i see everyday a new report of a farm-ranch family being killed or mamed for life. one business man i have dealings with in sa has one of the new v hull trucks just to protect his family. so my question is it still safe to hunt?

I'll let you know when I get back in late May from a 3 week visit.

Should be just about time for a thread or two talking about how dangerous and unstable Zimbabwe is for hunters. Every year for the last ten years we will have at least a thread or two predicting the outbreak of mass violence in Zimbabwe just as hunting season starts. I guess some subscribe to the view that even a broken watch is right two times a day . . . if they keep predicting something catastrophic long enough they are bound to be right someday . . . maybe.

Well, we are going over there ARMED, and with ammo! Just gonna give up?

quote:

Originally posted by Hogbreath:
Well, we are going over there ARMED, and with ammo! Just gonna give up?

Its the element of surprise that produces the desired effect and its to their advantage.

Just how many of those poor unsuspecting farmers got done over without even firing a shot (and they are all armed).

If the people you are hunting with tell you it is OK to go, go.

That is what I would do.

We travel extensively around the world, with one terror attack after another.

We don't let this stop us traveling wherever we wish.

One might get knocked off crossingbthe street at home when his number is up!

Zimbabwe is as peaceful as a African country can be at the moment, no one getting hurt killed ETC.
I think domit may be referring to the killings of farmers in South Africa, as there is nothing like this happening in Zim!

yes south africa best of luck to all hunting this year

In RSA most of the killings are happening to old people at places with poor security. Most any reputable Outfitter is going to have tight security with a hired ARS (Armed Response Security) service.

If this is your first time to South Africa try and go to your PH or Outfitters home. It is impressive how well everything is secure. Most have a pattern that they go through every night to make sure everything is properly locked. Imagine going to bed knowing that there is a consistent threat that there is a large group of people that want to kill your family and make you watch! My first action item would be to have two trained German Shepard attack dogs.

Also note the shopping center in Pretoria where Safari Outfitter store is located. It is like a citadel and you drive through a tunnel up into the parking lot. The entire center is surrounded with electric fence and razor wire. With all of that security they still have issues with theft.

There is no point in even trying to understand the African mind. Someone posted on a forum earlier that the entire continent would be better off if the British Empire still ruled. Not that I totally agree, but it would be a lot safer and game would be much more plentiful.

I am going there (RSA) in 4 months. the unrest does concern me a bit. However, I trust my Outfitter and feel safe hunting with him. There is always risk, and for that reason I have life insurance!!

I am looking forward to going!

I do not mean to sound condescending or mean spirited, but if someone is seriously concerned about the safety of hunting in South Africa . . . Africa as a hunting destination generally is probably not for you in terms of your risk tolerance.

I'm headed to RSA in 7 weeks. Not too concerned. I'll just be aware and enjoy the adventure. As Saeed stated, when your time is up, it's up.

I believe the most dangerous thing on any African trip is being on the highways/roads and what passes for them.