Would you ever consider darting any big game animals? I can see how it has some of the same elements as hunting (and is cheaper). Maybe a way to experience an elephant hunt without the big price tag. I've seen website that charges $750/day daily rate, $750 insurance fee and $4750 utilization fee for elephant.

Personally, it just doesn't appeal to me. I would be interested in your thoughts or comments.

Thanks,

Terry

[This message has been edited by T.Carr (edited 03-07-2002).]

Might want to talk to him...

The paint ball hunt is just funny. I wonder, do you go for the frontal brain shot on elephant and do the other Elephants laugh at the big red splotch on his forehead after the fact?

Regards,

JohntheGreek

If I was involved in some sort of biological study or a translocation effort I would probably leap at the chance to dart a rhino and what the heck while the Phd's are taking blood samples, I could certainly measure the horn and have my asterisk-marked entry put in the record book. I wouldn't see any harm in that.

But to dart one for the sole purpose of darting and measuring, I would have to say...hmmmmmmmm, no thank you. I'll wait til I can afford to cull some old ornery broken-horned bull that has fewer days ahead than behind.

As far as, paintballing elephants.... I don't think I want any part of that, it's just plain harrassment. My day for elephant will eventually come and when it does, I'll have my .416 in hand, not a CO2-powered marking pistol.

Don Martin

I darted a rhino in RSA last season with a bow, and while the "hunt" for the animal was not extremely difficult, the approach was thrilling and probably more challenging than the "normal" hunt, as we got within 50 feet with a bent stick and syringe. The shot had to be totally broadside as to assure good injection. The rhino was no worse for the wear, and got some needed doctoring. It was fun, but that is no the point.

We all know sport hunting has brought the white rhino back to huntable numbers. The "green" hunt for rhino has caused a surge in demand at SA animal auctions, increasing prices AND incentive to perpetuate the species. These hunts are a powerful tool in sustained use mangement, and should be encouraged, as they benefit both man and beast.

It is very exciting and every bit as much a hunt if not more then using a bullet. I really don't see the down side. We are not doing elephant now due to the very high risk of them falling in an awkward position. They are a much more difficult animal to dart safely (their own safety not ours). The Rhinos we dart usually remain on their feet or slowly lower themselves to the ground after darting. On many occasions we must push them over when we get to them. In this way they can be a bit easier to control when drugged. Even if you don't give this much credibility from a hunting perspective it's an exciting process to be involved with. We have had many clients dart rhino from a small helecopter as well. The Chopper ride is every bit as exciting as the hunt itself. If looks as if the tree tops will hit your feet when buzzing over at 30-40mph. The Client stands on the skid outside the chopper with a body harness on which is strapped to the inside of the helecopter. Then the pilot flys over many times trying to speed match the rhino in between him coming in and out of the bush.

There are so many ways we have to drum up excitement in South Africa one of them is bound to appeal to you!

Last year we darted 16 of our Rhino. 8 were darted to check for pregnancy. All 8 were pregnant. We have a very healthy and strong population becasue we manage them properly and offer these kinds of hunts to fund the management.

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It seems there is never enough time to do things right, but always enough time to do them over

Sounds like a $10K hunt. I know somewhere you can hunt a light bull (20-25 pounds or so) for $8K and keep the ivory.

Or you could go to your local zoo and just pull out a slingshot...

quote:

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Originally posted by Don Martin:

As far as, paintballing elephants.... I don't think I want any part of that, it's just plain harrassment. My day for elephant will eventually come and when it does, I'll have my .416 in hand, not a CO2-powered marking pistol.

Don Martin [/B]

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It is much more exciting with a paintball gun than a .416, I can assure you of that.

Silly? Maybe, but darn more dangerous and it is my life.
Bjorn

I haven't really been interested in darting Rhinos but something like that,I'd consider. Of course, this would only be if I'm lucky enough to harvest the other Big 4 first.

Thanks for that perspective. I have a different outlook on it now.

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Good Hunting & Hunt Safe,
David

To augment my earlier comments . . . If the Rhino darting is for management purposes as described above and the cash goes into ensuring the production of lots of baby rhino then I got no problems with it at all.

JohnTheGreek

[This message has been edited by The Old Hunter (edited 03-08-2002).]

Thanks for the information on the rhino. While you are correct in your statements regarding the history of the conservation efforts in specific, I stand by my assertion that the significant increase in demand for the species, be it by dart or otherwise, has provided the financial incentive to increase the population in general.

While some individuals care for the rhino for the sake of the species, many more are motivated to do the right thing when they benefit financially.

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NRA Life member

The "bad trip" as you call it is not a possibility. More research on this would show you it's been a long time management tool with no related problems. We have been darting the biggest land animals alive for 20 years now. I have been certified for this work and darting them for over 10 years now. We have never lost a single animal or had to put one down. Like anything else there is a right way and a wrong way to do this. There are also many ways to cut corners and take chances. Once you dicipline yourself to do the job right, hire the right people for support and have a talented and experienced Chopper pilot on hand the problems are near zero.

It may not be for everyone, however I have not yet seen a man sneak to within 30 yards of a group of rhino's and not have a rush of emotion and excitment. If you do this and feel nothing exciting you may need to find something other then hunting in life! I have done it countless times and feel the shakes and the adrenillin every single time to this day. Most people have no real concept or idea what it's like to be 30 yards from an animal that size outside a zoo with no fence or protection.

Experience plays a big role in being able to have an opionion on this. I could sit here and type out how boring it must be to jump off a bridge with a bungie cord around my legs. Howwever having never done it I would not express that opinion. jj