How to choose your next Plains Game safari?

Bwana Bob · Apr 19, 2020

Just thought I would add my 2 cents to this conversation. I went on my first safari in 2011. During my initial research, I started with looking at 3 things. First, I wanted to hunt on a property that had the target species I was after to avoid having to spend part of my day traveling to a different concession. Secondly, I looked for packages that included most of the game I was interested in as they usually gave you a little break on the overall price. I also wanted a refund on the trophy fee of any animals I failed to kill that were included in the package. Third, and most importantly, I wanted to stay at a place where we were the only group in camp. I was fortunate to find what I feel is an excellent outfitter to hunt with and have been back three times and hopefully will get to go on the trip I booked in 2021. As for the gentleman who thinks Texas is the equivalent of hunting Africa, do whatever trips your trigger. For myself, I enjoy seeing all the different species of animals that Africa has to offer. It might be a little bit of a hassle to get there, but to me it's worth that inconvenience. Stay healthy everyone.

Ed Lally · Apr 19, 2020

Let's look at the finances of getting to keep the meat from the animals you shoot.
OX Ranch: Impala $5,500! Blesbuck $5,500!! Nyala $12,500!!! Total $23,000!!!! Plus Flights from CT to TX = $300.
South Africa: Impala $550. Blesbuck $450. Nyala $2,500. Total $3,500.
(Or Kudu + Springbok + Impala + Blesbuck + Duiker = $4,750.)
Then add round trip from NY to JNB = $900 and the three animal package is $4,400 vs $23,300 at OX Ranch. But wait. The meat is still in TX and there is a cost to get it home, unless I want to drive both ways and that costs time as well as money. I prefer to hunt Africa and spend some of the $19,000 saved on a few years of groceries. Besides, I get enough moose, caribou and venison in CT and NL each year to feed my family and most of my friends. Plus there is absolutely nothing better than time spent on the most beautiful and intriguing of continents.

DillonG · Apr 19, 2020

Back to the main subject, what other resources other than this forum(which is helpful) is everyone using to narrow down the field of potential PG hunting destinations and outfitters?

DillonG · Apr 19, 2020

Ed Lally said:
Let's look at the finances of getting to keep the meat from the animals you shoot.
OX Ranch: Impala $5,500! Blesbuck $5,500!! Nyala $12,500!!! Total $23,000!!!! Plus Flights from CT to TX = $300.
South Africa: Impala $550. Blesbuck $450. Nyala $2,500. Total $3,500.
(Or Kudu + Springbok + Impala + Blesbuck + Duiker = $4,750.)
Then add round trip from NY to JNB = $900 and the three animal package is $4,400 vs $23,300 at OX Ranch. But wait. The meat is still in TX and there is a cost to get it home, unless I want to drive both ways and that costs time as well as money. I prefer to hunt Africa and spend some of the $19,000 saved on a few years of groceries. Besides, I get enough moose, caribou and venison in CT and NL each year to feed my family and most of my friends. Plus there is absolutely nothing better than time spent on the most beautiful and intriguing of continents.

Amen

Royal27 · Apr 19, 2020

DillonG said:
Back to the main subject, what other resources other than this forum(which is helpful) is everyone using to narrow down the field of potential PG hunting destinations and outfitters?

The hunting shows.

The internet is AWESOME and saves a lot of time. But, nothing beats face to face and you can get that with multiple outfitters all at once and even meet previ9us clients too most of the time.

DillonG · Apr 19, 2020

Royal27 said:
The hunting shows.

The internet is AWESOME and saves a lot of time. But, nothing beats face to face and you can get that with multiple outfitters all at once and even meet former clients too most of the time.

Good to hear, sounds like a trip to Dallas is in my future! Hopefully after the Covid situation settles down there will be plenty of opportunity for some meet and greet at the shows.

Ryan · Apr 19, 2020

DillonG said:
Back to the main subject, what other resources other than this forum(which is helpful) is everyone using to narrow down the field of potential PG hunting destinations and outfitters?

Since my third hunt was through this forum I go back to my first two hunts for that. For those (same place), when I decided I was going to do it I did a lot of looking and talking at the local sportsman show here in Anchorage and while none were bad one really clicked. Prior research was just a lot interactions with a lot of people who'd hunted southern Africa, including a boat captain who had some promo DVDs of places he'd been too and looked at. Now Youtube takes that place. Going to shows and chatting in years past and of course internet research and print articles for general knowledge.

375Fox · Apr 19, 2020

DillonG said:
Back to the main subject, what other resources other than this forum(which is helpful) is everyone using to narrow down the field of potential PG hunting destinations and outfitters?

You can also use a reputable booking agent to get you started. Jack Atcheson and Sons and Hunting Consortium are two you can’t go wrong with. I’ve been on 9 trips and went to Dallas for the first time this year. If you don’t have any previous Africa experience I think the show can be overwhelming and will be very difficult to select an outfitter.

375 Ruger Fan · Apr 19, 2020

I read the book, "Ask the Namibian Guides" (https://www.safaripress.com/ask-the-namibian-guides.html) and came up with a short list from the dozen or so interviewed in the book. I then went to their websites and found that one had been awarded the DSC Outfitter of the Year, so I figured they must be good and booked a PG hunt with them.

For a couple other PG hunts, @Game 4 Africa Safaris advertised a great deal and I booked a hunt with. Had such a great time, I went back a couple of years later.

Dallas Safari Club and Houston Safari Club have been my other source of good info.

Reading hunt reports, here on AH, is probably one of the best sources too.

enysse · Apr 19, 2020

You can certainly go the Dallas Safari Club, Houston Safari Club and National/local SCI shows.

There are plenty of outstanding outfitter’s on AH too! You just have to do your research on what animals are naturally occurring in the area that the hunt is offered. Make a list of animals you are interested in hunting but be flexible when the hunt actually starts. Some areas in Africa are better than others for certain animals. If dangerous game is the reason you are hunting Africa then go to areas that offer great free range hunting. Personally I think plains game hunting can be good and affordable behind a fence but I can also see why others hunt all free range. The more you hunt Africa, the more you understand what it has to offer and it lets you make more educated decisions based on past experiences!

DillonG · Apr 19, 2020

375Fox said:
You can also use a reputable booking agent to get you started. Jack Atcheson and Sons and Hunting Consortium are two you can’t go wrong with. I’ve been on 9 trips and went to Dallas for the first time this year. If you don’t have any previous Africa experience I think the show can be overwhelming and will be very difficult to select an outfitter.

I really appreciate this feedback. Also, what is your "go to" PG rifle set-up?

DillonG · Apr 19, 2020

enysse said:
You can certainly go the Dallas Safari Club, Houston Safari Club and National/local SCI shows.

There are plenty of outstanding outfitter’s on AH too! You just have to do your research on what animals are naturally occurring in the area that the hunt is offered. Make a list of animals you are interested in hunting but be flexible when the hunt actually starts. Some areas in Africa are better than others for certain animals. If dangerous game is the reason you are hunting Africa then go to areas that offer great free range hunting. Personally I think plains game hunting can be good and affordable behind a fence but I can also see why others hunt all free range. The more you hunt Africa, the more you understand what it has to offer and it lets you make more educated decisions based on past experiences!

Yes exactly right on DG, just had a very lengthy conversation with my wife about how I will prioritize free range hunting when going after a buf and leopard. Thank you for solidifying my opinion.

DillonG · Apr 19, 2020

375 Ruger Fan said:
I read the book, "Ask the Namibian Guides" (https://www.safaripress.com/ask-the-namibian-guides.html) and came up with a short list from the dozen or so interviewed in the book. I then went to their websites and found that one had been awarded the DSC Outfitter of the Year, so I figured they must be good and booked a PG hunt with them.

For a couple other PG hunts, @Game 4 Africa Safaris advertised a great deal and I booked a hunt with. Had such a great time, I went back a couple of years later.

Dallas Safari Club and Houston Safari Club have been my other source of good info.

Reading hunt reports, here on AH, is probably one of the best sources too.

I actually checked out Game 4 Africa's website rather extensively over the last few days. Lots of hunting reports on AH. Also, KMG is really high on my list. The forum has been a wealth of knowledge and honestly overwhelming at times to read through all of the posts

Royal27 · Apr 19, 2020

DillonG said:
I actually checked out Game 4 Africa's website rather extensively over the last few days. Lots of hunting reports on AH. Also, KMG is really high on my list. The forum has been a wealth of knowledge and honestly overwhelming at times to read through all of the posts

Marius is an absolute machine, the consummate gentleman, and he should be at DSC for you to get to know in person.

Ryan · Apr 19, 2020

DillonG said:
I really appreciate this feedback. Also, what is your "go to" PG rifle set-up?

What do you already have and shoot well? Every place I talked to said something like "what are you comfortable with?" Or "do you own a 308, 30-06 or 300 win mag? Bring it". They want those shots to be accurate so bring what works well for you. I took a 30-06 with a 3-9 scope shooting 168 Barnes TTSX bullets on my first two trips for everything but the giraffe (375 Ruger) and rented a 300 Win mag and 308 for trip #3 . You can of course go heavier, such as one of the 338s. But I'd say only if you already own it and are comfortable with it.

375Fox · Apr 19, 2020

DillonG said:
I really appreciate this feedback. Also, what is your "go to" PG rifle set-up?

Any 270 or more you hunt deer with should be good for Eastern Cape. My rifle is a sako in 300 win with a 3x9 leupold, I keep things simple. I shoot 180 grain Barnes TSXs and am working on 150 grain TTSXs. There are a lot of discussions on bullets here you can read, but in my opinion the bullet is more important than the caliber.
If you think you’ve decided on the Eastern Cape. Most hunting areas are going to be somewhat similar. Focus on asking outfitters questions on their operation. For example how many hunters at one time, shared or an exclusive lodge, shared or exclusive properties, how many properties they hunt and sizes, driving distances between lodge and properties, just to get a feel for how you’ll be hunting. Most everyone will enjoy their first Safari, you just need to decide to go, then after 2 or 3 you’ll be able to compare and really decide what you want.

enysse · Apr 19, 2020

DillonG said:
I actually checked out Game 4 Africa's website rather extensively over the last few days. Lots of hunting reports on AH. Also, KMG is really high on my list. The forum has been a wealth of knowledge and honestly overwhelming at times to read through all of the posts

Lalamanzi Safaris in the Limpopo has some great hunts for an excellent price. Try to best a sable and roan hunt for $6000.

Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS · Apr 22, 2020

DillonG said:
I am really starting to focus references. How do you prioritize your hunts? Do you focus on a specific species, location, or PH?

hi there

references are very important
tell the outfitter you want references who are not related to him in anyway, and who have recently hunted with him (say current or previous season, 2 seasons ago at most) and get at least 3 who have done similar package or type of hunt you are looking to book.
this should give you a true reflection.

ask any questions you feel you want to, even if its a 100 this way you should feel satisfied.

i dont believe everything is about getting the cheapest deal, i know everyone has a budget, but a fair deal with the right outfitter is way better than a cheaper deal with a bad outfit!!!! way better

regards

Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS · Apr 22, 2020

also just a note

lots of great outfitters dont do shows, costs a fortune not only to have a booth, but donations hotels etc etc

just give the outfitter a call, whatsapp calls work great

you will find the right fit!!!

Von S. · Apr 22, 2020

Dillon

It all about what is most important to you.

Without someone telling you what a trophy is, can you without ever hunting that animal before can you tell what a trophy one is?

I have seen trophy animals there and it doesn't appear to me that any of the trophy just hang out next to the road, you gotta work for them. A full hunt might be a good place to start and most are right reasonable.

How to choose your next Plains Game safari?

Bwana Bob

Ed Lally

DillonG

DillonG

Royal27

DillonG

Ryan

375Fox

375 Ruger Fan

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