quote:

In two plus years reading and contributing to AR, here is what I have learned about African hunting...

Please feel free to add to the list...

1. When you are going to book a hunt, go to a show and meet the safari company, agent and PH if possible. THis is better than phone calls and internet references. Go with the outfit you can trust and that you can "click" with. From Mark Young -I'd like to add that doing a bunch of research before the show and narrowing down the outfits you are considering is a good idea. If you go to the Reno, Dallas or whatever show cold the array of offerings is mind blowing and you could very well make a choice that is not the best one for you. I'd make a shopping list if you will, get that business out of the way then start browsing

2. Get the details of the trip agreed and written down before you send money.

3. Use an experienced travel agent to book the tickets and search for deals. Even when using air miles, pay a little extra to allow the agent to help you. They do this for a living and are pro's.

4. Use a reputable, experienced, full time agent. They have more info than you can gather in months of surfing the internet. Check references on the agent as well as the safari company.

4a. From loud-n-boomer - Have a clear understanding with the PH of how the hunt will be conducted; whether you will be driving or walking to spot game, etc. Have a clear understanding of what is or is not included in the daily rates, and what those things that are not included in the daily rates will cost. Remember that most PHs or outfitters are interested in your having a positive experience. If the arrangements are not to your liking or you want to do something different from what was originally arranged, talk to the outfitter or PH. They will often change plans to accomodate you. Make sure to take extra time to be a tourist and see the sights.


5. Do not sweat the decision on a rifle. Use a rifle that is appropriate for the hunt. Nearly any name brand will work fine. The caliber, as long as it is .375 H&H or bigger, is not that important. All of them work when the shot is in the proper location. Leave gimicky rifles at home, such as single shots, .45-70's, .405 lever guns - until you know what you are doing and can properly assess your ability to use that weapon correctly.

5a. Correction pointed out by Exit31 - I take it to mean that bringing my 30-06 is fine for appropreate game ...and...if bringing big bore, I don't need to be a worry wart about caliber .375 or bigger is fine...?
I originally intended this mean that we worry over the rifle type and caliber when in reality we need to use a caliper appropriate for the animal and .375 H&H or bigger for dangerous game. All in all - shoot what you like but shoot it well...

6. Practice a lot with the rifle. To follow from jetdrvr - And shoot. A lot. Offhand. From 25, 50, and 100 yards. 200 or more, if you can find a range that offers distance, and use a rest as well from standing position. African shooting sticks are as steady as a rock. It's impossible to duplicate them buying metal bipods or monopods. Too shaky. So make a set out of three saplings about six feet long with some rubber inner tube or a long strip of surgical rubber to attach them with.

Memorize the ballistic data for the round you're shooting, in case you have to make a long shot. That rifle should require no concious thought process to operate. It should be an extension of your body, your psyche. You should be able to call every shot and place them with surgical precision. A lousy shooter is a lousy hunter. It all comes down to that first shot. It must count. Otherwise, why bother?


6a. Get in shape - echoed by jetdrvr - Train, then train some more. The older you are, the harder and longer you should train. If you're pushing 60, start a minimum of six months in advance. Don't sit in front of the TV watching Tracks Across Africa a month before the hunt. If you belong to a club, use it, and walk as much on any uneven ground as you can find.


7. Use a scope. Open sites are fun but the amateur shoots better with a scope.

8. Use premium bullets - Nosler Partition, TBBC, Barnes, A-Frame - they all work.

9. Pack light - extra light. Only take what the PH/safari company suggest.

10. Spend your money on good boots/shoes. No need to buy expensive or stylish clothes, but boots are important. To follow by jetdrvr - Make damned certain that your footgear is completely broken in. If you can carry your rifle, binos, ammo and water without getting arrested when you are walking, do so. Get accustomed to that ten pound rifle grinding into your shoulder. Walk in the rain, too. Become accustomed to discomfort and ignore it.


11. Take a digital camera with extra batteries. Take a video camera with extra batteries. Take a lot of pictures. To follow from retreever - Extra batteries...I bought a camera that uses double A's..took these E batteries for electronic devices...Made other double A's look obsolete..highly recommend them.

12. Take a diary and write about your trip. To follow from els - take a little pocket recorder and record your feeling/notes/little things you don't want to forget/ as they happen. it is very helpful when you transcribe it at home.


13. Tip the guys that work for you. Whatever amount you feel is appropriate is the right amount.

14. Do what the PH says. He is the pro and wants you to succeed. Just because you do things a certain way in Texas, do not expect to do it that way in Africa. Listen and learn.

15. Leave the measuring tape at home. It does not help you enjoy the hunt. Shoot when the PH says to shoot and you will be fine.

15a. From mufasa - When you open things up with dangerous game with the first shot, keep shooting until the PH tells you to stop or the crew is loading it on the truck.

15b. From mufasa - When you get a good shot at a trophy or in particular an exceptional animal, take the shot, even if you are after some other animal at the time.

15c. From mstarling - Have a clear understanding with you PH about the size of the game you want to shoot and the trophies you're willing to accept.


16. Enjoy you hunt wherever you go - if in RSA, have fun and shoot a lot. If in Zim - enjoy that style and have fun. Don't let anyone tell you that only the pro's hunt dangerous game in the Selous or wherever. It is your hunt - have fun. To follow - from Fjold - Remember to have fun and appreciate the whole experience. from Heritage Arms - I would add, You are in Africa, not home any more. Don't try and bring your home with you, enjoy the other cultures you are a guest there afterall.

16a. From mufasa - If you are going on a 21 day safari or longer, remember that it is a marathon not a sprint. There will be hard days and days of disappointment but these days are the few and they will be followed by days of joy and excitement. That's why I keep going!


17. Expect to get hooked on the experience and want to go back.

18. Read Ruark, Selous and others about Africa but realize that times have changed. Read these guys for fun. Read Boddington for facts.

19. Take your wife and kids. It is the best money you will ever spend.