Top 10 First Safari Mistakes

375Fox said:

It’s a paid service. Look at it more as advertising than a recommendation. That’s why his list changes every year. Most of the outfitters he lists have good reputations though, but paid advertising is why a name you’ve never heard of is there one year and not the next.

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Do safari operators that want to be Boddington Endorsed have to provide him a free hunt?

I know that he does visit each one, so I'm sure that they do.

Mark A Ouellette said:

Do safari operators that want to be Boddington Endorsed have to provide him a free hunt?

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I’m uncertain but I’d highly suspect that. I was told a few years ago if a new outfitter wants to make list, his team will hunt with them first, then if they approve they’ll have Boddington hunt with them, before being added to list. That list did originally start as his recommendations, but it’s just advertising now. Some are better than others. Same as sponsors on this site. It’s up to hunter to do the research before booking.

skydiver386 said:

I think @Kevin Peacocke might beg to differ.

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I knew that was coming...

Hogpatrol said:

Another mistake for first timers is sitting at the bar until the wee hours and then the following day's hunt, expecting the PH to give them the EASY button.

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Excellent point! Although I've been blessed to only have a couple such instances with my groups over the years. When it happens it's not good.

Mark A Ouellette said:

Do safari operators that want to be Boddington Endorsed have to provide him a free hunt?

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Usually there is some arrangement because he must visit the operation to recommend it. Most celebrities are trading advertising value for the hunt. It's business and I tire of people criticizing it unfairly. Craig is an asset to our industry IMO.
PS Lets not derail this thread. There are already plenty of CB posts on here.

Craig Bodington has a team ?

Excellent video, thank you for sharing.

@Philip Glass …. Big Thanks to you and your very helpful videos. I watched every one of them.
When planning my first safari in 2024 & going at it alone, I was able to have a successful safari with almost zero newbie mistakes…thanks to your videos and in addition to the many helpful suggestions learned on this site.

mark-hunter said:

I think the biggest mistake of hunter going to Africa for first time is not being informed.
Some are surprised to see fences, when they get there for example.
From that fact, other mistakes happen.
Today we have internet and this forum, good supply of books available on order, and today much easier to get information.

I still see here from time to time, unhappy hunters, but analyzing complaints many times it seams they had wrong expectations.

I wonder how did hunters prepare for their first trip in old days?

Apparently, Roosevelt corresponded to all prominent and relevant African hands of the time, a year in advance, before his famous safari.

But did all first time safari hunters do the same? Very hard to imagine.

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Not just Africa....Hunters going on paid hunts anywhere sometimes go amazingly ignorant of the hunts.
I can only speak for Eastern Canadian provinces, but each hunt there will be someone who is clueless about what the hunt will be like...which simple questions and a conversation with the outfitter will cover.
One hunter on a baited bear hunt, insisted on trying to stalk every potential bear (or stump) he saw. Spring time in the woods....bugs? Folks showing up without bug netting, thermocells, etc. We once saw a group return to camp two hours into the first days hunt, pack up and leave because they were so unprepared. Perhaps my favorite....a bit off the subject but just the same....
The know it all group leader from NJ, who talked big about all his woods experiences, asked the outfitter if ...."There was anything out there that can gitcha?",
Well, replied the outfitter...."Ive Never been got....". They were gone before sunlight the next morning.

CamoManJ said:

@Philip Glass …. Big Thanks to you and your very helpful videos. I watched every one of them.
When planning my first safari in 2024 & going at it alone, I was able to have a successful safari with almost zero newbie mistakes…thanks to your videos and in addition to the many helpful suggestions learned on this site.

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This really, really means a lot to me. Thank you! This is why I do these videos is to help folks get to Africa. I am open to suggestions from the community on what video content would further help the first timer or seasoned hunter get comfortable to go to Africa.

Solid list.Most of these come down to the same thing: ego over experience. The buffalo doesn’t care what you meant to do - only what you actually do right in that first shot.

HUNT, don't just be "taken hunting" Pay attention to the surroundings, even where camp is located relative to where you are. Think about where you would use field shooting aids if the next moment was the moment of truth--the side of a tree close by or a rock. Look intelligently at the track of a wounded animal. Two things got us back on the correct track of an Oryx; A. the right hoof had a slight crossed front tip, tracker agreed he followed a new (wrong) one and got back to the original, and B. I noticed a saddle to the left of the tracking party and went over to check it out as the easiest route for an animal, especially a wounded animal to take. There was a white rock with a drop of blood that put us back on track. I have that rock as a proud souveneer! And saddles are used world wide as crossing point for animals, not just back home. Listen actively--sometimes a PH turns out to be hard of hearing. Don't dismiss what you heard just because you are not in charge. In short, HUNT with an actively engaged mind. Learn something.
Think with your feet--only you can be quiet, nobody can do it for you. Feel for twigs before you snap them with your feet. Lightly shuffle if you have to through corn flake leaves. If you nose runs--let it. Wipe it at most. Don't sniff, cough or snort when closing in on game. Learn to slither through brush and around thorny stuff--your trackers know how, why don't you. No excuses, no regrets.
Stay up with your PH, don't drag behind. Be ready for the shot mentally and be close enough to go into action. Train offhand, too.
Savor the hunt experience, not just the measuring tape after it's all over.

Philip Glass said:

I dont like those type of safaris where they drive you all over RSA unless it is some type of specialty hunt.

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I'm happy they did, actually. The second property was HEAVILY wooded and mountainous. If I had only "hunted" (and I use that term loosely) the first location, I doubt I would want to return.
As it is, it took me 4 years to decide I'd like to go back.

Badjer said:

I'm happy they did, actually. The second property was HEAVILY wooded and mountainous. If I had only "hunted" (and I use that term loosely) the first location, I doubt I would want to return.
As it is, it took me 4 years to decide I'd like to go back.

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AND before it's brought up I went with a friend who I've hunted with and had hunted with this outfitter multiple times before. I went on his recommendation. Probably another newbie mistake. However; he was also VERY disappointed in this trip and has cut all ties to the outfitter.

Philip Glass said:

This really, really means a lot to me. Thank you! This is why I do these videos is to help folks get to Africa. I am open to suggestions from the community on what video content would further help the first timer or seasoned hunter get comfortable to go to Africa.

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I think an entire video on proper clothing and footwear selection would be useful. Boots, socks, ankle gaiters, pants or shorts, shirts and jackets and hats.

Of course there are different areas and different types of hunts that require different clothing and footwear.

I'd like to see what others top pics are for DG in Zim, vs
in the swamps of the OKV. Choosing the wrong boots and clothing can make the difference between a comfortable hunt, and pure misery.

skydiver386 said:

I think an entire video on proper clothing and footwear selection would be useful. Boots, socks, ankle gaiters, pants or shorts, shirts and jackets and hats.

Of course there are different areas and different types of hunts that require different clothing and footwear.

I'd like to see what others top pics are for DG in Zim, vs
in the swamps of the OKV. Choosing the wrong boots and clothing can make the difference between a comfortable hunt, and pure misery.

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Excellent idea!

Speaking of boots, I had to leave mine in Limpopo due to not being able to pack life my wife. I asked the PH if someone would like them. He said someone would love to have them! He sent me a pic of the tracker wearing them with a big grin on his face. I'm taking 3 extra pairs this go around, all from my seemingly bottomless closet. Clean out your closet and make some friends, guys!

Badjer said:

I'm happy they did, actually. The second property was HEAVILY wooded and mountainous. If I had only "hunted" (and I use that term loosely) the first location, I doubt I would want to return.
As it is, it took me 4 years to decide I'd like to go back.

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I’ve also found some jewels when the main place was not so good!

First, I thank you for your excellent videos - there is always good info to be had. One point I did not see was about any required or recommended vaccinations. My nurse practitioner reviewed CDC recommendations and set me up with the required shots. I think you can and should also check with the PH to get their input.

Boots are of course a huge consideration. And would be a good subject matter.

The issue is boots are such an individualistic subjective item. 300 people will have 300 different brands and models. You’re not going to change most Nimrods opinion or boot choice.

BUT, what could be covered for the novice hunter that doesn’t know the difference between a stiff sole, stiff ankle mountaineering boot vs flexible Chukka style. Is matching the boot for the terrain and temperature.

I would say beyond personal comfort the main topic should be; traction, balance, QUIET boots.

I’m guessing a PH would say he doesn’t care if you show up in a pair of LaSportiva Olympus Mons as long as you can stalk quietly.

Which brings up a whole different subject. How to stalk and walk quietly and not walk like a pregnant Yak. Working on your leg strength, core strength and balance before you go so that when the PH gives a signal to stop and your left foot is in the air. You don’t tip over.

How to walk on crunchy leaves. How to climb creek banks properly so you’re not sliding and falling.