Came to ask a question. Stayed to learn about African hunting.

Zzzeke

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I once saw a rifle called "The African" with metalwork by Jim Dubell of the American Custom Guncrafters Guild. It was either in .458 Mag or .410 Rigby built on an FN Mauser action. It had extensive engraving and gold inlay portraying an African elephant on the hinged floor plate. I've searched for it far and wide, but it seems to have evaporated from the earth. It was gorgeous and I wanted to see it again. Anyone know anything about it?

Aside from that, I've been a shooter and hunter since I was 5 years old (72 years), and taken lots of North American game. I'm interested in the practicality of an African hunt at my advanced age. I'm 77, but athletic, and I look and function more like a healthy 60 year old. Would it be silly to try it?
 
Absolutely not, make a plan and go. It can be such a wonderful experience. Get an idea of what you’d like to hunt and start from there. There are plenty of resources and people on the forums here that can be a great help in planning a safari.
 
Absolutely not a problem, go plan that safari. Your PH will adapt methods if your body cannot follow.
 
I agree. A South Africa plains game hunt is surprisingly affordable and a good PH can tailor the hunt to meet your specific mobility needs. Afterall, what is the alternative? Sit in a recliner until you cannot do it? I am 68 and have been to Africa twice and hope to return in a couple of years. I had to work at it as I have bad knees, was over weight and covid damn near ruined my health. I would get out of breath going to the mailbox, lol.

But, starting in 2023 I found a doctor that practices healing his patients instead of placing them on a lifetime of pharmaceuticals. I lost 40lbs, worked on my knees, improved my stamina and went hunting. I cannot recommend it more. Treat a planned Safari as a reason to eat right, walk, hike and go to the gym and the target range. Make it a reason to live life to its fullest. The hunt will just be the magical cherry on top. No joke, I think about Africa every day and it saved my life.

The last Safari about 5wks ago, we walked about 5mi or so a few days but that sort of walking is optional. There are lots of good outfitters but it is hard to sort thru them all. If you want a recommendation for a first time Safari outfitter, then PM me. Look up my hunt reports to see the sort of trophies that can be had. Good luck. I want to read your hunt report when you get back!
 
I'd book the hunt sooner rather than later and go.

Send some messages or Emails to the sponsors on the site, tell them your expectations and any physical limitations that you might have. They will tailor fit a hunt for you.

My last hunt I was 69 with some health limitations. I let the outfitter know and they picked the perfect PH for me and I had a fantastic hunt. You are never too old.
 
Do it!!!!! Get it done. Most PHs will adapt to your limitations and will work for you to get the animals you are after. Good luck and please keep us posted. Oh, and welcome to the forum. (y)
 
It can be as easy or as hard as you need. From your description of yourself, I don't think you'll need much. But age is catching up to us daily. I'm 72 and still kicking. Didn't make my first of four safaris until 2019 (age ??? ... you do the math) but I hunt very hard every year for geese and uplands with my dogs and that helps keep me in condition. I am starting to slowdown but not ready to quit yet. You better not wait.
 
Outfitters would be glad to have you as a client. Be honest about your age and physical condition and they can plan a hunt around your limitations. Plains game hunting in South Africa and Namibia can very easily be catered to the individual, elsewhere is still achievable but more difficult. You’ll find most PHs are considerably more professional than guides in North America. Most hunting for plains game is done spot and stalk from the vehicle with relatively short stalks. Not typically physically challenging, but very fun and you see a lot of ground. June and July are their winter months and very cool even freezing in morning depending on region.

Here’s one of best hunting videos I think I’ve ever watched. Leopard in Zimbabwe. This man is in his 80’s.
 
Everyone has to decide for themselves. Advanced age is not an obstacle for hunting in Africa, but anyone who has been doing it for decades and continues to do it, quickly realizes that it was much more enjoyable when one were younger.
 
Outfitters would be glad to have you as a client. Be honest about your age and physical condition and they can plan a hunt around your limitations. Plains game hunting in South Africa and Namibia can very easily be catered to the individual, elsewhere is still achievable but more difficult. You’ll find most PHs are considerably more professional than guides in North America. Most hunting for plains game is done spot and stalk from the vehicle with relatively short stalks. Not typically physically challenging, but very fun and you see a lot of ground. June and July are their winter months and very cool even freezing in morning depending on region.

Here’s one of best hunting videos I think I’ve ever watched. Leopard in Zimbabwe. This man is in his 80’s.
End of August in RSA Eastern Cape is lovely. Mornings are still cold but wildflowers just starting to bloom. Cold enough to keep the snakes down and no bugs.
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First off, welcome aboard.

Secondly...get out there and do it!

I have a good friend, I think of him as my african hunting mentor, in his early 80's who still goes every year and succeeds and sometimes walks more than his PH.

Don't let age hold you back. Africa is clearly calling you and you need to answer!
 
Good day, Sir! Welcome to AH! You're welcome to send us a message to make your dream become a reality!
 
Welcome to the forum! As to your question, you should definitely consider an African hunt. For that matter, consider a DG hunt if that's of interest. I'm hosting a group coming to hunt DG from this forum next year. We would love to have you join or support you in making your own plans for a hunt. This is the right place to learn.
 
:S Welcome: To AH
 
:S Welcome:

I was 72 on my last Safari where i hunted a hippo at night, so, I suppose you can do it !
 
Aside from that, I've been a shooter and hunter since I was 5 years old (72 years), and taken lots of North American game. I'm interested in the practicality of an African hunt at my advanced age. I'm 77, but athletic, and I look and function more like a healthy 60 year old. Would it be silly to try it?
Go.
There have been older hunters, and you have many hunters of similar age on the forum.
I would suggest: South Africa and Namibia for a start, plains game.
Zimbabwe to consider as dangerous game destination.
Cape buffalo is most popular DG animal to hunt.

There is a good documentary of older gentlemen going to safari, for buffalo.
Just a bit over an hour.
 
I once saw a rifle called "The African" with metalwork by Jim Dubell of the American Custom Guncrafters Guild. It was either in .458 Mag or .410 Rigby built on an FN Mauser action. It had extensive engraving and gold inlay portraying an African elephant on the hinged floor plate. I've searched for it far and wide, but it seems to have evaporated from the earth. It was gorgeous and I wanted to see it again. Anyone know anything about it?

Aside from that, I've been a shooter and hunter since I was 5 years old (72 years), and taken lots of North American game. I'm interested in the practicality of an African hunt at my advanced age. I'm 77, but athletic, and I look and function more like a healthy 60 year old. Would it be silly to try it?
No sir it would not!!!!! I am 66 but am in great shape and feel like more in my 50’s. I encourage you to go and enjoy!!! Also enjoy the planning which is such a fun part of it!!! All of us would be thrilled to read your hunt report!!!
 
Welcome to AH! Agree with the others that there are plentiful opportunities in Africa for you - all you have to do is get after it, and AH is the best place to start. Good luck and keep us posted!
But, starting in 2023 I found a doctor that practices healing his patients instead of placing them on a lifetime of pharmaceuticals. I lost 40lbs, worked on my knees, improved my stamina and went hunting. I cannot recommend it more. Treat a planned Safari as a reason to eat right, walk, hike and go to the gym and the target range. Make it a reason to live life to its fullest. The hunt will just be the magical cherry on top. No joke, I think about Africa every day and it saved my life.
Quoted for truth, and this should be in the masthead somewhere given how many hunters on this site are well-seasoned. I'm in my early 50s and feel Father Time creeping up on me. It took going on my first safari last year to get get in the best shape I'd been in since before COVID. I'll go on my first mule deer hunt this fall, and I'll head back to Africa next year. Every day I use these two upcoming trips as motivation to be healthy and get as fit as I reasonably can. The desire to hunt - and to hunt Africa - is better than any health plan or doctors' order I can imagine.
 

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