quote:

Originally posted by jetdrvr:
I traveled to and worked in Africa from '87 until '98. What I saw during several of those years was enough to gag a maggot.

I only did my first hunt in 2005. It was a revelation to me to discover that one could actually enjoy himself there, and I followed up that RSA PG hunt with two buff hunts.

I've probably done my last hunt there, retirement income being what it is, but I would like to go back.

Hunting buff is one of the most gratifying experiences I've ever had.

But if I don't return, I'll live with it.

My only regret is that I didn't start hunting there earlier when I could ride international carriers for free, back during the early and middle 90's, when safaris were a lot cheaper.

I have an ex-hunting buddy who spends a fortune hunting Saskatchewan whitetail and Mexican mulies every year. He did a black bear float trip to Alaska. He went to Africa once, a PG trip to Zim with a mutual friend.

I have repeatedly told him how rewarding a DG hunt is, but, truth be told, he just lacks the intestinal fortitude to take on old blackie on his own turf.

He'd rather sit in a tree stand in minus twenty F waiting for a big Canadian buck to walk out, than stalk buff in the thorn.

And I think he is so far out of his comfort zone, with all those black faces all around, the strange customs, the totally different experience that is Africa, that he will never return. Like some have said, different strokes.

I've hunted Saskatchewan twice and Manitoba once, and I absolutely love it because of the beauty of the places and the quality of the animals, but IMHO, nothing much in the hunting world compares to stalking a dugga boy in thick thorn in Kitiangare over dry leaves, with the ninjas all around you, carefully watching every step, knowing you can get blindsided at any moment, and making a good shot, bringing the experience to a very satisfying conclusion. In the world of hunting, it just doesn't get any better than that. For me, anyway.

I have an intense love/hate relationship with Africa that will never be fully reconciled. But if I got lucky and made a pile of cash, I know where I would spend a batch of it. I'd be on the phone to Wendell the second the check cleared.

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And I think he is so far out of his comfort zone, with all those black faces all around, the strange customs, the totally different experience that is Africa, that he will never return. Like some have said, different strokes.

quote:

Originally posted by pinotguy:
So I've been thinking about this for a few days now and I started a similar thread on another forum that isn't as "Africa-centric".

Are there any members here, or does anyone know of someone, who has NO desire to hunt Africa (provided they are physically able)? Even physical handicaps are less of an excuse these days since there are quite a few outfitters who are able and willing to accommodate those hunters who have physical ailments. If the answer to either of the above questions is "Yes", then why?

To me, Africa is the ultimate hunting destination. Over time though, I have met people (who are die-hard hunters) that have absolutely zero desire to travel to Africa, much less try and hunt there. When questioned as to why not, I've received a lot of the standard, canned responses - "It's too expensive", "It's too dangerous ", "It's so far away", yada, yada, yada.

This thread is not meant to be a criticism or a commentary on those who do not wish to hunt Africa. Certainly there are people to whom Africa holds no appeal. I am simply interested in hearing the reasons as to "WHY".

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:

quote:

And I think he is so far out of his comfort zone, with all those black faces all around, the strange customs, the totally different experience that is Africa, that he will never return. Like some have said, different strokes.

I love Africa and go every opportunity I get!!! But...I will have to say...being under the control of blacks and surrounded by 1000's of blacks at times that all look at you like they were seeing you dead and robbed is unsettling to me.

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I presume you are referring to Buffalo?

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Originally posted by ledvm:

quote:

And I think he is so far out of his comfort zone, with all those black faces all around, the strange customs, the totally different experience that is Africa, that he will never return. Like some have said, different strokes.

I love Africa and go every opportunity I get!!! But...I will have to say...being under the control of blacks and surrounded by 1000's of blacks at times that all look at you like they were seeing you dead and robbed is unsettling to me.

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Lane, I enjoy reading you posts much of the time but I find this one unsettling.