Hello all,

Can anyone recommend a plains game book or 2 for my son before we head to Namibia this June. He has watched ever Tracks across Africa TV show till he has them memorized and his Youtube skills are on point but there is just something about reading about the Dark Continent. It is easy to give him Big 5 books but the plains game books are a bit harder to find. Any of your favorites would be helpful.

ddj

The Perfect Shot has good information on each species, in addition to correct shot placement of course.

There was a book with interviews of various Namibian PH's. I planned to buy it but didn't get around to it. It had an interview with Alan Cilliers who I've hunted with. I think that book whatever it is called would be a good read. And if you figure out what the title is, remind me so I can buy a copy.

I think the book lavaca is referring to is: Ask the Namibian Guides by Diana Rupp, published by Safari Press.

The above referenced book would be excellent for a first time plains game hunter

Trouthunterdj: There is a perfect book for your son entitled “Africa” by Sporting Classics. It’s a collection of 41 short stories, all dealing with African hunting. Of particular interest is a short story entitled “Kopjes and Shallow Graves”. It’s about a father and son hunting with Jan du Plessis at his Sebra Hunting Safari ranch. There’s another short story entitled “The Road to Kamanjab “. It’s about a hunt with Jan’s neighbor and fellow PH Danie Jansen van Vuuren. I shot a trophy Black Wildebeest and Springbok on Danie’s ranch in 2013 and a Blue Wildebeest on Danie’s ranch in 2017.
I highly recommend this book. Jan has a copy at his guest chalet, which is where I first read it. Then I ordered a copy for my home library.

Hannay,

That's the book I was thinking of. Thanks. With respect to Alan, he's had a lot of success on nice elephant. But twenty years ago at least he was dead set against a brain shot for clients.

trouthunterdj,



21 Days in Africa by Donald J. Donarski Jr. a really good plainsgame book. Send me a PM where you want the book sent, your son can keep the book to add to his collection.


Best of luck to you and your son on the hunt.

Kathi,

I am humbled by your offer and by this group.

Thank you,

ddj

I might also suggest some general guide books. Given the variety of animals one runs across, beefing up on all kinds of animals (to me) will only add to the experience.

Two books I really like for general knowledge are:

The Safari Companion by Estes

The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Kingdon


These books are great for understanding habits and social behavior of African animals.

"AFRICAN GAME ANIMALS"
This is a free book offered with subscriptions to AFRICAN HUNTING GAZETTE.
I consider AHG to be the premier, if not premium magazine covering all things hunting in Africa. This would be a great primer for your Son's reading prior to your adventure!!

CheerZ,

Trouthunter,

One other thing you might want to check out is some books on flora and fauna. I have books on birds and trees and shrubs that I review in advance of every trip. They are too bulky to take with, but it's nice to recognize a bird or a tree and not have to ask the PH.

THDJ, see if you can get some of these books on kindle to reduce bulk in carry-ons/suitcases. Of those I have read, Estes, Safari Companion, is compelling as it tells you why the animal is doing what it's doing, e.g. nuzzling another animal.

Regards, Tim

Yep, the Safari Companion is excellent.

quote:

Originally posted by Overland:
The Perfect Shot has good information on each species, in addition to correct shot placement of course.

I agree,.

Agreed. The thing to be careful about is to shoot too high on many of the antelopes.