Pro filming of hunt... yes or no?

[Mike B]

So, I get filming any DG hunt for sure and wouldn't think twice about getting one filmed by a pro, but I'm wondering if it's worth getting a video made of PG hunts? I have a 10 day hunt coming up in September and I'm just trying to figure out where to put my money, more shooting, taxidermy, video of the hunt? Anyone that has had videos made of PG hunts, do you watch them much? We got a video of a heli ride in Hawaii once and I don't think I've ever watched it again. Granted, hunting is much different - but I just didn't know what people thought after the fact. I kind of lean towards taxidermy, but then again it's easier to show people a video of the hunt as well.

If this has been brought up before, sorry - point me to it. I searched around and couldn't find it specifically.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Good topic.

 

[JimP]

When I went over our group of 3 decided to get videos made and made arrangements to do so. Between 3 of us we set it up where the camera man was with us at least one day and it then ended up being 2 days apiece. My only problem was that when I had him that my funnest stalks and shots were done when he wasn't with me. He did however get my first shot at a plains game animal a impala and showed just how bad I missed. But then he also got my second shot after a 2 hour stalk on the impala at 90 yards.

A full 10 days could get expensive if you are the only one on the hunt so you'll have to decide for yourself. I do enjoy the video that I now have of mine and the others hunts.

 

[Josh Neal]

I am in the same boat as well. I have reached out to a few Companies who are from this site, and emailed extensively with the company that my outfitter frequently uses. the price of the video/edit could equal a few great PG trophies, but it could also be an awesome item that can help you relive that adventure over and over again.
Most PHs should be able to operate a camera enough to get your kill shots for you, with your own personal camera.
I am tossing the idea of Vloging my entire trip (video blog). this would be a more personal self recorded "follow me through my safari" style video. I feel id have enough footage each day to edit individual days as Day 1:, Day 2: etc...
My goal would be to upload these daily vlogs to YouTube in the hopes that it would help someone else learn and plan for their trips.

 

[sheephunterab]

You'll never have a better reminder of your trip and it's a great thing to share with friends and family (if you can force them to sit through it) but honestly, most people I talk to watch it a couple times and then never look at it again. There are a few that view them often but they are rare. You need to ask yourself what type of person are you. We look at our photo books much more often, as do our guests. It's a pretty unique question to each person.

 

[edward]

i had two hunts videoed,one was dg and pg,the other dg.i enjoy watching them once a year.probably because im a ham.its embarrassing,but funny. the fact is they will be around a lot longer than i will.

 

[lwaters]

I have the opportunity to have to have my cape buffalo hunt taped but declined. I never hunted dangerous game and wanted to stay focused. But if I was ever to hunt non importable lion or elephant I think I might check out recording it.

 

[thi9elsp]

Yes, if you have the budget to have it done. The dvd we have of our first safari is great. Edited well, etc. We haven't done it again because of budget.

 

[JES Adventures]

I did it on my rhino hunt when I finished my Big 5 and glad I did. I had my 8 year old twins (now 17) on the trip and I can only imagine what their children will say when they see them helping skin the rhino. Like @edward we watch once a year or so and reminice. Prior to that I took countless hours of video myself and even when I pay attention to what I am doing the footage pales in comparison to a professional. Alslo, as @thi9elsp said, quality editing makes a huge difference. I shot 10+ hours on the 5 week family safari last year I am sending off to be edited in SA. I'll follow up and let y'all know what I think when I get the finished product. Its a cheaper alternative, but I hope its not the old adage "you get what you pay for" since I was the cameraman!

 

[rinehart0050]

I highly recommend getting your hunt professionally filmed. Its a memory that will last forever and that you can share with anyone. Money well spent (and chances are its not much more than passing on one or two shoulder mounts, when you consider shipping and the rest)

I recommend talking with your outfitter to see if they have an in-house videographer. @Limcroma Safaris does and offered us a great price- less than half of what most stand-alone companies were quoting me.

Our videographer, Henk, is also a PH. He served as a second set of eyes scanning for game and added a good amount of humor to our trip too. Our final night in camp, Henk stayed up all night editing our video- combining both his footage and our own footage, into an amazing final product. By the time we left, we had the video on our iPads, on thumbdrives, etc. We shared it with family back home, especially my father in law (an avid hunter, but wasn't able to make it on this trip), friends, etc.

We still watch the video from time to time, as a reminder that I need to hurry up and lock in our next safari!

 

[ArmyGrunt]

a reminder that I need to hurry up and lock in our next safari!

Don't we all! I've wasted the better part of a week not doing studying for class, but looking for ideas of what to do next. I've got that hunting itch

 

[Mike B]

I highly recommend getting your hunt professionally filmed. Its a memory that will last forever and that you can share with anyone. Money well spent (and chances are its not much more than passing on one or two shoulder mounts, when you consider shipping and the rest)

I recommend talking with your outfitter to see if they have an in-house videographer. @Limcroma Safaris does and offered us a great price- less than half of what most stand-alone companies were quoting me.

Our videographer, Henk, is also a PH. He served as a second set of eyes scanning for game and added a good amount of humor to our trip too. Our final night in camp, Henk stayed up all night editing our video- combining both his footage and our own footage, into an amazing final product. By the time we left, we had the video on our iPads, on thumbdrives, etc. We shared it with family back home, especially my father in law (an avid hunter, but wasn't able to make it on this trip), friends, etc.

We still watch the video from time to time, as a reminder that I need to hurry up and lock in our next safari!

I'm going with Limcroma and have the pricing for it. That's what spurred the debate in my head. Shoot with a camera, or shoot with a gun! I'm leaning towards getting the film done, but figured it's worth the ask to see what others had done in the past. Good to know you felt it was worth the money!

 

[Bert the Turtle]

I have the opportunity to have to have my cape buffalo hunt taped but declined. I never hunted dangerous game and wanted to stay focused. But if I was ever to hunt non importable lion or elephant I think I might check out recording it.

I voted "no" but hadn't considered the non-importable scenario. I think that is a great option. In general, I'm happy to look at a mount on the wall and enjoy my memories. I don't want my memories ruined by too much reality. But if there is no mount to remind me of the hunt, I think a video could be a fantastic option.

 

[lwaters]

I never thought I would hunt a non importable elephant or lion but this video option has me thinking. My house is full of African plains game and North American game I have very little room left anyways. A nice video and a few pictures would be enough. What goin to happen to all this stuff when I am dead. I really wouldn't want someone else trophies.

 

[ArmyGrunt]

There is a shoulder mount of a Cape buff at the local consignment. Plus a few others. They're wanting the new finish work price to buy them. The buff looks good, but some of huge others not so much.
With few exceptions, I wouldn't think I'd care for another guy's trophy either.

Well....maybe a trophy ex wife!