Attracting/decoying cape buffalo ?

[Brian]

Has anyone had any luck using sounds, smells, decoys, etc. to attract or hold a herd of cape buffalo?

For example how about an Audio recording of a herd of cape buffalo peacefully grazing or oxpeckers on buffalo to cover the sound of your sneak approach? ( I know that there are lots of audio records of grazing buffalo and oxpeckers on the web.)
Maybe urine attractants would work on buffalo?

Just curious. There must be some secret techniques out there. Please share them, I can keep a secret Thanks, Brian

 

[Happy Myles]

The decoys are too big for an old man like me to carry or even drag around

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

Has anyone had any luck using sounds, smells, decoys, etc. to attract or hold a herd of cape buffalo?

For example how about an Audio recording of a herd of cape buffalo peacefully grazing or oxpeckers on buffalo to cover the sound of your sneak approach? ( I know that there are lots of audio records of grazing buffalo and oxpeckers on the web.)
Maybe urine attractants would work on buffalo?

Just curious. There must be some secret techniques out there. Please share them, I can keep a secret Thanks, Brian

Playing audio recordings of oxpeckers will only confuse the trackers.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Christoph M called in a Buffalo herd. It was interesting to watch.
I'd bet a distressed calf call would draw a few things in to you. including Lions in the right spot.

 

[skydiver386]

Montana Decoys makes several large decoys for Elk, cows, etc. They are a wire frame with a printed cloth stretched across them. Archey hunters use them all the time, but I'd have serious questions about taking a Cape Buff with this technique.

 

[Brian]

I visualize implementing sounds or smells, after the sneak on the herd has started, to mask our smells and sounds. I will have the sounds on a small pocket recorder/player. A tracker will carry a small wick with the scent/smell on it.

I am sure that there are lots of cape buffalo hunters/PH's that have their own secret ways of increasing their odds. ( moose hunters are great innovators.) I'm just thinking outside the box a bit.
I have been a hunter/outdoors man since I was a boy. (I have plans to turn 80 in a few months) I have learned that the really successful hunters move a bit beyond the confines of conventional practices/methods.

I know that many PH's use sound to hold or stop buffalo.
I would like to try a few new creative stalking strategies before my cape buffalo hunting days are over.
I will be trying some different tricks with camo on my next hunt in April, will keep you apprized. I have googled "Invisible Pills" but on luck yet. Brian

 

[Dan458]

I’ve see PHs use calf calls to bring Buff out of the thick stuff with some success.

 

[Brian]

Montana Decoys makes several large decoys for Elk, cows, etc. They are a wire frame with a printed cloth stretched across them. Archey hunters use them all the time, but I'd have serious questions about taking a Cape Buff with this technique. View attachment 668495

I think that there is a lot of possibilities in this suggestion, Thanks!

Contrary to popular beliefs, Buffalo do not have great eyes, They smell very well and hear pretty good. I think that burlap cloth dyed dark could be draped in the bush or over the hunter, trackers and PH's for the final stalk. ( like a camo gillies suit.) I have used a gillies/sniper suit in the African bush, it is very good but it is too damned hot to wear and the whole hunting party would have to wear them to be really good.)

Brian

 

[Brian]

I’ve see PHs use calf calls to bring Buff out of the thick stuff with some success.

Me to! That is what got me thinking years ago. Good point, Thanks.

 

[Brian]

Christoph M called in a Buffalo herd. It was interesting to watch.
I'd bet a distressed calf call would draw a few things in to you. including Lions in the right spot.

Very good point, I have had Ph's try it but with limited success.

 

[Sarg]

I have used distressed calf call a lot on both Cape & Water Buffalo, a Bull roar can stop some & called in Scrub Bulls with Bull roar.

If Buffalo are out of range (Doubles or Bowhunters) on an open plain I have used a Black Umbrella I have in the truck to sneak closer, I started this idea with a small cut off Bush lol !