M.

Either of the two outfitters mentioned would be worth approaching. I am not an expert, just an enthusiast.

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I have hunted with Matt Graham of Hunt Australia. Matt is also a member of NitroExpress.com but is away in the bush quite a bit of the time.

My story on these forums does a good job telling you how my hunt went, was conducted the camps etc. - Click here

Craig Boddington also hunted at Gan Gan. A story of his hunt with a .405 is - here.

Hunt Australia was one of the first outfitters in Australia and was run by Bob Penfold until this year. I believe Bob is still involved as well.

Buffalo hunting is done in Arnhemland at Gan Gan or elsewhere. Gan Gan is a true wilderness area with lots of open water, billabongs, streams, rivers etc. According to Bob before he went there most people did not think it could be hunted efficiently due to the water making land travel difficult. What Bob did was utilise more hunting 4WDs and pre-position them on the far sides of rivers. You drive to the riverbank. Cross on a boat and use a 'new' 4WD on the far side and continue hunting. The water in water buffalo is there for a reason. They like water so this is a good tactic.

The numbers of water buffalo at Gan Gan are quite amazing. They are not herd animals but they will be spotted on the open water and through the bush. It is not uncommon to see at least one 100 point bull a day. You will see many of interest each day. Also many of the buffalo do not seem to have seen humans before so are often curious. Having said that we saw a very large bull in the bush at about 200 metres and attempted to stalk him. He did NOT stick around. Most clients at Gan Gan take a good bull on the first or second day. Luck, skill and determination obviously plays a part but a head around 100 points is very achievable.

Pigs are also in residence but are more a target of opportunity. A separate pig hunting trip is worth organising to a further inland property where the numbers (and size) pigs make it a fun hunt. I haven't been there however but have heard it spoken about.

Other game could include waterfowl - ducks and magpie geese in season. A separate hunt for banteng is a great idea. Banteng is only found in the wild on the Coburg Peninsula and thereabouts. Fishing is also another pursuit and Matt was actually a fishing guide before taking up guiding on big game.

Hunt Australia also has a concession in New Caledonia for giant Javan Rusa stags. A lot of smart hunters tack one of these on as well. I definitely want to hunt New Caledonia one day.

A rifle of .375 H&H or larger is recommended. Most outfitters will also be able to load you a rifle if needed.

The camps are well laid out and comfortable. The usual - flushing toilets, hot shower, bug netted dining area, cold drinks and good food etc.

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Graham Williams also has a good reputation and is worth contacting as well. He also is a member of NitroExpress.com. However I have not hunted with him so can not comment. I would hunt with him though if an opportunity arose.

Allan has provided you with a web address for him.

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Generally water buffalo hunting starts about now. However the land is greener and more water is about. The season extends to October/November. It gets a lot hotter in October. I think the best months are July and August when it is cooler and the land dryer, concentrating game more.

Most outfitters operate on a five day hunt for water buffalo. If you have the means I would seriously also do a banteng hunt or a dedicated pig hunt for another 5 day period.

You will need to contact the outfitters for prices but they vary up to about US$8,000 including one buffalo trophy fee. Good Arnhemland areas attract a premium. Station hunts may be able to be hand cheaper but buffalo numbers will be thinner on the ground and finding a big trophy bull harder or not at all. There is also a fenced property with numerous species including African antelope if that is of interest.

Feel free to ask more questions.

Typical Arnhemland hunting country