Hi Gents,
I have decided we will hunt with John Sharpe in 2008. What is the earliest you would consider placing a deposit down for an '08 hunt? As you know he is a popular PH and has a stellar reputation, the security of the deposit is not an issue. However, 2 years is an extended amount of time to forecast the hunting atmosphere in Zim.

Vemo,
Gave John my money Dec. 2005 for a June 2007 PG hunt. The earlier the better to lock-in your dates.

I would say talk with John and see if he needs the deposit to reserve/secure quota with the concession owner for 08. Assuming not, then a good-faith deposit of say ~$1500 should hold his schedule and you can pay the balance of the deposit in early 07. Things can change quickly, true, but my feeling is that the hunting in other countries (China, Russia, even Canada for certain species) is more volatile then Zim or elsewhere in Southern/Eastern Africa.

Bill,
That is an excellent suggestion, I'll proceed with that advice.

Vemo & Megsdad..I hunted with John Sharp last year.
You could not be in better hands. There are huge Kudu where he hunts. Leopards too..Good luck!!

Just ask John. He's a straightforward as they come. The adive posted here is sound. Your money will be safe. What are you going to hunt? We hunted Dande and Malangani last June. jorge

Hello Jorge,
I am going to take my two boys along, who will be 15 & 16 years old. I am leaning towards a mixed bag of plains game. In my experience, most young men (teens) don't have the stamina to maintain a level of concentration required for larger species, at least that is the case with these two. Also, this will be their first trip to Africa. I assume John will choose the concession that will provide for the best hunting. We are leaning towards a mid August hunt.

That sounds like a great hunt, and John a perfect choice as the PH for you and the boys. If budget permits, do consider doing a buffalo hunt in one of the big game areas that he has access to, then moving to his plainsgame area. I took my then 14 & 16 year old sons to Zim this past July for elephant then plainsgame, and it was a great experience and adventure for us all. Rarely a day goes by that one of us does make reference to it. Feel free to email me if I can be of any help with the planning. Bill

Here's a link to the hunt report --> Zim July 2006

I think that Bill's advice is excellent. It is always good to go right to the source.

I had the same thought earlier this year. I booked a 2008 elephant hunt with Buzz Charlton in February and when I asked him how much he wanted for the deposit he replied $1000 to hold the dates with the balance due in December, before the SCI and DSC shows. That way I would either be a confirmed hunter or he could sell my dates. A very fair and helpful arrangement.

Doug

Bill,
My wife & I enjoyed your report. I am leaning towards sticking with the plains game. We will plan another one for buff & ele. My boys shoot .308 winchester, they are pretty consistent shots at 100 yards off hand. Obviously, we will be doing alot of shooting prior to our trip. I feel confident the .308's we perform adequately with premium lead, how long were the average shots you and your boys took?
My thanks to everyone for their comments.

I'd suggest making some African shooting sticks (see link below), and have them practice with these. In Zim's "lowveld/thornveld", typically the shot distances (say 100 yards), are not as long as elsewhere but if the boys can shoot comfortably out to 150 yards it may increase their opportunities. It does depend somewhat on the time of the year, as later in the season one sees more game but the shot distances tend to increase. Another thing to work with them on is shooting quickly…getting on the sticks, chambering a round, and squeezing the trigger. Many times the plainsgame will know you are there, and shooting accurately - but without hesitation - is key.

Terry's Most Excellent Tips: https://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6321043/m/869101261

What Bill says is a great idea. IF you are going on a plains game hunt, you'll hunt Malanganai. Beautiful place with great accomodations and cuisine. LOTS of game and your boys will do fine with a 308. My longest shot there (by choice) was 175 yards on an eland, but depending on your level of confidence, longer shots are available. Realistically, most shots are under 100 yards. You'll have a great time with John. jorge

Great advice from the guys above. John will understand your concerns and will work something out - he is a true professional in all aspects of his business.

I hunted with him at Malangani during mid to late August 2002 and never took a shot over 125 yards. As Jorge says - and he's been there twice - it is a great place and you and the family will have an excellent trip.

If you guys like to fish, pack a couple two piece rods and spinning reels and get John to take you out on the lake one afternoon. There are some monster bass there and the scenery around the lake is excellent. I'm not sure fishing is John's "favorite" pastime but it would be something different to do with the boys.

Phil

Good luck to you. You may also want to keep in mind the next presidential election is scheduled for March of 2008. However, Bob is busily trying to have the constitution amended to put that off until 2010....

I recieved a reply from John this morning. He agreed on 25% deposit now, 25% next year. My wife and daughter are also going along, but will spend the first week at a lodge at Victoria Falls. They will get an air charter to join us at Malangani the second week of the hunt.
I hunted the RSA in 2004 and I have been anticipating this moment since the wheels left the ground at JNB on the return. Myself, like many of us always has the next big adventure in the back of my mind. Even though this particular hunt is 26 months away putting the money on deposit allows me to start the planning phase of the trip in earnest. I have found it a relief to get past this point, now I can really begin to focus on the details which in my mind helps the time go much faster.
On a seperate note I would like to make a few comments to those who have the desire to hunt in far away places but never seem to put it together due to the money required, the time off involved, etc. I make a good living but I am not wealthy by a long stretch. To finance this trip I accepted a position at a very nice gun room in Denver as a part time sales associate. This morning I am opening a Zim 2008 account with my bank.
I am confident this trip is going to provide for a lifetime of good memories. The rewards will far outweigh the sacrifices.
I appreciate all your comments and look forward to more of the same.