Hey Guys-

Not that anyone really cares but. . .

I have been trying to organize "One last Safari"
for fall 2023. I wanted to do; Maasailand-Moz and Chifunda in Zambia.

I'm 61, extremely healthy and still actively riding and racing bicycles. I'm "mostly" retried, working 2-3 days a week for the PE that bought my company. So health isn't an issue.

Here's the rub. Every time I go through the mental checklist of; the ridiculous process of exporting guns, The insane ammo counting exercise in Tanzania, The trophy fees the dipping and shipping and finally the Taxidermy.

The cost is part of it, the complexity in travel with guns is the other. I figure by the time everything is home, mounted and the Safari is 100% behind me, I'm well into 6 figures.

Even if I could afford that, I don't have that gut burning passion that drove me years ago.

For that same 6 figures, I can go to South America a couple times a year, for the rest of my life.

Face it, it's a combination of greedy outfitters, shipping agents, airlines and predatory government firearm policies that have done it. They have effectively killed the Golden Goose.

Example, back in 2004-2010, I hunted Zambia pretty much every year. I used Muchinga. Laura handled all the logistics back then. I simply gave her rifle & passport info and showed up in Lusaka. Laura had me through the airport, both coming and going in minutes.

My last trip through Dar, I had my fishing buddy Ralph with me. He was in utter disbelief at the process of getting guns and ammo from Phoenix, to Camp and back. I have ZERO interest in camp guns, I have ZERO interest in leaving trophies behind. I've killed pretty much everything anyway. Ethiopia is out, I was booked in 2012 with Nassau's and cancelled due to the tripling of fees. So I guess Africa is in my rear-view mirror with no regrets. Its been fantastic.

Anyone else in this same mindset?

Steve,
You can avoid the bothersome aspects of international travel and just drive over to Texas and hunt exotics and stay in a nice lodge where people still speak English.
There may be an animal or two that you have not yet hunted.
Fortunately my two kids and one grandson still want to hunt with me occasionally here in the USA.

quote:

Originally posted by crshelton:
Steve,
You can avoid the bothersome aspects of international travel and just drive over to Texas and hunt exotics and stay in a nice lodge where people still speak English.
There may be an animal or two that you have not yet hunted.

That's absolutely on the table. There's so much to do right here in America still.

I also understand that there are many guys on AR who don't have the other interests that I do.

I'm even thinking about selling two of my three DR's and all the reloading stuff. My 500NE LARM is a legacy rifle and I'll keep it and let my wife deal with it when I'm gone.

Agree with everything you said, been hunting North America the last 5 years. Been to my favorite place East Africa many times and had the time of my life, but like you I'm sick of the whole situation. The Golden Goose is now dead, I might try to go one more time but this bullshit has taken the joy out of it, and what a shame that is, I wish everyone could enjoy what I did. To me at least, the future looks bleak.
The day's of a ice cold Tusker after a hard days hunt look like they are behind me

I am 58, healthy, and decently fit as well. I still love going…but the sheer hassle of getting there with my guns does it for me.

I went for a month this summer. Am on the fence about ever going through that hassle again. My hunt was excellent. Just hate the BS.

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:
I am 58, healthy, and decently fit as well. I still love going…but the sheer hassle of getting there with my guns does it for me.

I went for a month this summer. Am on the fence about ever going through that hassle again. My hunt was excellent. Just hate the BS.

Don't get me wrong, I still like to go. But weighing the enjoyment/hassle factor, I'm not that interested.

Use a camp gun and just take photos. You can take everything you need in one carry-on bag except for a knife. No firearms hassle, no luggage hassle, no dip, pak, import, export or taxidermy hassles or expenses. Just enjoy the hunt and your photos later.

If one wants to makes excuses, one can of course.

But, if one really wants to hunt, Tanzania is still one of the best places for it.

Going through customs with guns was a breeze. Everyone was very helpful and friendly.

We are in Tanzania right now, and having an absolutely fantastic time.

Next year already booked.

quote:

Originally posted by GunsCore:
Use a camp gun and just take photos. You can take everything you need in one carry-on bag except for a knife. No firearms hassle, no luggage hassle, no dip, pak, import, export or taxidermy hassles or expenses. Just enjoy the hunt and your photos later.

Not sure if you caught it in my OP, Not interested in either camp guns or shooting stuff and taking its picture, leaving it.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
If one wants to makes excuses, one can of course.

But, if one really wants to hunt, Tanzania is still one of the best places for it.

Going through customs with guns was a breeze. Everyone was very helpful and friendly.


We are in Tanzania right now, and having an absolutely fantastic time.

Next year already booked.

Excuses? Really?

You must be joking if you cannot see the difference between our situations.

Steve,
I don't disagree. I love Africa. I love going, I love the hunting - but the hassles are wearing me out. I hunt with one PH primarily with a couple of others at times, as I trust these men and have not been let down by them. I will go back, but dread the non-hunting hassles.

I would go to Alaska or Canada but have been fleeced a couple of times in each place. Granted, there are great outfits in both places and I have found the only one I trust in Canada, but am yet get 100% settled on Alaska for hunting. I have been to Alaska three times, one was a total mess, one was a 50% mess and the other was ok, but barely.

I would go back but would need an outfit/guide that will tell me the truth about an area and then "make it happen". I ask for no garauntees but really would like to actually see the prey we seek at least once.

So, now that I am in Texas with NM and CO nearby, I may start staying home more and traveling less.

Until Africa calls again....

Steve, Ross, I think we're in the same boat. I love hunting Africa...the rifles, the game, the environment. I'm certainly glad I got to go when I did, and as many times as I did, but I think I'm over it. The dollar has increase strongly in recent times, but do you see any cost reductions in hunts, trophy fees, etc? Flight issues, gun issues, disease issues, terrorist issues, trophy import issues....it's just not worth it, at least not to me.

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Ahrenberg:

quote:

Originally posted by GunsCore:
Use a camp gun and just take photos. You can take everything you need in one carry-on bag except for a knife. No firearms hassle, no luggage hassle, no dip, pak, import, export or taxidermy hassles or expenses. Just enjoy the hunt and your photos later.

Not sure if you caught it in my OP, Not interested in either camp guns or shooting stuff and taking its picture, leaving it.

I got it but give it a try anyway. It makes life easier and you can enjoy the essence of the hunt without distractions.

After my retirement, I had intended on 1 last Safari. Well, that didn't happen. Open heart/lung surgery took a lot out of me. And now, for some reason, my lungs, and legs, are giving up on me. My dream of one last hunt on the Dark Continent will not be realized. All this passion for hunting/shooting is definitely sidelined now. I, too, will have to rely on the memories to get me through.

I'm going to go some more primarily because I want to take my daughter. I will be comfortable leaving some trophies there and would also readily use camp guns. I went and will go for the hunting and the experience, not because my Remington 700 or my Zastava mauser is important to me.

With my loved ones I'd like to see and hunt elephant and lion, certainly buffalo and plainsgame. Id like to see Victoria Falls and the different parks.

My idea applies to south America and Europe too. Lots to see and do and I'm 54 so need to get after it.

Next month my six year old gets to see North Dakota pheasants and waterfowl, a year from now it'll be Nevada mule deer.
We're working our way up.

quote:

Originally posted by GunsCore:

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Ahrenberg:

quote:

Originally posted by GunsCore:
Use a camp gun and just take photos. You can take everything you need in one carry-on bag except for a knife. No firearms hassle, no luggage hassle, no dip, pak, import, export or taxidermy hassles or expenses. Just enjoy the hunt and your photos later.

Not sure if you caught it in my OP, Not interested in either camp guns or shooting stuff and taking its picture, leaving it.

I got it but give it a try anyway. It makes life easier and you can enjoy the essence of the hunt without distractions.

I hold some very unpopular opinions about that so best left outta this discussion. And as far as camp guns, I could see it for some PG species. But for DG, If I don't have one of my DR's, not interested.

They just complete the hunt for me.

I am with you Steve on the guns for sure.

I'll stop going when my heart stops beating or my money runs out, whichever comes first.

Unfortunately, only a few of the best outfitters I have hunted with over the years are still in business.

Too many less than honest outfitters and credulous hunters are out there these days.

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Robinson:
I'll stop going when my heart stops beating or my money runs out, whichever comes first.

Unfortunately, only a few of the best outfitters I have hunted with over the years are still in business.

Too many less than honest outfitters and credulous hunters are out there these days.

Hmmmm.

quote:

Originally posted by GunsCore:
Use a camp gun and just take photos. You can take everything you need in one carry-on bag except for a knife. No firearms hassle, no luggage hassle, no dip, pak, import, export or taxidermy hassles or expenses. Just enjoy the hunt and your photos later.

This! Or, just hunt non-trophy buffalo. Take one rifle and leave the trophy behind.

I have all the plains game I want ad buffalo is an experience you can’t get here.

quote:

Originally posted by drongo:

quote:

Originally posted by GunsCore:
Use a camp gun and just take photos. You can take everything you need in one carry-on bag except for a knife. No firearms hassle, no luggage hassle, no dip, pak, import, export or taxidermy hassles or expenses. Just enjoy the hunt and your photos later.

This! Or, just hunt non-trophy buffalo. Take one rifle and leave the trophy behind.

I have all the plains game I want ad buffalo is an experience you can’t get here.

One rifle is no less hassle than is two.

Again, I have never and will never kill anything, simply to take its picture. No interest.

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Ahrenberg:

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Robinson:
I'll stop going when my heart stops beating or my money runs out, whichever comes first.

Unfortunately, only a few of the best outfitters I have hunted with over the years are still in business.

Too many less than honest outfitters and credulous hunters are out there these days.

Hmmmm.

Don’t worry too much.

Pretty sure my heart will stop beating first.

I still love it . I do realize that I am physically less capable than I was a few years back.

The whole taxidermy thing has started to bother me. The outright screwing we get related to dip/pack/ship has really started me thinking . God knows how much I have spent on taxidermy. On the other hand, like Steve, it bothers me to not mount things .

Most of the ridiculous things we have to go through really don’t bother me too much. However, my run in with CBP in Orlando is an exception.’ Since then, I have been detained once upon entering the country . I was not amused nor was there a problem.

I am nearing the end of my career . I wonder how I will feel when I am no longer working .

I've had 16 African safaris-more than some, less than others. I've enjoyed all of them tremendously, with my wife accompanying me on six of them. But, the prices and hassles-from guns to shipping-have begun to outweigh the fun. A friend of mine just told me about his shipping bill for two animals to the U.S.-over $4k. His hunting buddy took two extra animals and his shipping bill was $7.5K. And, then there's taxidermy, and the expected tipping(which I believe has gotten out of hand over the years), and the list goes on and on. Finally, I agree with the comments about the strength of the dollar and African safari prices not dropping. They never have-ever, no matter how strong the dollar gets. Carry on.

Steve:

Not sure I’m in a similar situation but like yourself, I also believe it’s a hassle and the desire to go has decreased.

Too many people have their hands out with the worst being the dip and pack.

I finally realized that hunting North America is much more enjoyable and challenging. I recently
returned from a sheep hunt and a few months previous to that I was helping my son with his bear
hunt. Both of these hunts were far more enjoyable than my recent Africa trip. I’d rather take those
two trophy’s than any other plains game animals and even buffalo.

I think buffalo hunts are over priced (just my opinion). I would much rather be hunting elk or
mule deer in the mountains.

Again, that’s just me…………

Those that disagree and who have never been on a deer or elk hunt, go on one and let us know what you think.

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Ahrenberg:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
If one wants to makes excuses, one can of course.

But, if one really wants to hunt, Tanzania is still one of the best places for it.

Going through customs with guns was a breeze. Everyone was very helpful and friendly.


We are in Tanzania right now, and having an absolutely fantastic time.

Next year already booked.

Excuses? Really?

You must be joking if you cannot see the difference between our situations.

Steve, I am not pointing fingers at you.

This is my 40th year hunting Africa.

The difference in the hoops one has to jump through to get there have been magnified a thousand times.

But what is in life has remained the same in those 40 years?

Nothing.

40 years ago I use to ship my guns with cases of ammo ahead.

No problems.

40 years ago friends used to come from the US with their suitcases full of powder, primers and bullets and rifles.

No problem.

Try that today and see what happens.

If one wants to hunt, he has to accept these obstacles and sort them out.

quote:

Face it, it's a combination of greedy outfitters, shipping agents, airlines and predatory government firearm policies that have done it. They have effectively killed the Golden Goose. Anyone else in this same mindset?

I'm pretty much of the same mindset, I've posted before about ridiculous shipping and charter fees, both make me think long and hard about future hunts. I,too, have no interest in using a "camp" rifle, at least 50% of my safari experience is preparing my rifles and loads, I really enjoy this part of the hunt. I can put up with the rigamarole associated with carrying firearms to Africa and a lot of bullshit from piss ant govt employees in whatever African country looking for a bribe, but as I age my tolerance level has deceased significantly for this part of it and it's not as much worth it as it used to be. Outfitters, shippers and others should take notice... the younger generation has little interest in hunting in Africa (or any place else for that matter) and the ever increasing miscellaneous "fees", extra day requirements and charges, shipping and incredulous charter costs, etc. are quickly killing the Golden Goose.
Steve is right, but I still have hunts booked in Zim and Moz and really want to hunt Tanzania, once.

I have a 2023 trip planned/paid for in Namibia at my friend's place (Hagen Eggert-Omatjete Safaris). I don't plan on any trophy export and will use one of their perfectly good rifles. Perhaps do some cull shooting. Take lots of photos. Spend time in Germany so my wife can visit her birthplace. I don't like traveling with a firearm as it's a real anchor and PIA. Exporting trophies is a PIA and expensive too with all kinds of ghost fees and such.

Love Africa and glad I've done the seven trips there in previous years, but otherwise too much B.S. now.

Gotta agree with Saeed here. Times change and it gets more difficult. And more expensive. Agree I don't need many new trophies, but still want to hunt. I'm 62 and not as fit as I was 20 years ago. If you don't want to go anymore, I understand it. But there's a lot I still want to see and hunt. I'm booked for next year and it won't be my last. A last safari would be a truly sad day, at least to me.

For me, I hunted and saw everything I wanted to in Africa. My hunting “bucket list” was complete in 2012. I am beyond Africa now. Tomorrow Moose in Wyoming and next month Nelsoni in Nevada. They were never on my list but I am going because I too would hunt mice if that is all there was to hunt.

There is no wrong answer on where to hunt. Except maybe Texas.

Steve, have you considered you are trying to do too much on your last safari? You have mentioned getting guns into Zambia is a simple exercise and really you got to make it easy on yourself.

I would be looking at something more relaxed and maybe a buff hunt and something for the pot. Fishing in some good water for a week or so.

I have hunted many who deemed it was their last safari but they keep coming back.

As big a hassle as all the pain in the ass obstacles are, I have 2 hunts booked (Selous & Cameroon with Alan Vincent) and planning 2 beyond those, one in Masailand and one in Moz. I expect to keep hunting Africa as long as my health and finances allow. Both going well, so no plans to stop, despite the hassles and BS peripheral expenses.

Can’t disagree with its anything Steve has offered.

Joyce and I have very much enjoyed hunting Africa but haven’t done so for 8 years. We tend to do something until it no longer feels new or the hassle outweighs the reward.

Four stages to hunting or fishing

1) you are desperate to go hunting and just want to shoot a buck or a deer - and the the catching or shooting is everything.

2) you have to shoot or catch as many and as often as you can.

3) the expensive bit - you need to catch or shoot the biggest or the most difficult in the farthest away or most difficult place possible. And it has to bigger and better than everyone else

4) you just go fishing or hunting. All of the above now an irrelevance. And it really doesn’t matter if you catch ir shoot anything.


Those at stage 4 are in a happy place and know exactly what it means. Those in 1, 2 and 3 will just shake their heads.

I also think within each of us there is a finite number of fish we can catch or animals, birds we can shoot. And for each that number is unknown and different - but there comes a time when you just don’t want to shoot another.

I am definitely in Stage 4. I go to take my son. Because a hunter (and fisherman to a lesser extent) is who I am. And 3, I dislike cold weather.

Interesting post Steve. I find at 63 I too have lost some of the raging passion I had on my first safari in 1994. Now with my 30th safari on the books for May of '23, I dread the hassle of firearms at customs (both domestically and abroad), the cost and cheerlessness of international travel and the ever increasing EXTRA costs that follow a hunt.

I have been fortunate to live and hunt during the second "golden age" of safari hunting. Thirteen countries, innumerable species, great companions and pro hunters all have made Africa special to me. In fact, I still feel that sense of comfort, of being at home when I reach safari camp and breathe the dusty air and watch the sun turn blood red as it begins to set and invites me to a roaring campfire with cold drinks and interesting conversations...

It's just that it is harder to kindle that desire to find an excuse to go now. I find I enjoy group hunts more... the camraderie, watching others successes. This upcoming trip next year is to accompany my son-in-law on his first safari. There are a few other places I haven't been to yet, the Congo being one, maybe the CAR. Maybe back to Cameroon for a third time for buff and roan. Still need a topi and a tommy which I surprisingly don't have as common as they are. And then, buffalo.

But European hunting has been a blast and is so much cheaper and civilized. I am not viewed as a human ATM. The food and drink are exceptional and the quarters usually the same. And wing shooting and international fishing are even less expensive.

Like others, it's hard to imagine not planning the next safari, but, as I grow older and contemplate the other options... well let's just say it's a toss up for now.

I kinda got that way at 85, but my legs were bad and needed an operation, not, turns out it was my ticker so never returned..I would not take for the experience and still want to go, but today I shoot a cow elk in a grain field, and a buck deer out the pickup window, and feel lucky to be alive, so my advise is live the good life while you can, Go and appreciate the good condition your in and have the God given ability to get it done, make memories and good hunting..

quote:

Originally posted by bwanamrm:
Interesting post Steve. I find at 63 I too have lost some of the raging passion I had on my first safari in 1994. Now with my 30th safari on the books for May of '23, I dread the hassle of firearms at customs (both domestically and abroad), the cost and cheerlessness of international travel and the ever increasing EXTRA costs that follow a hunt.

I have been fortunate to live and hunt during the second "golden age" of safari hunting. Thirteen countries, innumerable species, great companions and pro hunters all have made Africa special to me. In fact, I still feel that sense of comfort, of being at home when I reach safari camp and breathe the dusty air and watch the sun turn blood red as it begins to set and invites me to a roaring campfire with cold drinks and interesting conversations...

It's just that it is harder to kindle that desire to find an excuse to go now. I find I enjoy group hunts more... the camraderie, watching others successes. This upcoming trip next year is to accompany my son-in-law on his first safari. There are a few other places I haven't been to yet, the Congo being one, maybe the CAR. Maybe back to Cameroon for a third time for buff and roan. Still need a topi and a tommy which I surprisingly don't have as common as they are. And then, buffalo.

But European hunting has been a blast and is so much cheaper and civilized. I am not viewed as a human ATM. The food and drink are exceptional and the quarters usually the same. And wing shooting and international fishing are even less expensive.

Like others, it's hard to imagine not planning the next safari, but, as I grow older and contemplate the other options... well let's just say it's a toss up for now.

Russell -

Great post. It seems that "most" of us AR old timers feel relatively the same at some level.

As I've stated, I have so many other hobbies, removing Africa isn't even going to register on my give-a-shit meter.

I finally got the Powerboat of my dreams and have been dunking it in the Arizona lakes for much of my time. My biggest regret this summer has been that the boat has taken much of my precious Cycling time.

Spent three weeks in Brazil and a bunch of time at my Flagstaff home. I'm a busy dude.

Started going to Africa as young kid. Started to hunt big game ( big five etc) there in my early 20s. Now at 41 years old with a 2 year old son I hope to go there ASAP with him. I have family in West Africa so I go to visit quite often.

Has the prices sky rocketed = yes
Is it a hassle with all regulations = yes

But still there are no place like the African continent.

Hunting I will do in Africa to the day I die.

Taking home trophies are not a main objective the hunt is and a good vacation. In the end they collect dust and nobody wants anyone else's dead animals. Spend time learning how to use a camera and put your money in that.

With a newly purchased Holland & holland I hope to bag a few buffs and eles in the next coming years

I think the lowest common denominator on this is, We seem to all agree we are being fleeced.

I hope there are a bunch of operators lurking and take some time to soul search.

There ISN'T a younger generation coming along to replace the old dudes in here. Yes, AR is but a small microcosm of the international hunting demographic, however I believe the comments are representative of the rank and file.

I'm sure the margins are thin, I know you guys work hard to provide an authentic experience.

The dipping and shipping guys, come on, get real.