Banteng Hunt
The History - In North Western Arnhem Land, in Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, lives a 10,000 strong herd of feral banteng. The banteng are a wild cattle, brought by the British from South East Asia to this part of the Northern Territory in the 1800s. But despite the damage they do to the environment, banteng have been welcomed by the traditional owners of this land. The very survival of the species might well rely on the herd that lives in the Top End, as banteng is endangered in its home range.
Banteng are a introduced species that resides in what is now a jointly managed national park in the north of tropical Australia, specifically, Cobourg Peninsular. Banteng (Bos javanicus) are a peculiar feral animal in that they constitute a potential environmental threat within the domestic conservation goals of the park, but they also hold the prospect of being a major genetic resource in the international conservation of the species. Thus, perspectives on the use and management of these animals are varied between different actors in the park landscape, and are subject to fluctuations over time, especially in response to wider social and political circumstances.
The Hunt - Banteng prefer to live near a permanent water supply, when conditions are suitable they will drink daily. But during a drought they can survive several days without water. With an average height of 61-65 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 1300-1800 lbs, wild free range banteng are well known for being alert and flighty in their disposition typically disappearing into the deep jungle over confrontation. Female cow banteng are typically brown in colour, where the bulls can range from black to brown and tan, both with a large white rump and white sock markings on their legs. In the wild, banteng can live up to 20 years old, maturing at between 2-3 years old they typically will rut in October/November.
When Banteng hunting in Australia you are looking for those large, old mature bulls. Horns on a bull banteng will vary from 18-25 inches in length per side, and bases 10-15 inches. Cows also have horns but much smaller in length and mass. The National Park in which we conduct our hunting Safaris is over 1.1million acres so we utilise 4x4 to cover ground efficiently. However we stop, park and cary out the hunt on foot as we approach creeks, springs and feeding grounds. It is not uncommon to see banteng when driving out of camp which is located right on the cliffs overlooking the turquoise water. Recommended caliber for banteng hunting in Australia is the 375 or above, with shooting distances typically under 100 yards. This is one of the pure and genuine hunts that you will remember for a lifetime. Banteng hunting in Australia is as much about the hunt as it is about the trophy, and it is a great combination with water buffalo.
Recommended hunting months are May-October when all the roads and ground is dry and easy to access.
