Jodi Marie Cook’s Australian Outback Experience

SCI member Jodi Marie Cook says she had an exceptional hunting experience in Australia with Karl Goodhand of Goodhand Outback Experience. She traveled to the Northern Territory (NT) where she hunted banteng and water buffalo. These are wild bovines native to the Asian subcontinent, where both species are endangered. They were introduced to Australia in the first half of the 1800s and today thrive in free-ranging populations in NT, with banteng on the Coburg Peninsula. Australia is the only place in the world that you can hunt banteng.

Jodi says she observed good quantities of both species and took bulls of outstanding quality. She gives Goodhand an overall 10-star rating. “Karl has access to a tremendous amount of basically untouched bush. Many of the areas he had not hunted for several years. He has done an excellent job of not over-pressuring the game.”

She praises Goodhand’s guiding and stalking skills, getting her close enough for a 20-yard shot. “Karl was exceptional and knew the animals and terrain well,” she says. “We were able to identify my banteng as a tremendous trophy and stalk within bow range even though I was hunting with a rifle. It gave me the opportunity to pick my shot and make sure the animal was clear of the rest of the herd.”

She hunted in June when the temperatures averaged 80 degrees Fahrenheit and recommends hunting in shorts with ankle gaiters or very lightweight pants. “The weather is warm at this time of year, and you will be doing some hiking.”

Accommodations were in a tent camp along the river. She describes it as clean and comfortable, with a great kitchen and dining area that provided a rustic outback feel. Camp services included daily laundry and showers.

Jodi reports everything went smoothly and as communicated. She warns to be prepared for a large amount of travel time both in the air and by truck to reach this remote location. Hunters traveling with their own firearms should be prepared to spend one to two hours at the airport just clearing them through Customs.