Bud, How right you are!
My wife has always supported me going off to Africa but now she has stage 4 cancer I'm not going anywhere.
I have a hunt in Uganda, paid for in full just before covid arrived, now booked for next March. I haven't cancelled it yet but I can't see it happening.
Will I feel like hunting after she is gone? Who knows?
I have had a good run since my first hunt in Kenya in 1975. My trophy room is overcrowded and the kids and in-laws aren't very interested.
I hope I will still be going until I drop but it will be using a hired rifle and taking photos.

quote:

Originally posted by Bud Meadows:
One factor I haven’t seen discussed on this thread is the support or lack thereof of the hunter’s spouse. After my fifth Namibian safari in 2019, the COVID pandemic pretty much precluded trips for 2020 and 2021. When I broached the subject of a sixth safari in 2022, my wife of 50+ years objected based on the rising airfares and other costs. I proposed selling off a bunch of my upscale guns that I seldom use anyway. I sold off two Ultramatch M1A’s, a vintage Savage Model 99F, a Ruger Model 1, a NIB Ruger Red Label shotgun and others. The proceeds more than covered my airfare, trophy fees and daily rates. At the age of 75, I’ve had six great African hunts and can live with a bunch of fond memories.

Since I got married in 2015, I’ve taken my wife on 4 African safaris and she loves it. In fact, our honeymoon trip has an elephant hunt in the Caprivi followed by 2 days in Kasane/Chobe National Park and 3 days in Vic Falls. She loved the ele hunt and stood up to 2 bluff charges from a herd of cows and calves and young bulls on day one. She was standing behind me when I dropped the elephant on day 2. Her presence makes every trip that much more enjoyable.

The travel logistics and remoteness (for what I want to do) for my wife is why I have stumbled onto Europe hunting.

There is so much more to do from my wife's perspective. It is easier to get to needing just one or two flights. Remote Africa, whether it should is not the question, scares her.

Europe always has Capital with great shopping for her, hotels, and theater for us to enjoy together after the hunting. She walked every inch of Bulgaria with me looking for Stag. She never complains.

I have enjoyed every trip. I am sure I will do remote Africa, but it is back to Austria. If the Russians do not kill us all first. This will be our 5 trip.

quote:

Originally posted by the Pom:
Bud, How right you are!
My wife has always supported me going off to Africa but now she has stage 4 cancer I'm not going anywhere.
I have a hunt in Uganda, paid for in full just before covid arrived, now booked for next March. I haven't cancelled it yet but I can't see it happening.
Will I feel like hunting after she is gone? Who knows?
I have had a good run since my first hunt in Kenya in 1975. My trophy room is overcrowded and the kids and in-laws aren't very interested.
I hope I will still be going until I drop but it will be using a hired rifle and taking photos.

So sorry to hear this but the type of cancer is more important than the staging, although staging does matter. Joyce was staged as 4B. That was now 8 years ago.

Your wife and you are in our prayers.

Jim

quote:

Originally posted by jdollar:

quote:

Originally posted by Bud Meadows:
One factor I haven’t seen discussed on this thread is the support or lack thereof of the hunter’s spouse. After my fifth Namibian safari in 2019, the COVID pandemic pretty much precluded trips for 2020 and 2021. When I broached the subject of a sixth safari in 2022, my wife of 50+ years objected based on the rising airfares and other costs. I proposed selling off a bunch of my upscale guns that I seldom use anyway. I sold off two Ultramatch M1A’s, a vintage Savage Model 99F, a Ruger Model 1, a NIB Ruger Red Label shotgun and others. The proceeds more than covered my airfare, trophy fees and daily rates. At the age of 75, I’ve had six great African hunts and can live with a bunch of fond memories.

Since I got married in 2015, I’ve taken my wife on 4 African safaris and she loves it. In fact, our honeymoon trip has an elephant hunt in the Caprivi followed by 2 days in Kasane/Chobe National Park and 3 days in Vic Falls. She loved the ele hunt and stood up to 2 bluff charges from a herd of cows and calves and young bulls on day one. She was standing behind me when I dropped the elephant on day 2. Her presence makes every trip that much more enjoyable.

+1

I don't have 1% of the experience of many on this forum, but I'm pretty optimistic about the future of hunting and African hunting. The economics are good and the science supports us - despite what we read in the media.

It is amusing to see all the complaints about travel and hassle and logistics. I wonder what our forefathers of the early 20th century would think about us complaining about paper work, inept Africans, and a few hour layover in a cushy airport lounge....they were booking steamers to connect in Liverpool and then on to Mombasa. Weeks of sea born travel, trains, foot safaris, etc.

Bottom line is Steve is no longer a hunter.

He is a fisherman now!

You wouldn't catch me fishing if you paid me!

quote:

Originally posted by SCLawyer:
I don't have 1% of the experience of many on this forum, but I'm pretty optimistic about the future of hunting and African hunting. The economics are good and the science supports us - despite what we read in the media.

It is amusing to see all the complaints about travel and hassle and logistics. I wonder what our forefathers of the early 20th century would think about us complaining about paper work, inept Africans, and a few hour layover in a cushy airport lounge....they were booking steamers to connect in Liverpool and then on to Mombasa. Weeks of sea born travel, trains, foot safaris, etc.

Good point except that we have gone backwards. Had many of us not experienced the ease of 25 years ago…we would not be disgusted today. Regression bothers me — especially unnecessary regression.

quote:

Originally posted by SCLawyer:
I wonder what our forefathers of the early 20th century would think about us complaining about paper work, inept Africans, and a few hour layover in a cushy airport lounge....they were booking steamers to connect in Liverpool and then on to Mombasa. Weeks of sea born travel, trains, foot safaris, etc.

Sounds good to me!

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Robinson:

quote:

Originally posted by SCLawyer:
I wonder what our forefathers of the early 20th century would think about us complaining about paper work, inept Africans, and a few hour layover in a cushy airport lounge....they were booking steamers to connect in Liverpool and then on to Mombasa. Weeks of sea born travel, trains, foot safaris, etc.

Sounds good to me!

I will take all the hassles one might encounter today instead of what our forefathers had to go through.

Even fishing was more complicated then!

African Hunting and to a lesser degree International Conservation funded through hunting has regressed.

I feel like I lived through a Second Golden Age of Safari.

When I was in College in 2006-2010, Cape Buffalo with two on quota for todays price for 1 was possible uncommon. The Form 4457 was a technicality no one carried about. The move to register arms on international travel through a Fed system that is not setup to be used is still alive.

I saw CMS sell a Remote, free Range Cape Buffalo hunt for just over 8k.

Hornady, Federal, Winchester, Nosler, Barnes, Remington, and hundreds of small operators had loaded ammo and complete on the shelf and a phone call away from being delivered at your door.

Winchester, Ruger, new Double Rifles or chambering for them were being introduced seemingly every year, new Kimber, even Remington were introducing, pushing, and marketing a Big Game/Dangerous Game/Safari Rifle and cartridge yearly.

CZ was expanding the 550 Magnum, and was the Centerfold of their Catalog. The CZ 550 is as dead as a Dodo.

Airlines enforcing their own rules like Dallas Fort Worth.

Hostile Airline check staff. I have experienced that.

The uncertainty and cost of getting trophies home. This is worse with Lion and elephant.

Back in the day of steamships one did not have to prove you were legal to travel with your firearm. Now, you have to prove you are legal.

The more mainstream Hunting Mags had stories full of Africa (FieldnStream, Outdoor Life, Peterson’s Hunting). That has dwindled.

Look at how few new titles Safari Press is publishing concerning Africa hunting and arms compared to the 2000s.

My only regret was that I was in college and not Career working when it happened. By the time I was career working and married, Europe easier and gave more for the dollar overall all things considered.

One plane gets me to Austria, France, England. Just two with a 2 hour layover gets me to Bulgaria or Romania, or Poland.

I am soon to drive for a day and a night into a remote area where there be monsters. It is the sheer unpredictability and anticipation of big game hunting that drives me to hunt Africa.

We have one life and we would do well to invite adventure. The smell of good coffee, gun oil, and cordite is my perfume.

Adventure can be found in a lot of places without the hassle.

I plan to do remote Africa one day, but on my adult life. It has regressed just in my adult life, and the squeeze does not give as much juice.

Most of us here do that have it a drive out the bag door. Everything is a balance of plus and minus.

I was right next to a water spout in a tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico with a good friend running out to look for Nilgai.

I just hope the Russians do not finish setting the world on fire until next year.

The Wildlife Gallery taxidermy is delivering my last four safaris next Tuesday. I'm headed to Tanzania (Kilombero) in a few weeks and Zambia next year. My passion still burns for Africa even after many dangerous game safaris.
I strongly agree with Fairgames post below.


"I am soon to drive for a day and a night into a remote area where there be monsters. It is the sheer unpredictability and anticipation of big game hunting that drives me to hunt Africa."

"We have one life and we would do well to invite adventure. The smell of good coffee, gun oil, and cordite is my perfume."

ROYAL KAFUE LTD

quote:

Originally posted by LHeym500:
Adventure can be found in a lot of places without the hassle.

I plan to do remote Africa one day, but on my adult life; it has regressed and the squeeze does not give as much juice.

I was right next to a water spout in a tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico with a good friend running out to look for Nilgai.

That was an experience.

What really is the hassle? One AR member 'gave' me his guns and can come and use them whenever he wants. Some do not export trophies unless they are impressive but all have the desire to hunt Africa.

Never had a client complain about the gun process and Zambia is a breeze.

quote:

Originally posted by bwanajay:
The Wildlife Gallery taxidermy is delivering my last four safaris next Tuesday. I'm headed to Tanzania (Kilombero) in a few weeks and Zambia next year. My passion still burns for Africa even after many dangerous game safaris.
I strongly agree with Fairgames post below.


"I am soon to drive for a day and a night into a remote area where there be monsters. It is the sheer unpredictability and anticipation of big game hunting that drives me to hunt Africa."

"We have one life and we would do well to invite adventure. The smell of good coffee, gun oil, and cordite is my perfume."

ROYAL KAFUE LTD

I agree with Andrew’s post as well and with a son to take now…I am still driven to endure for the adventure.

I am just 2 months back and have next year booked as of this morning.

But…I dread the travel. This last year was really the first major hiccup I have ever had.

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Originally posted by LHeym500:
Adventure can be found in a lot of places without the hassle.

I plan to do remote Africa one day, but on my adult life; it has regressed and the squeeze does not give as much juice.

I was right next to a water spout in a tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico with a good friend running out to look for Nilgai.

That was an experience.

What really is the hassle? One AR member 'gave' me his guns and can come and use them whenever he wants. Some do not export trophies unless they are impressive but all have the desire to hunt Africa.

Never had a client complain about the gun process and Zambia is a breeze.

Over 20 hrs on a plane is enough said. I would rather take a ship. At least, I can run in the deck.

I am glad Zambia has been easy on travelers. These hassles are in the US side.

The Airports/Customs have simply been refusing to let folks on planes with firearms “believing” a resignation program we keep battling back is in affect. I got hassled one time by a Delta clerk. Finally, the Custom’s Agent threatened to arrest her. She was not going to let me on the Plane.

Look at the simple 4457 nonsense in the Travel Forum with Africa.

The cost has exploded. There is more to do in other places for equal or less money. A lot easier to get to.

One thing about a DYI elk hunt. If successful, I have elk for a year plus. Then I can always drive to a big town for some normal man rest.

Most o have done on a plane is 14 hours. 20 plus does look like a hassle.

The still plan to do it, but if you had told me at 17 that I would have hunted;

France,
Austria (3x)
England,
Bulgaria,
When I was 17 and not been to Africa, I would have horse laughed you.

quote:

Originally posted by LHeym500:

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Originally posted by LHeym500:
Adventure can be found in a lot of places without the hassle.

I plan to do remote Africa one day, but on my adult life; it has regressed and the squeeze does not give as much juice.

I was right next to a water spout in a tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico with a good friend running out to look for Nilgai.

That was an experience.

What really is the hassle? One AR member 'gave' me his guns and can come and use them whenever he wants. Some do not export trophies unless they are impressive but all have the desire to hunt Africa.

Never had a client complain about the gun process and Zambia is a breeze.

Over 20 hrs on a plane is enough said. I would rather take a ship. At least, I can run in the deck.

I am glad Zambia has been easy on travelers. These hassles are in the US side.

The Airports/Customs have simply been refusing to let folks on planes with firearms “believing” a resignation program we keep battling back is in affect. I got hassled one time by a Delta clerk. Finally, the Custom’s Agent threatened to arrest her. She was not going to let me on the Plane.

Look at the simple 4457 nonsense in the Travel Forum with Africa.

The cost has exploded. There is more to do in other places for equal or less money. A lot easier to get to.

One thing about a DYI elk hunt. If successful, I have elk for a year plus. Then I can always drive to a big town for some normal man rest.

Most o have done on a plane is 14 hours. 20 plus does look like a hassle.

You gotta feel sorry for the US soldiers who are protecting our world. They travel with guns.

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Originally posted by LHeym500:

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Originally posted by LHeym500:
Adventure can be found in a lot of places without the hassle.

I plan to do remote Africa one day, but on my adult life; it has regressed and the squeeze does not give as much juice.

I was right next to a water spout in a tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico with a good friend running out to look for Nilgai.

That was an experience.

What really is the hassle? One AR member 'gave' me his guns and can come and use them whenever he wants. Some do not export trophies unless they are impressive but all have the desire to hunt Africa.

Never had a client complain about the gun process and Zambia is a breeze.

Over 20 hrs on a plane is enough said. I would rather take a ship. At least, I can run in the deck.

I am glad Zambia has been easy on travelers. These hassles are in the US side.

The Airports/Customs have simply been refusing to let folks on planes with firearms “believing” a resignation program we keep battling back is in affect. I got hassled one time by a Delta clerk. Finally, the Custom’s Agent threatened to arrest her. She was not going to let me on the Plane.

Look at the simple 4457 nonsense in the Travel Forum with Africa.

The cost has exploded. There is more to do in other places for equal or less money. A lot easier to get to.

One thing about a DYI elk hunt. If successful, I have elk for a year plus. Then I can always drive to a big town for some normal man rest.

Most o have done on a plane is 14 hours. 20 plus does look like a hassle.

You gotta feel sorry for the US soldiers who are protecting our world. They travel with guns.

It works differently when service members travel under arms.

quote:

You gotta feel sorry for the US soldiers who are protecting our world. They travel with guns.

I doubt they fly on commercial airlines.

You are not alone. 20+ years ago, Africa was an absolute deal! Tanzania was cheap. Even the 21-day hunts were relatively affordable.

I’m currently hunting Europe more and enjoying the hell out of it. Sure, it’s got similar headaches as Africa, but they haven’t destroyed their hunting industry like almost every African country has.

It’s a big world. I want to hunt all of it. My only regrets are the hunts I put off because “It will always be there. I’ll just do it later.”

Look back 20-30 years. Now apply that rate of price increase or loss of hunting options 10-20 years in the future. It’s coming. Hunt now. Do it now, whatever it is, Africa, Europe a private land tag for Elk maybe … whatever you want, do it now! It’s going to get more expensive, outlawed or unavailable very soon.

10 grandchildren in private schools that I help pay for. Have done a lot of international hunting, but time has come to spend the $$s on something else.

quote:

I doubt they fly on commercial airlines.

I remember in the Marine Corps flying on chartered planes from the airlines and being told to leave our weapons aboard the plane, disembark from the plane, and go through security, just to get back on the plane with our weapons.

Most of these post is not so much a lack of passion; just the cost and headache of getting there is not worth it.

I see that as a distinction with a difference. The result is the same though.

After 18 major African hunts, I don’t find the desire to hunt has lessened.

I for the most part tolerate the hassles, and find them small change compared to the “administrative burden” that I get at work.

While I do think prices have climbed, and that there has been some unscrupulous behavior become commonplace in the industry, especially in dip, pack, and shipping, along with the feeling that the government feels they should get the lions share of the money, it hasn’t stopped me yet.

I will admit that I don’t consider not importing whatever I shot with the horror I had of that even 4-5 years ago (due to shipping $ issues; and that I am interested in some things that are not importable to the US- that my unwillingness to not have some taxidermy is getting less.

The gun issue is also a slowly weakening issue as well. I have seen some choices that are really as good as my own guns with certain PH’s.

As to Europe/NA hunting, I enjoy NA, and will undoubtedly try Europe, but the general insistence on paying by the inch and limited animals to hunt at a given try the bigger deal breaker there- I could have given up a lion hunt and shot a stone sheep instead, but couldn’t justify the $$$ for just one animal.

Everyone will have their own preferences. I can’t say the guys who are moving on are wrong, but I can’t see that myself for now.

I get Steve’s comment on money, and thus fishing… too bad I don’t find fishing that much fun!, and be damned to bike racing for me…

It is what it is… and for now, I’m as burning for it as ever.

Here is my take on this thing. I am not surprised to see that many of us are being worn down by the hassles mentioned with travel in general and international travel in particular, especially with firearms.
I have been on eight safaris, seven to Africa. I have enjoyed them and have wished to hunt in Africa since I was four or five years old. Hunting there was a dream of a lifetime And I consider myself very lucky to have been able to do it. Had a trip planned for this year but canceled because of the issues in certain countries by keeping people there on COVID issues and to me it appeared that it was some type of money grab and questionable testing.
As time went on it started becoming clear to me that airline travel in general, international travel in particular especially with firearms was becoming at least for me not only annoying but often very frustrating. It has come down to days of jumping through hoops put up by numerous governments agencies, airlines and other entities, late or delayed flights, increasing air fares, lines, rude and inept officials all around. That makes something that should be pleasure to being something that must be tolerated and disagreeable.
For me, it is nessessarynto hunt with my rifles and my ammo, it is a great pleasure for me to plan and train for each hunt and enjoy each aspect.
I made my mind up during my last hunt that I will no longer bring back a trophy as the shipping is out of line crazy costly and it is apparent that the hunters are being fleeced. Hunt prices are also getting to be questionable and out of line. One would think that many of 5hese issues would be straightened out by the counties in Africa as it seems that many tourist dollars will be lost by the apparent price gauging.
I still think about African hunting every day and miss Africa and the people and animals there but I am less and less feeling that all the hassles are worth it. I am older now and still very healthy but I am less likely to let myself be treated like a money tree and piece of cattle.
I am hoping that someday it will get better but that may not happen so for now I will wait and see. I have had a good time hunting internationally and feel fortunate I was able to do it. I now realize that there are many others who have similar feelings so the hunting industry needs to pay attention to these issues or their future is very questionable, particularly since the younger generation is less likely to participate and will likely have fewer resources to do it.

quote:

Originally posted by LHeym500:
Most of these post is not so much a lack of passion; just the cost and headache of getting there is not worth it.

I see that as a distinction with a difference. The result is the same though.

I think this succinctly sums up this entire thread. Well said.

I have done (11) safaris in Africa so far, and am planning my next one with Andrew for 2023. I consider myself a novice African hunter. I would like to do more.

The incredible amount of red tape we must bear, just even getting ready BEFORE we board the plane is onerous. It gets worse from there. Someone above also correctly observed that the travel should be part of an enjoyable adventure. It is not.

Once in Africa, all is forgotten, and I really enjoy the hunting, and actually, the entire safari experience.

I also take great pleasure purchasing new rifles, new calibers, training with them, selecting the perfect/accurate ammo, etc. I am not interested in using a camp rifle, although I did it for the first time on my last safari out of necessity. It all keeps me coming back to safari, but I worry about the ‘tipping point’ as some of you have experienced already. So far, I can deal with all the hassles. I worry that it will get worse in the future. Each person it seems, has their own ‘breaking point’, and we’re all different.

It would behove African safari nations financially, to realize this condition, and work towards welcoming these hunters who bring a LOT of money to their economies. They can begin with dispensing with all the red tape and graft. Instead, it seems they, and America, continue to come up with even more every year. And we cannot leave out the airlines. They too, need to welcome hunters. They do not. It will all stop, when Americans stop coming.

I agree with Andrew that Zambia is relatively ‘easy’ to get into and through…once one gets there! But getting through the US requirements and South Africa (my itinerary) before I land in Zambia, is an ‘experience’.

I cannot imagine giving up hunting in Africa. I hope the governments of the world, my own included, do not change my mind for me in the future. I love it too much!

I thought I had enough of Africa a while ago but I am getting the urge again. I am 63 and have had a number of health issues the past few years...I hit a coyote riding my new road bike (bicycle) and broke seven ribs, my scapula, and had to have my clavicle augmented with metal. That killed my 2020 season (accident was Oct 4). I have always ran 4 miles every other day, but I was born with a clubbed foot. At birth my foot was broken and reset; I learned to walk with two bars connecting my shoes. Most of second grade was spent with a cast on my lower leg. That year my doctor told me when I was his age arthritis would create major problems for my foot. Well, he was right...I had my T-N joint fused and my ankle replaced in February. I thought it would heal but wasn't sure, so I didn't book anything too strenuous this year (muzzle elk in NM, DIY cow in CO, deer in MN, and deer in eastern CO). Currently climbing about 2000 vertical feet every afternoon looking for a cow.

So I feel good about booking a hunt in Africa. I don't mind the costs except for the shipping - I have not been since 2018 but back then shipping costs were not outrageous - I think maybe 2K? Did a 21 day with Fulvio way back in 2009 and shot everything and don't remember it being terribly expensive.

Why are costs so much higher? Is it because so many airlines like Delta are no longer accepting hunting trophies for shipment?

Not sure how it is from the US.

But for us traveling to Tanzania this year was a cake walk.

Emirates had their usual excellent service.

They took care of our rifles, going and coming.

Dar airport police and customs were excellent and very quick.

Coming back home our rifles were waiting at customs as soon as we cleared immigration.

But, we are lucky to be able to fly direct.

No multi flights and multi airports.

And of course avoiding that miserable airport, Johannesburg, has its advantages.

quote:

Originally posted by Wendell Reich:
You are not alone. 20+ years ago, Africa was an absolute deal! Tanzania was cheap. Even the 21-day hunts were relatively affordable.

I’m currently hunting Europe more and enjoying the hell out of it. Sure, it’s got similar headaches as Africa, but they haven’t destroyed their hunting industry like almost every African country has.

It’s a big world. I want to hunt all of it. My only regrets are the hunts I put off because “It will always be there. I’ll just do it later.”

Look back 20-30 years. Now apply that rate of price increase or loss of hunting options 10-20 years in the future. It’s coming. Hunt now. Do it now, whatever it is, Africa, Europe a private land tag for Elk maybe … whatever you want, do it now! It’s going to get more expensive, outlawed or unavailable very soon.

Wendell’s post brings back the memory of a conversation I had with Roy Vincent on my very first safari, way back in 1983. We were riding through Deka and talking about African hunting. Roy thought it was not going to last long and suggested I do as much African hunting as I could, as quickly as I could because he thought there was perhaps 15, maybe 20, years left before it ended. Obviously, he was off in his estimate time-wise; but I think he may have been right overall and for reasons nobody could have foreseen back then. It is getting a lot more difficult and expensive and those aspects alone will cause many to reduce or cease their African hunting activities.

I won’t be surprised if African hunting winds down substantially in the next 15-20 years. I imagine there will remain limited opportunities in some countries, but far fewer and only for those with very significant disposable income. It seems the 1990’s through perhaps 2015 were that ‘2nd Golden Age’ referred to above.

I’ve got two hunts booked with Alan Vincent over the next 16 months; Selous with my son in August then LDE in Cameroon in Feb of ‘24. I’m in the process of booking an additional hunt through Mark Young right now, for Coutada 9 in late ‘24. Beyond that, I don’t know what I’ll end up doing but I do want to keep hunting Africa as long as my health and finances allow. I definitely want to do another elephant bull hunt but some of the more exotic things I’ve dreamt of probably won’t happen.

I guess after Africa eventually winds down for me, there’ll still be Europe, bird shooting and fishing. Thankfully, I’m sitting on tons of points all across the American west, so there’ll always be a big game hunt somewhere as long as I can go.

The worldwide economy and depression have affected all and this thread is about passion and hunting Africa.

To take on dangerous game you have to be tough and resilient and incur some hassle.

Not many years ago one traveled by ship and slow over burdened cars to their safari destination.

Andrew, Agree 100% and I always think about that when traveling to/from Africa:

The air travel is a pain in the ass... but it really wasn't that long ago that people were getting on a ship to go on safari!

If I could afford a Safari when ships were used for international travel. I would rather have the ship.

At least, I could go on deck and run around.

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:
I am soon to drive for a day and a night into a remote area where there be monsters. It is the sheer unpredictability and anticipation of big game hunting that drives me to hunt Africa.

We have one life and we would do well to invite adventure. The smell of good coffee, gun oil, and cordite is my perfume.

Well said. I do not fear death. I fear dying with the thought that I had not really lived. So, I go on safari.

Andrew is correct of course.

With each new generation, 1st world citizens probably become softer. As we age, the same thing happens more or less.

In my youth, I went out for all three sports during HS; football, wrestling and track. I ran half marathons and became a black belt in college. At age 34 I won three medals (1 gold & 2 silvers) in the World Championships of TaeKwon-Do in Scotland. At ages 40-45, my wife and I competed in bodybuilding contests. We won (40) trophies during that time period.

I am 71 now, and compete in nothing! I admit I’ve become softer in my older years.

I seem to be able to still walk on safari, but keeping up with Andrew can be challenging! On my last 20 day safari with him in the Luangwa Valley last Nov., I had to take two mornings off, and resumed in the afternoon. Andrew still went out and guided my friend Matt.

Yes, chasing Buffalo requires a bit of stamina when one is young, and more when one ages. I like hunting with Andrew because he understands this and accommodates when necessary. But physically, I am not the man I used to be.

I am also a man of the 21st century, not the 19th. Life was harder back then, and we now enjoy the comforts of modern living. I believe we are indeed softer than our ancestors. But we hunt on safari for enjoyment, not for a living, so it should be fun and relaxing, whatever that means for each of us.

I am just grateful that God has given me a body that allows me to still hunt at my age. We are all citizens of the 21st century, and in first world countries like America, those of us who have seen a few sunrises, and can still hunt Africa, can be considered privileged and lucky. Sadly, I know persons who cannot, due to either physical problems, or financial ones. I am blessed, and will continue hunting Africa for as long as I am able, both physically and financially. I wish the same for all of you!

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:
The worldwide economy and depression have affected all and this thread is about passion and hunting Africa.

To take on dangerous game you have to be tough and resilient and incur some hassle.

Not many years ago one traveled by ship and slow over burdened cars to their safari destination.

Am I getting a bit of a shot across the bow as far as not being with tough or resilient?

I let Saeeds comments about “Steve’s not a Hunter anymore” run off my back. Yet a dozen or so others made very similar comments and shared the same feelings, no comment from Saeed.

I know the truth and have never really cared what anyone thought about my posts or positions. I’m firm in my beliefs and will steadfastly defend them.

Further… just how tough and just how resilient must one be to follow around a Safari team, walking on mostly flat, firm ground, until you or someone like you tell guys like me “shoot that one”

You want tough? You want resilient? Go spend a season on Kodiak guiding Brown Bears. Carry a pack with a wet 10’ brown bear 3-4 miles on wet, soft and uneven ground. You carry all your own stuff too.

Or Sheep guides, same thing. I Hunter the Brooks range with a tough little bastard named Jason Fawcett. I believe Dr Butler Hunter with him after I did.

We floated the Kongucutt river a few hours, pulled the raft and walked a drainage with everything we needed on our backs for 10 days. Killed a ram on day 3 I believe then tried to fill a Grizzy tag the rest of the time. My pack was 85-90, Jason’s was well over 100#.

I’m sure Dr. Butler will concur, he was tough.

Comparing a hunt that an overweight 80 year old could ace, makes zero sense. I’ve done plenty of both. Again I know what’s difficult and what isn’t.

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Ahrenberg:

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:
The worldwide economy and depression have affected all and this thread is about passion and hunting Africa.

To take on dangerous game you have to be tough and resilient and incur some hassle.

Not many years ago one traveled by ship and slow over burdened cars to their safari destination.

Am I getting a bit of a shot across the bow as far as not being with tough or resilient?

I let Saeeds comments about “Steve’s not a Hunter anymore” run off my back. Yet a dozen or so others made very similar comments and shared the same feelings, no comment from Saeed.

I know the truth and have never really cared what anyone thought about my posts or positions. I’m firm in my beliefs and will steadfastly defend them.

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Ahrenberg:

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:
The worldwide economy and depression have affected all and this thread is about passion and hunting Africa.

To take on dangerous game you have to be tough and resilient and incur some hassle.

Not many years ago one traveled by ship and slow over burdened cars to their safari destination.

Am I getting a bit of a shot across the bow as far as not being with tough or resilient?

I let Saeeds comments about “Steve’s not a Hunter anymore” run off my back. Yet a dozen or so others made very similar comments and shared the same feelings, no comment from Saeed.

I know the truth and have never really cared what anyone thought about my posts or positions. I’m firm in my beliefs and will steadfastly defend them.

Nganga, I didn’t realize that this was all about chest thumping and self pity.

I thought it was about passion for international and especially African hunting.

Some of us still have it, despite all of its pains and pitfalls.

Sorry you don’t.

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Robinson:

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Ahrenberg:

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:
The worldwide economy and depression have affected all and this thread is about passion and hunting Africa.

To take on dangerous game you have to be tough and resilient and incur some hassle.

Not many years ago one traveled by ship and slow over burdened cars to their safari destination.

Am I getting a bit of a shot across the bow as far as not being with tough or resilient?

I let Saeeds comments about “Steve’s not a Hunter anymore” run off my back. Yet a dozen or so others made very similar comments and shared the same feelings, no comment from Saeed.

I know the truth and have never really cared what anyone thought about my posts or positions. I’m firm in my beliefs and will steadfastly defend them.

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Ahrenberg:

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:
The worldwide economy and depression have affected all and this thread is about passion and hunting Africa.

To take on dangerous game you have to be tough and resilient and incur some hassle.

Not many years ago one traveled by ship and slow over burdened cars to their safari destination.

Am I getting a bit of a shot across the bow as far as not being with tough or resilient?

I let Saeeds comments about “Steve’s not a Hunter anymore” run off my back. Yet a dozen or so others made very similar comments and shared the same feelings, no comment from Saeed.

I know the truth and have never really cared what anyone thought about my posts or positions. I’m firm in my beliefs and will steadfastly defend them.

Nganga, I didn’t realize that this was all about chest thumping and self pity.

I thought it was about passion for international and especially African hunting.

Some of us still have it, despite all of its pains and pitfalls.

Sorry you don’t.

Pitfalls like it getting so tough that I quit on a hunt?

Nope never left early.