My wife is not a hunter, and in fact hates it. I would like to hunt plains game and maybe a buffalo, along with my 13 year old stepson. My wife is however an accomplished photographer and loves wildlife. Is it possible to go on a safari but still keep her happy? We are very easy going, and ideally I could hunt and she could take photographs without her being too traumatized by the experience.

I like Andrew Baldry's operation from what I have have gathered here, but there is a lot of information to wade through. No high fences, with Kudu and Warthog at the forefront.

Colin

If your wife hates hunting, don't take her on safari; all she can do is ruin it for you and your stepson.

She's going to hate the conversations about hunts past and present that take place around the campfire.

If she insists on coming along, have the outfitter assign a guide to show her the animals and scenery far from wherever you'll be hunting each day. Id he/she can work the 'circle of life' and the hunters' role in conservation into the day's events, all the better.

Depending on where you are, the guide can show her the difference between managed lands and 'tribal lands'.

George

It's worked for me several times. My wife does the photo thing, hangs with the PH's wife and children (she's the grandmother type), and even goes along on a few hunts (thought the croc hunt was really cool).
Sometimes she just spends a day in camp with no one around. Has been a win-win proposition.
Might want to check out Andrew Renton, Kei River Hunting Safaris. Been to him 3 times. Family oriented, massive amount of unfenced game, unbelievable quality. No animal has scored lower than #35, several top 10s, and #2 handgun Cape kudu.
I'll be going with him again.

My wife is not a hunter, but she came as an observer on a buffalo/sable hunt with Andrew Baldry in 2014 (her first Africa experience). She made the request that we do a few days at Vic Falls after the hunt as her "vacation". She had such a great time with Andrew, the area, and the total experience that we were were seriously considering canceling the Vic Falls trip and spending more time at Royal Kafue. I've made several trips to Africa, and I can say that your wife wouldn't be disappointed with the Royal Kafue experience, nor would you.

We do hunts like this all the time. There is a difference between a non-hunter and an anti-hunter. If your wife is a non-hunter and supports your activities then she will have a great time. We can assign your wife her own guide and she can go on game drives, photography, relax at our spa, take trips into town, etc.

Also many wives find they enjoy going along with their husbands while hunting and seeing what all is going on by either accompanying along on a stalk or two or some wait with another guide. Lots of things to keep her busy including doing absolutely nothing if she desires. PM me if you want to discuss!

I have been on safari with my wife a few times, and she loves it.

She does not hunt, but enjoys being there.

She has walked for miles and miles with us following elephants and buffalo.

Absolutely no reason wyy she should not enioy it. She just have to have an open mind.

Same here, Saeed.

In fact, I never go hunting any more without my wife. She seldom hunts with me, but she always comes along, on every stalk.

Colin, if your wife has an open mind, and is willing to learn, then take her.

Otherwise do not.

No offense intended, but I would never marry anyone who hated anything I loved.

Two things come to mind.

If she is an anti hunter, it will be miserable for all involved.

If she is a nonhunter and doesn't like being away from creature comforts as why she doesn't like hunting, any of the permanent established camps, whether in Zimbabwe, such as Mokore, or a South African game farm may work better.

A wild hunt will likely not have as many nonhunting options and you will likely be eating what you shoot, if that matters. If she just does not want to shoot something herself but is OK with the rest of it, it may work out. Also, hunting areas usually do not have the animal concentrations that photo types are used to, so if she has done a photo safari, she may not be as happy in a hunting concession.

quote:

Originally posted by Colin Masters:
My wife is not a hunter, and in fact hates it. I would like to hunt plains game and maybe a buffalo, along with my 13 year old stepson. My wife is however an accomplished photographer and loves wildlife. Is it possible to go on a safari but still keep her happy? We are very easy going, and ideally I could hunt and she could take photographs without her being too traumatized by the experience.

I like Andrew Baldry's operation from what I have have gathered here, but there is a lot of information to wade through. No high fences, with Kudu and Warthog at the forefront.

Colin

Hi Colin,

I hear you and my wife is a vegetarian and although she despises the killing she fully understands conservation in hunting and supports me and my project 100%.

The best you can do here is to hunt lightly and maybe put aside a few days for the pursuit of game or I bring a third party in to chaperone your wife. Another alternative is to put you wife up in a nearby photographic camp for a couple of days? Or she join you later into the safari. Note all these extra alternatives/activities will cost you a bit more.

Most of my clientele are couples and mostly the wives do not hunt.

Now for the bad news - You are unlikely to get a shot at a decent Kudu and my Warthog lack big teeth.

On the bright side there is a plethora of other interesting species and the Kafue is extremely scenic. Very few tsetse flies and the temperatures are mild. Big game animals are commonplace.

Food for thought.

I got question for you
Would you go on shopping trip with your wife to NYC or LA for couple of weeks, while knowing there will be several women there as shopping mates, sit around in evenings listening to woman talk and sip wine?

You might want to take a look at Unico Safaris in the Limpopo province RSA. Tania Kaiser the owner has a full spa with all the amenities any woman could want. Special day trips can be arranged and there is plenty of game to view.Your wife will be well cared for. Jerry Hoover

My wife is not a hunter and would not go on Safari with me.

Since I went to South Africa this year, we are going to Scotland and England next summer. In 2013, I went to RSA and she got a swimming pool. In 2012, I went to Zimbabwe and she got a new SUV and a trip to Japan. In 2008 I went to Namibia and she got a new house.

I have the most expensive hunting trips of anyone that I know, with the exception of Saeed.

quote:

Originally posted by Fjold:
My wife is not a hunter and would not go on Safari with me.

Since I went to South Africa this year, we are going to Scotland and England next summer. In 2013, I went to RSA and she got a swimming pool. In 2012, I went to Zimbabwe and she got a new SUV and a trip to Japan. In 2008 I went to Namibia and she got a new house.

I have the most expensive hunting trips of anyone that I know, with the exception of Saeed.

I hear ya Frank. Mine won't go with me next year but it looks like I'm buying a trip to Scotland for her and her sister.

Will

Some good advice here. I'm taking my wife for the first time next year. She's not anti-hunting but not big on roughing it. I chose Masailand because it is not hot in July, tsetsi free and a luxury camp.I'm convinced she will have a great time. Only downside, is I onlu get to hunt one buffalo.

quote:

Originally posted by Fjold:
My wife is not a hunter and would not go on Safari with me.

Since I went to South Africa this year, we are going to Scotland and England next summer. In 2013, I went to RSA and she got a swimming pool. In 2012, I went to Zimbabwe and she got a new SUV and a trip to Japan. In 2008 I went to Namibia and she got a new house.

I have the most expensive hunting trips of anyone that I know, with the exception of Saeed.

A couple years ago, I took my lady friend, a non-hunter, to the SCI convention in Las Vegas. The main purpose was to visit with the Vincent's but also to show her some of the hunting world and see what she thought of it. As we were walking the convention floor, we came upon the jewelry booth, I believe they are from North Dakota. My lady asked the jeweler 'Why on earth would a jeweler be at a hunting convention?' He had a simple answer... 'Bribery'.

She's never been to Africa but it's looking like we are most likely going this coming year. Over 2 weeks it'll be Vic Falls, perhaps Cape Town and then most likely a hunt with Tholo (Mark, yes I'll be talking to you on this).

The key is to know what you are marrying before you get into that union! My wife grew up around hunting families as a child in Wisconsin.

She knew I liked hunting when we got married and has hunted everywhere with me from Alaska to Zimbabwe and all points in between.

I'd be a wealthy man if I had a $10 bill for every hunter we ran across who said, "You're lucky. I wish my wife would go hunting with me."


"Politicians, attorney's, and shooters of wildlife behind high fences. Take em all down to south Texas, put em inside a high fenced escape proof enclosure without their guns and let the rattlesnakes cull em out."

I have nothing against a guy bringing his wife or girlfriend along but I feel that it takes something out of the hunt.

quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:
I have nothing against a guy bringing his wife or girlfriend along but I feel that it takes something out of the hunt.

In the spirit of national healing, I will be civil and say this: if she truly does not like hunting or traveling and will make you miserable leave her X thousand dollars, and tell her while you are gone she can buy whatever she wants.

However, if your wife of is like mine having her with you only adds to the experience. When I went hunting in Europe she took the pictures, but more than that it was a celebration of your life together. The experience would not have been as meaningful without her. There may not be a old world capital to visit, but Africa has its own beauty in is raw wild state that I am sure she will apperciate.

Enjoy and good hunting.

I am not owned by anybody nor do I own anybody.I believe in respect.

I agree that if your wife is totally against hunting, it will be tough to completely avoid seeing dead animals, discussing them, or something along those lines.
My wife has gone 4 times, isn't a hunter, but isn't against it. She enjoys the stalks (except for buff) and takes a ton of pics. She also doesn't mind spending a day in camp with her Kindle, if the mood strikes her.
She also makes it a point to meet and remember the names of all the camp staff, no matter how minor, and they couldn't be nicer to her. This can make a day in camp pretty easy to take.
Having said this, some wives will not want to be totally in the bush (even if it's a nice camp) where there isn't any type of more conventional sight seeing to do nearby.

Colin, My wife sounds similar to yours. We go to hunt at places that have activities for non hunters.
Walks and Game drives. Africa Dawn Hunting Safaris http://www.african-dawn.co.za/ has a Naturalists on salary that takes the non hunters on walks and Game drives. Some days they see a lot more animals and flowers than the hunters do. The hunters (Gentlemen) don't have to dwell on the killing during lunch and dinner. The non hunting ladies in our groups have a wonderful time on Safari. She will enjoy it greatly if you go to the right place.

My wife has been on 6 of my 13 safaris. She is not a hunter, although she was talked into shooting a sable and a giraffe on her first safari-with none since then. She enjoys sightseeing and getting out in the African bush and experiencing the wildlife up close. While I hunt she is usually exploring that part of Africa that we are in with the PH's wife and/or others. She also likes to do some local shopping and we usually do some of that together after the hunt is completed. I think that one of the keys to taking your spouse with you on Safari is spending some significant time together in some mutually enjoyable activities.

Just when we all thought Neanderthals were extinct shootaway comes along on AR and confirms they are alive and well!

If you respected a wife or a girlfriend what could they take away from a hunt? Especially if they enjoy hunting?

quote:

Originally posted by Echoanne12:
Just when we all thought Neanderthals were extinct shootaway comes along on AR and confirms they are alive and well!

If you respected a wife or a girlfriend what could they take away from a hunt? Especially if they enjoy hunting?

Remember the time when you were young and after school you wanted to play hockey with the boys? It is kind of like the same thing.Why would you want to bring the girls along? Same would apply to me if she wanted to be with her girl friends.

Just as I expected.
A Neanderthal with the mentality of a child!

"Politicians, attorney's, and shooters of wildlife behind high fences. Take em all down to south Texas, put em inside a high fenced escape proof enclosure without their guns and let the rattlesnakes cull em out."

quote:

Originally posted by Echoanne12:
Just as I expected.
A Neanderthal with the mentality of a child!

"Politicians, attorney's, and shooters of wildlife behind high fences. Take em all down to south Texas, put em inside a high fenced escape proof enclosure without their guns and let the rattlesnakes cull em out."

That word "neanderthal" must bother you.

Remember the time when you were young and after school you wanted to play hockey with the boys? It is kind of like the same thing.Why would you want to bring the girls along? Same would apply to me if she wanted to be with her girl friends.[/QUOTE]

Because it is not just a girl. She or he is your life partner and these are the moments that make a hunter's life. They may not partake, but the best of them want to be apart of the experiences that are important to you and vise versa.

Why would you not want to share life's moments.

quote:

Originally posted by LHeym500:
Remember the time when you were young and after school you wanted to play hockey with the boys? It is kind of like the same thing.Why would you want to bring the girls along? Same would apply to me if she wanted to be with her girl friends.

Because it is not just a girl. She or he is your life partner and these are the moments that make a hunter's life. They may not partake, but the best of them want to be apart of the experiences that are important to you and vise versa.

Why would you not want to share life's moments.[/QUOTE]


I am sorry that you feel that you have to bring your wife along.

Get a life, George! They don't HAVE to bring their wife along, they WANT TO!!!!

The first time I went hunting in South Africa, I decided to take my wife along. She is not a hunter, but does love the outdoors and likes to take photographs of animals in the wild. Doris is tough, and can take some inconvenience. In short, she is not a shy flower type.
On our first hunt, we hunted with Phillip DuPlessis (who posts here) as our PH. Phillip made sure that Doris enjoyed the experience. She went along, even on the Cape buffalo hunt. To make the trip a bit better for her, we also scheduled some touring in Kruger National Park, which she liked immensely.
When Phillip dropped us off at the Joberg airport (now Tambo, then Jan Smuts) she asked me, "When can we come back?" Perhaps that is why we have been to Africa four times now, and I got to hunt there again.
You have to know your wife, and I know mine after 57 years. I simply could not leave her at home on such a trip.

Thank you all for the advice, and a number of agents and operators have reached out to me. We will see how 2017 or more likely 2018 goes. The nature of my business makes it hard to get away without a ton of planning.

I did not read all of the posts as there is 30 already.

My advice is make well executed, well aimed shots. To have her see animals suffering or even worse non recovered obviously wounded game.

I will read some postings and add more in a bit.

ETA: I highly recommend Mayogi Safari's in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Their facilities are first rate as is the food. I could go back there for a vacation and not hunt and be very happy. She could tag along on hunts when she wants, stay in camp, visit national parks etc.

quote:

Originally posted by Colin Masters:
Thank you all for the advice, and a number of agents and operators have reached out to me. We will see how 2017 or more likely 2018 goes. The nature of my business makes it hard to get away without a ton of planning.

Research, research, research!!

Use the search function and read, read, read!

Cheers
Jim

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:

quote:

Originally posted by Colin Masters:
Thank you all for the advice, and a number of agents and operators have reached out to me. We will see how 2017 or more likely 2018 goes. The nature of my business makes it hard to get away without a ton of planning.

Research, research, research!!

Use the search function and read, read, read!

Cheers
Jim

Hi Jim,

I tend to disagree with that some, and here's why. On AR as with any other internet forum, on any subject. People post for not always the right or honorable reason.

People tend to watch and see who are the forum favorites. From there, many will tend to reach out to be accepted as one of the cool kids, in doing so, they will give support and or rave reviews in spite of the facts.

These people are simply out to establish and or build forum credibility. Buyer beware.

Put up a thread on here about any of the booking agents, you will get both kudos and negative responses on one page. Who to believe?

That's why I tends to not even look at AR advertisers. This isn't an impartial group. We support other AR members.

Just one mans opinion.

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Ahrenberg:

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:

quote:

Originally posted by Colin Masters:
Thank you all for the advice, and a number of agents and operators have reached out to me. We will see how 2017 or more likely 2018 goes. The nature of my business makes it hard to get away without a ton of planning.

Research, research, research!!

Use the search function and read, read, read!

Cheers
Jim

Hi Jim,

I tend to disagree with that some, and here's why. On AR as with any other internet forum, on any subject. People post for not always the right or honorable reason.

People tend to watch and see who are the forum favorites. From there, many will tend to reach out to be accepted as one of the cool kids, in doing so, they will give support and or rave reviews in spite of the facts.

These people are simply out to establish and or build forum credibility. Buyer beware.

Put up a thread on here about any of the booking agents, you will get both kudos and negative responses on one page. Who to believe?

That's why I tends to not even look at AR advertisers. This isn't an impartial group. We support other AR members.

Just one mans opinion.

Steve,

All true words......but.....you are a very busy guy and are happy to rely on one booking agent you trust implicitly (with good reason).

I on the other hand always considered the "vetting" process in deciding where and who to hunt with as part of the pre-hunt scouting.

I've gotten better at it. I don't choose a PH on his "rockstar" status but more on his style of hunting and whether I believe he will be a team member and not a safari general.

As to booking agents, I've become much more careful about contracts. If I need an agent I use Greg Brownlee. I've never used your guy but after talking with him in a casual setting twice at SCI I would not hesitate to give him a shot if needed.

Cheers
Jim

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Ahrenberg:

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:

quote:

Originally posted by Colin Masters:
Thank you all for the advice, and a number of agents and operators have reached out to me. We will see how 2017 or more likely 2018 goes. The nature of my business makes it hard to get away without a ton of planning.

Research, research, research!!

Use the search function and read, read, read!

Cheers
Jim

Hi Jim,

I tend to disagree with that some, and here's why. On AR as with any other internet forum, on any subject. People post for not always the right or honorable reason.

People tend to watch and see who are the forum favorites. From there, many will tend to reach out to be accepted as one of the cool kids, in doing so, they will give support and or rave reviews in spite of the facts.

These people are simply out to establish and or build forum credibility. Buyer beware.

Put up a thread on here about any of the booking agents, you will get both kudos and negative responses on one page. Who to believe?

That's why I tends to not even look at AR advertisers. This isn't an impartial group. We support other AR members.

Just one mans opinion.

Steve,

All true words......but.....you are a very busy guy and are happy to rely on one booking agent you trust implicitly (with good reason).

I on the other hand always considered the "vetting" process in deciding where and who to hunt with as part of the pre-hunt scouting.

I've gotten better at it. I don't choose a PH on his "rockstar" status but more on his style of hunting and whether I believe he will be a team member and not a safari general.

As to booking agents, I've become much more careful about contracts. If I need an agent I use Greg Brownlee. I've never used your guy but after talking with him in a casual setting twice at SCI I would not hesitate to give him a shot if needed.

Cheers
Jim

Jim,

It's not only just being busy, he is in the business. He knows far more people than I ever could. If you limit your entire "potential outfitter universe" to the pages on AR, aren't you limiting your sporting world as well?

I have only had one Safari which I would call a total fuck-up or bust. It was booked from the discounted hunt forum, here on AR. Don't read into this that which I am not saying. There are, I'm sure good deals with good outfits here.

Heck I just booked 2017 21 day license in Tanzania. The MS Buffalo Safari didn't work out, nobodies fault, we just couldn't make the licenses and days work. My agent put a deal together for me in a GMA, and with an outfitter that no one in the Safari business would ever have a negative word. Without a credible agent whom knows this industry, it NEVER would have been possible.

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Ahrenberg:

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Ahrenberg:

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:

quote:

Originally posted by Colin Masters:
Thank you all for the advice, and a number of agents and operators have reached out to me. We will see how 2017 or more likely 2018 goes. The nature of my business makes it hard to get away without a ton of planning.

Research, research, research!!

Use the search function and read, read, read!

Cheers
Jim

Hi Jim,

I tend to disagree with that some, and here's why. On AR as with any other internet forum, on any subject. People post for not always the right or honorable reason.

People tend to watch and see who are the forum favorites. From there, many will tend to reach out to be accepted as one of the cool kids, in doing so, they will give support and or rave reviews in spite of the facts.

These people are simply out to establish and or build forum credibility. Buyer beware.

Put up a thread on here about any of the booking agents, you will get both kudos and negative responses on one page. Who to believe?

That's why I tends to not even look at AR advertisers. This isn't an impartial group. We support other AR members.

Just one mans opinion.

Steve,

All true words......but.....you are a very busy guy and are happy to rely on one booking agent you trust implicitly (with good reason).

I on the other hand always considered the "vetting" process in deciding where and who to hunt with as part of the pre-hunt scouting.

I've gotten better at it. I don't choose a PH on his "rockstar" status but more on his style of hunting and whether I believe he will be a team member and not a safari general.

As to booking agents, I've become much more careful about contracts. If I need an agent I use Greg Brownlee. I've never used your guy but after talking with him in a casual setting twice at SCI I would not hesitate to give him a shot if needed.

Cheers
Jim

Jim,

It's not only just being busy, he is in the business. He knows far more people than I ever could. If you limit your entire "potential outfitter universe" to the pages on AR, aren't you limiting your sporting world as well?

I have only had one Safari which I would call a total fuck-up or bust. It was booked from the discounted hunt forum, here on AR. Don't read into this that which I am not saying. There are, I'm sure good deals with good outfits here.

Heck I just booked 2017 21 day license in Tanzania. The MS Buffalo Safari didn't work out, nobodies fault, we just couldn't make the licenses and days work. My agent put a deal together for me in a GMA, and with an outfitter that no one in the Safari business would ever have a negative word. Without a credible agent whom knows this industry, it NEVER would have been possible.

All valid point my friend but it would be in my nature, that after the agent gave me his suggestion, I would still personally "vet" it.

Just in my nature.

We will be sharing a fishing camp in a year. Your personal boots on the ground information convinced us that this will be an experience we will cherish.

You first urged me to consider this trip almost four years ago. I talked with the outfitter in person at SCI and it still took many conversations with you to finally make the booking.

Cheers
Jim

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Ahrenberg:

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Ahrenberg:

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:

quote:

Originally posted by Colin Masters:
Thank you all for the advice, and a number of agents and operators have reached out to me. We will see how 2017 or more likely 2018 goes. The nature of my business makes it hard to get away without a ton of planning.

Research, research, research!!

Use the search function and read, read, read!

Cheers
Jim

Hi Jim,

I tend to disagree with that some, and here's why. On AR as with any other internet forum, on any subject. People post for not always the right or honorable reason.

People tend to watch and see who are the forum favorites. From there, many will tend to reach out to be accepted as one of the cool kids, in doing so, they will give support and or rave reviews in spite of the facts.

These people are simply out to establish and or build forum credibility. Buyer beware.

Put up a thread on here about any of the booking agents, you will get both kudos and negative responses on one page. Who to believe?

That's why I tends to not even look at AR advertisers. This isn't an impartial group. We support other AR members.

Just one mans opinion.

Steve,

All true words......but.....you are a very busy guy and are happy to rely on one booking agent you trust implicitly (with good reason).

I on the other hand always considered the "vetting" process in deciding where and who to hunt with as part of the pre-hunt scouting.

I've gotten better at it. I don't choose a PH on his "rockstar" status but more on his style of hunting and whether I believe he will be a team member and not a safari general.

As to booking agents, I've become much more careful about contracts. If I need an agent I use Greg Brownlee. I've never used your guy but after talking with him in a casual setting twice at SCI I would not hesitate to give him a shot if needed.

Cheers
Jim

Jim,

It's not only just being busy, he is in the business. He knows far more people than I ever could. If you limit your entire "potential outfitter universe" to the pages on AR, aren't you limiting your sporting world as well?

I have only had one Safari which I would call a total fuck-up or bust. It was booked from the discounted hunt forum, here on AR. Don't read into this that which I am not saying. There are, I'm sure good deals with good outfits here.

Heck I just booked 2017 21 day license in Tanzania. The MS Buffalo Safari didn't work out, nobodies fault, we just couldn't make the licenses and days work. My agent put a deal together for me in a GMA, and with an outfitter that no one in the Safari business would ever have a negative word. Without a credible agent whom knows this industry, it NEVER would have been possible.

All valid point my friend but it would be in my nature, that after the agent gave me his suggestion, I would still personally "vet" it.

Just in my nature.

We will be sharing a fishing camp in a year. Your personal boots on the ground information convinced us that this will be an experience we will cherish.

You first urged me to consider this trip almost four years ago. I talked with the outfitter in person at SCI and it still took many conversations with you to finally make the booking.

Cheers
Jim

The fishing thing, you acted prudently. Its not as big a dollar or time commitment but its still time in the field, not to be wasted.

I went to Bolivia with a new outfitter I met at an ISE show in Phoenix. It was a huge disaster. Stumbling upon working cocaine operations, guys with machine guns, boat drivers disappearing in the middle of the night, 14 hour bus rides, no food, no fish, no gas.

Had I vetted this guy, I might have never gone.

Not only did my girlfriend accompany me on my hunt ... she paid half! She followed me thru 44C heat and she will relive those memories with me forever - and she is pleasure to look at! I could not go on an African Hunt with out her. She is my best friend and will always be my first mate for safari.

My wife and I own a business together, so if I'm going to Africa she is going, and I want her to have that experience. She just doesn't want to see a dead zebra.