Greetings from the UK!

K-man said:

Welcome!
As to your rental of firearms question, I believe most P.H. 's would need to see your ability to correctly use, safely use the firearm suitable for the game you will pursue. I don't think your local license is required in Africa. Most would allow you to use a bow as well if you desire, good questions you should be asking prior to booking a hunt. I hope things go well for you in your current political climate and you are still able to bring your trophies home. Glad you joined!

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Nkawu said:

Hi @WizzyH and welcome, another UK member here. Before I moved to the UK from South Africa I was an avid bowhunter too. It sucks that people here have such a dim view of it, although I believe several other European countries allow it. With regards to the firearms licence in the UK (FAC): I found it easier in the UK than in South Africa. All I had to do was join a club and prove good reason. If you are based anywhere near me than you are welcome to come to a range session to sharpen up before a hunting trip where you will be renting a rifle.
All the best!

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norfolk shooter said:

@WizzyH Welcome to AH mate. You will find everything you need to know on this forum and unlike many brit forums this one is helpful and friendly. As for your FAC issues you wont need one for the use of a rifle in Africa but as has been mentioned you will need to prove that you can use a rifle proficiently. If you have any other questions feel free to ask on the forum or drop me a PM.
Where about in the UK are you?

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WizzyH said:

I'm from God's own country (Yorkshire).

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WizzyH said:

Hi all,

I joined this Forum in the hopes of learning more about hunting in Africa as it has been a dream since I was very young - a dream which I am slowly but surely putting into practice. I am from the UK and hunting opportunities here are very limited unfortunately.
For a multitude of reasons, it is becoming more and more necessary to travel to different countries in order for British people to hunt various game. As some of you may know, the Firearm laws here are ridiculous, as well as the many regulations surrounding hunting in general.

Bowhunting here is considered cruel and ineffective (something which i strongly disagree with!). Bowhunting also happens to be my preferred method of taking game and the Bow will hopefully be my main weapon of choice when I finally visit Africa in the future on a hunting expedition! I practice with my Bow multiple times per week and would consider myself proficient in the use of it.

I also plan on using various Firearms to secure game, but it would mean renting the Firearms from the outfitter(s) I eventually choose. I have never owned a Firearm here in the UK, as the purchase, storage, transportation, licensing laws and public perception make it a waste of time in my opinion.

This conveniently brings me on to my first question I hope one of the members here can help me with:

Am I required to hold a valid FAC (Fire Arms Certificate) in the UK to be able to rent Firearms from an outfitter in Africa? Or is it simply a matter of being in the presence of a PH and being able to demonstrate I can use safely/confidently use a Firearm to take game to the PH? What are the opportunities like to practice with the Firearm I plan on renting before I go out and attempt to shoot any game? I understand ammunition and Firearm rental won't be cheap, but this wouldn't be an issue providing I had the opportunity to practice with it.

Thanks in advance for any advice, it is greatly appreciated. I hope to be an active member of this Forum in the future and hopefully I will learn a thing or two.

All the best.

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