I lived in several African Countries years back, and hunted too. But I sort of lost track this past decade due to old age.

I read and hear about numerous conditions in the various big game countries. Haven't decided as yet if I will take my Grandson on Safari. But just curious. As starters, for a novice it would be plains game, not dangerou8s big game. Those Buggers could come later.

I know it's a thorny chore to answer but:

How are conditions in the game countries ?

Is there a best abundance of variety recommended ?

I'm a very old timer, experienced traveler overseas for many years so I really don't need any travel, visa, firearms permits etc info.

Whatever I shot I always took a portion home and ate it.

When you are on an extended Safari and take multiple animals what do you do with the meat ? Is it gifted to the locals gratuitously ? Can it be sold to defray costs ?

What trophy's do you bring home ? Only antlers or horns or skin/hide also? How about cost? Is it worth it ?

I know that security is a big question with multiple conditions from country to country.

I'm pretty much out of date, since it has been many years, and I appreciate that this may be some chore to address but do your best.

Thanks.

Hard to go wrong in South Africa or Namibia for a plains game hunt with your grandson. On private ranches the meat is often sold by the ranch owner or fed to staff and on tribal-owned conservancies the meat typically goes to the local people. You can bring home horns and skins but they typically must be shipped later. Depending on the number of animals, dipping, packing and shipping can cost $3,000+

Both Namibia and South Africa are quite safe if you use common sense and follow the advice of your outfitter. Decide what your budget is, what you want to shoot, what type of accommodations you want and if you are okay hunting inside a fence and it will greatly reduce the number of potential outfitters. We just did a conservancy hunt in Namibia last year that was very affordable and offered up a taste of real Africa. I'd say it would be perfect for a grandson. http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/2541008202

If you were there decades ago, the safety issue is a whole different ballgame. Now instead of bush war issues, you have crime. Pretty much like the U.S. If you avoid bad areas and wandering around at night and take simple precautions, you should be safe. More an issue in big cities.

I cannot say anything made me feel unsafe, except the usual mad rush after dark ride from the airport to the accommodations in either Zim or Tanzania, and that was more bad roads and driving faster than I like. SA felt more like the rural US or Canada than say, Mexico. Pretty good roads and rest stops with fast food and everything.

While you get to eat what you want to out of what you shoot, you can't get any of it home. Depending on where you hunt, the meat is all utilized, but a question of by whom. In a ranch setting, it is sold by the operator, in a community concession it goes to the locals, in a wilderness concession, the camp staff and their families utilize it, although some may be saved for other hunters to bait with. You will not get compensated for the meat.

What you get back will be your choice.

If you are shooting culls or nonexportable (more like elephant, so not really your issue) you get nothing.

If it's a trophy animal, you decide skull, horns, back skin, full mount, etc.

You decide if you want to have taxidermy done there or to ship the hide and horns back.

If it's a grandson's first big game animals, you probably will ship them. If so, the dip and pack can be exorbitant, especially in SA. Get multiple quotes. The prices do seem a bit dear to me, but so far I have shipped back everything.

Also, be aware that there have been some substantial changes in how travel works over there in the last 10 years that I have been hunting there...don't think your old experience will be the same, but if you managed then, you know the mindset to deal with it.

1. Conditions in the hunting fields are very safe.

2. Plains game in both South Africa and Namibia are plenty.

3. If you have not travelled with guns for a few years, I suggest you do need the help of a specialist travel agent.

4. You can eat what you shoot, but you cannot take any home.

5. You will not get any pay back for your animals, regardless who uses the meat. Skin and head is yours to take home if you wish.

6. Head, skin, skulls, you can take home.

7. Again, there is no security to worry about at the hunting destination. You can be picked from the airport, driven, or take a flight to the hunting area.

My thanks to all respondents. It goes into the info file.

Shaking out and broiling out leaves Namibia in Dutch homes in open space.

In RSA open space, free range.

Point of clarification: When I said; Bring home meat to eat I meant my homes in Africa, not the USA. It was obviously too much to keep for home consumption as we simply did not have the facilities to keep hundreds of pounds.

You Guys got me pumped again