I am in the prosess of booking my 1st. I have been told by some that #1 should be a plains game hunt not a DGH. Most hunts here are from a stand or blind and any stalking skills I once had are RUSTY at best. My shooting will be right before I go. I would like to hear from members with a few hunts behind them and their advice on this.
Ladies and Gentleman, I thank you in advance.
Gene

I would book for whatever you personally want to hunt/shoot more and of course what you can afford. I.E. would you rather shoot a few plainsgame or a buffalo? Don't worry about your "stalking" skills, thats why you pay the PH. I chose the plainsgame hunt for my firt trip because I wanted to bring home more of a variety of animals even though I badly want to kill a buffalo!

I hunted buffalo the first time I went (as well as a few plains game) and I never regretted it. There's nothing like buffalo hunting.

All of it's exciting, but my recommendation would be to start with a good plains game hunt. I've done it all like many on this forum, and still would recommend the plains game hunt first, just to get your "feet wet" and introduce yourself to Africa and all of her magic. Work your way up. There's time and plenty of animals and experiences for your future.

I would recommend a Plains game hunt, Unless you have very large budget. If cost is a factor, Namibia would be my first choice for Kudu, Oryx, Springbok, Mountain Zebra, Steenbok. The daily rates and trophy fees are half price. Try to stay as long as possible. If cost is a major factor think about not bring back the hides and horns. Going home with great pictures will save you $1200-$3000 in dipping and shipping fees. If you are looking for affordable hunting look for ranches and outfitters that do not have web sites, most will only have fax numbers. http://www.natron.net/napha/

Steer clear of high fenced /shooting factories

quote:

Originally posted by invader66:
I have been told by some that #1 should be a plains game hunt not a DGH.

That is bogus. Hunt whatever you want. My first hunt in Africa was for elephant.

I agree with 500grains on this. Hunt whatever you want.

It isn't cool not to be prepared for either type of hunt. And a plains game hunt won't make you a better hunter or shooter on your next trip to Africa a year or more later.

That said, if you intend to do a plains game hunt and a DG hunt, I think it does make sense to do the plains game hunt first. You'll gain experience that will help you relax and enjoy the next hunt even more.

Invader what kind of hunt do you want to go on? Do you want a DG hunt? If you do you really should practice up your shooting skills a bit first. Excuse me if you are up to snuff on all your skills but it sounds like you have been a while out of the woods. If your feel you are rusty at best you maybe should do a plains game hunt prior to doing a dedicated DG hunt. First and formost you could get yourself/tracker/ PH in a world of crap if the first shot is not in the boiler room of a big nasty thing that bites/scratches/gores/mashes/stomps, etc. If on the other hand you are able to find time to get the right rifle, fire it from field positions(a lot), and make sure you can do your part when the PH says "Take him now!" There is no good reason not to do a DG hunt as your first hunt. Remember that the hide you save may be your own. Wiedmansheil. D

I have been out of the woods a while. I have a place to shoot and will shoot several thousand rds between now and then. Thanks to all.

invander66;

I'm a woman hunter and I booked a Buffalo and plainsgame hunt for my first safari. I thought I would only be going one time, so I wanted to be sure I took a buffalo for my 50th birthday. As others say above, I never regretted it, and I came home with some great trophies. That was before I knew how addicting Africa would be.

You will definitely go back, so if your budget doesn't allow DG the first go round, save it for another safari. However, if your budget does allow it...hunt anything and everything you can afford. If you do hunt Buffalo, you'll probably have an opportunity to take at least one plainsgame animal a day anyway!!

Regards, D. Nelson

I'd go after what ever you want. I wouldn't worry about your stalking abilities, that's what you hire the guide for. As D. said, you'll probably be able shoot a plains game animal on a DG hunt. Shoot an impala on the first day, you did your PG hunt, then start going after DG.

Having said all that, I've never been to Africa, but my first hunt there will be a 21 day full bag safari in Tanzania because the two animals on top of my list are lion and elephant. I don't see why I should go for PG when the animal I want more than anything is a lion, Dangerous Game.

I did my first Africa hunt last year for plains game, had so much fun I booked another plains hunt for next season and I am bringing a bunch of friends who have never hunted Africa before. After that, I am all in for a buff hunt.

Invader66,

I tell clients to make a hunt plan to cover what they want to hunt. Many more folks are selling plains game hunts than are selling dangerous game hunts, so you see more plains game hunt offerings. Yes, some hunt both, but this is a numbers game.

Elephant and lion require more time and hence cost, probably 18 days or more.

Leopard is probably going to be a 10 days to 14 days hunt.

Cape buffalo can be five days and up, they are plentiful in the best areas to hunt them.

Plains game hunts are cheaper on the day rate and usually on trophy fees too (unless you run amok and shoot a bunch of expensive animals).

Even if you do say a Cape buff hunt on a shorter basis, you can still hunt some plains game too.

There are other factors. Are there animals you flat want to hunt? Are there areas or regions you want to visit and hunt?

jim