Leaving 35Whelen ammunition in Africa with PH

I did a search, and came up empty handed. Maybe some words of advise from the AH members and PH's.

First time I went to Africa I rented rifle, next time I plan on taking my 35 Whelen with appropriate ammunition. I have heard from guys that have went, and read on this forum about leaving the ammo for the outfitter/PH's. My question is, being that the 35 Whelen is really not that common of a caliber, would it be wise to leave the remaining ammo behind?

Would the PH be able to use it for the future or trade it to another outfitter for ammo they have rifles for on their farm? Guess, if it's not worth the hassle to them I would just bring it back, but, if they can do something with it I would like to leave it as part of the tip. The PH I used told me how much they pay for 30-06 ammo in SA. I did the math to US dollars and all I can say is "Holy Crap".

Any advise would be appreciated. Scott.

Scott, I thought I'd jump in here, while it is a very thoughtfull gesture, please just keep in mind that if the ph or any person was to be caught with any amunition to which they do not hold a leagal license, they will be arrested, it is against the law for us to have any ammo to a caliber that is not registered to us, however I think the prudent course of action would be to talk to your guide as to whether or not he would be willing to take such a risk.

Hope this clarifies the leagal implications, and answers your question.

My best always.

Jaco, Thanks for the reply, I did'nt know that it was illegal. Just thought I would ask before the next hunt. Don't want to get anyone in trouble, last time left flashlights and batteries, Binoculars, and such. Hope SAP doesn't catch the outfitter with them, LOL.

Seriously though, Thanks

Lol! No its just the gun laws that sucks! No problem enjoy your trip!

Lol! No its just the gun laws that sucks! No problem enjoy your trip!

35Bore

Jaco offers some good advise.

35bore, What you failed to provide is what country are you going to be hunting in?

The laws are different in the various African countries.

a better avenue is to ask before hand what they could use and take a box or 2 along to provide you PH while there. Making sure you stay with in your airline poundage.

Originally Posted by James.Grage

35Bore

Jaco offers some good advise.

35bore, What you failed to provide is what country are you going to be hunting in?

The laws are different in the various African countries.

a better avenue is to ask before hand what they could use and take a box or 2 along to provide you PH while there. Making sure you stay with in your airline poundage.

An even better idea is to follow James first advice rather than his last. Most countries will match your ammunition to your rifle. An extra box or two of .375's or .416's packed along with your .338 could prove a really bad thing at more than one entry point. A good hunting consultant or hunting specialist travel consultant can save you a lot of potential grief.

James,

I will be returning to Koedoeberg (SA) with whom I hunted with his 30-06...

Red Leg,

Was aware that if I packed ammo, it had to match the rifle I was bringing...Very good info to know.

Maybe the answer would be to pack my trusted 30-06 and bring plenty of ammo...If I want to hunt with the 35Whelen, I guess I will only bring a couple of boxes of ammo, I know Willem does not own a 35 Whelen rifle so I could not leave the ammo behind.

Jaco,

I knew you guys had some stringent gun laws, but, was completely unaware of the ammo laws that went with it.

Taking ammo home is just excess baggage that will take up your on-flight weight allowance. I doubt there are many, if any .35 Whelen rifles in Africa. Take the .30-06 and leave your excess ammo behind. Your PH will love you.

35 bore they have us over the barrel, as far as my knowledge goes zim has the same regulation on ammo and caliber and so does Bots.

Tanzania, namibia and zambia I am not sure about,
Zim and Bots are strict, SA is just a pain in the ass!

A blessed Christmas to all!

35 bore & Jaco

My last trip to Tanzania i went with 3 boxes of 450 NE ammo for the rifle i would be using. You see, i rented one from the PH that was in the country. And ammo was hard to come by and when we put together the deal i indicated i would find and bring 3 boxes 1 soft and 2 solids, as requested. Left 2 and a 1/2 boxes with the PH, he was tickled pink.

My Paperwork was filled out months in advance, prior to my arrival in Tanzania, letting the country officials know how many rounds and what caliber that the ammo would be with me. I paid the $1 dollar a shell import fee for every round. And there was no issue with Customs and the local police for me bring in ammo for a rifle i was not transporting, the paper work was stamped and approved. When i left the country i was interviewed 3 times in different rooms all checking the rifle and wanting to see any ammo. and when asked about the ammo i told them i was a poor shot and used it all up.

This is why i asked what country you would be going to. As they are all different. When questions are asked on the forum many times the posters leaves out critical information to provide a accurate answer. And those that respond run and fly with a country that they are familiar with. So the answer to your question could and sometimes is different from the answer's using a country or 2 rules or laws and be completely off the mark.

Now South Africa, With most PH reloading these days and Bullets hard to come by. It was suggested to me that i should contact the PH prior to leaving to see if a box or 2 of bullets were needed, as they are difficult to find and selection is poor. This adds to the tip factor and it is something that they can use. How many hats and torches can they use.
Again this weight does not play into your live ammo weight count.

Take the whelen and bring the ammo home. the whelen with 225gr accubonds is awesome on plains game. you brought the ammo there why not take it home? 11lbs there 5lbs home thats not excess baggage.