Agent: Aaron Neilson / Huntin' Fool

Outfitter: Old Days Safaris

Location: Private Reserve - Limpopo, SA.

Dates: We have clients the last week of August and the first week of October, other than that all dates are open.

Discount Hunt Price: 10 Days at $10,000.00 / Lion Trophy Fee - $20,000.00

Normal Hunt Price: 14 Days at $10,000.00 / Lion Trophy Fee - $35,800.00


Folks - This is a hunt I just completed myself within the past 10 days, and frankly I was very impressed. I plan to do a full / complete hunt report in a week or two, but after being in Tanzania/SA for almost 6 weeks - I simply have tons of work to catch up on, etc.

Simply stated, this is NOT a canned lion hunt - quite the opposite. This is a 46,000 acre private reserve where all game, including the lions roam/live freely at all times. Frankly the lions killed the last 2 sable on the place about 3 weeks before I got there, expensive meals for lion! In fact the lion I took had been on the reserve for over two years, and had only been seen twice in the past 10 months. We tracked him on several different occasions, only to continually be foiled by his elusive activity in very thick bush, and very tough tracking conditions.

I was asked to come to this place by the outfitter in an attempt to show potential lion hunters another alternative to what is either "Canned" lion hunting - mostly in the Kalahari of SA, or lion hunts much like those in Tanzania, Zimbabwe, etc, - where very high prices and sometimes low success rates are the norm. This place certainly for me, lived up to the billing - where I spent days tracking lion on foot. Finally on day 6 - after 7.5 hrs of tracking we caught up to this great male lion. We did so only because he had run smack dab into another good male who was with a hot female - and a huge, but very short fight ensued. One in which I witnessed part of with my own two eyes, as they tumbled off the river bank's edge - and my lion unfortunately took the brunt of. He obviously was too old to be tussling with the other male who was in his full prime - see the pics below!

We tried to get permits to bait too, but the game department would not allow it - thus all hunting is done via tracking / on foot. Exciting to say the least!

Currently they have 4 additional mature male lions on the reserve, and they want to take two of them this year if possible. Two of them are always together as I saw their tracks several times, one runs alone it appears, and the other was at least while I was there - running with a female.

The reserve has plentiful game species, most of which seem to be on the menu for the lions. These include, giraffe, waterbuck, huge Kudu, Bushbuck, bushpig, very good warthog, Zebra, steenbok, duiker, elephant, eland, Nyala, croc, hippo, impala, klipspringer, blue wildebeest, etc.

The reserve has some tremendous beauty, with huge koppies, beautiful river basins, and of course thick bush - making tracking tedious and time consuming! Accommodations are very nice, the lodge is equipped with Wi-Fi, food is excellent and its a short 30 minute drive from the Phalaborwa airport.

Honestly, this was one of the most exciting lion hunting experiences I have ever been on - and I would do it again in a heartbeat. These lions are NOT CANNED, you will have to get out and hunt for them. Success is not guaranteed - depending on your patience and ability to walk / track. Its not difficult terrain, but one should expect to be on your feet most of the day.

If you want a lion, at a reasonable price and a real lion hunt - this is the one! Do it now, before the implementation of the continued USFWS rules going into effect in 2016 - making importation ever more difficult. These males are normal / mature / good maned lions, they are not the silly looking things with hair from one end to the other, please do not expect that.

I can email you a full list of trophy fees for additional species - should you be interested in this hunt.

Pictures of the lodge, etc.




Yes, we ate Lion!


Bite Marks on my lion's face from the fight with the other male seconds before we took him! Also note the previous scars - canned lions don't have these.




My Lion - note the additional bite mark behind his eye.


Just seconds after the two separated from the fight - my lion is on the left.


My 13' croc


A few more pics






If you are interested in this hunt - please email me at globalhunts@aol.com

Thank you,

Well done. Looks like a great place!

Aaron,

One thing I noted immediately was your lion did not have as you said the unnatural mane most have come to expect on RSA lions. He just looks like a normal mature lion with a good mane. How this hunt is detrimental to lion hunting in general baffles me.

Mark

quote:

Originally posted by MARK H. YOUNG:
Aaron,

One thing I noted immediately was your lion did not have as you said the unnatural mane most have come to expect on RSA lions. He just looks like a normal mature lion with a good mane. How this hunt is detrimental to lion hunting in general baffles me.

Mark

Yep, as we discussed a couple months ago Mark - I thought this one was going to be as close to the real deal as possible and I believe it most certainly is.

This hunt has zero negative effect on wild lions, period - and is nothing like the "canned" hunts we hear so much about either. I think its a great alternative, and something that folks who are interested in hunting a lion should take a close look at.

Just to be clear, are these naturally occurring lions or bought and released onto the property?

If released, how long before the hunt?

What are their names?
Cal
(lol)

quote:

Originally posted by SBT:
Just to be clear, are these naturally occurring lions or bought and released onto the property?

If released, how long before the hunt?

At some point they have been released in most cases, but as I mentioned my lion had been on the reserve for 2 years. Living / surviving on its own, as they all do! They of course knew this lion, but had only seen him twice in the past 10 months - and called him the "Ghost" Cal. The others have been there for 3 months - 1 year, currently (on the reserve). The idea is, at very minimum - no lion can be hunted unless he's been on the reserve for at least 90 days. But keep in mind, you are NOT hunting one specific lion. There are numerous males on the reserve, and you go out looking for tracks / sign, then you track them. Just like the lion I took, I had two to choose from at that moment - there was no doubt I wanted the one on the left.

The other male that my lion was fighting with, most likely was breeding with the female we figured - so its possible they will have cubs too. The plan is, as they are continuing to expand the size of the property - to have the lions breeding normally like all the other species. They have the potential to make it as big as 300,000 acres. That will take time, but they are continuing to work on expansion in hopes of having a Bubye Valley Conservancy type reserve. All they really need now is more acres, which is exactly what they are working on.

They showed me everything, so I would know and be able to speak about it with full knowledge / experience. While I was there they received what was said to be a 4 yr old male lion (I watched as he was delivered - very cool). He was released into the reserve on the last day I was there, and they will not allow anyone to hunt him for at least one year, possibly two. Now, one could end up tracking him while hunting lion - but once they realize its him, they will leave him be.

Trust me, these lions act exactly like a completely wild lion. My lion wanted nothing to do with us!

This looks like a great lion hunt.

A lion free to feed himself for two years should be no different than those lions in Tanzania where they are followed and studied continuously by the concession owners, who pick and choose who can shoot them.

I would hunt these lions without any reservations at all.

Email sent.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
This looks like a great lion hunt.

A lion free to feed himself for two years should be no different than those lions in Tanzania where they are followed and studied continuously by the concession owners, who pick and choose who can shoot them.

I would hunt these lions without any reservations at all.

+1

If the lions are self sustaining - killing to survive and killing plains game (not released cattle) - they are just as good as wild lions just confined by a game fence.

Saeed's tanzania comment about outfitters picking and choosing clients who are successful on wild lion hunts is very disconcerting.

Mike

Not sure how exactly the terms wild lions and released and fences can be used in the same sentence. To me a wild lion is a free range lion, not a released lion and not a conservancy lion (regardless of size) or a game fenced lion (regardless of size) but obviously others may have a different view.

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
Not sure how exactly the terms wild lions and released and fences can be used in the same sentence. To me a wild lion is a free range lion, not a released lion and not a conservancy lion (regardless of size) or a game fenced lion (regardless of size) but obviously others may have a different view.

How would you view the lions in the Save Conservancy or Bubye ?

The fencing in the Save leaves much to be desired. I was told by people who were there from the start in the early 1990s that the majority of lions (a few wild lions were transplanted) just showed up when the buffalo herd got to a size. Their view was they showed up from Gonarezhou.

Mike

In my view they are not free range lions and hence not wild lions. If the fence did not mean anything, there would be no need for the fence. Can't have it both ways: argue that the area is huge so the animals are free range and wild but then have all the animals inside a fence. But I am sure others see it differently and that is fine.

Aaron very well done on your Lion and he is a beauty. So is she.

Been to Bubye when it was ale co. It is a very large place, much larger than Vermeho Park in the USA that is fenced but holds some extremely nice elk. Deer and bison. I don't see that as "canned" or unnatural. Anyway, I hope this doesn't devolve into the high fence vs low fence debate.

Great lion. I would shoot him in a heart throb!

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
In my view they are not free range lions and hence not wild lions. If the fence did not mean anything, there would be no need for the fence. Can't have it both ways: argue that the area is huge so the animals are free range and wild but then have all the animals inside a fence. But I am sure others see it differently and that is fine.

Guys - I agree with Mike's assessment, they are NOT totally wild lions that's just a fact.

They are however completely self sustaining lions, just as all the other game species are in this reserve and others like it - including the Bubye Conservancy. And my friend, they sure do act like wild lions - and that's something I know a bit about!! As wild places in Africa continue to dwindle Mike, I think places like this are going to be more and more important in the preservation of habitat and game.

Another fact is Mike, fences are not put up in places like this to keep the game in - they are to keep the people out!! Although the community owns the land this reserve operates on, some of them totally dis-regard that fact and think the game is there's to do with as they wish. Nobody lives on the reserve other than the owner / staff, but they are in constant battle with visiting poachers on a weekly basis. I was very impressed with their anti poaching units, and the leader - a white PH from close by. His job is not one I would want!

As people continue to encroach on wildlife habitat, and communities are closer to wildlife, fences will be ever more prevalent IMO - if one wants to have / see dangerous animals like lion, elephant, buffalo, etc. These animals will never be allowed to roam freely in populated areas, that simple. In some cases Mike, we are going to have to take the good with the bad - otherwise in the case of this reserve it would simply be grazed down cattle pasture as it was 10 years ago (totally void of any game).

quote:

Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
In my view they are not free range lions and hence not wild lions. If the fence did not mean anything, there would be no need for the fence. Can't have it both ways: argue that the area is huge so the animals are free range and wild but then have all the animals inside a fence. But I am sure others see it differently and that is fine.

Guys - I agree with Mike's assessment, they are NOT totally wild lions that's just a fact.

They are however completely self sustaining lions, just as all the other game species are in this reserve and others like it - including the Bubye Conservancy. And my friend, they sure do act like wild lions - and that's something I know a bit about!! As wild places in Africa continue to dwindle Mike, I think places like this are going to be more and more important in the preservation of habitat and game.

Another fact is Mike, fences are not put up in places like this to keep the game in - they are to keep the people out!! Although the community owns the land this reserve operates on, some of them totally dis-regard that fact and think the game is there's to do with as they wish. Nobody lives on the reserve other than the owner / staff, but they are in constant battle with visiting poachers on a weekly basis. I was very impressed with their anti poaching units, and the leader - a white PH from close by. His job is not one I would want!

As people continue to encroach on wildlife habitat, and communities are closer to wildlife, fences will be ever more prevalent IMO - if one wants to have / see dangerous animals like lion, elephant, buffalo, etc. These animals will never be allowed to roam freely in populated areas, that simple. In some cases Mike, we are going to have to take the good with the bad - otherwise in the case of this reserve it would simply be grazed down cattle pasture as it was 10 years ago (totally void of any game).

Aaron, I agree with your assessment 100%. I just hope that as such reserves become increasingly common (a good thing that may represent the last real hope for wildlife) that we do not undertake to redefine what is free range, what is wild, etc. to fit the new paradigm.

Congratulations on a great hunt Aaron. You are a lucky man to have hunted a lion in that beautiful area. And the way you hunted him must have been a thrill of a life time. In my view there is no difference at all hunting a lion in that area the way you hunted him and hunting a lion in other African countries. It doesn't mean that because there is a fence around the reserve they or not free range. All those lions and all those animals in that reserve have just as good a chance to get away from any hunter than in any big game reserve in Africa. People have wrong perceptions about fenced properties in South Africa. I guess you will never change some peoples views and ideas unless they have actually been there and saw it for themselves. You have been there and experienced it yourself that is why you have such praise for that area. I have hunted most of all the southern African countries including east Africa and in my view hunting in a place like that is no difference at all to a hunting concession in Zimbabwe Tanzania or where ever. Why do we hunt after all. Because we wane tell our friends I have hunted a lion in a free range area in Tanzania and paid $80 000. or do we hunt because we love the thrill and excitement of the chase, the walk and stalk the tracking all those things. This is the type of place that will satisfy any true sport hunters desire of a fair chase hunt.

quote:

Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
In my view they are not free range lions and hence not wild lions. If the fence did not mean anything, there would be no need for the fence. Can't have it both ways: argue that the area is huge so the animals are free range and wild but then have all the animals inside a fence. But I am sure others see it differently and that is fine.

Guys - I agree with Mike's assessment, they are NOT totally wild lions that's just a fact.

They are however completely self sustaining lions, just as all the other game species are in this reserve and others like it - including the Bubye Conservancy. And my friend, they sure do act like wild lions - and that's something I know a bit about!! As wild places in Africa continue to dwindle Mike, I think places like this are going to be more and more important in the preservation of habitat and game.

Another fact is Mike, fences are not put up in places like this to keep the game in - they are to keep the people out!! Although the community owns the land this reserve operates on, some of them totally dis-regard that fact and think the game is there's to do with as they wish. Nobody lives on the reserve other than the owner / staff, but they are in constant battle with visiting poachers on a weekly basis. I was very impressed with their anti poaching units, and the leader - a white PH from close by. His job is not one I would want!

As people continue to encroach on wildlife habitat, and communities are closer to wildlife, fences will be ever more prevalent IMO - if one wants to have / see dangerous animals like lion, elephant, buffalo, etc. These animals will never be allowed to roam freely in populated areas, that simple. In some cases Mike, we are going to have to take the good with the bad - otherwise in the case of this reserve it would simply be grazed down cattle pasture as it was 10 years ago (totally void of any game).

Completely agree. This is the way that things need to go............... conservancies need to be the norm with large tracts of land and self sustaining game, including lions. The smaller operations of a few thousand acres and constant put and take need to go the way of the dodo bird.

The industry needs to morph in this direction or it will inevitably see a crash. The game farming industry is currently operating in a bubble and it will only last for so long in its present form. Big conservancies are the solution to maintaining viable herds of the various species and true self-sustaining large predators.......... and CREDIBILITY as true hunting to support conservation of wildlife. This can be sold to the general public and fellow hunters.

Does not matter what you do or say, the majority of hunters and non-hunters alike are never going to buy into put and take anything. Kicking a bunch of big kudu bulls out of a stock trailer into a few thousand acres just prior to the operating season to be shot by hunters or releasing a lion in the same situation to be tracked down and euthanized a few days later for a rug will NEVER be accepted by most people as hunting. Just the way it is and to wish otherwise is naive at best.

quote:

Originally posted by Skyline:

quote:

Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
In my view they are not free range lions and hence not wild lions. If the fence did not mean anything, there would be no need for the fence. Can't have it both ways: argue that the area is huge so the animals are free range and wild but then have all the animals inside a fence. But I am sure others see it differently and that is fine.

Guys - I agree with Mike's assessment, they are NOT totally wild lions that's just a fact.

They are however completely self sustaining lions, just as all the other game species are in this reserve and others like it - including the Bubye Conservancy. And my friend, they sure do act like wild lions - and that's something I know a bit about!! As wild places in Africa continue to dwindle Mike, I think places like this are going to be more and more important in the preservation of habitat and game.

Another fact is Mike, fences are not put up in places like this to keep the game in - they are to keep the people out!! Although the community owns the land this reserve operates on, some of them totally dis-regard that fact and think the game is there's to do with as they wish. Nobody lives on the reserve other than the owner / staff, but they are in constant battle with visiting poachers on a weekly basis. I was very impressed with their anti poaching units, and the leader - a white PH from close by. His job is not one I would want!

As people continue to encroach on wildlife habitat, and communities are closer to wildlife, fences will be ever more prevalent IMO - if one wants to have / see dangerous animals like lion, elephant, buffalo, etc. These animals will never be allowed to roam freely in populated areas, that simple. In some cases Mike, we are going to have to take the good with the bad - otherwise in the case of this reserve it would simply be grazed down cattle pasture as it was 10 years ago (totally void of any game).

Completely agree. This is the way that things need to go............... conservancies need to be the norm with large tracts of land and self sustaining game, including lions. The smaller operations of a few thousand acres and constant put and take need to go the way of the dodo bird.

The industry needs to morph in this direction or it will inevitably see a crash. The game farming industry is currently operating in a bubble and it will only last for so long in its present form. Big conservancies are the solution to maintaining viable herds of the various species and true self-sustaining large predators.......... and CREDIBILITY as true hunting to support conservation of wildlife. This can be sold to the general public and fellow hunters.

Does not matter what you do or say, the majority of hunters and non-hunters alike are never going to buy into put and take anything. Kicking a bunch of big kudu bulls out of a stock trailer into a few thousand acres just prior to the operating season to be shot by hunters or releasing a lion in the same situation to be tracked down and euthanized a few days later for a rug will NEVER be accepted by most people as hunting. Just the way it is and to wish otherwise is naive at best.

+ 1

When you are "ranching" lions as in this case you cannot control what they eat .. by the time a lion gets to shootable age, he will have devoured several hundred head of plains game ... and given that in a natural environment for every male that makes it to shootable age you have to feed 2 or 3 other lions that never get hunted (females and males that die prematurely in fights etc.) .. do the math on that and you can see why ranching lions will never be financially feasible. The only way to do it is to control what they eat (ie the less valuable cuts on animals shot and paid for by hunters, or culled for meat, or even beef), which means they have to be put into an enclosure for most of their lives. Yes, they can be released when mature for a few months to mitigate this financial reality but then you have a canned hunt for a lion that is unable to feed itself in the natural manner, is habituated to humans, is being hand fed until the day it is "hunted". There is a reason lions are not welcome outside the National Parks, why in less PC times they were treated as vermin, and why you don't see Lions on the vast majority of private game ranches large or small.

quote:

Originally posted by Russ Gould:
When you are "ranching" lions as in this case you cannot control what they eat .. by the time a lion gets to shootable age, he will have devoured several hundred head of plains game ... and given that in a natural environment for every male that makes it to shootable age you have to feed 2 or 3 other lions that never get hunted (females and males that die prematurely in fights etc.) .. do the math on that and you can see why ranching lions will never be financially feasible. The only way to do it is to control what they eat (ie the less valuable cuts on animals shot and paid for by hunters, or culled for meat, or even beef), which means they have to be put into an enclosure for most of their lives. Yes, they can be released when mature for a few months to mitigate this financial reality but then you have a canned hunt for a lion that is unable to feed itself in the natural manner, is habituated to humans, is being hand fed until the day it is "hunted". There is a reason lions are not welcome outside the National Parks, why in less PC times they were treated as vermin, and why you don't see Lions on the vast majority of private game ranches large or small.

You've lost me Russ? I'm not sure what this has to do with the hunt listed above, nor does it really relate in this case either?

Aaron, I can't quite agree with your defence and promotion of this hunt as an ethical comparison to a wild lion hunt. Something about distorting the natural male to female ratio of lion in an area to the advantage of the hunter through re-stocking or introduction makes me ponder. the "hunt experience" may be similar but the outcome possibly guaranteed? Just my view and opinion.

Bwana,
I felt the way you do until I re-started hunting on public land in the U.S. For elk and deer, they are hounded all over the place and the constant bumping into other folks was frustrating. I switched to large fenced areas just to avoid the other hunters and the frantic animals. The private ranches I like all manage the deer and elk with extra food areas or feeders. They take out a lot of females so I guess I am hunted "cultivated" animals. It is fun, it is challenging and I get to make it as challenging as I wish. Plus, no game wardens, no blaze orange and no road hunters coming by.

I would do Aaron's hunt.

quote:

Originally posted by Bwanamich:
Aaron, I can't quite agree with your defence and promotion of this hunt as an ethical comparison to a wild lion hunt. Something about distorting the natural male to female ratio of lion in an area to the advantage of the hunter through re-stocking or introduction makes me ponder. the "hunt experience" may be similar but the outcome possibly guaranteed? Just my view and opinion.

Bwana - Each to his own buddy, I know its NOT for everyone. But, I do think its a good alternative to the "canned" option vs. a Tanzania hunt for example, where we both know odds of success are getting lower, and prices continue to get higher. I think places like this will continue to be more prevalent in Africa, as the human population continues to skyrocket. At least if we want to protect more and more game species, including lions!

I personally will always like Tanzania / Zambia and places similar, the best! Nothing totally compares to these huge / wild areas, IMO. But, I also know a great lion hunt in Zambia in 2016 that is booked for $120,000.00 if all permits are issued legally as anticipated. Now that's great, I have no problem with that. But, a lot of folks simply can't do that my friend. But they also don't want the canned shoot either, I'm one of them.

Keep in mind, as they continue to grow the property in size - which it appears they are going to be able to do. They will allow more natural lion growth - thus my comparison to a place like the Bubye for example. They are not there yet of course, but that's the ultimate plan/goal. All of which continues to take time/money.

To me, this lion hunt is no different than hunting Kudu, wildebeest, impala and any other game within a 46,000 acre fenced reserve. They all live the same self-sustaining life. Either they survive or they don't. Success is not guaranteed, but its highly likely! I knew there would be some that might dis-agree with my assessment, or even the fact that I did this hunt at all. But that's ok - I think my reputation for hunting wild lions has long since been secured. I think everyone who wants to, should have the best opportunity to experience lion hunting. For some, this will make it possible - without shooting one that was in a pen 24 hrs prior to the shoot beginning.

That's just my view / opinion. Take care pal

I'd jump on this hunt in a heartbeat if it wasn't so soon after my brain surgery.

Dave

quote:

Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:

quote:

Originally posted by Bwanamich:
Aaron, I can't quite agree with your defence and promotion of this hunt as an ethical comparison to a wild lion hunt. Something about distorting the natural male to female ratio of lion in an area to the advantage of the hunter through re-stocking or introduction makes me ponder. the "hunt experience" may be similar but the outcome possibly guaranteed? Just my view and opinion.

Bwana - Each to his own buddy, I know its NOT for everyone. But, I do think its a good alternative to the "canned" option vs. a Tanzania hunt for example, where we both know odds of success are getting lower, and prices continue to get higher. I think places like this will continue to be more prevalent in Africa, as the human population continues to skyrocket. At least if we want to protect more and more game species, including lions!

I personally will always like Tanzania / Zambia and places similar, the best! Nothing totally compares to these huge / wild areas, IMO. But, I also know a great lion hunt in Zambia in 2016 that is booked for $120,000.00 if all permits are issued legally as anticipated. Now that's great, I have no problem with that. But, a lot of folks simply can't do that my friend. But they also don't want the canned shoot either, I'm one of them.

Keep in mind, as they continue to grow the property in size - which it appears they are going to be able to do. They will allow more natural lion growth - thus my comparison to a place like the Bubye for example. They are not there yet of course, but that's the ultimate plan/goal. All of which continues to take time/money.

To me, this lion hunt is no different than hunting Kudu, wildebeest, impala and any other game within a 46,000 acre fenced reserve. They all live the same self-sustaining life. Either they survive or they don't. Success is not guaranteed, but its highly likely! I knew there would be some that might dis-agree with my assessment, or even the fact that I did this hunt at all. But that's ok - I think my reputation for hunting wild lions has long since been secured. I think everyone who wants to, should have the best opportunity to experience lion hunting. For some, this will make it possible - without shooting one that was in a pen 24 hrs prior to the shoot beginning.

That's just my view / opinion. Take care pal

I have hunted Lion twice. Both times successful. I would love to again. Having said that $120,000 for a lion hunt is just getting nuts. I don't know if this is a hunt I would do, but it seems a world different than picking your beastie out of a catalog at the convention like an underwear model and arranging his future demise.

Jeff

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Bunduki:

quote:

Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:

quote:

Originally posted by Bwanamich:
Aaron, I can't quite agree with your defence and promotion of this hunt as an ethical comparison to a wild lion hunt. Something about distorting the natural male to female ratio of lion in an area to the advantage of the hunter through re-stocking or introduction makes me ponder. the "hunt experience" may be similar but the outcome possibly guaranteed? Just my view and opinion.

Bwana - Each to his own buddy, I know its NOT for everyone. But, I do think its a good alternative to the "canned" option vs. a Tanzania hunt for example, where we both know odds of success are getting lower, and prices continue to get higher. I think places like this will continue to be more prevalent in Africa, as the human population continues to skyrocket. At least if we want to protect more and more game species, including lions!

I personally will always like Tanzania / Zambia and places similar, the best! Nothing totally compares to these huge / wild areas, IMO. But, I also know a great lion hunt in Zambia in 2016 that is booked for $120,000.00 if all permits are issued legally as anticipated. Now that's great, I have no problem with that. But, a lot of folks simply can't do that my friend. But they also don't want the canned shoot either, I'm one of them.

Keep in mind, as they continue to grow the property in size - which it appears they are going to be able to do. They will allow more natural lion growth - thus my comparison to a place like the Bubye for example. They are not there yet of course, but that's the ultimate plan/goal. All of which continues to take time/money.

To me, this lion hunt is no different than hunting Kudu, wildebeest, impala and any other game within a 46,000 acre fenced reserve. They all live the same self-sustaining life. Either they survive or they don't. Success is not guaranteed, but its highly likely! I knew there would be some that might dis-agree with my assessment, or even the fact that I did this hunt at all. But that's ok - I think my reputation for hunting wild lions has long since been secured. I think everyone who wants to, should have the best opportunity to experience lion hunting. For some, this will make it possible - without shooting one that was in a pen 24 hrs prior to the shoot beginning.

That's just my view / opinion. Take care pal

I have hunted Lion twice. Both times successful. I would love to again. Having said that $120,000 for a lion hunt is just getting nuts. I don't know if this is a hunt I would do, but it seems a world different than picking your beastie out of a catalog at the convention like an underwear model and arranging his future demise.

Jeff

Jeff - I think your point is well taken, it is to me at least. I simply cannot afford/justify $120k for a lion hunt, and I know the area very well. Its an awesome place, and I have hunted lions in the area several times in the past - but likely never again.

At least one alternative in my eyes is a hunt like this. Its what I call a "hybrid" lion hunt. Its not canned by any means, but its not the Kafue of western Zambia either. Its in the middle, and so is the normal pricing.

Guys - I can tell you without any uncertainty, the lions here act very much like wild lions. Nothing about their demeanor or their elusiveness suggests otherwise. Just like the Eland, the big Kudu and the zebra on this place. A lot of the game is very keen to the situation, and "hunting" them is a must.

quote:

Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Bunduki:

quote:

Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:

quote:

Originally posted by Bwanamich:
Aaron, I can't quite agree with your defence and promotion of this hunt as an ethical comparison to a wild lion hunt. Something about distorting the natural male to female ratio of lion in an area to the advantage of the hunter through re-stocking or introduction makes me ponder. the "hunt experience" may be similar but the outcome possibly guaranteed? Just my view and opinion.

Bwana - Each to his own buddy, I know its NOT for everyone. But, I do think its a good alternative to the "canned" option vs. a Tanzania hunt for example, where we both know odds of success are getting lower, and prices continue to get higher. I think places like this will continue to be more prevalent in Africa, as the human population continues to skyrocket. At least if we want to protect more and more game species, including lions!

I personally will always like Tanzania / Zambia and places similar, the best! Nothing totally compares to these huge / wild areas, IMO. But, I also know a great lion hunt in Zambia in 2016 that is booked for $120,000.00 if all permits are issued legally as anticipated. Now that's great, I have no problem with that. But, a lot of folks simply can't do that my friend. But they also don't want the canned shoot either, I'm one of them.

Keep in mind, as they continue to grow the property in size - which it appears they are going to be able to do. They will allow more natural lion growth - thus my comparison to a place like the Bubye for example. They are not there yet of course, but that's the ultimate plan/goal. All of which continues to take time/money.

To me, this lion hunt is no different than hunting Kudu, wildebeest, impala and any other game within a 46,000 acre fenced reserve. They all live the same self-sustaining life. Either they survive or they don't. Success is not guaranteed, but its highly likely! I knew there would be some that might dis-agree with my assessment, or even the fact that I did this hunt at all. But that's ok - I think my reputation for hunting wild lions has long since been secured. I think everyone who wants to, should have the best opportunity to experience lion hunting. For some, this will make it possible - without shooting one that was in a pen 24 hrs prior to the shoot beginning.

That's just my view / opinion. Take care pal

I have hunted Lion twice. Both times successful. I would love to again. Having said that $120,000 for a lion hunt is just getting nuts. I don't know if this is a hunt I would do, but it seems a world different than picking your beastie out of a catalog at the convention like an underwear model and arranging his future demise.

Jeff

Jeff - I think your point is well taken, it is to me at least. I simply cannot afford/justify $120k for a lion hunt, and I know the area very well. Its an awesome place, and I have hunted lions in the area several times in the past - but likely never again.

At least one alternative in my eyes is a hunt like this. Its what I call a "hybrid" lion hunt. Its not canned by any means, but its not the Kafue of western Zambia either. Its in the middle, and so is the normal pricing.

Guys - I can tell you without any uncertainty, the lions here act very much like wild lions. Nothing about their demeanor or their elusiveness suggests otherwise. Just like the Eland, the big Kudu and the zebra on this place. A lot of the game is very keen to the situation, and "hunting" them is a must.

The other thing would be to be 120K in with TGT ETAL and be looking at a huge full maned Lion and being told with all certainty (dubious at best) that the animal is only 5 years old. Not picking on the premium Tanz operators as they are doing the right thing with the 6 year rule, but their success rates are quite low. Roulette offers better odds.

Jeff

That is ONE DAMN GOOD PRICE on this hunt!

Aaron,

is your girlfriend the CPA huntress from Idaho State University that is causing all the splash in the media over her kills?

I meant to ask when I saw the pictures, but was on vacation and unable to post.

thanks,

Richy

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:
Aaron,

is your girlfriend the CPA huntress from Idaho State University that is causing all the splash in the media over her kills?

I meant to ask when I saw the pictures, but was on vacation and unable to post.

thanks,

Richy

ISS - yes sir, that's her! She's had lots of support from her fellow Idaho citizens. Great state, and my kind of people!!!

Hey Aaron
I'm real happy that you've experienced a proper SA ranch lion hunt. Lions on big areas supporting themselves.
I personally think that with human encroachment and habitat loss ,if allowed, this will be the future of lion hunting in Southern Africa .
Best regards
Dave

Was this the hunt you used a bow for the lion? What was your setup?

quote:

Originally posted by pacecars:
Was this the hunt you used a bow for the lion? What was your setup?

No sir, I shot the lion with a bow in Tanzania a couple weeks prior to this hunt.

I was using my Hoyt Carbon Spyder Turbo at 81lbs, with Easton FMJ - DG arrows and WASP 100 gr. Drone heads. My total arrow/head weight was at rougly 625 grains, and I was getting about 91lbs of KE - way more than necessary for lion. But if time allowed, I was going to try for buff too, but I had 150 gr. Sledge Hammer Heads from Wasp Archery for that.