First hunt?

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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

11 February 2014, 04:13

Jefffive

Folks will likely need more info to be really helpful. Do you want to hunt just buffalo, or buff and plains game? Any particular PG species? Is there a general budget number or is cost immaterial?

11 February 2014, 04:17

D. Nelson

Johnny reb;

I totally agree with Frostbit, your best options and introduction to Africa are Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique.

Besides Royal Kafue, Muchinga is a good one for Zambia, Charlton-McCallum is a good one for Zimbabwe, and Zambezi Delta Safaris is great in Mozambique.

FWIW: Don't let anybody talk you out of doing buffalo on your first safari. Both my husband and I did buff on our first safaris and have been addicted to Africa ever since.

Best regards, D. Nelson

11 February 2014, 04:29

Brice

Listen carefully to D. Nelson. She speaks truth. (Ten safaris, very flat wallet.)

I might take issue with the advice on buff for your first safari. However, it depends on your age, physical and financial condition, available time, etc.

The only real mistake you can make is to stay home.

11 February 2014, 04:39

Johnny reb

Buffalo first and foremost some plains game would be nice particularly roan, and eland. I'm just a poor old pipefitter so I do not have unlimited funds. But I want a quality hunt and that costs so I'm not looking for the cheapest rate I can find I do want a great experience and a chance for a nice representative buffalo or what ever game I have a chance too take. Ithanks for the help if I need too provide more info just let me know what I need too help you help me

11 February 2014, 04:59

Buzz Charlton

Hi Johnny

My first advice to you is be very careful of looking for the cheapest price. We have hunted many clients who intended to only do one buff hunt in their life and booked a cheap safari, failed ,and then saved for years before coming back and booking a proper hunt! When that happens your "cheap " buff hunt ends up been darn expensive!

We have 2 areas that have excellent buff hunting and that offer very different experiences. The Dande in the Zambezi Valley 350 000 acers no fences etc. Very wild and quite tough terrain but great buff hunting. Limited plains game but in a 10 day hunt if you are fit you will get a super old buffalo and +- 4 different plains game species if you work hard at it. Eland are very hard but excellent bushbuck and Kudu.

Then we have access to Hammond in the Save Valley which is part of the 1 million acer conservancy. It "had" a perimeter fence at one stage however alot of that is now non existant so I think you can fairly say that it is completely free range! Buff hunting here is probably the best in the country and there is also good plains game and in particular eland which you are interested in. It is a more expensive hunt then the Valley- you can check out the different prices/ areas on our website www.cmsafaris.com .

Roan is off limits in Zim so you would look at Zambia or North Moz but you will be paying alot more then expected!!! Enjoy the research and preparation of the hunt as it is an important and fun part of the whole experience!! All the best Buzz

11 February 2014, 05:02

Jefffive

quote:
Originally posted by Johnny reb:
Buffalo first and foremost some plains game would be nice particularly roan, and eland. I'm just a poor old pipefitter so I do not have unlimited funds. But I want a quality hunt and that costs so I'm not looking for the cheapest rate I can find I do want a great experience and a chance for a nice representative buffalo or what ever game I have a chance too take. Ithanks for the help if I need too provide more info just let me know what I need too help you help me

Folks far better qualified than I am will give you all the info you can digest over the next couple of days, but I cannot imagine that from the standpoint of experiencing your hunt as well as gathering some very nice trophies you could go wrong with any plan you could put together at Royal Kafue with Andrew Baldry. It seems like he's just allergic to disappointing folks.

11 February 2014, 05:04

Frostbit

quote:
Originally posted by Buzz Charlton:
Hi Johnny

My first advice to you is be very careful of looking for the cheapest price. We have hunted many clients who intended to only do one buff hunt in their life and booked a cheap safari, failed ,and then saved for years before coming back and booking a proper hunt! When that happens your "cheap " buff hunt ends up been darn expensive!

We have 2 areas that have excellent buff hunting and that offer very different experiences. The Dande in the Zambezi Valley 350 000 acers no fences etc. Very wild and quite tough terrain but great buff hunting. Limited plains game but in a 10 day hunt if you are fit you will get a super old buffalo and +- 4 different plains game species if you work hard at it. Eland are very hard but excellent bushbuck and Kudu.

Then we have access to Hammond in the Save Valley which is part of the 1 million acer conservancy. It "had" a perimeter fence at one stage however alot of that is now non existant so I think you can fairly say that it is completely free range! Buff hunting here is probably the best in the country and there is also good plains game and in particular eland which you are interested in. It is a more expensive hunt then the Valley- you can check out the different prices/ areas on our website www.cmsafaris.com .

Roan is off limits in Zim so you would look at Zambia or North Moz but you will be paying alot more then expected!!! Enjoy the research and preparation of the hunt as it is an important and fun part of the whole experience!! All the best Buzz

Very true!!

11 February 2014, 05:11

Guy Whittall

Hi Johnny,

Northern mozambique in the niassa i can help you out for a 7 day buffalo hunt or a 10 day buffalo,sable hunt.

Please send me a pm if this may interest you.

Best
Guy Whittall

11 February 2014, 05:16

Johnny reb

Thanks for replies I see I messed up on wording it looks like I said I want the cheapest hunt . That's not what I meant. I meant too say good hunts will cost and I'm not looking for the cheapest thing I can find. I want too hear about good reputable outfitters and thanks for all the help

11 February 2014, 05:44

Skip Nantz

I have been with CMS and could not imagine having a better outfit....vehicles, camp, food, equipment, knowledge, communications...

Really good people that LOVE to hunt! Just my 2 cents worth.

Warning....you will make a second trip!..third..I'm working on my 5th!

Good luck.....but, you have been warned.

11 February 2014, 05:47

Buzz Charlton

Johnny- I apologies I mis-read your post regards the cost of the hunt- a product of jet lag and been on AR at 4 am on my way home!All the best Buzz

11 February 2014, 06:02

Biebs

Johnny, welcome to AR, and I understood your post....you know a good hunt will not be the cheapest hunt, and you're prepared to pay for a good hunt. Smart move. You may want to peruse the HUNTING REPORTS-AFRICA near the top of the topics page. Most of us post descriptions and photos of our hunts. If you see a hunt of interest, click on the poster's name, and it opens up a menu that allows you to send a private message to the poster if you have questions, want to learn costs, etc.

11 February 2014, 06:05

Biebs

Johnny, by the way, the outfitters that have responded or were mentioned are all solid hunters with great reputations. Although there are photos circulating of Buzz in a diaper, I understand there was a reason for that, and he's one of the best :-)

11 February 2014, 06:40

Frostbit

quote:
Originally posted by Biebs:
Johnny, by the way, the outfitters that have responded or were mentioned are all solid hunts with great reputations. Although there are photos circulating of Buzz in a diaper , I understand there was a reason for that, and he's one of the best :-)

That was cold!! Just cold.

11 February 2014, 06:45

Biebs

Jim, "Cold" is my middle name :-)

11 February 2014, 06:47

pagosawingnut

Damn, Jon!
That was coldhearted, Could you send me the pic?

11 February 2014, 06:48

pagosawingnut

quote:
Originally posted by pagosawingnut:
Damn, Jon!
That was coldhearted. Could you send me the pic?

11 February 2014, 06:50

pagosawingnut

Crap. Now I'm scared. WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD I WANT A PIC OF HIM IN A DIAPER? On second thought, please don't send it. And why would you have it anyway. Now I'm really scared.

11 February 2014, 06:56

jdollar

Jon obviously has strange tastes in photos. space

11 February 2014, 07:16

Frostbit

quote:
Originally posted by Biebs:
Jim, "Cold" is my middle name :-)

Put down the Blaser and slowly back away Darth. It's not too late to fight the dark side. Look what it's doing to you.

11 February 2014, 07:30

Dutch44

Jon:
I took a great buff with Buzz's outfit (although he wasn't wearing a diaper at that time; He was partial to Mankinis) in the Zambezi Valley. Don't be put off by hunting buff on your first hunt. I took a great lion on my first and glad I did. You definitely won't be disappointed.

Dutch

11 February 2014, 07:50

Thierry Labat

Johnny,

CMSafaris is certainly one of the best in the business and you wouldn't go wrong with them. Some others worth considering are Mokore Safaris, Roger Whittal Safaris in Mozambique, Andrew Baldry in Zambia and I could personally also offer you a wonderful buffalo hunt out of Sango, which is also situated in the SAVE. You will also see black rhino, white rhino, elephant, wild dogs and a chance at seeing leopard and lion. Although you won't be hunting them, they are always nice to see?

Have fun doing the research.

11 February 2014, 08:14

crbutler

Any of the mentioned places will get you Buffalo.

I think most will get you Eland as a potential as well.

Roan are much more specialized. You can get one in Zambia of the places mentioned.

Otherwise, to get all three, I think the next option is Tanzania.

Roan are expensive and somewhat rare. I think in Zimbabwe they are considered "Royal" game and not hunted at all. I believe that in Zambia the quota is relatively low and as I recall, more in the northern and western parts of the country. Sable, their relatively close cousin can be shot in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, but again a bit spendy compared to the common plains game- but much more available than Roan.

Quota is also something to remember as well- just because the outfitter lists them does not mean you will be allowed to shoot them- make sure you get a commitment to having your goal species on quota (and what happens if they are not) BTDT.

Keep looking at the choices you have- and if you really want a Roan, make sure that you let the operators know that- because it will make a difference in where you go.

11 February 2014, 08:49

Biebs

You guys have short memories....remember the pix of Buzz' Bachelor Party posted here? :-)

11 February 2014, 09:02

Frostbit

quote:
Originally posted by Biebs:
You guys have short memories....remember the pix of Buzz' Bachelor Party posted here? :-)

See bold…that's why the memory of Buzz in a diaper is short. Now you Vadar seem to be a bit…shall we say…obsessed with the image...

…just sayin'

11 February 2014, 09:13

pagosawingnut

Now I'm really scared!

11 February 2014, 09:22

fairgame

quote:
Originally posted by Johnny reb:
Buffalo first and foremost some plains game would be nice particularly roan, and eland. I'm just a poor old pipefitter so I do not have unlimited funds. But I want a quality hunt and that costs so I'm not looking for the cheapest rate I can find I do want a great experience and a chance for a nice representative buffalo or what ever game I have a chance too take. Ithanks for the help if I need too provide more info just let me know what I need too help you help me

Johnny,

Most countries can offer you Buffalo and as suggested you will need to sift through the Hunting Report Forum in order to view the quality of experience and game. However it will be Zambia that can offer you Roan and options on a plethora of plains game species.

Nowadays you should be looking at a buffalo of age rather than inches like this grand old fellow. Your research is the first step into these dusty horizons so enjoy it.

11 February 2014, 11:13

Thor Kirchner

This guy is still alive! An we have some fine roan!

Also check this thread:
http://forums.accuratereloadin...411063291#1411063291

11 February 2014, 11:23

Todd Williams

Told you there was something wrong with those Blaser boys. Don't turn your back on em! Come to thing about it, Buzz has one as well. Birds of a feather?

11 February 2014, 19:10

Biebs

quote:
Birds of a feather?

quote:
Blaser boys. Don't turn your back on em! Come to thing about it, Buzz has one as well. Birds of a feather?

By Birds of a Feather, you mean great hunters? Yes, most Blaser guys are quite effective with their rifles, and find your double rifle effectiveness test of hitting a 55 gallon drum at 50 meters 3 out of 5 times rather boring :-)

11 February 2014, 20:14

pagosawingnut

11 February 2014, 21:06

Safari2

quote:
Originally posted by Buzz Charlton:
Hi Johnny

My first advice to you is be very careful of looking for the cheapest price. We have hunted many clients who intended to only do one buff hunt in their life and booked a cheap safari, failed ,and then saved for years before coming back and booking a proper hunt! When that happens your "cheap " buff hunt ends up been darn expensive!

We have 2 areas that have excellent buff hunting and that offer very different experiences. The Dande in the Zambezi Valley 350 000 acers no fences etc. Very wild and quite tough terrain but great buff hunting. Limited plains game but in a 10 day hunt if you are fit you will get a super old buffalo and +- 4 different plains game species if you work hard at it. Eland are very hard but excellent bushbuck and Kudu.

Then we have access to Hammond in the Save Valley which is part of the 1 million acer conservancy. It "had" a perimeter fence at one stage however alot of that is now non existant so I think you can fairly say that it is completely free range! Buff hunting here is probably the best in the country and there is also good plains game and in particular eland which you are interested in. It is a more expensive hunt then the Valley- you can check out the different prices/ areas on our website www.cmsafaris.com .

Roan is off limits in Zim so you would look at Zambia or North Moz but you will be paying alot more then expected!!! Enjoy the research and preparation of the hunt as it is an important and fun part of the whole experience!! All the best Buzz

One technical point Buzz..unless someting has changed in the past month ..no roan hunting in Moz. Very much agree with a buff in the valley..did it on my first hunt in 89'..Chewore for buff and at that time had the luxury of plains game at Kennilworth and another area near Bulawayo on a 10 day hunt. Obviously the plains game add on is difficult in Zim these days.

DO THE BUFF on your 1st trip!

11 February 2014, 21:42

fairgame

Well said Safari2.

12 February 2014, 00:44

Roman BGH

I had my first safari last year in Lukwati (Tanzania) 2 buffs + PG. It's one of the wildest areas all over the Africa. Animals never saw people.

http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/2661014291

12 February 2014, 03:37

Johnny reb

Thanks for all the relies

12 February 2014, 05:02

kevin henderson

Johnny Reb,
Welcome to the circus. Lots of good advice given above. Planning your first hunt is so much fun I wish I could do it again! Planning that is... Remember though, you will be going back. It just happens that way.
kh

12 February 2014, 06:22

Todd Williams

quote:
Originally posted by Biebs:
quote:
Birds of a feather?

quote:
Blaser boys. Don't turn your back on em! Come to thing about it, Buzz has one as well. Birds of a feather?

By Birds of a Feather, you mean great hunters? Yes, most Blaser guys are quite effective with their rifles, and find your double rifle effectiveness test of hitting a 55 gallon drum at 50 meters 3 out of 5 times rather boring :-)

Actually, I was referring to the questionable practices of some of you Blaser lovers knowing that your Length of Pull (Biebs) matches your buddy's (Pagosawingnut) inseam measurements! That and the wearing of diapers by grown men and the men that maintain photos of such! Blaser lovers all ... Birds of a feather!

Don't know about 55 gallon drums at 50 meters. Can you link me to that display? Don't remember being a part of that one. Sounds like you and Trax have been hanging out lately in his mom's basement. Did he share his Cheetos with you?

12 February 2014, 11:18

Neil Duckworth

Mokore Safaris operates both the Save Valley and Sengwa areas. Both areas offer excellent buffalo hunts with good camps, PH's etc at a good price. We still have some unsold quota for this year if you're interested. Zimbabwe still offers the best price for quality hunts in Africa. CMS, Whittal Safaris and Theirry Labat are all good operators so good luck.