Happy New Year everyone. A friend of mine was asking me about hunting Zim this morning and I started rambling on about the SDN list, land seizures, etc. I've been following the situation there for ten years, so it all makes perfect sense to me, but I don't think I explained it very well. Does anyone know of an article or forum post that sums everything up?

It is a rather large summary, but get hold of a copy of Peter Stiff's "Cry Zimbabwe."
Electronic DDC20: 355.496
Especially recommended reading for all rabid socialists and liberals.

The dedication is really poignant, "For those who died and those who cried."

He should read as much as he can, certainly. Yet in a day or a week or a month so much can change. Such is the volatility of the place. Best to have several contingency plans, IMO.

Have you been following the situation HERE?

1. Choose a reputable operator that is a member of the Zim PH association.
2. Check references
3. Practice shooting with the actual rifle and ammo you will use, off sticks, until you can hit an orange at 75 yds every time.
4. Practice walking in the same boots and socks you will hunt in, in hot weather, until you can walk 4 hours straight without getting blisters.
5. Enjoy.

quote:

Originally posted by Russ Gould:
1. Choose a reputable operator that is a member of the Zim PH association.
2. Check references
3. Practice shooting with the actual rifle and ammo you will use, off sticks, until you can hit an orange at 75 yds every time.
4. Practice walking in the same boots and socks you will hunt in, in hot weather, until you can walk 4 hours straight without getting blisters.
5. Enjoy.

Load and shoot the rifle with the loads you intend to carry. Load it the way you intend to carry it. eg full magazine. Don't want to practice by single loading and find it doesn't feed from the mag or the rifle dumps all the rounds on your toes when you fire it.

This sums up everything you need to know about Zimbabwe.

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED. THINGS NEVER GO AS PLANNED. IT IS USUALLY NOT DIFFICULT TO STRAIGHTEN THINGS OUT OR MAKE ANOTHER PLAN, UNLESS YOU MAKE IT DIFFICULT. DON'T APPLY YOUR FIRST WORLD STANDARDS OF DOING THINGS TO ZIMBABWE. SMILE, BE POLITE, BE PATIENT, TRY TO GET ALONG. ZIMBABWIANS ARE GENERALLY HONEST AND HARD WORKING AND WILL USUALLY DO THEIR BEST TO GIVE YOU A GOOD HUNTING/TRAVELING EXPERIENCE.

quote:

Originally posted by Muletrain:
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED. THINGS NEVER GO AS PLANNED. IT IS USUALLY NOT DIFFICULT TO STRAIGHTEN THINGS OUT OR MAKE ANOTHER PLAN, UNLESS YOU MAKE IT DIFFICULT.

Application in field of Murphy'sv laws, if I can say

Thanks guys. What I was really looking for was more of a concise summary of the high points. For example, is there a list anywhere of the names of all of the ranches that were seized that American's can't hunt on?

That is more difficult than it sounds. They published a comprehensive list initially. Subsequently, there have been revisions to the list. I am not sure if a single comprehensive list currently exists. From what I saw, there were multiple lists.

I think if your friend is contemplating a safari in Zimbabwe he really doesn't need to know all the ins and outs of the ongoing political situation there. As others have basically said he should book with a reputable safari operator with a long track record and he'll have a good time. A very high quality seamless experience can be had in Zimbabwe.

Fretting about the politics is non productive. Africa is Africa and probably will be in a state of flux far beyond my years.

Mark

Work with a good agent that knows the area. There are many posting here. Try doing it all on your own and you will be disappointed.

quote:

Originally posted by talentrec:
Happy New Year everyone. A friend of mine was asking me about hunting Zim this morning and I started rambling on about the SDN list, land seizures, etc. I've been following the situation there for ten years, so it all makes perfect sense to me, but I don't think I explained it very well. Does anyone know of an article or forum post that sums everything up?

Also, tell your friend to do his research as well. This is a the best place to start.

quote:

posted 02 January 2014 23:23Hide Post
Thanks guys. What I was really looking for was more of a concise summary of the high points. For example, is there a list anywhere of the names of all of the ranches that were seized that American's can't hunt on?

Any ranch that was seized is not worth hunting on, and a reputable ZIM PH/outfitter is not going to take you to such a ranch. Can't say the same for RSA PHs unfortunately. Stick to the govt (ie Parks) concessions, communal areas a second choice with limited species; or if you want to hunt private land the choices are pretty limited to the ranches in Lemco (Bubye), Save (depending on what transpires), and one or two others that are still standing (Collet comes to mind).

Top three rules to remember:

1. Book with a reputable outfit.
2. See Rule 1.
3. See Rule 1.

If you do those three things you will have a wonderful time, be assured that your trophies make it home promptly, meet some quality people that you will enjoy and save some pocket change over other possible venues. Check out Charlton McCallum, Chifuti, Mokore, Martin Pieters, that would be a great start. Save the politics for a discussion over a scotch around the fire.

quote:

Top three rules to remember:1. Book with a reputable outfit.2. See Rule 1.3. See Rule 1.If you do those three things you will have a wonderful time, be assured that your trophies make it home promptly, meet some quality people that you will enjoy and save some pocket change over other possible venues. Check out Charlton McCallum, Chifuti, Mokore, Martin Pieters, that would be a great start. Save the politics for a discussion over a scotch around the fire.

Mike

Have a look at the two books on kindle titled A Short Safari Adventure among Africa's Thorny Bushveld Wildlife. Covers preparation and hunting.