I’ve traveled all over the world in the work I do with Worldwide Trophy Adventures, but nothing prepared me for the raw beauty and excitement of northern Australia’s wilderness. When the opportunity to lead a group looking for Asiatic buffalo with one of WTA’s outfitters in the Land Down Under arose, I knew we were in for a treat, but I didn’t quite know what to expect.
WTA’s hosted trips are a unique offering designed to ensure our clients have a seamless and unforgettable hunting experience. On these trips, a WTA consultant like me accompanies the group to handle logistics, provide support, and ensure everything runs smoothly. This approach not only offers peace of mind but also enhances the camaraderie among hunters, making the adventure more enjoyable and less stressful. This time, I was leading a group of five hunters, each with their own goals and excitement for the hunt.
Our trip began with a series of flights ending in Darwin, the capital city of Australia’s Northern Territory. After a good night’s sleep and a hearty meal, our guide collected us for a six-hour drive to travel deep into the heart of the Australian outback. As civilization faded in our rearview mirror, the vastness of the landscape became increasingly apparent. I’m from Montana and I’m used to some remote country, but this was different. For the final stretch—a bumpy but scenic 4 ½ hours—we didn’t see another vehicle, just an endless expanse of untamed wild.
Our destination was an incredible camp. The hunter’s tents, elevated three feet off the ground, were decked out with queen-sized beds, electric lighting, and power outlets—a nice touch of luxury in the midst of wilderness. The communal dining area, another elevated structure, was fully enclosed with mosquito netting, which was nice for keeping the bugs and the elements. A generator hummed through the night, ensuring everything stayed charged and ready for the days ahead.
The five hunters and I quickly settled into a rhythm. Mornings began at first light with breakfast, but the real action didn’t start until the heat drove the buffalo into the open. This gentleman’s hunt allowed us to ease into each day without missing any action.
Weather conditions were ideal, cloudless skies and temperatures peaking in the mid-80°s. Cool mornings generally gave way to warm afternoons, much like back home. Unlike hunting cape buffalo in the thorny bush of places like South Africa, the Northern Territory of Australia is mercifully free of skin-tearing vegetation, so a couple of guys opted to hunt in shorts.
As we set out in open-top vehicles each morning, the abundance of wildlife blew my mind. Wild dogs, wallabies, and kangaroos dotted the landscape. We encountered dozens of water buffalo. Our area offered a diverse selection of trophy bulls, from massive, wide-horned specimens to grizzled old character bulls with worn-down horns.
Once the right bull was spotted, we slipped out of the vehicle and put on a stalk in perfect habitat, large expanses broken up by clusters of bushes and trees. Our outfitter provided excellent rifles, sparing us the hassle of international firearms regulations. Over four exciting days, all five hunters in our group successfully tagged out on beautiful bulls.
Approaching a downed water buffalo was an adrenaline rush every single time. These giants, with horn spreads exceeding five feet and bases up to 17 inches, were truly awe-inspiring. The largest bulls we encountered boasted impressive total scores over 100 inches.
Camp life was a great blend of camaraderie and simple pleasures. Lots of good stories and great meals. Food ranged from simple breakfasts to gourmet-esque dinners like top-quality beef and pasta dishes. There was some planning involved, however, as we brought in our own medications and favorite snacks. The local options for those sorts of things were limited, but I helped my group plan ahead.
Our time in Australia was about more than just a successful hunt (though it certainly was that!). We were able to immerse ourselves in one of the world’s last great wildernesses. The abundance of wildlife, the breathtaking landscapes, and the thrill of pursuing Asiatic buffalo combined to create an experience that we’ll never forget.
For anyone thinking about heading down under to hunt these giant animals, I can’t recommend this trip highly enough. The WTA Hosted Trips program is designed to make your adventure easy and unforgettable. Contact one of WTA’s consultants and book the adventure of a lifetime in Australia!
