Busskohl takes down cape buffalo

A year after going on his first African safari, Michael Busskohl, 22, of Custer, fulfilled his lifelong dream in hunting “Africa's Black Death”—the Cape Buffalo. He did so when he recently returned to Africa for another safari.

His dream was realized when Alberts Lowveld, owner of Alberts Lowveld Safaris, called Busskohl on an opportunity to hunt a problem buffalo. This particular bull was a high risk threat to both human life and property. Within days Michael arrived and his dream unfolded. 

When he arrived for the hunt, the bull immediately heard Busskohl and his companions in the area and started to charge them. Busskohl shot the fast approaching bull using Alberts’ .404 Jeffrey. The first shot hit the heart from an angle, just before the charge. He followed up with a second shot—also through the heart. 

This all happened quickly and within 25 yards. The bull expired with a short death bellow. Lying in front of the hunters was an impressive 2,000 pound, hard bossed Cape Buffalo bull, which made for a fantastic trophy. The buffalo’s body was still covered with mud or “dagga” as it is locally called—hence the name “dagga bull.” The hunt was even captured on film.

Busskohl and his guide continued to hunt and harvested a world class Nyala and also an old Limpopo bush buck. Michael used a Lowveld Safari 7 X 57 Mauser, securing both antelope in very thick tropical forest.

Busskhol said the safari probably won’t be his last, as he still has his sights set on harvesting an elephant, along with a couple of other animals he has yet to take down on the African continent.