Africa’s “Dangerous Seven” list—lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, rhinoceros, hippopotamus, and crocodile—holds an allure for hunters seeking to test their skills on the continent’s most formidable game. Hunting these animals with a bow requires precision, close-range encounters, and a strong respect for their power. Each hunt is unique in its challenges and ethical considerations, and having the right knowledge and experience is crucial. Let’s delve into how each member of the Dangerous Seven can be pursued with a bow, based on personal encounters and expert insights.

1. Cape Buffalo

Nicknamed “Black Death,” Cape buffalo are both powerful and unpredictable. These animals charge when injured, especially if shot with a bow. Many hunters find stalking them in the open too risky and prefer a safer approach, such as hunting from a blind. Buffalo hunts are intense and often require a backup plan if the animal charges, as they will aggressively defend themselves. The preferred shot is a heart-lung shot to ensure a quick and humane kill. Bowhunters must use high-poundage bows with durable, high-penetration broadheads for the buffalo’s tough hide and dense bone structure​.

2. African Lion

Lions are one of the most daring species to bowhunt. A close-range encounter with an African lion can quickly become dangerous, as lions charge when hit, especially if the shot isn’t lethal. This behaviour has led many hunters to choose crossbows for faster arrow speeds and increased stopping power. However, a traditional bow shot requires precision—typically a heart-lung shot at close range, usually within 30 yards. Because lions are highly territorial and aware, hunters need both patience and quick reflexes to successfully and safely complete the hunt​

3. Leopard

Leopards are elusive and fast and are mainly seen at dusk or dawn. Most bowhunters bait leopards to get within range, often setting up a blind for safety. Once the leopard is close enough, usually 20-30 yards, bowhunters aim for the heart-lung area, which requires precise shot placement to ensure a humane kill. Leopards are known to be quick and stealthy, and any miscalculated shot could turn the hunt into a dangerous situation. The experience demands skill, patience, and exact timing​

4. Elephant

Elephants, the largest land mammals, can be legally hunted with a bow in certain regions, such as Zimbabwe. Due to their enormous size and thick skin, elephant hunting requires bows with the highest possible poundage and broadheads that can penetrate deep into the animal’s body. The typical target areas for ethical hunting are the heart-lung area or the base of the ear, which requires an exact and powerful shot to bring down the massive animal. Elephant hunts demand precise shot placement and absolute respect for the animal’s size and strength​

5. Hippopotamus

Hunting a hippo with a bow involves more than skill—it requires knowledge of their habits. While they’re usually associated with water, hippos graze on land and can be hunted when out of the water. Hippos are surprisingly aggressive and, like buffalo, will charge when injured. For a clean shot, hunters aim for the heart-lung region from a close distance. Hippo hunts typically occur along riverbanks where the animal is more accessible, as tracking a wounded hippo in water can be hazardous​.

6. Nile Crocodile

Hunting a crocodile is a game of patience. Due to their strong hide and strategic positioning in the water, crocodiles are typically taken while basking along a riverbank. The challenge lies in the precision required to avoid the crocodile retreating into the water after the shot, where it may be lost. A direct brain or spinal shot is often necessary for a quick, ethical kill. In many cases, hunters must wait for the perfect angle to ensure the animal can be quickly recovered. The patience and skill required make the crocodile one of the most technical members of the Dangerous Seven​​

7. Rhinoceros

While rhinos cannot legally be hunted with a bow, some hunters participate in “green hunts,” where rhinos are darted instead of killed. This approach involves tracking and approaching the rhino closely, allowing hunters to experience the thrill of being near such a powerful animal without taking its life. The darted rhino is later revived and monitored for conservation. Green hunts provide an ethical option for bowhunters interested in the experience without compromising rhino populations​

Personal Encounters and Final Thoughts

Bowhunting Africa’s Dangerous Seven demands skill, patience, and respect. Each animal has its challenges: buffalo, lions, and hippos may charge when injured; crocodiles often disappear into the water after a hit; and elephants require exceptional shot precision. Bowhunting these animals brings hunters face-to-face with some of nature’s most awe-inspiring creatures, often testing their resolve and reminding them of the fragility of life and the power of nature. I recently filmed a bow hunt in the Kalahari where I was fortunate to witness some amazing hunts from Giraffe to Buffalo.

Each hunt is a unique journey that should be approached with respect for the animal and an awareness of the importance of ethical hunting practices. Those who take up this challenge join a rare group, experiencing Africa’s wildest terrains up close and personal, with nothing but a bow and the skills they bring to the field.