quote:

Originally posted by Ske1eter:
On two different trips to RSA, we've hunted both small farms (5000 acres) to large reserves (100,000 acres). If you think 5000 acres is small, get your butt out and start walking/stalking and tell me afterwards that it was like shooting fish in a barrel. Sure the animals have preferred areas just like deer do to a particular feed plot but that doesn't guarantee that you will get within comfortable shooting distance. Besides, you're taking on an animal in it's natural habitat.

Saying this, if you happen across one of the critters that happen to be near a border fence, then there's not much you can do about that. If you feel it's not very sporting then pass on the shot. If you feel that it's still free chase, as certain animals are very territorial and won't leave the area meaning that the border fence really has no play in restricting the animal's movement, then take it with clear conscience. (A buddy had this happen with a mountain reedbuck that wouldn't leave even though it was near a property boundary.)

All told, it's what you feel comfortable with.

I've not felt guilty about anything that I've shot from the ground, the vehicle, various properties large and small, etc. If I did, I'd tell my PH that I don't want to hunt that way and I have confidence that he'd honor my wishes.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
I get the impression that at least some people try to judge how well a hunt has gone by how hard it was to shoot the animal.

Isn't hunting supposed to be the whole experience, rather than how hard or easy it is?
That thumbs up deal.
I have chased an animal for days, and never set eyes on him.

I have seen animal while driving, jumped out of the truck and shot them.

Does that degrade the safari experience?

Not as far as I am concerned.

quote:

Originally posted by jdollar:

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Originally posted by BNagel:
In the day of cell phones, digital everything and instant food, the idea that Africa has stood stock-still, waiting for nostalgic professional small boys of every other continent to experience what the old time adventurers wrote of is -- unlikely. I read Outdoor Life, etc. as a boy in Africa, missing out on the opportunity that some of my missionary friends enjoyed of African fishing and hunting. Did I want to live the dreams held therein? Yes. Did I believe it still exists? No.

Safari hunting is what it is, wherever you find it. I have made three small trips, because of money. Others on this forum can afford the whole magilla, and do so regularly. Their hunting reports tell me what's real, and the old safari books tell me what USED TO BE (real).

Enjoy the experience(s) offered today, but know that just as whitetail hunting has been turned into commercialized agriculture in certain regions, with ear tags and price tags to match, so African hunting will follow according to market dictates. I'm just happy to be allowed to participate...

2 cents there

Barry

One has only to look at the hunt reports to find the real deal.

Personally I would love to hunt a Gemsbok in Namibia if just for the location and scenery.

Thorn and thicket gets a bit monotonous after a while.

Andrew, if you want to experience something different(i.e.- the real deal), i would suggest a Cameroon, self guided portered foot safari. for absolute certain it will be a WHOLE different safari experience. not a Land Cruiser in sight after you are dropped off at the village jumping off point!

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:


I have seen animal while driving, jumped out of the truck and shot them.



Not as far as I am concerned.