Best Lion Hunting available?

16 July 2017, 18:34

Aaron Rust

Where would you say is the best Lion Hunting available today? Let me define... big maned lions in wide open country. Not considering accessibility and political climate. It is on my bucket list. Then considering accessibility and political climate where is the best considering that?
Aaron

16 July 2017, 19:25

samir

I would have to say Zambia then Tanzania.

16 July 2017, 20:52

MARK H. YOUNG

Aaron,

Your only limiting factors are budget and the current situation with US, F&W not issuing import permits. Basically all of Southern Africa with the exception of Botswana offers some very good wild lion hunting. My first choice would be Zambia for the overall experience. Shoot me a PM if you'd like to discuss this further.

Mark

16 July 2017, 22:31

Bwana Bunduki

Cost is a big factor from location to location.

16 July 2017, 22:36

larryshores

I am sitting in the Bubye Valley Conservancy right now. This place is absolutely loaded with lions.

16 July 2017, 22:50

Aaron Neilson

Aaron, from a guy who's hunted wild lions more than almost anyone - ever, here's my advice.

1. Determine your budget? That is your biggest limiting factor.

2. What you want can still be had in Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

3. But listen, each country is a BIG PLACE - if you want a chance at a FULL MANED lion I would be very careful about where I went and who with? Big manes are all about genetic location, period! Is there exceptions to every rule, yes? But the for the most part - mane quality is specific to genetic location.

As you know, at this moment you can't import the lion - whether that matters or not is up to you? Frankly, Lion hunting is much greater than just the trophy. I expect you'll love it.

I'm very certain I've booked more wild lion hunts for clients than any other agent in the past 15 years, but don't mistake that for a guarantee with me or anyone else. I've personally hunted lions as a hunting client 20 times, killing 15 lions (75% success). I would honestly expect that to be above average / lucky! Plus I've been with numerous clients on their lion hunts, and guided a successful lion hunt in Tanzania too. A big, full maned lion is one of the world's greatest trophies - and frankly just as difficult to get.

Make the right decision and you'll likely get everything you want out of the hunt, but go to the wrong place / wrong outfitter, and most likely you'll be disappointed.

Good luck!!!

16 July 2017, 23:00

larryshores

Amen to that. I have dropped six figures and came home without even seeing a lion. That sucks.

16 July 2017, 23:08

Frostbit

quote:
Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:
Aaron, from a guy who's hunted wild lions more than almost anyone - ever, here's my advice.

1. Determine your budget? That is your biggest limiting factor.

2. What you want can still be had in Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

3. But listen, each country is a BIG PLACE - if you want a chance at a FULL MANED lion I would be very careful about where I went and who with? Big manes are all about genetic location, period! Is there exceptions to every rule, yes? But the for the most part - mane quality is specific to genetic location.

As you know, at this moment you can't import the lion - whether that matters or not is up to you? Frankly, Lion hunting is much greater than just the trophy. I expect you'll love it.

I'm very certain I've booked more wild lion hunts for clients than any other agent in the past 15 years, but don't mistake that for a guarantee with me or anyone else. I've personally hunted lions as a hunting client 20 times, killing 15 lions (75% success). I would honestly expect that to be above average / lucky! Plus I've been with numerous clients on their lion hunts, and guided a successful lion hunt in Tanzania too. A big, full maned lion is one of the world's greatest trophies - and frankly just as difficult to get.

Make the right decision and you'll likely get everything you want out of the hunt, but go to the wrong place / wrong outfitter, and most likely you'll be disappointed.

Good luck!!!

Total truth!

______________________
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Hunt Reports

2015 His & Her Leopards with Derek Littleton of Luwire Safaris - http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/2971090112
2015 Trophy Bull Elephant with CMS http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/1651069012
DIY Brooks Range Sheep Hunt 2013 - http://forums.accuratereloadin...901038191#9901038191
Zambia June/July 2012 with Andrew Baldry - Royal Kafue http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/7971064771
Zambia Sept 2010- Muchinga Safaris http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/4211096141
Namibia Sept 2010 - ARUB Safaris http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6781076141

16 July 2017, 23:22

Aaron Rust

what would you all think about maneless lion in West Africa? it has neither big manes nor political stability... but like Burkina Faso?

16 July 2017, 23:27

Bama15

I don't see how anywhere can have more big MGM lions than the Bubye. Every day we saw several lions that would be trophies in most places.

17 July 2017, 01:14

samir

If your looking at West Africa get with Caracal. I pretty sure he can set you up in Benin or Cameroon.

17 July 2017, 02:02

Frostbit

quote:
Originally posted by Aaron Rust:
what would you all think about maneless lion in West Africa? it has neither big manes nor political stability... but like Burkina Faso?

Different kind of Lion hunt from what I gathered from folks who have done it.

Historically cheaper, but I would prefer Zambia, Mozambique, or Zimbabwe.

Your mileage may vary.

Jim

17 July 2017, 10:24

fulvio

quote:
Big manes are all about genetic location, period! Is there exceptions to every rule, yes? But the for the most part - mane quality is specific to genetic location.

The mane-less or punk lions from the Selous come to mind; its not therefore related to a Lion being 5, 7 or 11 years old.

17 July 2017, 19:42

fairgame

Some great Lion coming out of Zambia what with the new restrictions and restricted quotas.

Just received a photo of a brute with 26 inch skull taken in the Kafue.

In Zambia you have a very high chance of taking a free range trophy Lion. Your best trophies are still coming out of Tanzania but chances are much slimmer.

Find someone who will offer you a two tier price.

18 July 2017, 04:06

Aaron Neilson

quote:
Originally posted by Aaron Rust:
what would you all think about maneless lion in West Africa? it has neither big manes nor political stability... but like Burkina Faso?

Aaron, places like BF can be an awesome hunt - just know you'll NOT shoot a big maned lion! But what an experience it would / could be!!! I have some awesome west African hunts for lion, but just know what you are getting pal - that's all. Frankly, I think its one of the best lion hunts still remaining in Africa.