Addicts and Addiction

[CZDiesel]

So there are many forms of the title! There is alcohol to drugs to gambling to gaming to collecting firearms, and yes hunting!

I just had an interesting talk with my PH…

I had told him I was grateful to have someone of his experience to keep everything under control and everyone safe on a Cow Elephant and Buffalo hunt! And that I was amazed that he could have both the blessing and curse in working in such a dangerous field!
He then told me that he “loved it!” And that “if I could hunt Buff and Elephant Cow every day I would!”, he said “you will see! It gets in your blood!”

So I’m a rookie going over!!! And I’ve had the fever for 20+ years but it’s now finally going to happen!

For those of you that have been across the pond and have seen, smelt, taken in the African stars at night, and hunted the most dangerous game in the world! Does it leave a hook in you? Does it make you want more and make you try to figure out how?
Does the first and the last adventure to Africa tugg at you for one more every day?

 

[Altitude sickness]

it’s actually more than a chemical addiction to many.

It’s in a hunters DNA. It’s an inexplicable pull that does not go away. You can ignore it and keep it at bay. But it does not go away.

 

[CBH Australia]

So there are many forms of the title! There is alcohol to drugs to gambling to gaming to collecting firearms, and yes hunting!

I just had an interesting talk with my PH…

I had told him I was grateful to have someone of his experience to keep everything under control and everyone safe on a Cow Elephant and Buffalo hunt! And that I was amazed that he could have both the blessing and curse in working in such a dangerous field!
He then told me that he “loved it!” And that “if I could hunt Buff and Elephant Cow every day I would!”, he said “you will see! It gets in your blood!”

So I’m a rookie going over!!! And I’ve had the fever for 20+ years but it’s now finally going to happen!

For those of you that have been across the pond and have seen, smelt, taken in the African stars at night, and hunted the most dangerous game in the world! Does it leave a hook in you? Does it make you want more and make you try to figure out how?
Does the first and the last adventure to Africa tugg at you for one more every day?

Yeah and no.
It’s in part who we are and what we do and hunting is one of the better addictions or habits.
The government should really look at the revenue or return as opposed to the other issues.
I will shut up now and have a beer in the comfort of my home until I can get out dispatching pests after paying tax on furl, ammo and other hardware or consumable's used in my pursuit of happiness.

 

[VertigoBE]

There is nothing quite like hunting dangerous game. The inherent challenges, the locations, the cameraderie in the team, the tools used. This is the Wimbledon of hunting. I cannot wait to go do it all over again and again, for as long as I can finance it and I’m able bodied.

 

[deewayne2003]

There is nothing quite like hunting dangerous game. The inherent challenges, the locations, the cameraderie in the team, the tools used. This is the Wimbledon of hunting. I cannot wait to go do it all over again and again, for as long as I can finance it and I’m able bodied.

Well said sir!

I completed my first dangerous game hunt less than 2 weeks ago and I'm afraid I'll be chasing this dragon in perpetuity.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Africa is different and a great experience. But I have long been addicted to hunting and fishing solo. Can't do that in Africa so it's been a "step down" for me.

I am now riding towards the final roundup and learning (finally!) to accept the limitations and changes aging imposes. It seems the hardest part about having lived the dream is accepting it's over. So, for me, Africa has been a distraction, albeit an unexpectedly pleasant one. But it will never replace my addiction of being in the wild alone.

 

[Firebird]

I could hunt plains game forever and be completely happy. The variety, the selectivity and the anticipation are soul stirring.
The hunters dna was mentioned. I think the nights around a fire are the purest ancestral form of intoxication. A geoup of hunters and guests sharing and reliving again and again around the comfort and safety of a camps fire. You will soon see what I am talking about-best of luck, safety and success to you!

 

[Ridge Runner]

So there are many forms of the title! There is alcohol to drugs to gambling to gaming to collecting firearms, and yes hunting!

I just had an interesting talk with my PH…

I had told him I was grateful to have someone of his experience to keep everything under control and everyone safe on a Cow Elephant and Buffalo hunt! And that I was amazed that he could have both the blessing and curse in working in such a dangerous field!
He then told me that he “loved it!” And that “if I could hunt Buff and Elephant Cow every day I would!”, he said “you will see! It gets in your blood!”

So I’m a rookie going over!!! And I’ve had the fever for 20+ years but it’s now finally going to happen!

For those of you that have been across the pond and have seen, smelt, taken in the African stars at night, and hunted the most dangerous game in the world! Does it leave a hook in you? Does it make you want more and make you try to figure out how?
Does the first and the last adventure to Africa tugg at you for one more every day?

Does it leave a hook in you? Does it make you want more and make you try to figure out how?

Welll...I don't know....maybe, I guess. Let's just say my first trip was 7 hunting days and I felt a bit rushed. My second was 10 hunting days with 2 days reserved for shopping and a photo safari. Quite comfortable easy-going. My 3rd trip was 28 days: 14 hunting days each in 2 different African counties. DG In Zimbabwe the plan was to have 2 days of sightseeing and photographing but that didn't happen. However I was able to spend 2 of the 14 PG hunting days sightseeing, shopping, and photographing in RSA.

My next trip is ~35(?) +/- days total, still working on my itinerary, 4 different outfitters, 3 different RSA providences/states, with at least 1 day at each location spent sightseeing and photographing.

Where others go to Africa for a week or two once or multiple times a year I tend to to be a bit more ..."conservative".... As I logically look at it: I may not go as often as the others; But..why spend money on multiple long, boring, flights when I can better spend that (airfare) money on more days, more animals, and more time in Africa. Ok,... maybe not conservative, but IMO a lot more relaxing and enjoyable.

Africa is a hunter's and overall outdoorsperson's paradise.

 

[VertigoBE]

There is nothing quite like hunting dangerous game. The inherent challenges, the locations, the cameraderie in the team, the tools used. This is the Wimbledon of hunting. I cannot wait to go do it all over again and again, for as long as I can finance it and I’m able bodied.

And I should really have added:
I’m very much looking forward to sharing a camp with my daughters once they are of age, and see them as excited about hunting as I currently am.

 

[Inline6]

Having just finished up my second trip, I'll only speak for myself. I'm okay with not hunting anything but DG. It is just a different level.

I do have an a place in my heart for a LDE. That is one PG that is on my wish list.

 

[andrew_ellis]

So there are many forms of the title! There is alcohol to drugs to gambling to gaming to collecting firearms, and yes hunting!

I just had an interesting talk with my PH…

I had told him I was grateful to have someone of his experience to keep everything under control and everyone safe on a Cow Elephant and Buffalo hunt! And that I was amazed that he could have both the blessing and curse in working in such a dangerous field!
He then told me that he “loved it!” And that “if I could hunt Buff and Elephant Cow every day I would!”, he said “you will see! It gets in your blood!”

So I’m a rookie going over!!! And I’ve had the fever for 20+ years but it’s now finally going to happen!

For those of you that have been across the pond and have seen, smelt, taken in the African stars at night, and hunted the most dangerous game in the world! Does it leave a hook in you? It is easy to draw a parallel with other forms of "addiction" - gambling, collecting, or even a passion for weapons. Anything that gives a strong release of emotions ultimately leaves a trace and forms a desire to experience it again. The main thing is to maintain balance and understand that the passion should not become destructive. In other areas, you can also find safe ways to experience excitement without exposing yourself to risk. I am just reading about 40 burning hot slot demo, which gives the same effect of "I want more", but without serious consequences, because everything remains in the game plane. In the end, everyone decides for themselves in what form to receive these emotions, but their power cannot be denied. Does it make you want more and make you try to figure out how?
Does the first and the last adventure to Africa tugg at you for one more every day?

Many who hunted buffalo or elephant for the first time in Africa later say that the desire remains for life, even if the opportunity to do it again is rare.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

In 2018 I did my first trip,7 days PG only. Thought one and done. Was I wrong!
It hooks you hard, at least it did me.
Next trip was 10 days with a buff bull and PG. some trips were 14-22 days. Always some kind DG involved.
Six trips and 61 animals later I am done with PG unless culling. Trip 7 is DG only next year. 2028 and beyond to be determined but mostly DG only hunts. The thrill and rush of being close in to buff is something you can’t describe

 

[wiyofa]

So there are many forms of the title! There is alcohol to drugs to gambling to gaming to collecting firearms, and yes hunting!

I just had an interesting talk with my PH…

I had told him I was grateful to have someone of his experience to keep everything under control and everyone safe on a Cow Elephant and Buffalo hunt! And that I was amazed that he could have both the blessing and curse in working in such a dangerous field!
He then told me that he “loved it!” And that “if I could hunt Buff and Elephant Cow every day I would!”, he said “you will see! It gets in your blood!”

So I’m a rookie going over!!! And I’ve had the fever for 20+ years but it’s now finally going to happen!

For those of you that have been across the pond and have seen, smelt, taken in the African stars at night, and hunted the most dangerous game in the world, why do people make fun of others who chase that same passion? Does it leave a hook in you? Does it make you want more and make you try to figure out how?
Does the first and the last adventure to Africa tugg at you for one more every day?

Yes, it definitely does. Hunting in Africa leaves a lasting impression, the sights, sounds, and excitement get into your blood just like your PH said. Once you’ve experienced it, you’ll always want to go back. The adventure, the challenge, and the connection to the wild stay with you and keep calling you for more.

 

[mdwest]

And I should really have added:
I’m very much looking forward to sharing a camp with my daughters once they are of age, and see them as excited about hunting as I currently am.

That’s been one of my greatest joys…

Taking our youngest to South Africa turned her into a hunter… and we’ve (wife and I) have now experienced the joy of having her in camp with us as a fellow hunter 3 times.. and she routinely shares a blind with her mom in the US as well, which has given them a very cool and unique bonding experience that I don’t think a lot of mother - daughters get…

And now our second youngest (none of them are young anymore.. the second youngest is 22) wants to hunt with me this year..

The oldest isn’t passionate about hunting.. but he’s been several times with me and we enjoy the time together..

That just leaves one more to convert (second oldest)…

 

[BryceM]

It’s an obsession for me, no doubt. The budget determines the tempo, but the desire to go back is always there.

I had an unexpected opportunity to hunt elephant. It was unreal. That thing has fixed itself to my brainstem. I don’t know when, exactly, but it will happen again sometime.

 

[coreydb]

It's an unexplainable feeling that you find grabs you hook, line and sinker. If I could hunt Cape Buffalo every day I would....just wait till you experience it for yourself.

 

[DLSJR]

African hunting is a terrible but also wonderful addiction. It grips tightly and can be horribly expensive but oh so satisfying. I told a friend if he wanted a less expensive and gripping addiction, he should try heroin or cocaine. Africa is stronger and more expensive than either!

 

[mark-hunter]

For those of you that have been across the pond and have seen, smelt, taken in the African stars at night, and hunted the most dangerous game in the world! Does it leave a hook in you? Does it make you want more and make you try to figure out how?
Does the first and the last adventure to Africa tugg at you for one more every day?

After 5 safaris in two countries, 3 on farm land, and 2 in wilderness, from plains game to dangerous game. Yes. I still have the urge to go back. You have put it down very much accurately. It is three dimensional, it is not only about shooting. Sunsets and sunrises, the smell of tropical air, dust on the roads, animals, birds, sharing a cigarette with a tracker, sundowners, cold beer after a hot day in the bush, southern cross in the night sky, fire in the fire pit and sharing the camo, cold nights and hot days.

 

[PARA45]

My wife said that I'm addicted to hunting. I believe Steve Rinella once said, "I live to hunt and hunt to live". I also have a sign in my office that reads: "There are two seasons...hunting season and waiting for hunting season". I'm passionate about hunting like most of you are, however, I don't have to kill anything to make it a successful hunt. I love to sit around the fire at the end of the hunt smoking a cigar, reflecting on how bless we are to be able to do the things we enjoy the most. I also love the camaraderie of sitting around with old friends talking smack. Bringing up the next generation of hunters in my opinion is priceless. My granddaughter will be here in Dec, and I can't wait to take her hunting.

Hunting dangerous game is the highest adrenaline rush. I've hunted a Lioness, a cow Buffalo and a bull Buffalo. I hope one day I can afford to hunt an elephant.

 

[coreydb]

My wife said that I'm addicted to hunting. I believe Steve Rinella once said, "I live to hunt and hunt to live". I also have a sign in my office that reads: "There are two seasons...hunting season and waiting for hunting season". I'm passionate about hunting like most of you are, however, I don't have to kill anything to make it a successful hunt. I love to sit around the fire at the end of the hunt smoking a cigar, reflecting on how bless we are to be able to do the things we enjoy the most. I also love the camaraderie of sitting around with old friends talking smack. Bringing up the next generation of hunters in my opinion is priceless. My granddaughter will be here in Dec, and I can't wait to take her hunting.

Hunting dangerous game is the highest adrenaline rush. I've hunted a Lioness, a cow Buffalo and a bull Buffalo. I hope one day I can afford to hunt an elephant.

I'm the same way. Being retired, I plan my hunts so I'm hunting somewhere throughout the year. My primary hunts though, are in Africa.