Hunting Tips, Things to Take

[Neale]

I was going through my notes from my last trip and I had some points that I wrote that may help someone in the future. Maybe others can add their tips.

• Take medication with you ( I took cold and flu tablets, doxycycline, diarrhoea tablets) all of which came in handy when I came down with some form of African bug.
• Keep lip balm in your pocket and apply regularly
• Keep a point and shoot camera on your belt or pocket so it is always available for those quick shots. It is not accessable enough in your back pack.
• Make sure you have a good quality wide sling if you intend walking a lot.
• I had a Camelbak that came everywhere with me. ( If the PH said that we would just get out and have a look over here I would grab my rifle and Camelbak because often we would see something and then walk for an hour).
• Take enough ammo as I found myself rechecking my rifle zero regularly ( It gives you some confidence in your rifle)
• Take a bore snake to give your rifle a pull through each night even if you did not fire a shot.
• Take quiet clothes. I had one pair of heavy cotton canvas pants that were very noisey when stalking.
• Take a warm jacket that wraps up into a small space that you stow in your camelbak after the morning session. ( I had a RAB jacket that would wrap into a very small bundle and was appreciated late in the arvo)

I am sure there are many other tips that others with experience could add but these are some I made note of.

 

[cagkt3]

Thank you sir! I've been collecting tips, notes, suggestions etc as I prep for my first trip next spring.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Just an FYI on some other lists.

https://www.africahunting.com/community/safari-planning-guide/

 

[BRICKBURN]

................

• I had a Camelbak that came everywhere with me. ( If the PH said that we would just get out and have a look over here I would grab my rifle and Camelbak because often we would see something and then walk for an hour).
• .......

This is a good idea. After carrying water bottles in my pocket and hoping the truck could meet us to replenish my water supply (and not being their) I now bring mine along quite often.

 

[sheephunterab]

I take a headlamp and extra batteries on every trip and a Leatherman.

 

[Neale]

A torch is always handy and I had one of these in my Camelbak. Small and work well.

The lighter is also carried just in case I came across anybody with cigarettes and no lighter.


I also took a photo of most things I took with me for future reference

Don't know how the tide book got in there???

 

[cpr0312]

I take a headlamp and extra batteries on every trip and a Leatherman.

+1 on this, plus a journal to write down your thoughts and the days experiences.

 

[fourfive8]

Almost no limit to what might be needed- some lists would surely make any boy scout proud

Pretty good suggestions so far. I do take along some Cipro for whatever stomach bugs but have never had to use it. Really, have never been sick in Africa. And do use a generic form of malaria preventative if in malaria areas.

The two items I've used the most are: high SPF lip balm which can also be used on face and on top of ears. And XL, serious type adhesive bandages. The large bandages have come in vary handy twice. Once for torn skin on palm of hand gotten from racking the bolt with "authority" on follow up shots on buffalo and once for puncture/cut on leg. Very handy and glad I had those!

 

[cagkt3]

Just an FYI on some other lists.

https://www.africahunting.com/community/safari-planning-guide/

Thanks @BRICKBURN I've been perusing those also!

 

[Kowas Adventure Safaris]

Be reminded to travel light where daily laundry service is included...

 

[BigJohnx13]

Depending on what, where, how long and how you hunt. Much more to add to the basic list. Going with a PH and vehicle you just need water and a snack

HUNTING LARGE BACKPACK
Bank card /Cash
ID /Driver’s License
Sunglasses
Hunt Camo Jacket
Hunt Camo Trousers
Hunt Camo Shirts
Hunt Camo Hat
Hunt Belt webbing
Hunt Boots
Hunt Ghillie Jacket
Hunt Ghillie Trousers
Hunt Ghillie Shoot Gloves
Hunt Ghillie Facemask
Hunt Ghillie Boots Covers
Hunt Ghillie Hydration Bag
Hunt Ghillie Backpack Day
Drawers /socks
Handkerchief
Towel /Swim suit
Gloves /Balaclava
Slops /Sneakers
Track suit /Pajama
Sleeping bag /Pillow
Toilet ware
Sunscreen /Body lotion
Insect repelant
Bandage /Ointment
Medicine
Groundsheet /Poncho
Rubber mat
Plate /Paper plate
Cup /Glass
Knife /fork /spoon /Rag
Gas stove /Gas lamp
Gas bottle (spare)
Pot + lid
Water bottle 2L/1L
Braai Grid
Insect net
Panga /Kukri
Pruner Shears /Bow saw
Shoot chair
Shoot tripod
Plastic Bag
Meat container
Meat knife /cut /skin /saw
Biltong hooks
Food /Food container
Coffee /milk/sugar
Salt /Spices
Dishwashing liquid /Rag
Thread and Needle

HUNTING DAY BACKPACK
Binocular
Cellphone /2 Way radio
Range finder /Strap
GPS /Compass /Roadmap
Camera /Battery /charger
Torch Hand /Head /charger
Torch Battery /charger
Hunt knife /Pocket knife
Tool Utility /Pliers
Lighter /Matches
Whistle Survival
Raincoat /Poncho
Utility rope
Space Blanket
Sunscreen /Body lotion
Insect repelant
Bandage /Ointment
Insulation Tape
Toilet paper
Food /Food container
Water bottle 2L/1L
Pruner Shears /Bow saw
Camo Net /shelter
Trail Marking Tape

RIFLE
Hunting License
Range finder /Strap
Binocular /Strap
Rifle /Bag
ID /Rifle License
Rifle Ammo /Container
Cleaning Kit /Tools
Shooting Bag /Carpet
Shooting Tripod

BOW
Hunting License
Range finder /Strap
Binocular /Strap
Bow Trigger
Bow Sling
Bow /Bag /Arrow case
Bow Arrows /Broadheads
Tools
Allen /Keys
Rattlers /Calls

 

[K-man]

I always take a paracord/shoelace spare. nothing ruins a day like a busted shoelace 5K from the bakkie. I substitute a pack of wet wipes (unscented) instead of the toilet paper. something you can wipe your face with, also works well as trail markers.
Another tip is to take a picture of everything you put in each suitcase/bag. If you are old and forgetful like me, helps to know where it is. If anything comes up "missing" or "liberated" you also have proof.