In the early 1820s the water buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) was introduced into British settlements and outposts in Northern Australia from Indonesia. These animals were mainly used as beasts of burden and to provide meat and hides.

Whenever these outposts were abandoned, the buffalo either escaped or were set free to roam the wilds of the Northern Territory.

The Northern Territory proved to be a perfect environment for the water buffalo to thrive and dramatically increase in numbers to the point where they quickly became classified as a feral species and in the 1980s the then Northern Territory government tried in vain to eradicate the substantial population in some parts of the Northern Territory by way of a Brucellosis and Tuberculosis campaign. 

While a substantial number of the water buffalo population was culled in some areas of the Northern Territory, they have since regenerated to the point where they are reported in stronger, healthier numbers than ever before.

Tropical Hunting Safaris is one of the few accredited concession holders permitted to hunt these awesome free-range feral animals on private Aboriginal land. 

Hunting Arnhem Land buffalo requires the right equipment, the right back up, the right location and an experienced guide to ensure you not only find the big one but can hunt it in relative safety. One thing is for sure — there is simply nothing quite like hunting Australia's premier and largest wild feral animal.

A trophy bull water buffalo will weigh in at well over 1000kg, stand 1.5+ metres at the shoulder and will boast a set of horns with over a 1 metre spread.

While they are plentiful in numbers, the trick is finding an animal that is considered to be of 'trophy' standard. A trophy bull water buffalo didn't get to be that size and age because he's a dumb animal.

These big animals have a keen sense of smell, perfectly good eyesight, acute hearing and, while they are not gun shy (as a direct result of correct local population management practices), they are very much in tune with their local surroundings. Spook them and they will run forever; annoy them and you had better have your wits about you. Having 1000kg of very annoyed water buffalo bearing down on you will certainly get your attention! 

So, a typical water buffalo hunt will require a considerable amount of stop, look, listen when travelling by vehicle and then on foot. The final moments are usually up close and personal with the hunter and prey separated by only 50 to 100 metres.

Hunting in Australia is exciting. Hunting water buffalo in Australia's Northern Territory is right up there with practically any of the big game animals around the world. An experience not to be missed!