I don't have a lot of money to splurge...Yet I feel I will be able to afford a PG hunt in Namibia again in 2013 and I'm looking forward to it

HOWEVER, I often dream of a Cape Buff hunt and if I did one that would be the only animal I could afford....IOW I would fly all that way from Hawaiian Islands to hunt one specific animal but I hope a dandy it would be

I'd like it to be the most memorable and exhilarating safari for me ever...as I may never make it back again...maybe the PH would let me shoot a couple animals for camp meat and that would be awesome!

Am I crazy?...LOL

Has anyone done this before?

What PH's and what countries/areas should I look into and time of year?

I need your advice!

What would you do and where would you go?

Thanks!

Gosh, 2013 is a long was away. It's a real long ways to go for just one trophy. Make a plan, as they say and add some plains game at minimum!

I know what you mean Ann...But it'll take every penny I have just to get to HUNT one CB in 2013...
The truth is... that's all I can afford to budget...but it would be a dream come true if I could hunt with a great outfitter and area!!!

Thank you!

The man you need to speak to is Roger Whittall, no doubt in my mind. One dagga boy in the Save conservancy, maybe a couple of plainsgame animals, great big game viewing as an aside, competitive rate...Drop him a line and let me know if I was right...roger@humani.cc or rogerw@humani.cc

I hope you find what you are looking for.

David

L-B, if I were you, I would rather do a ten day buffalo hunt for a single bull than a ten day whack 'em and stack 'em plains game hunt. Tracking buffalo is an amazing experience and it simply cannot be compared to a plains game hunt, in my opinion. Nothing says you have to shoot the bull you track. I would approach it from the standpoint of I am going to hold off pulling the trigger for the first part of the hunt unless we see something absolutely exceptional, like 42" or better. Then use the last part of the trip to put something in the salt. If you just have to shoot something else, put the hammer down on a baboon or two.

Late-Bloomer,
If buffalo is what you want then set your sights on a buffalo hunt. A lot of the total cost of the trip i.e airfare, lodgings before and after the hunt, permits, licenses, tips etc. will be the same or very similar for a 7 day PG hunt and a 7 Day Buffalo hunt.

With a Buffalo hunt you may get a chance to shoot some PG or at least a couple of meat animals but it usually doesn't work the other way around.

Another option for you may be a cow buffalo hunt in Zimbabwe. I have no experience at all in such hunting but many hunt reports suggest that it is more exciting DG experience to shoot an old cow in a large herd than a lone duggaboy in the bush.

Sound advice from Mr Jines, as always. A plainsgame whack em and stack em cannot compare to a buffalo bull hunt. Maybe do what Ann suggests - save up your pennies and whack a kudu or bushbuck as well..

quote:

Originally posted by David Hulme:
The man you need to speak to is Roger Whittall, no doubt in my mind. One dagga boy in the Save conservancy, maybe a couple of plainsgame animals, great big game viewing as an aside, competitive rate...Drop him a line and let me know if I was right...roger@humani.cc or rogerw@humani.cc

I hope you find what you are looking for.

David

David,

I'll drop him a line for sure

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
L-B, if I were you, I would rather do a ten day buffalo hunt for a single bull than a ten day whack 'em and stack 'em plains game hunt. Tracking buffalo is an amazing experience and it simply cannot be compared to a plains game hunt, in my opinion. Nothing says you have to shoot the bull you track. I would approach it from the standpoint of I am going to hold off pulling the trigger for the first part of the hunt unless we see something absolutely exceptional, like 42" or better. Then use the last part of the trip to put something in the salt. If you just have to shoot something else, put the hammer down on a baboon or two.

Mike,

These were quite my thoughts as well...I enjoyed my first PG safari 3 years ago...had a FANTASTIC time.

Its just that now I want to up the THRILL and ADVENTURE for myself

I appreciate the advice

quote:

Originally posted by Harris:


Another option for you may be a cow buffalo hunt in Zimbabwe.

hmmm...interesting suggestion Harris!

Off the top what's the diff in price, anybody?

Maybe can do that for the DG safari experience AND a couple PG....????

If what you're looking for is a DG hunt/experience on a budget, best bang for your buck is tuskless cow ele.

quote:

Originally posted by FOsteology:
If what you're looking for is a DG hunt/experience on a budget, best bang for your buck is tuskless cow ele.

Geez, I've never considered it....but I will now!

Thanks!!!

quote:

Originally posted by Late-Bloomer:

quote:

Originally posted by FOsteology:
If what you're looking for is a DG hunt/experience on a budget, best bang for your buck is tuskless cow ele.

Geez, I've never considered it....but I will now!

Thanks!!!

Actually a very good idea, which I, and more especially, Mr Jines, should have thought of....

quote:

Originally posted by David Hulme:

quote:

Originally posted by Late-Bloomer:

quote:

Originally posted by FOsteology:
If what you're looking for is a DG hunt/experience on a budget, best bang for your buck is tuskless cow ele.

Geez, I've never considered it....but I will now!

Thanks!!!

Actually a very good idea, which I, and more especially, Mr Jines, should have thought of....

Ballpark figure for a hunt as such?

If I were forced to choose, I would hunt one dugga boy before I would hunt any of the plains game and all of the cow elephant on earth.

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Robinson:
If I were forced to choose, I would hunt one dugga boy before I would hunt any of the plains game and all of the cow elephant on earth.

Yes, I would too, just different strokes for different blokes. There are options...Bloomer will have to weigh up all the gen and make up his own mind. All said, I vote dagga boy, but damn isn't that ele cow experience exciting!

quote:

Originally posted by David Hulme:

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Robinson:
If I were forced to choose, I would hunt one dugga boy before I would hunt any of the plains game and all of the cow elephant on earth.

Yes, I would too, just different strokes for different blokes. There are options...Bloomer will have to weigh up all the gen and make up his own mind. All said, I vote dagga boy, but damn isn't that ele cow experience exciting!

hehehe...
Thank God I have time on my side to think this one over and weigh my options

Thanks folks!

Again, just my opinion, but putting the cats aside, I would rank the most exciting and fun hunts to be (1) elephant bull, (2) tuskless cow, and (3) buffalo. You said your dream was to hunt buffalo, hence my response. You should be able to do a tuskless or buffalo hunt for around $12K all in but airfare. Tuskless hunts are generally 7 day hunts and buffalo 7 or 10 day hunts.

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
Again, just my opinion, but putting the cats aside, I would rank the most exciting and fun hunts to be (1) elephant bull, (2) tuskless cow, and (3) buffalo. You said your dream was to hunt buffalo, hence my response. You should be able to do a tuskless or buffalo hunt for around $12K all in but airfare. Tuskless hunts are generally 7 day hunts and buffalo 7 or 10 day hunts.

Thanks Mike...that's the type of info I was seeking...all of what you said!

I have no desire to hunt elephant, tusked or tuskless.

If I were going to put together a safari, it would be for 1 cape buffalo, 1 greater kudu, 1 eland and 1 gemsbok.

Don't know how hard that would be to put together logistically, but that is my dream hunt.

quote:

Originally posted by Crazyhorseconsulting:
I have no desire to hunt elephant, tusked or tuskless.

If I were going to put together a safari, it would be for 1 cape buffalo, 1 greater kudu, 1 eland and 1 gemsbok.

Don't know how hard that would be to put together logistically, but that is my dream hunt.

You'd almost have to be on a game farm in to add gemsbok into that mix. It'd be real tough to do on most free ranging hunting blocks that a mere mortal can afford anyway.

The more I throw around the option...Cape Buff is my DREAM so a Dagga Boy it is!

Now I need to consider all the reputable Outfitters/PH's and their areas...must factor in affordability and trophy quality...best bang for my BULL

quote:

L-B, if I were you, I would rather do a ten day buffalo hunt for a single bull than a ten day whack 'em and stack 'em plains game hunt.

Excellent advice!!!

The gemsbok is not as important as any of the others listed.

The cape,the eland and the kudu would suffice.

Listen to David and go with Roger Whittall. It is a totally awesome experience. Remember you can shoot any bull you want on any day and still go out and hunt but not shoot elephant or another buff. Plus you can always shoot some of the low cost animals like baboons, warthogs or impala. Roger has lots of impala. Enjoy the planning its almost as much fun as the hunt.

quote:

Originally posted by Late-Bloomer:
The more I throw around the option...Cape Buff is my DREAM so a Dagga Boy it is!

Now I need to consider all the reputable Outfitters/PH's and their areas...must factor in affordability and trophy quality...best bang for my BULL

A day or two ago I got an Email from Keith Atcheson of Ateheson's about a discounted cancellation hunt for a buff this September. The area is where I hunted in May and there were a whole lot of buffs there then. contact them if interested.

thanks Indy but not ready for this Sept...

I have shot most of the game found in Zimbabwe and the least attractive animal for me is the Cape Buffalo. I have only hunted and shot a cow but the tracking,selection and shooting was the same had it been a bull. That is ,of course, a personal appraisal of my belief. I really didn't have a desire before and certainly never had the desire afterwards to shoot Buffalo. They just have no appeal for me and I found after hunting them once it was mainly hard walking. I'm sure there was a herd once that walked in a straight line but all the ones I've followed seemed to be led by one that believed that taking more than 10 steps without changing direction was a bad thing. I well remember tracking a herd once in the Gwayi that we tracked for over half a day and returned to almost the starting point. Finally actually found them when one of the trackers saw a flock of oxpeckers and suggested we go in their direction. Walked straight to them. Selected out the cow I was to shoot and one shot and it was over. I persoanlly LIKE to hunt plains game but don't mind setting in a Leopard or Lion blind either. I just like hunting in Africa and the game justgave me the reason. The 'hunting in Africa' was the objective. Those are personal feelings and objectives and if your overwhelming desire is for a Buffalo then that's what you should pursue.

Late Bloomer,

I just did that. I booked one of Martin Pieters 7 day specials this year with the goal of getting an old Dagga Boy. I got mine the first day of hunting and did hunt also for bushbuck, etc but didn't wind up shooting at anything except my buffalo.

Like you, it was always a dream of mine to hunt buffalo and it was everything that I thought it would be. I couldn't be happier unless I was on my way back to Africa to do it again.

My first hunt was 2008 with Roger Whittall's outfit. All I wanted was a Cape Buffalo. We hunted buff morning and evening and PG during the day. Had the time of my life, and never did get a buff! Did get giraffe, zebra, baboon, 50# elephant, impala, wildebeeste and warthog with my bow. So...it made a big difference being flexible in my expectations.

I will go back this year to Moz to get my buff.

Can't imagine a better first hunt than Humani!

DAL

If you are only going to go once, you must also consider Massailand for those big Massai Buffalos. Hunting Blocks bordering east of Tarangire park are excellent in July. It will be more expensive than Zimbabwe but you will see the post card Africa.

I'm really happy I decided to create this thread....you folks have provided me many things to consider!


Zim
Frank
DAL

Many thanks for your input


Ahmed,
Massailand has always been #1 on my list for my dream Cape Buff Hunt ever since I came back from my PG hunt in 2008 when I went to Namibia.

I do admit... I have Champagne taste on a beer budget though...I need to be realistic but who knows!

Thank you for your suggestion and I will take it to heart!!!

This forum has been a source of my inspiration and I thank you all.

My one trip consisted of 10 days for plains game in one location, then a week for buffalo in another location (another country, actually).

The PG hunting was wonderful, I enjoyed it immensely, and it was essential to me that I do it. I don't regret it for an instant...but I won't ever do it again, unless I am taking my granddaughter to hunt with me. Otherwise, once was enough.

On the buffalo hunt I saw relatively little game and I shot nothing other than the buff. It was my reason for going to Africa and it did not disappoint. If I ever go back it will be for a tuskless or other non-trophy elephant, but if the chance for a buffalo comes up I'll grab it if possible. If that's what you want, then nothing else will suffice, and you'll kick yourself forever if you don't.

Good luck making your decision...and make it one that you won't regret.

John

Just do it, go for a buffalo and leave all the other ones. You won't regret it.


http://www.kapstadt.de/schindlers-africa

Tuskless Ele, you cant beat that for adventure.

quote:

Originally posted by Late-Bloomer:
The more I throw around the option...Cape Buff is my DREAM so a Dagga Boy it is!

Now I need to consider all the reputable Outfitters/PH's and their areas...must factor in affordability and trophy quality...best bang for my BULL

Now your thinking son! Everyone here has given you good advice, but only you know what you can afford, and what floats your dream canoe!
IMO, if you have always wanted to hunt a Cape Buffalo, and as you say you may never get back! I think if you go for sometheing else instead, you will only leave a hole in your hunting heart!

For a one animal hunt my choice would always be a cape Buffalo Bull, done properly on your feet following tracks, but that is "ME" not you! What ever you hunt be picky in your choice as well,if it turns out to be the Buffalo, take your time, and try to get in close on a good mature hard boss bull, and make that first shot count, then keep shooting till he is down for the count!

....................................Good luck!.... ..............................

The funny thing is that one always think he/she can afford only one Buff at first.

Beware tho - the fact is you don't know how many you can afford until you are back from your first...all of a sudden life priorities change and all hell breaks loose

quote:

Originally posted by jwm:
My one trip consisted of 10 days for plains game in one location, then a week for buffalo in another location (another country, actually).

The PG hunting was wonderful, I enjoyed it immensely, and it was essential to me that I do it. I don't regret it for an instant...but I won't ever do it again, unless I am taking my granddaughter to hunt with me. Otherwise, once was enough.

On the buffalo hunt I saw relatively little game and I shot nothing other than the buff. It was my reason for going to Africa and it did not disappoint. If I ever go back it will be for a tuskless or other non-trophy elephant, but if the chance for a buffalo comes up I'll grab it if possible. If that's what you want, then nothing else will suffice, and you'll kick yourself forever if you don't.

Good luck making your decision...and make it one that you won't regret.

John

Thank you John....I need to make my next safari the one I want as I mentioned I may never make it back...yes, nothing else would suffice! Thank you for the encouragement!

quote:

Originally posted by MacD37:

quote:

Originally posted by Late-Bloomer:
The more I throw around the option...Cape Buff is my DREAM so a Dagga Boy it is!

Now I need to consider all the reputable Outfitters/PH's and their areas...must factor in affordability and trophy quality...best bang for my BULL

Now your thinking son! Everyone here has given you good advice, but only you know what you can afford, and what floats your dream canoe!
IMO, if you have always wanted to hunt a Cape Buffalo, and as you say you may never get back! I think if you go for sometheing else instead, you will only leave a hole in your hunting heart!

For a one animal hunt my choice would always be a cape Buffalo Bull, done properly on your feet following tracks, but that is "ME" not you! What ever you hunt be picky in your choice as well,if it turns out to be the Buffalo, take your time, and try to get in close on a good mature hard boss bull, and make that first shot count, then keep shooting till he is down for the count!

....................................Good luck!.... ..............................

Thank you Mac...that's the bones of it right there!

I need to "take my time" to save, acquire a big bore rifle, get VERY proficient with it, prepare myself physically and mentally and do MY hunt of a lifetime!

And I need to pick an outfitter/ph in a prime location.... I'd like to learn more about Massailand as I believe it's my destiny to visit such a place...even if it means I have to delay the hunt to save more...I need to be PATIENT knowing this last Safari must count in all aspects for my own reasons!

Thanks Mac

For me, I never thought that my lifetime dream of hunting Africa would come true. I then met a man at a gun show who told me about his hunts, introduced me to SCI and advised me that although Cape Buffalo was my goall, he felt I should test the watyers first with a reasonably priced plains game hunt. I did and then returned for Capre Buffalo & later Elephant Bull. That man warned me that I WOULD return to Africa after the plains game hunt & he was right. If you have the time ( dont know how old you are ) and can get the money, even if you hunt plains game first - you will return. Most importantly, from that first experience, I found out quite a bit about shopping for a hunt, picking a good PH and planning hunts that would be best for me. It did help me with picking good hunts for the Buffalo & elephant. Hope this helps.o your research & you will not be disappointed.