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Go later when the grass has or can be burned. Other wise

 

[cls]

I have to agree with the rest, later is better.

Zambia early August

 

[IvW]

August/September would be the best time to hunt Niassa.

Before that as mentioned the vegetation will work against you, after that the heat, dehydration etc. becomes an issue.

 

[thi9elsp]

@cls Can you image that picture all green in June? No thank you.

 

[Red Leg]

Best to talk to your outfitter. A couple of yrs ago I looked at Zambia early. They told me I would see far fewer animals due to the grass and leaves. I went later and had a great time. He knows the area and what the vegetation will be like. In Moz I expect that later is probably better unless you are hunting buf in the swamps. From the videos I doubt seasons matter unless the water gets too deep.
Bruce

The Delta marshes are much wetter earlier due to run-off. That means the sloughs tend to be much deeper. After two hunts in the Delta, I can assure all that crossing a knee-deep channel is much better than negotiating one up to your chest.

 

[BRICKBURN]

A new sport: Swimming for Buffalo.

 

[Red Leg]

A new sport: Swimming for Buffalo.

Pretty close!

Zambezi Delta Slog

• Red Leg
• Aug 30, 2014

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Call me a wimp, scared of snakes, crocs, etc, but I prefer my hunts to be slog-free.