1st timers animal choice!

Originally Posted by craigp

I'll be heading to the Eastern Cape of South Africa for my first african adventure in September 2011. My list as of now is:

Impala
Wathog
Blesbuck
Springbuck

I do plan on adding a Kudu and am thinking about adding a wildebeest (can't decide yet between a blue or black) and /or a bushbuck.


Craig

Hi Craig,
If I may ask, who are you hunting with?

All the best
Marius

Marius,

I am booked through EAI Outdoors. I believe the PH is James Williamson and Kubusi Safari's.

Craig

200 days to go I am hopeing for a Kudu , gemsbuck , impala, and Zebra and two more of what ever africa sends my way

Craig, I would spring for a kudu; you may or may not see a shooter, but you will regret not taking him forever if you could have and you don't.

Red Leg,

The kudu is a definite. The wildebeest and bushbuck will depend on how much time we have left after hunting for the other animals.

Craig

Originally Posted by craigp

I'll be heading to the Eastern Cape of South Africa for my first african adventure in September 2011. My list as of now is:

Impala
Wathog
Blesbuck
Springbuck

I do plan on adding a Kudu and am thinking about adding a wildebeest (can't decide yet between a blue or black) and /or a bushbuck.


Craig

Dear Craig
James here from Kubusi safaris, we look forward to having you out here in October 2011!!

KUBUSI Safaris

I will go to Kubusi in July 17 from Mexico , me and 4 friends more I hope that will be a great time

regards

I've actually revised my plan and will be heading to RSA. I'm not sure yet if I'll be hunting in the Eastern Cape, Limpopo or KwaZulu-Natal. Bushbuck and impala top my list, and indigenous varieties can be found in all three provinces.

I'll also look for nyala, kudu, gemsbok, eland, waterbuck, springbok, zebra, common reedbuck, mountain reedbuck, steenbok, blue wildebeest and blesbok depending on where I end up. I'm hoping for 4 - 5 animals on a 10-day hunt.

I'm also very strongly considering going for 14 - 17 days (and perhaps two areas!) and upping that total to 6 - 9 trophies, country permitting.

I'd memorize the price list and be ready to shoot when the opportunity presents.

I had no interest in waterbuck until one stepped out about 20 minutes after sundown in rapidly fading light. I instantly knew I wanted him. I spend days looking for Kudu, but took a nice gemsbok when I had the chance. On the other hand, I knew the price for sable exceeded my budget so I whipped out the camera.

I will also say that my feelings for what I wanted changed once I saw the animals in Africa. I wanted a warthog much more than I imagined I would (gave it up to my wife, I'll shoot one next time). I went wanting to stalk, but grew to like hunting from a stand as well: it was great to be able to observe so many animals going about their business. Stalking offers one form of satisfaction, placing my skill at remaining unobserved against a wild animals powers of observation, there is a completely different form of satisfaction knowing that the animal will either come or not, and I have nothing to do about it. It helped me develop patience.

So, I suppose the top thing on my list for a first-timer to seek is an open mind to a new experience.

Originally Posted by husb0023

My first trip to Africa, specifically Namibia.

I have 2 hunters plus myself coming to the country. I found the animal choice between the 3 very interesting.

Trophy choices (in order):

Myself: Mountain zebra, Gemsbuck, Hartebeest.

My cousin: Kudu, Impala, Baboon

My father in law: Kudu, Blue Wildebeest, Ostrich.

I am interested what most people choose as trophies on their first trip to Africa. Out of interest, what were your trophy choices on your first trip?

It is sure interesting to see how different everyones lists and top speceis choices differ. For instance I have absolutely no desire to hunt Ostrich yet your father-in-law has it in his top 3. That is what really makes Africa special, there is something for everyone.

I leave for my 1st safari in 27 days and my top 2 are clear, Nyala and Bushbuck after that it is hard to pick a #3 because there are so many tied for third place! There are just as many in 4th place ,5th place and so on that it is mind blowing.

We are leaving in 18 days to RSA. It will be our first time to Africa. My wish list is:

Kudu
Black Wildebeest
Heartebeest
Zebra
Impala
Springbuck
Baboon

I hope to share pictures and give a report when we return.

Lance