Having just returned from an ele hunt in the Valley, I wanted to share a bit of experience some of you might find helpful.
I finally swallowed my pride and let the trackers tote my rifle. While I did feel a bit naked in a dangerous game area without it, it was a good idea. Instead of my 60 year old body struggling to just keep up on many long days of tracking, I could remain focused on the hunt, rather than just putting one foot in front of the other and not stumbling.

In addition to not carrying my double all day, I used a single lightweight trekking pole. What a difference! No stumbling, and ascending and descending were a matter of course, not a struggle. I got to the end of the day feeling good, and the successive days didn't get harder, no wearing down. This is what I used, and recommend the product heartily.
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Di...amond+ultra+distance

It's unbelievable how much energy this saved.

after using trekking poles the last few trips, I won't go on any hunt without them. they really do make a HUGE difference in any terrain.

Marty - Great post and your procedure is pretty much the one I follow to the letter. I'll be 71 when arriving in Moz this year for my annual 30 day stint there, so know how the "old" bones can benefit from a little help now and then.

Depending on the situation of course, ie. while following warm tracks, trekking back to the vehicle after a long stalk, or just off to check a Leopard bait, my rifle is usually carried by one of the trackers and he stays close by me if the situation should suddenly change and I need the rifle in a hurry. Of course when game is sighted or very near, I will have the double in hand for sure. As for the monopod walking stick, I always use one, (even on my everyday hikes here in New Mexico). It has a snap on V on the top and I can and have used it to shoot from many times. I also usually carry a small Camelback pack with some snacks, camera, powdered drink mix, binocs and other small accessories. This bag is also carried by the trackers when I want to ditch the extra weight. The trackers I hunt with think it is really cool to carry my gear for me. I am sure the "manly man" folks may not approve of these procedures, but hey, it's my bod, my hunt and it works for me!!

Larry Sellers
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When I went to Namibia last year, I had just hurt my back and could barely walk. My PH made a walking stick for me that made a world of difference in the mountains.

Just a walking stick is huge, but after using a carbon fiber job that weighs less than 5 ounces, it's night and day. It takes no energy to direct it, and it goes where you need it instantly. They collapse and go in you gun case, and are there when you need them.

I have a pair of the Black Diamonds that I purchased from REI. Great sticks!

2 months ago in the mountains of northern Cmaeroon, i finally swallowed my pride and let the second tracker carry my rifle. what a difference! as Clint Eastwood once said- " a man has to know his limitations"- and they get closer to the surface as you get older! i wish i had a trekking pole but my Bog Pod was lost with all my other luggage......

All the new commercially made sticks are a great help especially when we start getting old and clumsy. In my case that was twenty years ago!

These things have been used by foot hunters for centuries. Out in the Western states where most hunting is done on foot in some very tuff mountains. In the desert mountain country the bloom stalks from the Yucca plant are about six feet long and about 1 ¾ inch in diameter on the big end, and about 1 inch diameter on the small end.

These are harvested when green with just as the blooms start to die. Stripped clean of the bloom stems and placed in a very dry place like your attic for about a year. The resulting stick is very light, and very strong. The Apaches used these long before the white man ever came to north America, and I have used them all my life.

The best thing about the new trekking sticks is they are collapsible making then easy to bring to Africa in your rifle case. I have both types but still use my Yucca stick when hunting in the desert mountains of the Western states. Even with a heavy rifle used with carry strap, these sticks are a big help, modern or old school!

There are several good brands available today that are well worth the price!

Many a noted PH had a gun bearer along side for the same reason. Africa is not about a wounded buffalo hiding behind every bush. Personally I would replace the pole with a nice piece of ebony.

quote:

Originally posted by MacD37:
All the new commercially made sticks are a great help especially when we start getting old and clumsy. In my case that was twenty years ago!

These things have been used by foot hunters for centuries. Out in the Western states where most hunting is done on foot in some very tuff mountains. In the desert mountain country the bloom stalks from the Yucca plant are about six feet long and about 1 ¾ inch in diameter on the big end, and about 1 inch diameter on the small end.

These are harvested when green with just as the blooms start to die. Stripped clean of the bloom stems and placed in a very dry place like you attic for about a year. The resulting stick is very light, and very strong. The Apaches used these long before the white man ever came to north America, and I have used them all my life.

The best thing about the new trekking sticks is they are collapsible making then easy to bring to Africa in your rifle case. I have both types but still use my Yucca stick when hunting in the desert mountains of the Western states. Even with a heavy rifle used with carry strap, these sticks are a big help, modern or old school!

There are several good brands available today that are well worth the price!

OK old man now you have a big stick why don't you pop over for a couple of short walks and we sort out an equally old buff for you?

I always use a single long trekking pole while on my daily showshoeing treks around my property. It minimizes the amount of time that I spend flat on my back wagging my arms and legs around like an upside-down turtle. I only recently started to use one for hiking and it's shocking how much it improves the experience.

Larry, when I met you I was envious of your ability to function normally with no oxygen. I am a life-long lowlander...I was breathing hard just from the effort of breathing at all. I had no idea that you were 14 years my senior...I am envious!

John

Many years ago in Tanzania I allowed a young tracker to carry my rifle as he was pestering me to do so. The PH spotted a good buff and called me up. I reached behind me but no rifle was forthcoming, I turned around and saw the tracker some 20 yards away in a different direction, looking for tracks. We did not get that buff and I have never allowed anyone to carry my rifle since.

Moral of the Story - Always discuss your expectations before allowing another to carry your rifle. I have reached an age where I may have to re-consider a gun-bearer, albeit with proper instructions.

Last year I followed my Doctors orders and used a trekking pole. It made a difference and I will use it from now on.

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:
OK old man now you have a big stick why don't you pop over for a couple of short walks and we sort out an equally old buff for you?

Man how I wish I could do a buffalo hunt with you Andrew! Maybe if a rich old uncle would leave me a fortune............ However I'm the oldest member of my family so that's out!

.....................................................................

John -thanks for the kind words. I have lived at 8,400 feet elevation now for going on 35 years and walk a couple of miles here 5 days a week and try and slip in a 5/6 mile jaunt the other two days. Almost anywhere I go to hunt is at a lower elevation, the high altitude "training" really helps a lot. A trekking pole is standard equipment with me for most all types of outdoor adventures.

Bet you are glad your "Manitoba" Winter is on the wane, huh? Later.

Larry Sellers
SCI(International)Life Member
Sabatti 'trash' Double Shooter
R8 Blaser
DRSS

quote:

Originally posted by jwm:
I always use a single long trekking pole while on my daily showshoeing treks around my property. It minimizes the amount of time that I spend flat on my back wagging my arms and legs around like an upside-down turtle. I only recently started to use one for hiking and it's shocking how much it improves the experience.

Larry, when I met you I was envious of your ability to function normally with no oxygen. I am a life-long lowlander...I was breathing hard just from the effort of breathing at all. I had no idea that you were 14 years my senior...I am envious!

John

I have always carried my own rifle until last year in Ethiopia when I was instructed the bearer would carry my rifle and be at my side at all times while walking and I used a trekking stick, damn that was nice.

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:
Africa is not about a wounded buffalo hiding behind every bush.

yet some recreational hunters are adamant that they must leave the truck locked and fully loaded,
Having one up the spout ready for any eventuality, like they are going to be ambushed by DG at any moment.
probably over the top, but
I guess its better than taking the chance of not being able to find ones gun bearer when you need him.

quote:

All the new commercially made sticks are a great help especially when we start getting old and clumsy.

If someone is old and clumsy just ordinarily walking, I hate to be anywhere near them when they are handling & discharging their firearm in a pressure situation.
Even relatively fit and able people have put bullet holes in their PH, when under pressure.

It feels wrong taking candy from ego sensitive old men in their 2nd infancy.
BTW,Will you have a Nubian slave carrying your rifle when we do a walk -off in NM?...

quote:

Originally posted by Die Ou Jagter:
I have always carried my own rifle until last year in Ethiopia when I was instructed the bearer would carry my rifle and be at my side at all times while walking and I used a trekking stick, damn that was nice.

If I "Was Instructed" the bearer would carry my rifle, I would "Instruct him" to piss off. It is my rifle, I carry it.

I was told on Kodiak, bear hunting, to "give me your bolt" I will give it to you when you need it. I said, Call me a fucking airplane. I will not subjugate my rights and responsibilities to a hunting guide.

If he has weak clients whom can't walk, or dumb ass clients whom point their muzzles around everywhere, they are in the wrong game.

Just because we are "sport hunters" doesn't mean we must obey and play "Mother may I"

+1
I carry my own rifle. I did, however, order one of the trekking poles to see if it helps me.
I made a huge, major mistake in Mozambique a few years ago. Left my water pack in the truck for a "short walk". 105 degrees, 5 miles into the "short walk", I'm dehydrated. Legs started cramping up, locking. I found that one of the trackers had water and started getting hydrated. They kept trying to take my rifle. I kept saying no. I carried the damn thing in and I will carry it out. Learned a very valuable lesson on that day.

One pole is no doubt helpful, but Two poles are definitely better than one.
Stresses are then better more evenly distributed through the body.
The advantage of two poles (vs) one, soon becomes evident. One can move faster & more efficiently through terrain, using two poles.

I purchased my pair of Carbon fibre trekking poles well over 10yrs ago.

quote:

Originally posted by pagosawingnut:
+1
I carry my own rifle. I did, however, order one of the trekking poles to see if it helps me.
I made a huge, major mistake in Mozambique a few years ago. Left my water pack in the truck for a "short walk". 105 degrees, 5 miles into the "short walk", I'm dehydrated. Legs started cramping up, locking. I found that one of the trackers had water and started getting hydrated. They kept trying to take my rifle. I kept saying no. I carried the damn thing in and I will carry it out. Learned a very valuable lesson on that day.

Walking for LDE in CAR, ALL day everyday. My .375 weights about 9 pounds, Christ 9 pounds is heavy towards the end of the day. When I cannot carry my own firearm, time for something else.

Try this, how about getting in shape before going hunting? Hunting in Africa is about as easy as hunting gets. Walk on flat ground for a few hours, in most cases.

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Sellers:
Hey Steve - I am/will be in good shape as mentioned above for my Moz trip. It's NOT that I CAN'T carry my rifle at all times, just choose to hand it off sometimes and enjoy the moments/surroundings a little more. Not suggesting others should do the same, just what I do.

Damm, I would love to hunt with Trax, and follow behind him, staggering, stumbling, and keep him wondering if/when this old man was going to accidently put a round up his arse.

Larry Sellers
SCI(International)Life Member
Sabatti 'trash' Double Shooter
R8 Blaser
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quote:

Originally posted by Steve Ahrenberg:

quote:

Originally posted by pagosawingnut:
+1
I carry my own rifle. I did, however, order one of the trekking poles to see if it helps me.
I made a huge, major mistake in Mozambique a few years ago. Left my water pack in the truck for a "short walk". 105 degrees, 5 miles into the "short walk", I'm dehydrated. Legs started cramping up, locking. I found that one of the trackers had water and started getting hydrated. They kept trying to take my rifle. I kept saying no. I carried the damn thing in and I will carry it out. Learned a very valuable lesson on that day.

Walking for LDE in CAR, ALL day everyday. My .375 weights about 9 pounds, Christ 9 pounds is heavy towards the end of the day. When I cannot carry my own firearm, time for something else.

Try this, how about getting in shape before going hunting? Hunting in Africa is about as easy as hunting gets. Walk on flat ground for a few hours, in most cases.

Hi Larry,
Have a great time in Moz. can't wait to see your hunt report!

Steve go to Zim and hunt the Omay, it ain't Tanz. You might find 5 yds of flat ground. Then try the mountains in Ethiopia at say 10 or 12 thousand feet.

Hello Steve and thanks for the well wishes. Don't hold your breath toooooooo long for my hunt report on here my friend, but keep an eye out on your PM. Not leaving until the end of August so will keep hitting the trails here in the meantime.

Larry Sellers
SCI (International)Life Member
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FWIW - Pulled my post about Trax. Lost my 96 year old Father, a WWII vet, yesterday. I just remembered what he always said to me. "Never say anything bad about a person, even if they deserve it" Thanks Dad.

Larry Sellers
SCI(International)Life Member
Sabatti 'trash' Double Shooter
R8 Blaser
DRSS

Larry please accept my condolences for the loss of your father! I lost mine back in 1980. He too was a WWII vet!

Unfortunately we are loosing those members of the greatest generation at an ever increasing rate!

........................RIP Old warriors!

Here in MT I use two sticks
In steep country that's a must
Backpack and gun on my back
In Africa I will have to try it

quote:

Larry please accept my condolences for the loss of your father! I lost mine back in 1980. He too was a WWII vet!

Unfortunately we are loosing those members of the greatest generation at an ever increasing rate!

........................RIP Old warriors!

quote:

Originally posted by Die Ou Jagter:
Steve go to Zim and hunt the Omay, it ain't Tanz. You might find 5 yds of flat ground. Then try the mountains in Ethiopia at say 10 or 12 thousand feet.

My answer is the same. Get in shape or hunt somewhere more conducive to your personal limitations. Not meant to be a slam or disrespectful. Having someone carry your things simply "lowers the mountain" any climbers will completely understand.
Steve

Well Steve I like hunting, if I wanted to take up the sport of mountain climbing I would have done that many years ago.

I don't see a difference between "lowering the mountain" and relocating to a lower mountain.

I do. The way I see it, you are just along on the trip to pull the trigger. Heck we already expect pretty much everything else done for us on these things. If you go someplace where you can perform, at least you did all the miles, hauling all your own stuff.

Keep in mind, I personally have no issue with you or anyone else doing it, just not for me.

Larry, condolences on the loss of your father.

My dad passed away 3 years ago. I got my passion for hunting from hearing his stories of shooting tigers & leopards in the 1950s. My avatar photo is one of dad with his first tiger.

Thanks to all for the kind words about my Father passing.

Marty - Didn't mean to highjack your thread, just wanted everyone to know why I pulled the Trax comment. Now back to the beating each other over the head with trekking poles.

Larry Sellers
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Hello Larry,

It is very distressful to hear about the passing of your Father.

You and yours have our deepest sympathy. They all gave so much and look at the trash we have in Washington today. It is very confusing at times.

God Bless your Father and each and every Veteran.

Notice how the cow pelosie blames GW for the murders at the VA.