I have an opportunity for a darted rhino hunt with Ntshonalanga Safaris in South Africa. The price seems to be a bargain. I know that a lot of you don't find this interesting, but I'd like to hear from those who have actually done it. I think it would be a hoot.

I did it in 2005, it was a great experience but did not feel that much of hunting really. But it was a "hoot" to give him the wake up shoot and see him walk away again. Got a fibre glass replica in my trophy room now.

I havn't darted a rhino. I have hunted with Peter Harris, and everything is first class.

What is the going price for a rhino darting hunt?

I did it in October '07 with Tam Safaris of Craddock, South Africa to complete my "Big 5" and "Dangerous 7". In many ways the experience was more satisfying than using a rifle. First of all the white rhino does not even come close to being as dangerous as the other 4 of the Big 5 nor is the hunt as difficult. I also must admit that there was a degree of pleasure in seeing him get back up and walk away after we had taken the pictures. Plus -- it is a whole lot less expensive to dart one than it is to kill one. I am certainly glad that I did it and would consider doing it again.
I highly recommend Tam Safaris. This was my 14th African safari and Tam ranks at the top for accommodations, service and professionalism.

Jack

Scott,

I have witnessed a rhino dart and in fact it was something I was considering. After witnessing the whole operation I changed my mind. The actual hunt part is fine but the recovery part turned me off. Just my personal feeling.

Mark

I have my "Green Rino", the hunt was great. I could have shot the beast many times before I was able to dart him. I found nothing about his recovery to be off putting. My hunt lasted two days, so it wasn't just a walk in the park. You do normally hunt a specific animal as there are restrictions as to how often a Rino can be darted. As to the danger, last year I stalked Black Rino for photos in Zim and no one was armed and this did not seem to concern the PH as he had his 5 yr old grandson with us, eh.

Mark,
Can tell me about the recovery part?

quote:

Originally posted by SBT:
Mark,
Can tell me about the recovery part?

Just imagine watching a religious cult movie, when someone is brought back from the dead

Sorry, but darting an animal is not my cup of tea.

I will gladly hunt them, shoot them dead or shoot them with a camera.

Again, just my own opinion.

Everyone can do whatever turns him on.

I darted a rhino a couple of years ago with Peter Harris. I will say that hunting with these guys has always been top notch and I have hunted with them multiple times. That said, I didnt much care for darting a rhino. It is not that I have anything against darting but at least in my experience the rhino was not particularly challenging, that is except for chasing it halfway up the mountain waiting for the M99 to kick in. That sucker covered a lot of ground in a hurry. The animal never went off its feet and leaned up against some mopane keeping it in place. The pics make me look like I am petting a standing rhino. It was cool to feel its breathing and check it out with the vet then administer the antidote. So part of the experience was great and part not so much. I think part of it is the animals are so protected they loose a lot of the wariness of a truly wild animal. A lot like shooting a cow but still a unique experience. I guess it just wasnt what I expected. I know others who had a very challenging time so I guess it might just be luck of the draw. Either way Peter Harris and the resr of the folks are first rate and I would reccomend them. Dont confuse my lack of enthusiasm for the darting hunt for a lack of respect for them.

Thank you every one - I have declined.

I photographed one in South Africa a bunch, prob a couple hundred pictures. The thing seemed pretty tame. Not petting tame, but comfortable around people. I was told it was darted a few times before on green hunts. While it was cool to take pictures, it really wouldn't be my thing to be told you were going to pay a lot of money to shoot a tameish rhino.