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I was having a talk to various PH's and this topic came up.......... SHOOTING SKILLS: The ability to shoot QUICKLY and Accurately? And or the ability to shoot at longer than normal ranges, if necessary. Most PH's feel this is the most important skill for any client, quite naturally. PHYSICAL FITNESS: How important is this for African Hunting? EQUIPMENT: Well built rifles, the best optics, the right projectile for the intended quarry, etc? A GOOD PH: How vital is this? MONEY: The financial wherewithal to hunt on the best concessions, pay the highest trophy fees, pay for the best gear, the best PH.........this one is a minefield! RESEARCH: The time taken to check which areas produce the best heads, best concessions etc? FIELDCRAFT: How important are these skills in African hunting? Anything I have missed? Cheers, Verbera!, Iugula!, Iugula!!! Blair. | ||
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To sum it up: Independently wealthy. There are a few things in life that cannot be bought. African safari hunting success is not one of them. | |||
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Money. ------------------------------- Will Stewart / Once you've been amongst them, there is no such thing as too much gun. --------------------------------------- and, God Bless John Wayne. NRA Benefactor Member, GOA, N.A.G.R. _________________________ "Elephant and Elephant Guns" $99 shipped “Hunting Africa's Dangerous Game" $20 shipped. red.dirt.elephant@gmail.com _________________________ Hoping to wind up where elephant hunters go. | |||
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the desire to hunt the ability to overlook minor things patience | |||
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Money...and time to spend it. | |||
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Define successful. Is it putting a good head on the wall or is it about having the time of your life. It could be time and money or attitude depending on your definition. | |||
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Money!! | |||
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Shooting ability........+ money to pay the bills. But if you can't shoot, no amount of money will bag the trophy. Remember, forgivness is easier to get than permission. | |||
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Addressed in Order (as seen from a one trip bwannabe, so please no one take it to heart and get all upset): Shooting Skills: There is no single answer for this. I personally believe that an all-around good shot (quick/accurate at all ranges – able to shoot with a scope or iron sites depending on the situation) is the only way to go. You can never tell where or when a shot is going to present itself. Mainly I think if the hunter knows his limitations and expresses such to the PH, doesn’t take a shot he is not comfortable with…there should be no problems. But then, Mr. Murphy is always out there hot on your heels, so… Physical Fitness: I think physical fitness is key to any successful hunt. The healthier the hunter, the more enjoyable the time spent hunting. And there is no point in going on safari, spending all that time and resources only to have to stop hunting because you can’t make the walk, or you miss a shot because you could not move fast enough to get into position, you sounded like a Rhino snorting and scared the game off after a 100 yard trot, etc, etc, etc. Equipment: Having the best gear and the custom rifle and handmade boots is nice. There is no doubt about it. But is it all necessary? I don’t think so. Would you refuse to hunt if only you showed up in Africa and your bags were vacationing in the Antarctic? I wouldn’t. I would be looking to use the camp rifle, or a loaner from wherever I could find one, regardless of its set up. Even the worse bullet will kill if properly placed. We all place a great deal of emphasis on our gear, me included, and if given the choice I would much rather use my own, but in reality, when the cards are on the table, I don’t think it really much matters. A good PH: I think a good PH is vital to the success of a safari. But what is a good PH? Is he the guy who is a decent judge of trophies, but is lacking in personality? Or is he the guy who keeps you in stitches and liquored up for the whole trip, but can’t tell a kudu from a klipspringer (I highly doubt there is a ph out there who can’t tell the difference, but you get the idea right?) Is it a combination of both? What is going to make the trip for you? Are you happy as long as he runs a good camp and gives his best effort to get you trophies, but isn’t always able to produce? Good is relative. Money: Ah, the root of all evil. I guess in the end it all comes down to money. Personally I would rather go on a skimpy hunt with someone I like and be limited on my choice of animals than spend ever cent I could get my hands on and be stuck with someone I couldn’t stand. Where is the best concession? Does it matter? I know that no one wants to be shuffled off to the land of no animals, but it is called hunting…not shooting. Spending the most money on safari doesn’t guarantee the biggest trophies, or the best time. It only guarantees the most money spent. Research: ?Naw. Send Ganyana a pm and ask him where to go. Research done. ïŠ Fieldcraft: Extremely important. How could it not be? Why travel all that way and waste the time and effort to get within shooting distance of an animal to do nothing more than step on and break a stick underfoot so the animal can run off? Do you need to be a world-class tracker – no? But don’t you want to be able to recognize the tracks, be able to point them out here and there. Be able to follow a blood trail, etc? I sure do. I know there are people there who are paid to do that, but every set of eyes helps. Just my opinion. Brian "If you can't go all out, don't go..." | |||
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Time and money. The PH can make up for just about any other weaknesses | |||
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Patience. SCI Life Member DSC Life Member | |||
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Sometimes all you need is an internet connection, a PC and a keyboard ... | |||
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------------------------------- Some Pictures from Namibia Some Pictures from Zimbabwe An Elephant Story | |||
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I am going to go in a different direction than the previous posts. To me it is the LOVE OF: Being in the great outdoors of AFRICA, where anything can and will happen. Nothing is taken for granted. Preparing yourself for the unexpected, rolling with the punches, and getting back on your feet - You Are In Africa! Challenging yourself to hours if not days of stalking, always learning, questioning, and pushing your skills. Seeing a multitude of wildlife in their natural habitat and enjoying every second. Making a decision in regards to a trophy by size, by character, or just a memory to keep forever. Hunting ethically to your personal limit and being respectful of any animal harvested. The preparation and planning of every detail. Then carrying it through, taking the lessons learned and modify them for the next safari-hunt. To put my response in perspective, I have only been on one PG hunt May of 2005. I "LOVED" evey minute of the preparation and carry through and am anxiously anticipating another in 2009 where I hope to add a Cape Buffalo to the agenda. I will never be the "successful African hunter" in some peoples eyes, as I don't have the time and money, particularly for the big five. But in comparison to most of the U.S. hunters that I am friends with, and in my own experiences I have been a succesful African hunter, as I dared to dream of this adventure and carried it off regardless of how humble it was in comparison. And I have this forum and most of the contributors on AR to thank. | |||
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I now count two South African PH's as friends of mine. Making good friends is its own reward and the wonderful time I spend with them, wherever we get together, is probably the greatest personal "success" I have derived from hunting in Africa. I have never shot a "Big Five" animal (although I never despair about winning the lottery one day) and have thoroughly enjoyed just about every hunting minute on my plains game hunts. I did track Cape Buffalo and Rhino and got into shooting situations on several occasions and it was an immense thrill. I'll be able to pull the trigger on them one day, the only hunt better than the last is the next. _________________________________ AR, where the hopeless, hysterical hypochondriacs of history become the nattering nabobs of negativisim. | |||
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The ability to weed out 80% of advice that is eihter bullshit, what someone else wants you to do, or what someone else wants to do and focus on the 20% thats practical. Mike Legistine actu? Quid scripsi?[/] [i] Never under estimate the internet community's ability to reply to your post with their personal rant about their tangentially related, single occurrence issue. What I have learned on AR, since 2001: 1. The proper answer to: Where is the best place in town to get a steak dinner? is…You should go to Mel's Diner and get the fried chicken. 2. Big game animals can tell the difference between .015 of an inch in diameter, 15 grains of bullet weight, and 150 fps. 3. There is a difference in the performance of two identical projectiles launched at the same velocity if they came from different cartridges. 4. While a double rifle is the perfect DGR, every 375HH bolt gun needs to be modified to carry at least 5 down. 5. While a floor plate and detachable box magazine both use a mechanical latch, only the floor plate latch is reliable. Disregard the fact that every modern military rifle uses a detachable box magazine. 6. The Remington 700 is unreliable regardless of the fact it is the basis of the USMC M40 sniper rifle for 40+ years with no changes to the receiver or extractor and is the choice of more military and law enforcement sniper units than any other rifle. 7. PF actions are not suitable for a DGR and it is irrelevant that the M1, M14, M16, & AK47 which were designed for hunting men that can shoot back are all PF actions. 8. 95 deg F in Africa is different than 95 deg F in TX or CA and that is why you must worry about ammunition temperature in Africa (even though most safaris take place in winter) but not in TX or in CA. 9. The size of a ding in a gun's finish doesn't matter, what matters is whether it’s a safe ding or not. 10. 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact. 11. Never buy a WSM or RCM cartridge for a safari rifle or your go to rifle in the USA because if they lose your ammo you can't find replacement ammo but don't worry 280 Rem, 338-06, 35 Whelen, and all Weatherby cartridges abound in Africa and back country stores. 12. A well hit animal can run 75 yds. in the open and suddenly drop with no initial blood trail, but the one I shot from 200 yds. away that ran 10 yds. and disappeared into a thicket and was not found was lost because the bullet penciled thru. I am 100% certain of this even though I have no physical evidence. 13. A 300 Win Mag is a 500 yard elk cartridge but a 308 Win is not a 300 yard elk cartridge even though the same bullet is travelling at the same velocity at those respective distances. | |||
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Money and the ability to tell your hind end from your elbow, in that order. But possession of those bare minimums and the hunting "success" that follows will not be enough to make you happy! Mike Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer. | |||
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Money and the realization of knowing our time here is limited. You can borrow money, but you can't borrow time. Go now. STAY IN THE FIGHT! | |||
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Money is important 'cause you can't go for free, but most anyone can save up for a trip or two in a lifetime... The cost of a bar brand toddy, not drunk once a day,(alas) will pay for a buffalo safari every ten years or so.. You don't have to go to the best places, either. One must really screw up to find an area that doesn't at least have "representative" trophies... and most folks can afford that... but: How the heck can you have a good experience if you have a PH who isn't there to show you the time of your life (and, of course, has the personality and competency to do so)? A safari is an intimate experience with the PH. You eat three meals with him/her, you sit by the fire and share stories, you bump around in a Land Cruiser all day... you'd dang well better get along, or you might wish you had some of those toddies you gave up to pay for the trip. Choose well. Nothing can ruin a safari quicker than dreading getting up and having to spend the day with someone you aren't compatable with. You can get married for that. References are great, but nothing is as important as eye-ball-to-eye-ball discussions at SCI or Dallas. You can't learn everything, but you sure get a good start. JudgeG ... just counting time 'til I am again finding balm in Gilead chilled out somewhere in the Selous. | |||
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Money, time, and a permission slip from your wife. Namibiahunter . | |||
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Money and time, and a willingness to spend both. Shooting skills. Yes, the PH can shoot your animals for you, but that hardly makes you a "successful" African hunter. Physical condition. Yes, you can shoot your animals from the back of the truck, but neither does that make you a "successful" African hunter. Adaptability and a willingness to accept a bit of adversity. If you will hunt only when everything goes exactly as planned, you won't do much hunting. | |||
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In addition to desire and sufficient funding and the other qualities mentioned above...TRACKERS are key on certain hunts, especially for elephant, where the trackes can have as great or greater impact then the PH. At times, they are the ones actually doing the hunting! Of course, a good working relationship between a top PH and skilled trackers is the ideal. | |||
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Patience Money Ability to not the little things get to you | |||
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Six trips across the pond and this is my take bearing in mind it relates to a typical plains game hunt or buffalo hunt. MONEY: At a bare minimum you must have enough to get you there and back and pay for your day rate and what you want to shoot. Without the $$$, all the rest is just a dream. So come up with the dough first. Can't get them if you can't get there. A GOOD PH: If you have a bum your trip will be a bummer. Most important thing once you get there. Can't get them if you PH can't find them or you won't go with him. PHYSICAL FITNESS: You have to be able to at least walk at a moderate pace for a few miles in mostly gentle terrain. You must be able to get to the game, or in and out of the truck for trophy photos if nothing else. If old fat dudes and little girls can do it-it can't be that demanding. Can't get them if you can't get to them. SHOOTING SKILLS: Even beginners like my teen aged daughters were able to take their game with good kill shots. You must be safe above all else because usually you will be hunting in a crowd of at least 3 at a minimum. You must also be familiar with loading/unloading, safety, sights and firing mechanism of your firearm. The better you are the better trip you will have. Can't get them if you can't operate the tool. EQUIPMENT: Any decent boots, hat and clothes will do. Look at the various outfits of guys on this forum wear hunting. Will hunts in a shirt with the sleeves cut off, shorts and sandals. He doesn't carry anything but a few spare rounds of ammo and a copy of his book. While some of the guys would make Stuart Granger blush with the resplendence of their safari togs and could live for a week out of their day pack. For plains game take you favorite scoped 284,30,8mm,338,9.3mm deer rifle. Dangerous game take a 375 H&H or rent from the safari company. You don't even need a knife on safari. Can't get them naked and bare handed, but almost. RESEARCH: Pick good PHs and this will take care of itself. However, don't expect to find Kongoni in the Zambezi Valley, Lord Derby eland in the Karoo or 100 pound elephants anywhere. Can't get them if you don't know what they look like or where they live. FIELDCRAFT: The least important aspect of hunting in Africa. Be able to tell the difference between the various critters you are hunting. You will not generally need to be able to track, find you way or build a fire-shelter-or find water. The PH will hold you by the hand if need be to get you in position to shoot game. Someone with complete ignorance in this area can still expect to take a few head of game on most safaris. If you can't keep from falling in the long drop or get lost going or coming back you should stay home. Can't get them if you must blow a whistle all day to keep from getting lost. Perry | |||
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Money and someone to share the experience with. The rest will come as you prepare and do your research. | |||
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I agree with those above that indicated the importance of the PH. A good PH makes a tremendous difference. Good PH's also tend to come with good trackers, be in good areas, associated with reputable outfits, etc. Do your due diligence on the PH, check them out. As a corporate lawyer, we have a saying that you hire lawyers not law firms. That means it is far more important who the specific lawyer is that is doing the work than it is what law firm the lawyer is with. In my mind, PHs fall into the same category. Mike | |||
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Well those were all interesting takes on the subject..............with the money being the winner, it seems. NamibiaHunter and Jim Manion, JudgeG and MJines all made good comments on other aspects........ All good to read. Verbera!, Iugula!, Iugula!!! Blair. | |||
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Verbera!, Iugula!, Iugula!!! Blair. | |||
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$money, $money, mo $money, & time. | |||
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No mun, no fun Money will get you there, from a simple 5 day, 3 animal hunt to a 30 day safari trek through the jungle per se. You have to have the money to get there. However, a family on a 7 day hunt can have the ultimate in sharing the experience together. Those memories won't be measured on whom shot the biggest or most, but burned in their minds and hearts will be Africa. Some will shoot straight, some will miss. That's part of hunting. So to me, memories are the success of any African adventure. They will be what pulls you back. Save money, make time, do without this and that...we yearn to return. That alone my friend is success all on its own. LDK Gray Ghost Hunting Safaris http://grayghostsafaris.com Phone: 615-860-4333 Email: hunts@grayghostsafaris.com NRA Benefactor DSC Professional Member SCI Member RMEF Life Member NWTF Guardian Life Sponsor NAHC Life Member Rowland Ward - SCI Scorer Took the wife the Eastern Cape for her first hunt: http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6881000262 Hunting in the Stormberg, Winterberg and Hankey Mountains of the Eastern Cape 2018 http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/4801073142 Hunting the Eastern Cape, RSA May 22nd - June 15th 2007 http://forums.accuratereloadin...=810104007#810104007 16 Days in Zimbabwe: Leopard, plains game, fowl and more: http://forums.accuratereloadin...=212108409#212108409 Natal: Rhino, Croc, Nyala, Bushbuck and more http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6341092311 Recent hunt in the Eastern Cape, August 2010: Pics added http://forums.accuratereloadin...261039941#9261039941 10 days in the Stormberg Mountains http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/7781081322 Back in the Stormberg Mountains with friends: May-June 2017 http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6001078232 "Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading" - Thomas Jefferson Every morning the Zebra wakes up knowing it must outrun the fastest Lion if it wants to stay alive. Every morning the Lion wakes up knowing it must outrun the slowest Zebra or it will starve. It makes no difference if you are a Zebra or a Lion; when the Sun comes up in Africa, you must wake up running...... "If you're being chased by a Lion, you don't have to be faster than the Lion, you just have to be faster than the person next to you." | |||
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Money,Health,Experience,friends and your favorite beverage, maybe a nice woman is too mucht to ask, but is the cake´s strawberry. "Every ignored reallity prepares its revenge!" | |||
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The ability to distinguish animals in the bush quickly. ALLEN W. JOHNSON - DRSS Into my heart on air that kills From yon far country blows: What are those blue remembered hills, What spires, what farms are those? That is the land of lost content, I see it shining plain, The happy highways where I went And cannot come again. A. E. Housman | |||
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Once you have the money, then physical fitness, and a good rifle that (a) you shoot well, & (b) has ample power for the game you're after. ____________________________ .470 & 9.3X74R Chapuis' Tikka O/U 9.3X74R Searcy Classics 450/.400 3" & .577 C&H .375 2 1/2" Krieghoff .500 NE Member Dallas Safari Club | |||
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Cant' say much more than that really Verbera!, Iugula!, Iugula!!! Blair. | |||
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Frank, once you have the money you are too old to be in proper shape and the money takes of the rifle. See you in Dallas | |||
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Select a good Safari Company, getting in good phyical condition is a must for ultimate success, Be able to shoot fast and accurately from the off hand position and be familair with your rifle..THEN, enjoy your hunt, don't make it an ordeal, appreciate where you are and what you are doing and what is around you, become part of that, don't go on a hunt with pre concieved notions. Ray Atkinson Atkinson Hunting Adventures 10 Ward Lane, Filer, Idaho, 83328 208-731-4120 rayatkinsonhunting@gmail.com | |||
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Right after an unlimited amount of good old hard cash! ....Mac >>>===(x)===> MacD37, ...and DUGABOY1 DRSS Charter member "If I die today, I've had a life well spent, for I've been to see the Elephant, and smelled the smoke of Africa!"~ME 1982 Hands of Old Elmer Keith | |||
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I can shoot, I can keep up with the PH (but not the trackers), I know where I want to hunt, my equipment is good, I have the companies and PH's fixed in my mind, I even have the time (except for those bloody cancellation hunts) but the money is coming slow. The time issue is ironic because the timing for Alaska hunting is absolutely terrible but Africa sits perfectly in my schedule. _______________________________ | |||
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A positive attitude. "There are worse memorials to a life well-lived than a pair of elephant tusks." Robert Ruark | |||
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Access to significant discretionary funds is paramount. It really doesn't matter how fit you are or how good a shot you are if you haven't saved up enough to pay for the trip! After that we can worry about CRF, caliber, type of sights, what kind of socks to wear, etc. | |||
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