This Australian outfitter has almost 30 years’ experience and has put dozens of bulls into the SCI record book. He has access to huge hunting areas including Tasmania, Northern Territories, NSW, Queensland and more. In all somewhere around FIVE MILLION acres! We believe this outfit offers the best hunting and lodge accommodation available in Australia for these species, plus they have a friendly environment to enjoy your Down Under adventure.
He has hunts for water buffalo, banteng, rusa deer, scrub bulls (very dangerous feral cattle), wild boar and even camels. That is far too much to cover in this writeup, but just ask for what you want and we will put together a firm quotation for you.
MARY RIVER STATION HUNTS:
The station is accessible year-round, with the cooler months being May through July, and the best hunting from April to October. Because it is only a 3-hour drive from Darwin, it makes for a shorter hunt, if desired. He has operated this area for 16 years. Hunters will have the option of staying in cabins on the property or in a nearby hotel. The area is largely uninhabited and sits at the top of Australia. It has huge tidal rivers, estuaries, many coastal islands and vast flood plains. These areas have become home to the magnificent water buffalo, the wary banteng, huge wild boars, and some world class sport fishing. You well may see the mighty saltwater crocodile, and 10 more species. Here he operates a privately owned giant 344,000-acre outback station that was previously also the center of the huge feral buffalo industry that flourished before the government commenced eradication efforts. In the many years since then, the buffalo have returned and flourished and they roam freely throughout the station coming and going as they please, but destroying many of the cattle fences at the same time.
It has huge flood plains and vast scenic rivers that swell and flood during each wet season. In the dry season, the upper reaches of many of these river systems form land locked fresh water ponds or lakes called billabongs. These create a home for the huge buffalo, boar and banteng. Since these buffalo have no respect for fences, and with the whole ranch therefore containing free ranging buffs, one can expect at all times during these hunts to have trophy bulls everywhere!
Huge areas and distance are covered in a day’s hunting and you can expect to see 20-30 trophy bulls per day. Hunting is by 4WD to locate trophies, then you stalk and hunt on foot. During the heat of the day, buffalo will wallow in mud and swampy areas to keep cool and reduce the attaches by flies and ticks.
Hunting these semi sub-merged hulks during the day is very exciting and the stalk can often last for hours. Sometimes it is difficult to see these huge beasts due to the height of the grass and lack of elevation. Because buffalo have a keen sense of smell, you and the guide must calculate the direction of the wind before stalking any mature bull. Then, once you glass a decent specimen, it’s a matter of putting your stalking skills to the test.
The station is located about a 3-hour drive south of Darwin well into the Northern Territory. They pick you up at the airport. The station comprises 344,000 acres of wilderness (530 square miles!). The ranch has a major river along its 50-mile border with a national park. The river has resident populations of salt- and freshwater crocodiles, as well as huge barramundi. It has large populations of buffalo, boar, scrub bulls, dingo, donkeys, wild horses and a host of other wildlife.
Banteng, like buffalo, are best located in the evening or early morning. During this time they can be spotted feeding freely in the grasslands and less timbered areas. During the heat of the day, they rest and head for more shaded and heavily-timbered areas. Trophy bulls stand out from the rest of the herd due to their dark chestnut color, body size and length of horn. Trophy bulls can make up a fair percentage of a typical herd and you can come across bachelor groups of three to five or more trophy bulls. The horns of a mature bull measure around 17 to 18 inches in length, with some exceptional bulls taping out at 22+ inches. The average circumference of horn bases is around 12 inches. The style of horn can vary greatly from straight up to curving around. Banteng move around a lot during the dry season. It is not uncommon to cross paths with wild boar, feral buffalo and wild cattle as well as fresh and saltwater crocodiles in a day of hunting.
With either buff or banteng we recommend .375 Mag as a minimum. If you wish you can use their rifles at no extra charge– saving the hassle of import permits. Banteng are very large and command a lot of respect. Their alert and suspicious behavior combined with the size and strength make them a superb trophy.
RUSA DEER: SCI recognizes two subspecies of rusa deer in the South Pacific, the Javan rusa and the Molluccan or North Island rusa. Both offer very limited free range hunting in Australia and are usually hunted on a game ranch. This outfitter’s huge grounds are unique in being able to offer both these species in Northern Territory and Queensland hunting areas. Both subspecies thrive in the local climate and world class trophies are present. Hunts are late May to November, and the rut in July/August can be exciting as they are very vocal and aggressive.
Rusa deer are a relaxing and fun hunt, with large numbers of these deer are seen each hunting day, however, the big guys aren’t big because they are stupid! They will actually lay down and hide like a whitetail when being hunted. Hard horns are after end of April.
WEATHER: Basically their season, like Africa are the reverse of our- our winter is their summer. November thru April is the “wet season” and is usually avoided. May thru October is the “dry season” and while hot is often the better hunting. July is a prime month. Hunting Buffalo in general is similar to hunting the Banteng, except that during the heat of the day Buffalo will wallow in mud and swampy areas to keep cool. Banteng do not. These hunts usually provide you an “in your face experience” — that the true hunter will really savor! Bigger than a Cape Buffalo — they deserve respect!
OTHER GAME AVAILABLE: Fallow deer; Hog Deer, sambar, rusa, axis, blackbuck, boar and more.
MARY RIVER STATION TRAVEL: Arrival and departure is Darwin Airport where you will be met by your friendly and professional guides for transfer to the hunting area.
2024 PRICE LIST (All prices in US dollars) Subject to change with out Notice until deposit received.
MARY RIVER STATION
5-day Banteng Hunt (arrive day 1, hunt 5 days, depart day 7): $14,000 per person
5-day Banteng/Buffalo Combo Hunt: $23,000 per person 1×1; $21,500 per person 2×1
5-day Buffalo Hunt: $12,000 per person 1×1; $10,500 per person 2×1
Rusa Deer: $6,000 plus $650/day for deer-only hunts
Trophy Wild Boar or Dingo: $450
Observer: $350 per person/day
INCLUDED:
• Guiding and trophy fees
• Accommodations in comfortable bush camp with solar-powered with cabins, hot shower, flush toilet & washing facilities
• Meals and refreshments
• Rifle rental (Blaser, Sako, Weatherby .375 H&H, .300 Win Mag)
NOT INCLUDED:
• Accommodation in Darwin, Northern Territory before/after hunt
• Return flights from Darwin to Arnhem Land camp (approx. $1,500)
• Ground pick up/return to Darwin on Mary River Station hunts is $250 each way per vehicle
• Northern Territory International Visitor Permit
• Rifle rental and ammunition used
• Trophy prep and shipping
A Selection of Client comments
Great accommodation, super staff,, great hosts and hunters! To be so far from home and to be made so welcome is wonderful. The hunting was superb, two buff with a bow. I look forward to returning and seeing everything Kevin has planned come to reality. Thanks for a truly wonderful time. D.R-Michigan USA
Great place, great staff, fun time. I learned a lot of things, staff very knowledgeable, D.G-Michigan USA
Thank you for making us feel at home, you are great friends. We had a great experience and hunt (Javan Rusa, Axis deer, Sambar deer and the No-3 Blackbuck antelope). Barry knows his stuff, Scott and Camille were a fun couple. Nan’s helicopter ride was fun and the mustering group was a really fun time. thank you for everything. D.R-Michigan USA
One of my most memorable hunts ever, A real dream come true. The buff, banteng, sambar and rusa are great trophies, especially with muzzle-loader. Thanks to all the staff for making my stay pleasant, I will long remember this hunt. Be blessed by God. J.D-Mt Prospect USA
What a great place and people, we had a great hunt and we will be back. G.N-Utah USA
Beyond my expectations, great hunt with a great bunch of mates! Excellent trophies with plenty of food and drinks. Super accommodation, thanks so much. M.P-Pewaukee USA
Our visit was wondermus! It was a great pleasure and a great hunt, all great animals, great guide, delicious meals and super friendship! Can’t wait for your visit to Louisiana next year! Thanks for all the memories! B.D-Louisiana USA
We had a great time on our first trip ‘Down Under’. This ‘winter’ is warmer than Calgary’s summer. We took four trophies in one day. The buffalo bulls we associated with were Kings of the Outback. Thank you A.N-Calgary Canada
