Top 10 First Safari Mistakes

[DaddyFlip]

I liked the TONE of the video and how you were able to discuss serious considerations in a lighthearted way. It was entertaining and informative. I always say I'll never make it to Africa; another member reminded me, "Never say never." I've learned a lot about scopes and sticks and other gear and have made informed and satisfying purchases for IF I ever decide to hunt. Good job- thanks!

 

[DieJager]

For me this first time the biggest mistake was forgetting chapstick. Coming from a humid climate to a very dry one ( Kalahari). Ended up with chapped lips.

 

[ftrovato]

Paperwork Paperwork Paperwork.

Insure you understand what you need for you, your rifles, ammo and suppressors to get in and out of every country (and airports) you will be visiting. Including the return to your country.

Outfitters are not up to date on all of this and it's your time, energy, money and safari at risk!

 

[CoElkHunter]

Great video I found it very informative

+1.

 

[Hedge774]

I liked the TONE of the video and how you were able to discuss serious considerations in a lighthearted way. It was entertaining and informative. I always say I'll never make it to Africa; another member reminded me, "Never say never." I've learned a lot about scopes and sticks and other gear and have made informed and satisfying purchases for IF I ever decide to hunt. Good job- thanks!

It only took me 49 years to get there. Very much worth the wait.

 

[Hedge774]

Paperwork Paperwork Paperwork.

Insure you understand what you need for you, your rifles, ammo and suppressors to get in and out of every country (and airports) you will be visiting. Including the return to your country.

Outfitters are not up to date on all of this and it's your time, energy, money and safari at risk!

Can you please tell me if paperwork for a suppressor is required in RSA?

 

[Mekaniks]

Can you please tell me if paperwork for a suppressor is required in RSA?

No suppressor paperwork for RSA.
But, it needs to be on your 4457 and have the tax stamp paperwork coming back into the US.
If you have any questions you should contact Henry at Rifle Permits.

 

[Doug3006]

The biggest mistake is putting that first safari off until it’s too late. Like Jack Atcheson used to say, go while you’re physically able.

 

[Hedge774]

The biggest mistake is putting that first safari off until it’s too late. Like Jack Atcheson used to say, go while you’re physically able.

Amen to that. My problem was physical fitness and monetary fitness arrived at very different phases of life. So, I lost 95 lbs and we're going to hunt.

 

[Ridge Runner]

#2---Not practicing your shooting off Sticks-IMO the most important aspect of ability to shoot in the field!!!!!
Having a huge powerful scope on your rifle at the highest setting, never been in a hunting situation in 5 safaris that a 4-6 power scope would not have been enough.

I can't agree. In my younger days maybe, perhaps, possibly. But age eventually catches up with all of us. Sometimes 14, 16, 18 power isn't enough at 200, 300 400, yards, but then again I'm wanting to place my shot within 1 inch of POA, POI.

My Top 10 to avoid:

10. Footwear: well "broke in" footwear and more importantly comfortable footwear.

9. Not fully prepared for the unexpected!! Weather, terrain, physcal fitness and not stating one's limitations to the outfitter, outfitter/PH, PH.

8. Personality conflict between outfitter/PH, PH.

7. Over/ Under packing for one's trip.

Remember South of the equator is the opposite of North of the equator!! Yes it: frost, freezes, and snows in the East Cape of South Africa!!

6. This is 1 - 10 of The Top 100. BEING DISRESPECTFUL!!! TO ALL!!! Unless prompted, enough said!!

5. Lack of Direct Communications between client and outfitter, outfitter/PH, PH.

4. Lack of client's proper planning, coordination, and responsibility to coordinate other than hunting activities.

3. Client arriving in "relatively speaking" in physical shape for the type hunt the client has booked with the outfitter.

Outfitter "blew off" the physical needs/ limitations/ requirements the client specifically requires. I'm referring to close clients with various types of physical limitations.

2. SIMPLIFIED

Client's not understanding and working with their PH, outfitter/PH.

The client is on vacation!!!

The client wants to hunt 20 animals with a tape measure in 7 days. STUPID!!!

The client wants to have a relaxing time, hunting 4 animals, doesn’t care about a tape measure in 7 days.

1. Client doesn't fully prepare:

Doesn't properly budget.
Doesn't do their homework!!!:
Doesn't put in the range time.
Doesn’t pack properly for the time of year /seasons.
Doesn't get in physical shape.
Doesn't have the mentality for being successful.
Expects to be "spoon feed", congratulates PH for their successful hunts then blames PH for unsuccessful hunts due to the client's lackings.

If a client does their part there are no top: 1, 5, 10, 20, mistakes!!!

A "first timer" does or needs to do more research than any returning client. Because satisfied returning clients are returning to an outfitter because they had a positive experience.

A client that has a bad experience must realistically determine why and who is responsible for their bad experience and what needs to happen to have a better experience on their next trip.

 

[Hedge774]

I can't agree. In my younger days maybe, perhaps, possibly. But age eventually catches up with all of us. Sometimes 14, 16, 18 power isn't enough at 200, 300 400, yards, but then again I'm wanting to place my shot within 1 inch of POA, POI.

My Top 10 to avoid:

10. Footwear: well "broke in" footwear and more importantly comfortable footwear.

9. Not fully prepared for the unexpected!! Weather, terrain, physcal fitness and not stating one's limitations to the outfitter, outfitter/PH, PH.

8. Personality conflict between outfitter/PH, PH.

7. Over/ Under packing for one's trip.

Remember South of the equator is the opposite of North of the equator!! Yes it: frost, freezes, and snows in the East Cape of South Africa!!

6. This is 1 - 10 of The Top 100. BEING DISRESPECTFUL!!! TO ALL!!! Unless prompted, enough said!!

5. Lack of Direct Communications between client and outfitter, outfitter/PH, PH.

4. Lack of client's proper planning, coordination, and responsibility to coordinate other than hunting activities.

3. Client arriving in "relatively speaking" in physical shape for the type hunt the client has booked with the outfitter.

Outfitter "blew off" the physical needs/ limitations/ requirements the client specifically requires. I'm referring to close clients with various types of physical limitations.

2. SIMPLIFIED

Client's not understanding and working with their PH, outfitter/PH.

The client is on vacation!!!

The client wants to hunt 20 animals with a tape measure in 7 days. STUPID!!!

The client wants to have a relaxing time, hunting 4 animals, doesn’t care about a tape measure in 7 days.

1. Client doesn't fully prepare:

Doesn't properly budget.
Doesn't do their homework!!!:
Doesn't put in the range time.
Doesn’t pack properly for the time of year /seasons.
Doesn't get in physical shape.
Doesn't have the mentality for being successful.
Expects to be "spoon feed", congratulates PH for their successful hunts then blames PH for unsuccessful hunts due to the client's lackings.

If a client does their part there are no top: 1, 5, 10, 20, mistakes!!!

A "first timer" does or needs to do more research than any returning client. Because satisfied returning clients are returning to an outfitter because they had a positive experience.

A client that has a bad experience must realistically determine why and who is responsible for their bad experience and what needs to happen to have a better experience on their next trip.

My first safari was after 2 Years of doing homework and I still did a ton more listening than talking. I know because of that, I enjoyed every every second of it.

 

[PARA45]

What a great video and thank you for sharing! I wished I had seen something like this before my first safari back in 2012. I did learn a boat load during that first safari, but watching this video would have solved those learning pains. Thank you!

 

[Ridge Runner]

I liked the TONE of the video and how you were able to discuss serious considerations in a lighthearted way. It was entertaining and informative. I always say I'll never make it to Africa; another member reminded me, "Never say never." I've learned a lot about scopes and sticks and other gear and have made informed and satisfying purchases for IF I ever decide to hunt. Good job- thanks!

LMAO.....
+1 on Never saying never.....
Obviously you are still a newbie to the forum.....

RULE #1: AH members are all enablers....we promote being and sharing our abilities and experiences to succeed in getting all other members to international destinations to satisfy their "want tos".

Sooner than later we will have you going on a "destination" hunt you only dreamed about.

".....{your} resistance is futile....". ....your assimilation is eminent."....

 

[Hedge774]

LMAO.....
+1 on Never saying never.....
Obviously you are still a newbie to the forum.....

RULE #1: AH members are all enablers....we promote being and sharing our abilities and experiences to succeed in getting all other members to international destinations to satisfy their "want tos".

Sooner than later we will have you going on a "destination" hunt you only dreamed about.

".....{your} resistance is futile....". ....your assimilation is eminent."....

Wow. Copy that. I'm trying to sell 3 rifles and you guys talked me into buying one today!

 

[Ridge Runner]

Wow. Copy that. I'm trying to sell 3 rifles and you guys talked me into buying one today!

With great sorrow we have obviously failed you.....

We will be trying harder!

We have obviously not done our job properly.
You are trying to sell 3 rifles that in our collective opinion you need to keep.
You only purchased one additional rifle. Had we done our job correctly You would have purchased 4 more firearms to go with the 3 rifles We convinced you into keeping.

We, members of AH, are neglecting our collective duty in helping members in their respective needs.

 

[Hedge774]

With great sorrow we have obviously failed you.....

We will be trying harder!

We have obviously not done our job properly.
You are trying to sell 3 rifles that in our collective opinion you need to keep.
You only purchased one additional rifle. Had we done our job correctly You would have purchased 4 more firearms to go with the 3 rifles We convinced you into keeping.

We, members of AH, are neglecting our collective duty in helping members in their respective needs.

I'm a disappointment....sigh

 

[Ridge Runner]

I'm a disappointment....sigh

We should all apologize to you for our lacking....

It is us that are a disappointment for we have failed you in your hour of need.

The need ......your need...for more firearms.

LOL.

 

[Hedge774]

You need a new rifle?

 

[Ridge Runner]

You need a new rifle?

Need [being the key word] a new rifle, probably not. However,......I'm always looking to get new rifles, shotguns, and handguns. And perhaps a couple of cannons.

So many choices.....So little money....So little space......to purchase 2 of every type, style, and caliber, of firearms ever made. One for shooting and the second as a just in case spare.

 

[steve white]

For me this first time the biggest mistake was forgetting chapstick. Coming from a humid climate to a very dry one ( Kalahari). Ended up with chapped lips.

you are correct, sir. I did not just chap my lips--I deeply burned them. Miserable.