Hello there,
I have been thinking on doing my hunting licence and, as I spoke about that project with my wife shortly before my birthday, she offered me a hunting trip (rifle) for me to have a better grasp to what hunting is. The initial idea was to get a red stag in our surrounding (Europe), but we quickly faced the issue that countries there would require a hunting license, which would go against her idea of a "trial" hunt.
Many African countries on the other hand do not require foreign hunters to posses a hunting licence at home to hunt on their land, and came up as another option. Very different environment, very different game, but the prospect of a safari, seeing African wildlife up close, makes it very exciting.
Ex-military (though never engaged), I have been trained to shoot and do this as a hobby. I also read that I should definitely train from a stick, which I will most definitely do. I have however at this point no regular access to higher caliber such as .416, though have already shot several very high energy rounds. My idea would be to rent the rifle at the outfitter.
Do to an accident which ground me for quite some time, my physic is not the best anymore. I'm of course working on it, but I won't be able to do a full day march up and down the alps in the near future.
My wife would join me in that experience as an observer, and the total budget shouldn't go over 15k$, with a maximum of 10 days durations, flight to and out of Africa included.
With that information in mind, I'm asking myself several questions.
Thanks!
I have been thinking on doing my hunting licence and, as I spoke about that project with my wife shortly before my birthday, she offered me a hunting trip (rifle) for me to have a better grasp to what hunting is. The initial idea was to get a red stag in our surrounding (Europe), but we quickly faced the issue that countries there would require a hunting license, which would go against her idea of a "trial" hunt.
Many African countries on the other hand do not require foreign hunters to posses a hunting licence at home to hunt on their land, and came up as another option. Very different environment, very different game, but the prospect of a safari, seeing African wildlife up close, makes it very exciting.
Ex-military (though never engaged), I have been trained to shoot and do this as a hobby. I also read that I should definitely train from a stick, which I will most definitely do. I have however at this point no regular access to higher caliber such as .416, though have already shot several very high energy rounds. My idea would be to rent the rifle at the outfitter.
Do to an accident which ground me for quite some time, my physic is not the best anymore. I'm of course working on it, but I won't be able to do a full day march up and down the alps in the near future.
My wife would join me in that experience as an observer, and the total budget shouldn't go over 15k$, with a maximum of 10 days durations, flight to and out of Africa included.
With that information in mind, I'm asking myself several questions.
- Is there animals that I should most definitely avoid as a first hunt?
That can be either because that would be completely irresponsible danger wise without experience (such as I don't know, a croc, a cheetah, a buffalo or a wild hog, ...), way to difficult to catch for a novice despite the presence of a PH (such as some specific antelope, the cheetah from before, a honey badger.. ), physically not doable given my description or any other reason.
- From the other point of view, is there an animal I should absolutely be considering as a beginner?
- How long and how many animal is a good idea to book ?
My initial thought was one animal, but the expanse of the trip and the time at disposition could warrant more. Nevertheless, I don't want the experience to be rushed, I want it to reflect what hunting is or should be, and if one animal takes several days to hunt, so be it. Also, while a good success rate is desired, the objective isn't to tour a zoo shooting animals in their cages.
- My thought were for this first hunt to rent the rifle from outfitter, anything I should be paying special attention to?
- Gratuities: I was about to ask, but then found and read this very good article: https://www.africahunting.com/threads/tipping-guide.183/
- I do not drive, is that generally ok or more of an issue?
- Taxidermy: is it better to leave a local taxidermist do the job, or try and find one at home? If local, what amount should I budget for this?
How much do you usually spend for a shoulder mount including packing & shipping to EU ?
Thanks!