Safaris

[Iamyourhuckleberry]

Hey all, when I read Tallcooljuan's "first safaris" post", I noticed a lot of responders mention they have been to Africa, and a few who hold dreams of going. If you wouldn't mind, could you please share your experience(s). I thought it would be fun to see photos, recount events, and help define what makes Africa so uniquely special. Where have you been? Of those animals you have hunted, which was the most difficult to pursue? The toughest to bring down? Your favorite? Is there one you would prefer to eat over the others? Anything else you might like to add? please show pictures-without them, it never happened.

I have been to Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Someday, I would like to safari in the region around Benin and Burkina Faso. My 10 safaris have all been via archery gear. I prefer to spot and stalk hunt versus sitting in a blind at a waterhole or feed station.

For me, the most difficult animal to pursue with a bow is hands down a baboon! Their eyesight is second to none. They see you coming from miles away and sit in the distance barking your approach. To me, a baboon's bark screams, "You are in Africa, my backyard, and I got you!"


The baboon is followed by pygmy antelope. These small creatures are in constant motion. If they do stop, it is only for a brief moment. They certainly find flight the moment you release an arrow. I took me twelve shots at several different steenboks and many days of hunting before one finally fell. My Red Natal Duiker was anchored with an (admittedly) lucky 30-yard thread the needle shot through the tightly woven underbrush they inhabit.



Of the larger species, I believe the zebra (via bow) presents the most formidable challenge. They are the default animal of the savannah-meaning, 9 out of 10 times when you're unsure of which animal is in front of you, your binoculars will reveal a zebra. These stripped beasts hang in amongst other animals. The moment an alarm is sounded by anything, the zebra is off to the next county. The Zebra, along with Wildebeest, are the toughest animals I have encountered in Africa. I have brought them down with a single arrow, but man, they can take a hit and travel.



My favorite animal (this is a tough question because each animal is uniquely beautiful) in Africa is the Gemsbok. I have managed to successfully hunt both a respectable bull and cow.



Best table fare: Eland


Most fun to hunt: Warthog


The animal which looks the least likely to be African: Waterbuck


I am heading back in 2020. I hope to add a grysbok and blue duiker to my endeavors.

[Iamyourhuckleberry]

If you have never been to Africa and have the desire to go, ask questions. Hopefully, we can help with the answers. Africa is not untouchable. It just takes a little planning, saving, and execution. You can honestly go there round trip, hunt 6-8 animals, all for under $5000. Nowhere else in the world can you have the time of your life expending this amount of money and successfully harvesting 6-8 animals. Make the dream a reality!
 

[lhrbull]

The best table fair is the springbok filets the amazing part for me is how mild all the game was over there 

[lhrbull]

brought the pictures of first trip back to top for your insection

[Bob33]

Growing up I had no desire to go to Africa. in 2012 someone bought a package and sold it to me for price too good to pass up. I've been back twice since and will be going back again next June. To be honest I have little desire to shoot any more animals (although I will.) Simply being there is an experience unlike one anywhere in America. You are treated like royalty and will see a variety of animals every day, many of which can't be found elsewhere. On my last trip we saw 47 different species. Go in their winter ( May - August) and you will hunt in weather from about 40 to 75 degrees sun most of the time. This next trip will be a blend of gun and camera shooting. We'll spend a few days in Kruger, spend one day shooting birds (by the hundreds), and spend the rest of the time hunting plains game.

The challenge to controlling cost is understanding that there are no game limits in Africa, and you pay by the animal. If you want to shoot 50 animals, you certainly can. Outfitters understand this, and some less than fully ethical ones will take advantage of it and encourage the hunter to shoot more than the hunter's budget allows. Make it clear up front with the outfitter what your goals are, what your limitations are if any, and what your budget is. Ones that value repeat business will understand and respect that.

[Iamyourhuckleberry]

Very good advice Bob. I too think it is important to communicate well with your Outfitter and Professional Hunter (guide). They are not mind readers. They do value openness and honesty, as well as repeat business. Additionally, much of the mythical costs associated with Africa come in the form of trophy exportation. There are so many middlemen involved, all wanting a generous piece of your pie. If you are okay with quality field photos, you can completely eliminate the export/import/inspection fees. On average, you can expect to spend $400-500 per animal getting it home.

Also, keep in mind, if you draw a drop of blood, you are paying for that animal. Be patient, only shoot when you're 100% comfortable with your shot-regardless of weapon! Do not let anyone (your hunting partner, for example) talk you into doing something you do not want to do. Understand your limits and stick to them. The PHs see many hunters with various degrees of ability every year. They assume, in many cases and unfortunately, all hunters are the same. We are not. If your effective range is 100 yards, let it be known and stick to it. On my first trip to a new concession, I saved face (a $20 bet) for a hunting partner who said I could hit a small target with my bow from 100 yards. My arrow smacked dead center. From that point forward, my PH thought I could kill anything from whatever distance. I religiously keep my shots under 40 yards. Without the self-imposed limit, I could have been easily talked into doing something stupid.

You will be treated like royalty! Plan on returning home 10 pounds heavier. The food is out of this world!

Shot placement on African game is a tad more forward than on our NA game. There are good internet resources and publication to help with this.

Some of the cool animals you may see...



[imghttps://scontent-lax3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/10858358_10205059102659304_3311116428685272678_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-2.xx&oh=2e83d85e9cf5ae88f725f6abbfade49c&oe=5CA7B200][/img]

[Iamyourhuckleberry]

With regard to "your way", I had a desire to shoot a croc with my bow. I did the research and had talked to several bowhunters regarding which approach would be best. I decided on the no string method and understood arrow placement was going to be critical. Steve Kobrine told me the best shot was halfway between the front leg and the back leg, and where the belly skin met the back skin. An arrow placed in this location would hit the croc in the back portion of his lungs. Once hit, the croc would dive into the water only to resurface within a minute due to a lack of oxygen. I was told the croc would die on the beach. I executed this plan to perfection. Hope this link works.

Not a valid vimeo URL

[Iamyourhuckleberry]

The croc was under water for 40 seconds and then returned straight to the water's edge. He pulled half his body onto the bank and was totally dead within 2 minutes.

[Iamyourhuckleberry]

I get fired up when I am hunting something that can hunt back. My "A" game instinctively kicks in. When I am in Africa in amongst the many things which kill people routinely, I am no different. My situational awareness is elevated. Even then it is amazing all the things you never see but know are out there. One thing for sure and something which always lingers in the back of your head, Africa was designed to absorb protein. if it doesn't stick you, prick you, suck you, pluck you, then it will surely eat you if your guard is down. That is so much of the romance of Africa.




You might see this, but what that cow sees is you with a crosshair overtop your head. You would think something that large would be easy to spot. Ha! They disappear in the bush like magic!

[Bob33]

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[Iamyourhuckleberry]

Thanks for the photos, Bob.  It is hard not to reminisce...

The sunrise and sunsets in Africa are perhaps one of the most beautiful events I have ever experienced.

[Iamyourhuckleberry]

Let's see your lodge photos!

Here's a video I put together after one of my safaris. Enjoy!

https://www.facebook.com/william.nelson.144181/videos/4897041625952/