First time hunting

[Drewm]

I would like to do a hunt in April or May 2026 in South Africa. 5-7 days I think. I found many packages available BUT I’m not sure if I want to shoot. I don’t have any problems watching. I see many packages have “observer” rates but what if there is no hunter? I’m traveling solo. Can I book a package where the PH does the hunting? I’ll pay the hunting charge but don’t think I can shoot. I don’t want any trophies either.

 

[SafariCurious]

I would like to do a hunt in April or May 2026 in South Africa. 5-7 days I think. I found many packages available BUT I’m not sure if I want to shoot. I don’t have any problems watching. I see many packages have “observer” rates but what if there is no hunter? I’m traveling solo. Can I book a package where the PH does the hunting? I’ll pay the hunting charge but don’t think I can shoot. I don’t want any trophies either.

Why not just do a photo safari?

 

[Betterinthebush]

You pick the outfit pay the way, I'll be more than happy to let you watch me hunt. I’ll stack ‘em like cordwood until you tell me to stop!

 

[375Fox]

You pick the outfit pay the way, I'll be more than happy to let you watch me hunt. I’ll stack ‘em like cordwood until you tell me to stop!

Sounds like a good way to be the star of an anti-hunting article. I hope this is legitimate but very odd.

 

[Betterinthebush]

Sounds like a good way to be the star of an anti-hunting article. I hope this is legitimate but very odd.

Yep.

 

[mark-hunter]

I’ll pay the hunting charge but don’t think I can shoot.

What is the reason you are not able to shoot? Any experience in hunting at all?

A strange request, I have never seen before.
If you are skilled with a camera, you may find a hunting buddy, go with him, and be a cameraman.

Without hard feelings, I hope you are not some NGO, animal rights group member trying to get access to the hunting world to blast a bad biased report later in the media.

BTW, paying somebody else to shoot, is called pseudohunter. Not a good thing.

 

[Nyati]

Just take a photo safari.

 

[MarkinMI]

...put the Red Bull down, turn the lights on in your dark, dank bedroom, go take a shower for the first time in three days and find something better to do, like, get a job?!?

 

[BeeMaa]

Sounds like a good way to be the star of an anti-hunting article. I hope this is legitimate but very odd.

First thing that came to my mind as the hair on the back of my neck stood up.

Does this make me a pessimist or just incredibly suspicious?

 

[SFRanger7GP]

First thing that came to my mind as the hair on the back of my neck stood up.

Does this make me a pessimist or just incredibly suspicious?

Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean somebody is not out to get you!

Safe hunting

 

[BeeMaa]

Not paranoid, but highly suspicious.

Stay frosty out there.

 

[dchum]

WTF

No words

 

[dchum]

Just take a photo safari.

Right?

 

[Bandera]

Yup the OP should take a photo Safari.
Although there are Photo Safari tourons are out there.

The recent debacle at the Serengeti Park during the migration.

“The herds were forced to scatter. Some ran for cliffs and jumped in panic. Others tried alternative routes, but these are not the natural, time-worn paths they’ve followed for thousands of years. These ancient migration routes, shaped by instinct and generations of survival, were blocked by humans who should know better.”

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[Drewm]

Why not just do a photo safari?

I always wanted to go hunting. Just never. I don’t want a photo safari.

 

[375Fox]

I always wanted to go hunting. Just never. I don’t want a photo safari.

I’d suggest a 1 day guided duck or pheasant hunt in the US first to break the ice. Then maybe a guided antlerless deer hunt. I couldn’t imagine starting hunting as an adult with no friends that hunt, but a safari isn’t the place to start.

 

[mark-hunter]

I always wanted to go hunting. Just never. I don’t want a photo safari.

To join a hunting community in Europe, especially in city centers, sometimes is not simple.
Gun licensing process in some European countries is complicated.

But in USA?
But in the US of A, it is totally different; you have public land, ranch hunting, and overall access to firearms. There are ranges where you can train, and get familiar with guns.
Your story does not hold.

Do you have any experience with firearms at all?
Why not go for a white tail hunting somewhere, first?
Take the hunting exam? Get some experience?
maybe you will discover it is not for you after all? Or opposite, discover your inner cave man?
Why to get disappointed in Africa at a greater expense?

I would suggest, that you provide some meaningful comments and explanations if you want to get some positive reaction on the forum. So far you are signaling more questions than answers and raising red flags

 

[mark-hunter]

I’d suggest a 1 day guided duck or pheasant hunt in the US first to break the ice. Then maybe a guided antlerless deer hunt. I couldn’t imagine starting hunting as an adult with no friends that hunt, but a safari isn’t the place to start.

Absolutely!

 

[Drewm]

To join a hunting community in Europe, especially in city centers, sometimes is not simple.
Gun licensing process in some European countries is complicated.

But in USA?
But in the US of A, it is totally different; you have public land, ranch hunting, and overall access to firearms. There are ranges where you can train, and get familiar with guns.
Your story does not hold.

Do you have any experience with firearms at all?
Why not go for a white tail hunting somewhere, first?
Take the hunting exam? Get some experience?
maybe you will discover it is not for you after all? Or opposite, discover your inner cave man?
Why to get disappointed in Africa at a greater expense?

I would suggest, that you provide some meaningful comments and explanations if you want to get some positive reaction on the forum. So far you are signaling more questions than answers and raising red flags

Thanks for the suggestions. To answer some of your questions:
I have NEVER been hunting. I have no friends who hunt. Am I against hunting? Not at all. Just never had the chance. I’m retired now and can do/go where I want without having to explain myself to anyone.
I have shot hand guns before (just target practice), no rifle experience. Definetly no “sticks”.
I am going on a cruise in May out of Cape Town. Hence, South Africa. I will be there anyways. Instead of Kruger Park (been there about 15 years ago) i see all these private hunting packages for 5-7 days for less than 10K USD. I thought this is my chance. Yes, I know I’m not a hunter. That’s why I’m asking if I can go on one of these packages and watch someone hunt??
Red flags?? I’m trying to support these private safaris, try to take advantage of this opportunity while in South Africa.. maybe my only chance to go on a hunting expedition.
I found this forum hoping someone would say check out this or that private hunting safari. They may be able to help. None of these companies have any “beginners”?
I can’t believe I’m the only person who has asked “can I go on a hunting expedition and watch you guys”.

 

[Doug3006]

You’re the first to ask in the years I’ve been a member of this forum. So, yeah, it’s surprising.