I swore to my long suffering and patient wife that the April 2016 safari would be my last. The hills and vallies of the Eastern Cape while beautiful were almost too much for an old man with more titanium in his decrepit body than an F16. But that ugly,demonic,addiction that is Africa has raised it's devilish head again. I thought both physicall and financially, the April trip was my last hurrah. I could not and would not even consider returning. But lo and behold my ancient and frail body has begun to respond to a mild exercise plan and this school district from which I retired called me and asked if I wanted to return to work. I agreed given certain provisos all of which impacted my salary negatively. So here is the delemna,the extra money I am making will pay off some bills,give us a financial cushion, and maybe leave enough for me to save foe a 2018 safari. I only want four animals,bush buck and bush pig,RSA, and Harteman's mountain zebra and Kalahari springbok. That is not quite true, I am always hunting wart hogs and the small predators. So my questions are this, (A) ,should I go,and where,and (B) am I being completely selfish and unrealistic ? Thanks for any all advice. Respectfully ,Jerry Hoover

I've regretted buying things but never regretted an experience pursued.

Sounds like you made a previous decision based on logic which is a function of the brain.

Now you're faced with a new decision based on emotions which is a function of the heart.

No one ever wished they'd worked longer or made more money on their death bed. But they always wish they would've experienced more of life.

Life is a one way ticket. Enjoy the trip...

I am thinking one week in RSA and one week in Namibia. Let the suggestions and recommendations begin. My budget is not unlimited, but reasonable. RSA and Namibian outfitters, please reply and help me in my hour of need.

For RSA you have Chris Troskie and Andrew Pringle of Crusader who seem to deliver the goods.

quote:

Originally posted by surefire7:
Sounds like you made a previous decision based on logic which is a function of the brain.

Now you're faced with a new decision based on emotions which is a function of the heart.

No one ever wished they'd worked longer or made more money on their death bed. But they always wish they would've experienced more of life.

Life is a one way ticket. Enjoy the trip...

This!!!

Everytime I come home from Africa I mope around bummed about how much money I spent and how I could have invested it in the market.. blah blah..

It takes about 6 months for my heart to override my brain and I start planning another trip...

We only live once and you can't take it with you!

quote:

Originally posted by Scott Powell:

quote:

Originally posted by surefire7:
Sounds like you made a previous decision based on logic which is a function of the brain.

Now you're faced with a new decision based on emotions which is a function of the heart.

No one ever wished they'd worked longer or made more money on their death bed. But they always wish they would've experienced more of life.

Life is a one way ticket. Enjoy the trip...

This!!!

Everytime I come home from Africa I mope around bummed about how much money I spent and how I could have invested it in the market.. blah blah..

It takes about 6 months for my heart to override my brain and I start planning another trip...

We only live once and you can't take it with you!

My wife made me "promise" my cape buff trip this Sept would be the only trip to africa I ever ask her about. Little does she know.....
I'm slowly making a hunter out of her, so hoping she gets infected with the same "bug" I have.

I decided a while back that when I look back on my life I want to say "I did", not "I should have".

Do it.

quote:

Originally posted by FFemtRN5287:

quote:

Originally posted by Scott Powell:

quote:

Originally posted by surefire7:
Sounds like you made a previous decision based on logic which is a function of the brain.

Now you're faced with a new decision based on emotions which is a function of the heart.

No one ever wished they'd worked longer or made more money on their death bed. But they always wish they would've experienced more of life.

Life is a one way ticket. Enjoy the trip...

This!!!

Everytime I come home from Africa I mope around bummed about how much money I spent and how I could have invested it in the market.. blah blah..

It takes about 6 months for my heart to override my brain and I start planning another trip...

We only live once and you can't take it with you!

My wife made me "promise" my cape buff trip this Sept would be the only trip to africa I ever ask her about. Little does she know.....
I'm slowly making a hunter out of her, so hoping she gets infected with the same "bug" I have.

Brandon,

A chap on this site did the same and now his wife has decided on a Sitatunga hunt. Guess who will be paying for that?

Really? Me thinks you're asking the wrong crew if you want unbiased opinion...

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Originally posted by FFemtRN5287:

quote:

Originally posted by Scott Powell:

quote:

Originally posted by surefire7:
Sounds like you made a previous decision based on logic which is a function of the brain.

Now you're faced with a new decision based on emotions which is a function of the heart.

No one ever wished they'd worked longer or made more money on their death bed. But they always wish they would've experienced more of life.

Life is a one way ticket. Enjoy the trip...

This!!!

Everytime I come home from Africa I mope around bummed about how much money I spent and how I could have invested it in the market.. blah blah..

It takes about 6 months for my heart to override my brain and I start planning another trip...

We only live once and you can't take it with you!

My wife made me "promise" my cape buff trip this Sept would be the only trip to africa I ever ask her about. Little does she know.....
I'm slowly making a hunter out of her, so hoping she gets infected with the same "bug" I have.

Brandon,

A chap on this site did the same and now his wife has decided on a Sitatunga hunt. Guess who will be paying for that?

That'd be fine by me! She's the CFO in the house, anyway. Any and all major purchases go through her. Just got her a trap shotgun the other day, I think I'm making progress!

quote:

Originally posted by FFemtRN5287:

quote:

Originally posted by Scott Powell:

quote:

Originally posted by surefire7:
Sounds like you made a previous decision based on logic which is a function of the brain.

Now you're faced with a new decision based on emotions which is a function of the heart.

No one ever wished they'd worked longer or made more money on their death bed. But they always wish they would've experienced more of life.

Life is a one way ticket. Enjoy the trip...

This!!!

Everytime I come home from Africa I mope around bummed about how much money I spent and how I could have invested it in the market.. blah blah..

It takes about 6 months for my heart to override my brain and I start planning another trip...

We only live once and you can't take it with you!

My wife made me "promise" my cape buff trip this Sept would be the only trip to africa I ever ask her about. Little does she know.....
I'm slowly making a hunter out of her, so hoping she gets infected with the same "bug" I have.

I once told MsAZW that I thinking of going lion hunting. She said, "So why don't you go?"

I told her because it was a lot of money and I might not get one.

Her reply: "Well, then you just go again!"

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:

quote:

Originally posted by FFemtRN5287:

quote:

Originally posted by Scott Powell:

quote:

Originally posted by surefire7:
Sounds like you made a previous decision based on logic which is a function of the brain.

Now you're faced with a new decision based on emotions which is a function of the heart.

No one ever wished they'd worked longer or made more money on their death bed. But they always wish they would've experienced more of life.

Life is a one way ticket. Enjoy the trip...

This!!!

Everytime I come home from Africa I mope around bummed about how much money I spent and how I could have invested it in the market.. blah blah..

It takes about 6 months for my heart to override my brain and I start planning another trip...

We only live once and you can't take it with you!

My wife made me "promise" my cape buff trip this Sept would be the only trip to africa I ever ask her about. Little does she know.....
I'm slowly making a hunter out of her, so hoping she gets infected with the same "bug" I have.

I once told MsAZW that I thinking of going lion hunting. She said, "So why don't you go?"

I told her because it was a lot of money and I might not get one.

Her reply: "Well, then you just go again!"

Classic and I hope you kept that one?

Usually you keep that kind of wife.
My wife says the same thing as long as she can go too.....and it is to a "nice" place......

Here is how it goes at my house
" I think a buff hunt on Zim would be nice"

Wife, "When do we leave?"

Before I booked my current trip I was seriously considering Jan du Plessis, Sebra Hunting Safaris. When I go to Namibia, I am confident this will be my choice. http://www.sebrahunt.com/

never say a man on his deathbed say that he was sorry he went ane did this or that, but only saw those who said he wish he had done it

Go. No one wins the fight with father time.

Asking a question like I did on AR is preaching to the choir. Seriously, my wonderful wife has indulged me in my wild hairs more often then not. This one will probably be a GO if presented in the proper fashion. I work two jobs in addition to my retirement resources, so that may give me the leverage needed. Are there any honest and ethical hunters out there who would consider coming along? I have hunted RSA twice and know of good reputable outfitters. My Namibian outfitter is no longer hunting, but I have corresponded with several reputable outfitters and options are available. Hunting 2 on 1 is not something I would prefer to do,but ,my wants are small and I am flexible. Jerry Hoover

And if you do not go....just what do you plan to do with that time?

Good point! I have no clue! Jerry Hoover

I will tell a story that might be how it all turns out.

I have lots of zebra rugs.

So many that I have given them away to family and friends.

They all say to me, they are beautiful, but will they wear out?

I always say, sure they will. I tell them that everything wears out, including you and me.

But I always add that the great thing about zebras is that there are so many of them, so amazingly many, that you can always go back and shoot another one - as long as you can manage to find the health and time and money to go back and shoot another one. (I am getting old enough that I can say such things and make them seem wistful, and even poignant.)

Still, I have to admit, to anyone who cares to know, that I don't think I would go back one last time for a zebra. Pretty sure I would just let the rugs wear out.

I think I would only go back one last time for a buffalo.

I could be wrong. Who knows?

It's just something that I think about.

Go! I've always wondered what leaving at the end of the last safari would be like. That's why there will never be an admitted last safari for me.

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Robinson:
I will tell a story that might be how it all turns out.

I have lots of zebra rugs.

So many that I have given them away to family and friends.

They all say to me, they are beautiful, but will they wear out?

I always say, sure they will. I tell them that everything wears out, including you and me.

But I always add that the great thing about zebras is that there are so many of them, so amazingly many, that you can always go back and shoot another one - as long as you can manage to find the health and time and money to go back and shoot another one. (I am getting old enough that I can say such things and make them seem wistful, and even poignant.)

Still, I have to admit, to anyone who cares to know, that I don't think I would go back one last time for a zebra. Pretty sure I would just let the rugs wear out.

I think I would only go back one last time for a buffalo.

I could be wrong. Who knows?

It's just something that I think about.

Mike,

I hunted an elderly chap many years ago who told me then that it was his last safari. When he turned 80 he jumped on a plane and came to hunt buffalo. Not really sure if that was his last hunt?

This chap busted up his leg in an elephant hole and then had to use a walking stick and still he went on. I would send my trackers out to find the buff first and we would cut the distance with a car. We would then hobble him up for the shot. Now and again he would rest on a tree stump and smoke a cigar and have a chat.

Where there is a will there is a way my friend.

Jerry,

Please go and have a great hunt. Our last hunt will come soon enough, don't ever say this is my last hunt. Keep planning another.

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:

quote:

Originally posted by FFemtRN5287:

quote:

Originally posted by Scott Powell:

quote:

Originally posted by surefire7:
Sounds like you made a previous decision based on logic which is a function of the brain.

Now you're faced with a new decision based on emotions which is a function of the heart.

No one ever wished they'd worked longer or made more money on their death bed. But they always wish they would've experienced more of life.

Life is a one way ticket. Enjoy the trip...

This!!!

Everytime I come home from Africa I mope around bummed about how much money I spent and how I could have invested it in the market.. blah blah..

It takes about 6 months for my heart to override my brain and I start planning another trip...

We only live once and you can't take it with you!

My wife made me "promise" my cape buff trip this Sept would be the only trip to africa I ever ask her about. Little does she know.....
I'm slowly making a hunter out of her, so hoping she gets infected with the same "bug" I have.

I once told MsAZW that I thinking of going lion hunting. She said, "So why don't you go?"

I told her because it was a lot of money and I might not get one.

Her reply: "Well, then you just go again!"

Classic and I hope you kept that one?

I kept her and while I didn't go on that particular hunt, I did book later with that outfitter (Samaras).

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:
Mike,

I hunted an elderly chap many years ago who told me then that it was his last safari. When he turned 80 he jumped on a plane and came to hunt buffalo. Not really sure if that was his last hunt?

This chap busted up his leg in an elephant hole and then had to use a walking stick and still he went on. I would send my trackers out to find the buff first and we would cut the distance with a car. We would then hobble him up for the shot. Now and again he would rest on a tree stump and smoke a cigar and have a chat.

Where there is a will there is a way my friend.

I like his style! But I'm still pretty far from having to plan my last hunt, God willing. Just something I think about from time to time, and this post rekindled it.

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:
I once told MsAZW that I thinking of going lion hunting. She said, "So why don't you go?"

I told her because it was a lot of money and I might not get one.

Her reply: "Well, then you just go again!"

I hope she didn't suggest you hunt that lion with a pocket knife, did she?

...................................................................

................

While I can understand going back, perhaps you should take that windfall and try something new, like New Zealand. You can get a direct flight from IAH and Mama will be happy visiting the land of the Kiwis.

quote:

Originally posted by MacD37:

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:
I once told MsAZW that I thinking of going lion hunting. She said, "So why don't you go?"

I told her because it was a lot of money and I might not get one.

Her reply: "Well, then you just go again!"

I hope she didn't suggest you hunt that lion with a pocket knife, did she?

...................................................................

................

I keep telling her I will probably die violently; she doesn't find that very funny.

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Robinson:
But I always add that the great thing about zebras is that there are so many of them, so amazingly many, that you can always go back and shoot another one - as long as you can manage to find the health and time and money to go back and shoot another one. (I am getting old enough that I can say such things and make them seem wistful, and even poignant.)

^Perfect! I like that so much that I'm going to steal it and use it! Imitation is most definitely not the sincerest form of flattery, Mike...plagiarism is!

I absolutely hope that while planning my last hunt...I won't know it's my last hunt.

quote:

Originally posted by jjbull:
Before I booked my current trip I was seriously considering Jan du Plessis, Sebra Hunting Safaris. When I go to Namibia, I am confident this will be my choice. http://www.sebrahunt.com/

Wise choice of Sebra. I head back for my fourth trip with Jan this April 2017.

Its called ADDICTION..yes your are selfish, less than thoughtfull, end of story...but go anyway if you must! I know this is what you want to hear greedy boy!!!

quote:

Originally posted by Atkinson:
Its called ADDICTION..yes your are selfish, less than thoughtfull, end of story...but go anyway if you must! I know this is what you want to hear greedy boy!!!

It has nothing to do with being selfish at all.

If one wants something, and he can afford it, go for it.

Enjoy life while you can, as one never knows when his number is up.

After that nothing is worth a penny.