First Timer What to Hunt Limpopo

[dchum]

Several here have recommended that the Eastern Cape is less expensive for Kudu, but keep in mind that they have a different subspecies with smaller horns. They are beautifully colored, but can easily average 5-10 inches shorter than will the Southern Greater species in Limpopo.

You can always just hunt the package you purchased, and don't add any animals to it. Spend a few extra days with the wife doing tourist stuff, and plan a trip later to get the species that you really want.

Did you see the price list.

6 thousand dollars if the op shoots a 55 inch and not a 54 lol.

And size is relative to the sub species and area. IMO of course…
So comparing the size of a EC kudu to a Limpopo kudu is a moot point to a hunter like me.

I see you have killed a big horn with a bow (sweet). So that’s like comparing a 180” Sonora Desert big horn that was raised in a highfence to a 150” Weemsi wild desert big horn on Baja or tiburon island.

One scores way less on average and looks smaller on the wall - but I know which one is a cooler and more impressive achievement…

 

[CloudySkies]

If I've read correctly it is just a 5 day trip. I would look hard at the pricelist and choose your budget. Go from there and make the decision if it is worth it. You already set for the night.

The Impala is a great trophy and the price is right. Also the blesbok is priced ok, as is the klipspringer. The rest is priced to high for my liking. Maybe the Vhaal Reebok is not.. I think you did ok then for a first trip budget and animal wise if choosing any from those.

Caveat is that I do not know how much you payed for the auction hunt.

It is 7 days of hunting trip.

 

[Frederik]

All I can say after all this, this is not good advertisement for the ouitfitter.
There are very few outfitters out there who would not try to make a plan and accomodate you, especially for a first time client in order to build a relationship so that you can become a regular client.

@DieJager you will not find Vhaal reedbuck in Limpopo.

 

[HookMeUpII]

I am of the camp you should go. I would not walk away from $1.3k. A lot of folks here made some good suggestions.

The kudu might be out of your budget but $650 for an impala is not that high and that's an iconic African animal. Blue wildebeest is another iconic animal for Limpopo and that's about $1750. It's a little higher than what I saw when I went but once again, deals often can be made when your boots are on the ground.

I would also inquire about a warthog. $800 is very high but I imagine that price will change when you get there. Absolute iconic animal, very challenging to hunt, and considered a nuisance there.

Make a deal. Tell them $2500 for the impala, warthog, and wildebeest and see if they agree. At that level you get all your package + three iconic African animals.

 

[DieJager]

@DieJager you will not find Vhaal reedbuck in Limpopo

Ah didn't know that. It is on their pricelist.

 

[HookMeUpII]

Update on this is appears they are sticking to their guns on the pricing. As such, I'm probably going to give the Kudu a miss unless it changes on the ground or a nice one presents itself, as its gone up further even for the smaller class and I'd struggle to justify that - its the level that I'd rather take another trip in Namibia/and/or East cape and focus on them. For this and a few other life reasons I'll stick to the Impala, Springbok and maybe a Bushbuck and leave it at that on top of the package unless an opportunity changes that. Kinda makes for a nice theme on smaller species.

I've seen a lot of these "auctions" in this format. There are some more traditional ones with daytime plains game. We did a hunt like this in Limpopo that had daytime PG and it actually, worked out well for us.

Seems like the nighttime auction hunts are popular for two reasons.

First, the outfitter gets the client there to hunt lesser known animals. I always had a problem with the jackal trophy fees, especially when the government requires you to kill them on sight. The duiker and steenbuck are attractive trophies, being part of the tiny ten. The porcupine and genet cat are niche pursuits. Never the less, it's a cool experience but not exactly what a mainstream first-timer would pick. Going back one day, I could see myself doing a night hunt. Never would have thought of it the first time.

Second, you are not going to just sit at camp during the day and wait to only hunt at night. The idea of that is depressing. Even night time leopard sits in other countries, the client is usually out during the day shooting bait and/or pursuing PG. So their hope here is that you get out and about during the day and look at that...you start seeing things you can't pass up. There's that kudu, there's that zebra, etc. This is where they are making their money. Business is business at the end of the day.

I don't know your budget but I would go the route myself and others suggested: Do your nighttime hunt. Work with the outfitter when you get there to pick some daytime PG like impala, wildebeest, bushbuck, etc. and work a deal.

 

[AZDAVE]

Welcome to AH

You have to decide what animals scream "AFRICA' to you.

i would suggest
Kudu
Impala
Warthog
Zebra

 

[gearguywb]

I have ran into much the same issue regarding an auction hunt.

I spoke to the outfitter on Thursday regarding a potential hunt. They sent me a quote with attached price list from additional game.

Same outfitter had a buff hunt on Friday’s auction, where I was the successful bidd

Went back by the booth, excited to be hunting again this year.

They politely said “the quote we sent you for additional game does not apply if you buy an auction hunt.” They sent a new price list that evening. The majority of trophy fees were a good bit higher and now there was a sliding scale on sizes of species that was not included in the original quote.

I had planned to hunt a variety of game in addition to the buffalo, but that list is going to be narrowed down considerably due to the new pricing.

 

[dchum]

I have ran into much the same issue regarding an auction hunt.

I spoke to the outfitter on Thursday regarding a potential hunt. They sent me a quote with attached price list from additional game.

Same outfitter had a buff hunt on Friday’s auction, where I was the successful bidd

Went back by the booth, excited to be hunting again this year.

They politely said “the quote we sent you for additional game does not apply if you buy an auction hunt.” They sent a new price list that evening. The majority of trophy fees were a good bit higher and now there was a sliding scale on sizes of species that was not included in the original quote.

I had planned to hunt a variety of game in addition to the buffalo, but that list is going to be narrowed down considerably due to the new pricing.

Wow lol. The “donated hunt” bait and switch is such a scum bag move. Even worse when they are open about it haha

 

[Hunt anything]

I have ran into much the same issue regarding an auction hunt.

I spoke to the outfitter on Thursday regarding a potential hunt. They sent me a quote with attached price list from additional game.

Same outfitter had a buff hunt on Friday’s auction, where I was the successful bidd

Went back by the booth, excited to be hunting again this year.

They politely said “the quote we sent you for additional game does not apply if you buy an auction hunt.” They sent a new price list that evening. The majority of trophy fees were a good bit higher and now there was a sliding scale on sizes of species that was not included in the original quote.

I had planned to hunt a variety of game in addition to the buffalo, but that list is going to be narrowed down considerably due to the new pricing.

On 2 auction hunts I haven’t seen this, in the fine print it has always said “extra animals prices per the website” or something to that effect.

 

[Hedge774]

You donated to your local SCI chapter!
And for that they are thankful!

Now go book your dream hunt for a Kudu and enjoy your trip stress free.

Even if you have to wait another year.

I can't agree more with this. You have so many other options, it would blow your mind!! I'm not a fortune teller, but I'd cut my losses and ask for advice on this forumn on where you and your wife should go to feel the best. I'd give you reccomendations, but our friends on here are way more experienced. It's all good, Brother! You'll have the time of your lives.