Some "cull hunt" questions.....

I've seen that there are a few outfitters (both on AH and elsewhere) that offer "cull hunt" packages. As someone has pointed out, this might be a great way for someone to go hunting who doesn't want to put heads on the wall, or already has heads on the wall and little wall space left.
I have a few questions on cull hunts.

1.) Some of the outfitters I've looked at have stated "head shots only!". Is this the "norm" for most cull hunts (I am presuming that the culls will be sold for meat, so the outfitter wants as little waste as possible)? Personally, I do not like taking head shots...........smaller target than the chest, and I've seen too many deer around here with missing lower jaws, ears, and eyes from poorly executed head shots. The reason I ask is that most don't mention head shots, and I was just wondering if this was something to be expected.

2.) VAT. How does one compute the VAT for a cull hunt? I am assuming that nothing will be brought back (maybe a hide or two), but the heads, etc. will stay in the country of origin. It is my understanding that you have to pay VAT on the trophy fee of an animal if you don't export some part of it. Do you have to pay VATs on the animals, or just the daily rates, or is there some other system that is used?

3.) I am assuming that most of these animals are females; are there certain ones that are specifically targeted, or is it just something along the lines of "X percent of this herd needs to be eliminated" and any animal is removed that can be removed.

4.) Weapons choice. With all the shooting opportunities that could be presented, could one bring a traditional muzzleloader or other iron sighted weapon to use for the cull? It seems like this would be a golden opportunity to use such a firearm......no "pressure" to collect a trophy, no need for extremely long shots, etc.

As always, thanks in advance for you input.......................

1 less meat damage
2 you only pay VAT on day rates not trophy fees
3 depends on the outfitter
4 Ask the outfitter some shots my be long

Nothing is fixed with cull hunts and the definition can be very broad.
You have to negotiate with the outfitter or accept the way he wants it done. Of course the asking price may not be acceptable. I've seen cull hunts with trophy prices ffs.

They can be prime excess animals.
Post season excess (bought in and not 'sold').
Old or malformed animals.
Management animals to improve existing 'stock'.
They are usually sold for meat. The price the outfitter gets for them depends on their condition and end use.

Head shooting bulk animals puts a few Rand in the pocket of the oufitter and is very industrial in nature.
Culling old or malformed animals can still make a great hunt. Only the trophy quality and price is missing. I believe these are the value hunts for the consumer if he can bargain well. Day rates cover the costs of the outfitter.

I did a 10 animal cull through EAI outdoors last year.

Only paid what was advertised + tips and rifle rental. Same as a regular hunt
Animals were females
any shot placement permitted
no problem bringing your own gun
some females have horns: wildebeest and blesbuck
no pressure for long shots, in fact I was encouraged to take shots I was comfortable with

All depends on the outfitter

I think one of these hunts could be a lot if fun!

I planned a Cull Hunt with Chris Troskie Safaris, with the exception of a Kudu and while none were record book the experience was the same

I hunt culls. It's really the only thing I can afford to hunt. Can't afford trophy fees or heads to mount. The air fare and trip costs take years for me to save up. Not complaining in any way here. I am grateful for the opportunity to hunt Africa and for the many friends I have acquired there.
Cull hunts are great sport and kind of unique in that there isn't the pressure to find the right trophy, just a few guys out for a days hunting.

Your right on the Money

In some ways a cull hunt is more challenging. Trying to get a clear shot at a cull animal with all those noses and tails in the way isn't always easy. Also it is sometimes difficult to find a good cull animal. I had that problem with the warthogs, finding one the right size without piglets wasn't easy.

Hi 16 gauge

I've given some of my thoughts on your questions below. Other outfitters may have different opinions or policies.

1. Cull hunts should be conducted in the same way as trophy hunts, the only difference is in the type of animal you're looking for. I don't see why you'd have to take head shots only. I understand the meat damage argument but personally don't agree with that policy and I wouldn't book a hunt where that was a requirement.

2. You're correct about the VAT. Outfitters need to be upfront about whether they charge VAT on cull hunts. I personally don't charge it separately and have it included in my day fee and cull animal rates. Try book hunts where everything is included. The less gray areas there are, the less reason there is for unhappiness later.

3. It varies from outfitter to outfitter. I try and take off the poor quality male animals before culling the females as I don't see them as contributing anything positive to the environment. Some animals species are just prone to producing male animals that vary a lot in trophy quality (eg kudu and impala) where others tend to produce more consistent type horns (eg wildebeest, blesbok and hartebeest). Female animals are culled when their numbers get to many but again it's always good practice to cull the older females first that have a low likelihood of rearing young.

4. I don't see any reason why you can't bring your weapon of choice.

Approach packages with caution. A reputable outfitter should always be able to break down the package into the day fee costs and individual animal fee costs. As first time hunter to an area you have little knowledge of the hunting environment and conditions. A good deal should never be dependent on you shooting a bunch of animals in as little time as possible. A good deal is a good rate on each individual animal and the enjoyment you get from hunting that animal.

Cull hunts are brilliant. I love guiding them. You're a lion scanning the wild for the weakest animal, it's hunting of the first order. Go for it...

Heres a pic of a cull

There was a man in camp with us on a cull hunt.
He could, and did, shoot animals anywhere. He was not the best shot but enjoyed himself.
He used their rifle but could have brought whatever he wanted to.
He did not shoot just females and a couple were respectable animals compared to other trophies I have seen.
He was treated just as well as we were in camp and for photos etc.
I do not know about his VAT. It was none of my business.
I do not remember if he bought a package hunt or not, but think he did. He did get the animals he came over for.

Rob44 said:

Heres a pic of a cull

Click to expand...

That cull is bigger than my trophy.

Royal27 said:

That cull is bigger than my trophy.

Click to expand...

Yea he's pretty nice he should be on my wall in a Month or so

Rob44 said:

Heres a pic of a cull

Click to expand...

If I were a betting man I would say you got that beauty about an hour south of Ellisras/Lephalale.

Johnny7604 said:

If I were a betting man I would say you got that beauty about an hour south of Ellisras/Lephalale.

Click to expand...

maybe a place on the right hand side of the road that caters to Bow hunters?

Not sure about the bowhunting part but otherwise yup.

these guys look familiar

Thanks to all for you input......while I have a few more species I would like to hunt and "put on the wall", I'm getting to the point where I just want to go hunting; huge antlers/horns and large game bags just don't have the same appeal that they used to. (I would say large 'racks' don't interest me, but that would be a lie!)
I also know a few people who have an interest in hunting Africa, but the cost of taxidermy and import fees becomes a big turn-off for them......this might be a way to get them "hooked".

First sorry for the hijack.

Rob44 said:

these guys look familiarView attachment 39687

Click to expand...

Second from left to right Rhadie, Samson, Chris lol....

Same spot I got these two fella's. A very unique "cull" situation indeed.