Rookie Needs Some Help

Hello all, new member here. I am a pretty active member on other hunting and shooting forums. But I am heading on my first Africa hunt this year and figured I needed to join a forum with some experts in this realm. I am a super detailed person who extra plans everything. So I wanted to literally lay out my entire plan and hunt for you guys. And please chime in on any of various topics. I don't want to learn the hard way on any of these issues. Sorry for the long post.... here goes nothing.

I am heading to Huntershill Safari this August. My list is:
- Kudu
- Eland
- Zebra
- Gembok
- Blue Wildebeest
- (maybe) Sable

Being I am from Canada I am flying with Air Canada to London. Then London to Johan and Johan to East London on South African Air. Now from what I know London is no issue at all when travelling with partner airlines correct? Air Canada and South African air are both Star Alliance as is British airways. From what I know I check the gun in Toronto and don't see it until East London. Is there any forms I need to complete prior to arrival in London? What is the easiest way to get the gun permit when landing in Johan? My flight home is Johan to Munich. But again the same is true with Star Alliance airlines. Anyone have issues with either Munich or London?

As mentioned I am bringing my rifle. Rifle is a 300win mag Fierce Edge bolt action control fed rifle. I roll my own ammo and have currently built up a load using 212 grain Hornady ELD-X bullets, which is flying 2850fps (870m/s). Does anyone have any poor experience on the above species with ELD - X ? They work wonders for me on Canadian black bears, moose and deer. I just hear so much about the hide on African animals, I wanted to be sure.

I understand August is winter, although I am seeing average temps in the 20C range. I mean that is hardly winter. I am used to hunting more in the -20C range. I understand it is not a ton of rain this time of year either. So should I simply pack long pants, long sleeve hunting gear. And just in case pack a medium weight jacket for cooler mornings? I will obviously have my holy trinity with me Gun, Binoculars and knife. Any other gear that I would not naturally assume to bring that would be helpful?

Ok so now the after party. I have taken my hit list..... now what?????? This is the part that is making me spin with difference of opinions. I live down the road from one of the worlds top Taxidermists. These guys do work for TV stars like Jim Shockey, Tim Wells, Beasley brothers etc. They are incredible and I truly can't imagine trusting anyone else as they have done all my North American Species. They have been super helpful and giving me the advice on how this whole process will go. Now I want to ask all of you. Dip and Pack, anything I need to know? The guide has given me the pricing. Nothing crazy it was roughly $100 per animal, some a little more. What have most of you paid for shipping? since its not tanned you need air ship correct? Any other help on this topic would make me feel a lot better.

I miss anything?

Welcome to the forum Chago! I could help you a little, but not nearly to the extent of your fellow Canadians, @BRICKBURN and @Hank2211 . Between the two of them, I wouldn't even try to guess how many times they have hunted in Africa. Good luck with your hunt and write us a good hunt report when you return with lots of pics!

Chago said:

Hello all, new member here. I am a pretty active member on other hunting and shooting forums. But I am heading on my first Africa hunt this year and figured I needed to join a forum with some experts in this realm. I am a super detailed person who extra plans everything. So I wanted to literally lay out my entire plan and hunt for you guys. And please chime in on any of various topics. I don't want to learn the hard way on any of these issues. Sorry for the long post.... here goes nothing.

I am heading to Huntershill Safari this August. My list is:
- Kudu
- Eland
- Zebra
- Gembok
- Blue Wildebeest
- (maybe) Sable

Being I am from Canada I am flying with Air Canada to London. Then London to Johan and Johan to East London on South African Air. Now from what I know London is no issue at all when travelling with partner airlines correct? Air Canada and South African air are both Star Alliance as is British airways. From what I know I check the gun in Toronto and don't see it until East London. Is there any forms I need to complete prior to arrival in London? What is the easiest way to get the gun permit when landing in Johan? My flight home is Johan to Munich. But again the same is true with Star Alliance airlines. Anyone have issues with either Munich or London?

As mentioned I am bringing my rifle. Rifle is a 300win mag Fierce Edge bolt action control fed rifle. I roll my own ammo and have currently built up a load using 212 grain Hornady ELD-X bullets, which is flying 2850fps (870m/s). Does anyone have any poor experience on the above species with ELD - X ? They work wonders for me on Canadian black bears, moose and deer. I just hear so much about the hide on African animals, I wanted to be sure.

I understand August is winter, although I am seeing average temps in the 20C range. I mean that is hardly winter. I am used to hunting more in the -20C range. I understand it is not a ton of rain this time of year either. So should I simply pack long pants, long sleeve hunting gear. And just in case pack a medium weight jacket for cooler mornings? I will obviously have my holy trinity with me Gun, Binoculars and knife. Any other gear that I would not naturally assume to bring that would be helpful?

Ok so now the after party. I have taken my hit list..... now what?????? This is the part that is making me spin with difference of opinions. I live down the road from one of the worlds top Taxidermists. These guys do work for TV stars like Jim Shockey, Tim Wells, Beasley brothers etc. They are incredible and I truly can't imagine trusting anyone else as they have done all my North American Species. They have been super helpful and giving me the advice on how this whole process will go. Now I want to ask all of you. Dip and Pack, anything I need to know? The guide has given me the pricing. Nothing crazy it was roughly $100 per animal, some a little more. What have most of you paid for shipping? since its not tanned you need air ship correct? Any other help on this topic would make me feel a lot better.

I miss anything?

Click to expand...

Seems like you have everything covered
Your bullets and rifle combination should be deadly for all the animals listed.
Relax and come enjoy South Africa.

I know SAA had no issues with rifles. I am not sure about Star alliance.
The Brittish guys need to get a permit to come to South Africa. I dint think it is necessary when just passing through. But as said Bricburn will have all the answers as he have done it numerous times.

All the best and enjoy your trip
Regards

Search "Shipping" A few threads.

https://www.africahunting.com/threads/shipping-costs-always-a-question.30162/

https://www.africahunting.com/threads/shipping-quote.39541/
https://www.africahunting.com/threads/namibia-taxidermy-prep-costs-shipping.38954/
https://www.africahunting.com/threads/shipping-of-trophy-cost.36921/

Welcome to the forum Chago. I have a couple of things to mention for you on your list. You can clear customs in Jo-berg by yourself. Many prefer to engage a service to go through the process with them. Usually 10 min or so when using a service. Sometimes 30 plus min when not. There are a couple of different companies that help with clearing firearms. First time around it is usually money well spent.
About your ammo. I also load my own. Coming from the US or Canada your ammo is usually packed in a check through bag. Sometimes the airlines are picky and some say in original boxes. Make sure to use good quality boxes for them. Once you get it to Africa you may be required to ship the ammo separate from your clothing in its own sealed case. This regulation is frequently ignored, but you never know. So for the just in case, be sure and have the ammo in regular boxes inside of a lockable box that only the ammo is in. Then if required it can be taken out and used as another luggage item. Carry extra locks with you just in case...
Clothing is another item all by itself. Most outfitters have a recommended list of clothing. They do laundry daily so you don't need more than 3 of anything. Often 2 is enough. A good jacket for chilly AM's is a good thing, especially in the East Cape. light gloves and a pull over cap take up little room. Most hunters bring too much in the way of clothing. My last trip to Africa I had a gun case (with some clothing in it), a carry on backpack and a small roller bag. That was for 14 hunting days over a 17 day period with 3 different companies........ One asked if that was all the luggage I had. It was all I needed.
You are in the East Cape and ticks are likely present. I got tick bite fever my last trip there. Permethrin is very good at repelling ticks. Sawyer has products that can be used. Do a search here on AH and lots of good info will turn up. A little prevention goes a long ways.
Next I'm going to comment on your animals list. You have chosen some great animals to hunt. I'm sure that you will have a great time. My question is a what if. What if you see an exceptional Nyala? Or Black Wilderbeast? Bushbuck can be very difficult to hunt. What if a huge 16 incher steps out while glassing for Kudu....... Are you going to be flexible in what Africa offers you? Sometimes you pass up a special trophy and later wish you hadn't. Where you are a planner its something to think about.
Be aware that if you want a Sable they will get you one. More of if you want to spend the $ rather than if you find one. If you request it then it will be found. Its a high dollar animal and they keep pretty good track of where they are. Often they are in smaller (2-5000 acre) enclosures. Usually where they are insulated from potential poachers. Sable prices have come down close to half of what they were 3-4 yrs ago. Hunting one in RSA is different than in "wild africa". I have done both and its a rush. I prefer the wild african hunt for Sable personally. Beautiful animals.
Good luck and have fun. Please post a report for us to read upon your return.
Bruce

Chago said:

......
Now from what I know London is no issue at all when travelling with partner airlines correct?

Click to expand...

If you don't change airports you will be fine. Make sure the airline checks the firearm to destination.

Chago said:

......Is there any forms I need to complete prior to arrival in London?

Click to expand...

Airline declarations.

Chago said:

......What is the easiest way to get the gun permit when landing in Johan?

Click to expand...

Easiest... Pre-approved service. Certainly if you have a close connection.
I do it myself. Isimply have my own completed form in black print/ink (to be signed in SAPS office)

Chago said:

......My flight home is Johan to Munich. But again the same is true with Star Alliance airlines.

Click to expand...

Never done Munich.

Chago said:

......And just in case pack a medium weight jacket for cooler mornings?

Click to expand...

It can be bloody cold in the morning. You don't ride in the back of a truck at -20c and at near zero on a frosty morning in your light shirt you will learn just what windchill is.
Certainly bring that jacket and prep with layers.

Chago said:

............. since its not tanned you need air ship correct? ..........

Click to expand...

Air cargo is the only real option for any trophy shipment. Your shipment of raw trophies will have to be picked up by a certified (CFIA) taxidermist with an approved facility. If your chosen guy does not have the certification then another who does will do the pick up and deal with the crate.


Enjoy your trip.

Welcome to AH sir! You are going to love Africa

Great info. Thanks guys.

Didn't think ticks would be a issue in August. I'll be sure to look into anti tick products.

Oh and the maybe sable isn't a time constraint or anything. It's a budget constraint lol. I would trade the wildebeest and eland no problem for a sable. But unfortunately it's both those animals.... Plus some more doe.

Chago said:

Great info. Thanks guys.

Didn't think ticks would be a issue in August. I'll be sure to look into anti tick products.

Click to expand...

Ticks are present in plenty of environments throughout RSA. Precautions are smart.

The most important thing about hunting Africa is shot placement. African game prove much tougher than NA game on miss hits for that reason I prefer a 35 Whelen over the 300 WM. The best advice I can give you is practice a lot off of shooting sticks, once your rifle is zeroed don't shoot it off the bench again until you check your zero in Africa. I shoot very well off the bench but I found shooting off of sticks very humbling. Practice, practice, practice off of shooting sticks and you'll be fine.

Take enough clothing to hunt with in your carry on bag. Same with your hunting boots. If you luggage goes where it isn't supposed to go, you'll at least have enough to hunt.
For cold weather, nights and early morning, I pack a lightweight camo jacket and a goose down jacket. I like the goose down because it can be compressed. These two items also go in to my carry on bag.
Canada, London, etc. firearm requirements are best left to the experts, an experienced travel agency.
Good Luck with your hunt and take what Africa gives you this trip. Save some for the next trip.

Heck of a list of game! Best of luck and we look forward to the report!

Chago said:

Hello all, new member here. I am a pretty active member on other hunting and shooting forums. But I am heading on my first Africa hunt this year and figured I needed to join a forum with some experts in this realm. I am a super detailed person who extra plans everything. So I wanted to literally lay out my entire plan and hunt for you guys. And please chime in on any of various topics. I don't want to learn the hard way on any of these issues. Sorry for the long post.... here goes nothing.

I am heading to Huntershill Safari this August. My list is:
- Kudu
- Eland
- Zebra
- Gembok
- Blue Wildebeest
- (maybe) Sable

Being I am from Canada I am flying with Air Canada to London. Then London to Johan and Johan to East London on South African Air. Now from what I know London is no issue at all when travelling with partner airlines correct? Air Canada and South African air are both Star Alliance as is British airways. From what I know I check the gun in Toronto and don't see it until East London. Is there any forms I need to complete prior to arrival in London? What is the easiest way to get the gun permit when landing in Johan? My flight home is Johan to Munich. But again the same is true with Star Alliance airlines. Anyone have issues with either Munich or London?

As mentioned I am bringing my rifle. Rifle is a 300win mag Fierce Edge bolt action control fed rifle. I roll my own ammo and have currently built up a load using 212 grain Hornady ELD-X bullets, which is flying 2850fps (870m/s). Does anyone have any poor experience on the above species with ELD - X ? They work wonders for me on Canadian black bears, moose and deer. I just hear so much about the hide on African animals, I wanted to be sure.

I understand August is winter, although I am seeing average temps in the 20C range. I mean that is hardly winter. I am used to hunting more in the -20C range. I understand it is not a ton of rain this time of year either. So should I simply pack long pants, long sleeve hunting gear. And just in case pack a medium weight jacket for cooler mornings? I will obviously have my holy trinity with me Gun, Binoculars and knife. Any other gear that I would not naturally assume to bring that would be helpful?

Ok so now the after party. I have taken my hit list..... now what?????? This is the part that is making me spin with difference of opinions. I live down the road from one of the worlds top Taxidermists. These guys do work for TV stars like Jim Shockey, Tim Wells, Beasley brothers etc. They are incredible and I truly can't imagine trusting anyone else as they have done all my North American Species. They have been super helpful and giving me the advice on how this whole process will go. Now I want to ask all of you. Dip and Pack, anything I need to know? The guide has given me the pricing. Nothing crazy it was roughly $100 per animal, some a little more. What have most of you paid for shipping? since its not tanned you need air ship correct? Any other help on this topic would make me feel a lot better.

I miss anything?

Click to expand...

Lots of useful answers above. Let me add a few things.

1. You are right about transmitting London. If you are flying Star Alliance airlines, you won't be changing airports, and the firearms are a non-issue on Air Canada and South African. Just have to give AC a bit of time at check in and have the right paperwork. You may be asked by the agent for a copy of your South African import permit - the IATA book says they should see it. If you are asked, you can tell them it's ready to be picked up at the airport - I then show them the application and the email confirming issuance. Never had any issue beyond that.

2. Your firearm and the the bullets will be fine for any of the animals you plan to shoot. If you do try for some of the more unusual species found in the Eastern Cape - Vaal Rhebok, blue duiker, caracal, and a few other small ones, you might want to get something with much lower velocity - your loads might do a fair bit of damage to a smaller animal (blue duiker is usually shotgun anyway)!

3. August is winter, and their winters aren't like ours (I live in Alberta). But it can still get cold, and on the back of a truck in the early mornings, you will need a hat that covers your ears (a toque is fine), some gloves, and layers. I always bring a down vest or jacket - packs tightly, is light, but warm.

4. Ticks. Listen to @gillettehunter. They are everywhere in the Eastern Cape. I too came down with tick bite fever, and it's no fun. Not even a bit. Prevention is the best, but pepper ticks can be hard to spot. Bring treatment as well as prevention. You should carry both a topical as well as an oral antihistamine (they itch like hell), and a course of both doxycycline and levofloxacin. Doctor can give you everything.

5. Dip and pack. The prices are pretty much the same, but the prices for air freight can vary. I would get some quotes from p;alces while you are there. The person doing the dip and pack will have someone they deal with, and you can be assured that there is a commission being paid for the business. That doesn't mean it's over-priced, just that you should look out for yourself.

6. Sable. The Eastern Cape is not great sable country, but they can be found. Prices for sable are the lowest I have seen since I began hunting Africa many years ago. It's a magnificent animal to hunt, but you want to be sure to hunt it the way it should be hunted - large areas where it can get away. I've hunted them in Zimbabwe in unfenced areas and in South Africa in fenced areas. Zim was (much) better, and while it took some time, I got a great one (44 5/8). Part of the hunt is taking your time with a good PH and looking over herds to pick out one you want. Many of the places in South Africa (some, not all) are put and take, and your PH will know what's there, where they are and which one he wants for you. Not for me, but to each their own.

Chago said:

Hello all, new member here. ...

Click to expand...

Chago
Welcome to this great Forum. Enjoy the planning process...
Happy hunting...and straight shooting...

Chago you've received great feedback already but to be very clear on two points.

1. You have to clear your gun into South Africa in Joburg. Then recheck it to East London where an official will recheck your paperwork. In my opinion it is well worth it to hire Henry @riflepermits.com to assist. Or if you are overnighting at Africa Sky they can help you. However my luggage was stolen on one trip and it had my permit in it so needed a copy. That happened to be the time I used Africa Sky and they where unable to help. Henry's people came to the rescue. For a first trip especially, it well worth the roughly $100 US.

2. Get some permethrin spray for your clothing and a couple days before your hunt, pick a nice day and hang them outside and spray them down good and let dry. It will remain effective for something like 12 washings. Don't forget to spray at least the uppers on your socks as well as doing your shoes. And your gaiters. (Do take a pair of the short light weight gaiters you see most guys wearing in pictures). I buy the big bottles at Cabelas. Follow instructions. Do the math and buy enough. Then also bring a good repellent to use a couple times a day. After walking through tall grass you may see your tracker beating his legs with a branch, he's trying to knock off pepper ticks. If you see what looks like pepper on your legs, spray them off. Leave extra behind with your PH as they can't buy deet in Africa.

And do try to take a bushbuck. And a black wildebeest, they are indigenous to RSA, are fun to hunt, and make great trophies. Also a red hartebeest, then you'll have the RSA beest slam. Be sure to keep the backskins with tails of both, unless full mounting them. Personally I would skip the sable. Unless you really want to shoot and collect one then go for it.

+1 on bug spraying your clothes. The permethrin sprays are very convenient.
Here's another option for treating your clothes, more work but 1/10 the cost. I soak my deer hunting camo in it. Where I hunt deer, the deer ticks are prevalent.

You may have to collect your baggage in Joburg and do your rifle import stuff there. I haven’t done the East Cape but when you fly to Limpopo or North Cape you do the paperwork in Joburg

Chago, your estimate of Dip and Ship costs are spot on. You may also need the services of a "clearing house" to receive the shipment of hides etc. from a foreign country and get the necessary Government approvals for bringing your trophies into the country. You may also incur transportation costs from that clearing house to a tannery. Talk to the Taxidermist you intend to use and he will "fill in all the blanks" so to speak. Like you, I wanted to avoid any surprises and or unbudgeted costs.

I'd use a service like Rifle Permits.com. I would also do their meet and greet just for the convenience of it.

They will have a person meet you as you get off of the plane, whisk you through all the lines and take you to pick up your rifle and luggage, then take you to the front of the line at the SAP's office. Then if you have a connecting flight they will take you back to the check in desk and leave you with a smile at the security gate.

Then on the return trip home they will do the same thing. Well worth the little that it cost in my mind.