Hunting One of Africa's Big Five: Cape Buffalo

Introduction

• Presenter: Speaker starts the video emphasizing quietness.
• Location: South Africa
• Objective: Hunting one of the most dangerous animals in Africa, the Cape Buffalo (also known as Black Death).
• Risks: High risk of injury or death. Aim to donate the meat to a nearby village if successful.

Preparations and Initial Hunt

• Last hunt: Zebra hunting and learning game reserve hunting techniques.
• Highlights the beauty of the setting.

Kudu Backstrap Cooking

• Ingredients and Marinade: Red wine, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dry seasoning.
• Cooking Method: Hot skillet, splash of local spirit.
• Taste Comparison: Similar to filet mignon, tender if medium/medium rare.

Overview of the Big Five Animals

• Big Five: Lions, Elephants, Rhinos, Leopards, Cape Buffalo.
• Cape Buffalo: Most dangerous, unpredictable, responsible for ~200 human deaths annually.

The Hunt Begins

• Team Members: Speaker, Greg (experienced hunter), Hendrick, Brutus (professional hunters), Avril (tracker).
• Pre-Hunt Steps: Looking for buffalo tracks, wind direction is essential for stealth.
• Dangers: Cape Buffalo's aggression when wounded.

Stalking the Buffalo

• Approach: Sneak forward, be patient. Wind direction changes to avoid alerting buffalo.
• Tactics: Wait for a clear, certain shot to avoid injuring the animal.

The Kill and Risks Post-Shot

• The Shot: Speaker takes a carefully aimed shot; buffalos scatter but some return, potentially for revenge.
• Post-Shot: Waiting to ensure safety before approaching carcass.

After the Hunt

• Result: Successful kill. Buffalo examined, weighed (~600-700 kg).
• Purpose: Donation of meat to nearby village.

Cooking and Community Feast

• Initial Meat Processing: Skinning, sectioning, and hanging overnight.
• Village: Fullerton Village (60 people). Setting up for a feast.
• Dishes: Various dishes, including Buffalo stew, grilled meat, liver, tongue, and marrow.
• Cooking Methods: Stewing, grilling, boiling, using traditional and simple seasonings.

Cultural Significance and Community Impact

• Tracking Tradition: Avril, a koisan with generational knowledge in tracking.
• Village Life: Farm workers, challenges like water scarcity.
• Feast Celebration: Bringing the community together, providing a significant amount of meat.

Reflections and Conclusion

• Personal Reflections: Speaker and Greg share thoughts on the hunt's experiences and compare them with hunting in the USA.
• Community Reaction: Positive impact, full and satisfied villagers.
• Final Thoughts: Opportunity for connection, sharing, and mutual benefit.

Additional Content

• Off-Camera: Presenter engages in light-hearted banter, focuses on appreciating the event and its significance.