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Crossbows in South Africa
04 August 2008, 02:27
300magmanCrossbows in South Africa
What are the rules regarding the crossbow on plains game in South Africa. My wife an I plan to bring our compound bows and a crossbow for my nephew.
With a crossbow when you arrive in Johannesburg Airport do you have to go thru the permit process like you do with the firearms?
Thank you
04 August 2008, 08:31
L. David KeithCan they be used? Yes. I suggest you contact your PH and let him arrange everything. Best bet for a hassle free entry. I wouldn't think of doing it yourself.
Cheers,
David
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Took the wife the Eastern Cape for her first hunt:
http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6881000262Hunting in the Stormberg, Winterberg and Hankey Mountains of the Eastern Cape 2018
http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/4801073142Hunting the Eastern Cape, RSA May 22nd - June 15th 2007
http://forums.accuratereloadin...=810104007#810104007 16 Days in Zimbabwe: Leopard, plains game, fowl and more:
http://forums.accuratereloadin...=212108409#212108409Natal: Rhino, Croc, Nyala, Bushbuck and more
http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6341092311 Recent hunt in the Eastern Cape, August 2010: Pics added
http://forums.accuratereloadin...261039941#926103994110 days in the Stormberg Mountains
http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/7781081322Back in the Stormberg Mountains with friends: May-June 2017
http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6001078232"Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading" - Thomas Jefferson
Every morning the Zebra wakes up knowing it must outrun the fastest Lion if it wants to stay alive. Every morning the Lion wakes up knowing it must outrun the slowest Zebra or it will starve. It makes no difference if you are a Zebra or a Lion; when the Sun comes up in Africa, you must wake up running......
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04 August 2008, 12:16
shakariI hope LDK won't mind me correcting him a little. Legality of crossbows, type and pull of crossbows varies from province to province. I'd suggest you consult your individual outfitter as to what is and isn't legal and also what is and isn't acceptable to him.

Strictly speaking, bows and crossbows don't need to go through the firearm import procedure because they're not firearms, but again, I suggest you consult with your outfitter.
...... hope that helps

04 August 2008, 12:20
ChrisTroskiequote:
Originally posted by 300magman:
What are the rules regarding the crossbow on plains game in South Africa. My wife an I plan to bring our compound bows and a crossbow for my nephew.
With a crossbow when you arrive in Johannesburg Airport do you have to go thru the permit process like you do with the firearms?
Thank you
A client of mine brought 3 of them over earlier in the season and used them with great success on a variety of animals ranging from francolin to Impala...
Here's a pic of a nice Impala Ram that was shot with his x-bow:
Similar to the rules concerning compound bows there is no need to clear the X-bow at JNB Airport and you will be able to bring them in without hassle.
04 August 2008, 17:19
300magmanThank you all for the information. I had no idea that the legality of crossbow use varies by province in South Africa. My trip planned this season I had to cancel so I had no outfitter to ask. I am in the process of planing another trip thus the crossbow question.
Thanks for the info.