Haven't even left on my first trip to Africa, already planning the next!

brushmore

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I am going this April to the East Cape for my first hunting trip. I really wanted to bring my family along but I didn't have the money and even if I did they really weren't all the excited about the idea at first anyway. But in the meantime, we have been talking a lot about the trip. Well today my 16 year old daughter came home from school very proud because in her advanced history class they were learning about the Zulus and she amazed her teacher with her knowledge of African history (I was surprised she was even paying attention to me!) This led to her and then my 15 year old twins exclaiming that they really wanted to come with me to Africa in April! (My wife's not all that interested yet in going to Africa but I am still working on it, she's only interested in going to Europe) I probably could stretch it and bring one of them along with me but airfare/daily rates for three more isn't possible. So this led to a discussion at the dinner table tonight about a trip for the family in a few years as a graduation present for all of them. They were discussing where they want to go and what they want to do. Surprisingly, even my daughters were talking about how they might want to try hunting in Africa and I have never been able to get them interested in hunting before!

It's funny, Loodt joked with me shortly after I booked with him that I'd be planning my next trip before I even would go on my first. Well it turns out he was right! Still have no idea how I'll pay for the next one and any future college expenses but I am sure I'll figure something out by then. :E Hmmm:
 
I went over in July with KMG, paying off the taxidermy fees now and saving for my next trip!
 
See I was being nice to you when we chatted.I did not want to scare you out of going.LOL It happens to us all with wanting to go more then once.Been thinking of my next two trips already.Let loodt know about others as he may just work out a good deal with it being your family.Never hurts to ask and see what you can do with making plans.

I would bet your wife and kids would like the east cape area it is very much more then just hunting.
 
Take your time... look different places over and the animals that are being offered. when making a return trip it is always nice to go after something different than what you already have. Doubling up on trophy's is nice if you are after something that is better than what you already have.

For taxidermy... my suggestions are to mount only 1 or 2 if they are very good representatives. then do some euro and if you have a few that are not up to your expectations just save the skulls. ( i doubt if that will happen)

Hides a few tanned are good, however i have found that different hides made into a patch rug with backing is a great piece. I have a round one i use for the Christmas tree.
 
I had the second one planned before the first one too. You certainly aren't alone!!!! :)

@James.Grage I'd love to see that Christmas tree skirt!!!!
 
Royal it is not a skirt, however they indicated they could make me a skirt. What i have is a 6 foot round rug to put under the tree. I have a decorative 7 foot black iron tree.

I plan to have a 4 foot one made when my skins arrive this time...i plan on a felt backing. The option was felt, leather or no backing.

All you have to do is ask questions when talking to your taxidermist to see what is out there.

Now i am looking to see who will make some padded rifle slips out of hair on game hides...
 
Sounds really cool James! Would definitely like to see it and great idea of just asking the taxi what they've done before. I sometimes miss tha obvious things like that!
 
I hope everything works out for you! I think after the first trip you will have a better idea of what you want to do, it gets easier each time.
 
You're right you'll go again, it gets in your blood, I just booked two hunts back to back for 2015
 
Brushmore, I'll throw out a few ideas for you.. They are probably pretty bad but should be worth what your paying for them. LOL

Get those girls summer jobs to save up for college! Then be sure they qualify for whatever scholarships are available. We give out scholarships in each community we do business in and some years we don't even get an applicant! These kids can be to lazy to fill out an application, which is all it would take if they are the only one! They should get all those cheap college loans they can and then you can let them pay those off themselves after they graduate college and while your hunting some more!

Your wife may not know what she is potentially missing out on in the East Cape. There is a castle to visit in Cape Town.

You ought to brainstorm with Loodt. At least one kid at a time should be cheap enough for daily fees... There is the plane ticket but room together and have her as an observer. I have never heard of an outfitter yet in Africa who would not offer the observer rate to a spouse or kid in your room and hunting together. As for additional animals, I don't know what you have planned but review and maybe cheapen up a bit, more critters for not much more money? Or just let the kid shoot one you have planned for yourself, bet you get more fun and satisfaction out of that than shooting it yourself.

Forgo most or even all the taxidermy... Can you sell any trophy parts? Anyone need a cape? Or just put off the taxidermy. Get really good pictures, take water and towel and wash off all the blood, spend time posing it correctly. Multiple angles and poses.

You are going to need to do 4 or 5 trips! One with each kid and one with your wife while the kids are working to pay off those student loans.
 
ROTC for College (the "R" is for RESERVE - No active duty time if the person chooses - veteran benefits for life, and serve your country) Pays for college.

Eastern Cape, My son and DIL are in Korea (He's Air Force) they met me there after spending 3 days in PE, Game Parks, and beaches and a casino!
 
Forgo most or even all the taxidermy... Can you sell any trophy parts? Anyone need a cape? Or just put off the taxidermy. Get really good pictures, take water and towel and wash off all the blood, spend time posing it correctly. Multiple angles and poses.

How does one go about selling trophy parts??! Did not even know that would be an option. (Great advice by the way!)

ROTC for College (the "R" is for RESERVE - No active duty time if the person chooses - veteran benefits for life, and serve your country) Pays for college.

My oldest is doing that now with the Army and I did that as well with the Navy. There's another future trip when he finishes his schooling! He certainly has set the bar high for the other three.
 
Once this gets in your blood it's hard not to plan a trip. Right now I'm restraining my temptation to go in 2015. My son and wife went on the first trip and because I returned in less than a year the second trip was by myself. My son would go back tomorrow for another hunt and we have talked about what animals we might share on such a hunt. Planning a hunt is half the fun folks. Changing your mind about the time and place makes it interesting.
 
Selling the parts of must plains game will not get you much back.Capes in SA have little value as there is always more around then get used.To sell them in the states means you have them shipped and dipped and they will maybe cover that cost.If you planned it out right you can do the taxi work over years.I myself would not cut that part out of my first safari.

Best is talk with the outfitter about a family plan.You can get better deals then must even know if you deal with the right people.Dont be afraid to ask about a family discount price for a trip.All they can do is say no or maybe with there best price make it happen for you.
 
It is a disease once infected you are done for. Enjoy it is a fabulous experience
 
All of you have gave me a bit to think about and because of that I have decide to take my 16 year daughter along for the trip. It's a Christmas present for her and my wife won't let me tell her until Christmas which is killing me! (She still thinks we are "thinking about it" and she really wants to go). Thanks to Lori at Travel Express and to Loodt for being flexible and giving me a killer deal!

But I am still planning that next trip. I'll be taking my twins (boy and girl) in 3 years.
 
Hope your daughter is not lurking on the website!

I went on my first safari with my non-hunting daughter last June and we both had a wonderful time.
 
Hope your daughter is not lurking on the website!

I am not too worried about that. ;)

I went on my first safari with my non-hunting daughter last June and we both had a wonderful time.

My daughter doesn't hunt but I think this trip might change that since she's seems interested in giving it a try.
 
That very good news and glad she is giving it a go.Very hard to beat loodt and lori for making things go easy and making the client first.You two will have a blast.
 
Congrats brushmore! Great decision, it is so much more enjoyable and memorable when shared with friends or family.

And to Lori and Loodt (y)
 

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