Hello from Texas

[DTW]

Want to introduce myself, been lurking around a while, great site. I'm a newbie to Africa and this forum was highly recommended by fellows from the longrange hunting forums. I and my brother-in-law have decided to make Africa happen in 27. I have very little knowledge of hunting in Africa other than I really want to go. I'm not a wealthy man so plains game is where we will start. I have dreamed of a large Kudu my entire life. and although I'm not too old yet,55, I feel I better get that one off the list so they claim. I see there is a wealth of knowledge here and I look forward to learning what I can. Maybe down the road I'll be able to help someone else in their endeavors.
Thank you folks

 

[mritter]

Funny enough, my first time to Africa was with my brother-in-law. Now planning the next trip. I guarantee it will be a great experience for you, even on a limited budget. Good luck.

Mark
Austin, TX

 

[Mekaniks]

You came the right place.

 

[ActionBob]

Welcome! I'm sure you will enjoy the planning and the hunt. Which rifle are you planning to take? What part of Texas are you from? What types of hunting have you done?

A big kudu is a great place to start your African Hunting adventures

 

[Zinz]

Howdy from Cedar Park, north of Austin!

Ed Z

 

[Ridge Runner]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[Nyati]

 

[DTW]

Welcome! I'm sure you will enjoy the planning and the hunt. Which rifle are you planning to take? What part of Texas are you from? What types of hunting have you done?

A big kudu is a great place to start your African Hunting adventures

I currently live in Waco. I'm going to take a 280AI semi custom. Here is kicker, I haven't hunted any big game in the last decade and a half or so, other than pigs if they count. The previous decades were every year. species; multiple-whitetail, four- mule, one bull one cow elk, one moose and a pronghorn. some coyotes wood chucks squirrels when I was a kid. The most hunting I have done as of the last decade has been birds. Pheasant quail sharp tail grouse. I pretty much thought the big game days were over because of the price of an elk these days seamed kind of out of reach for what you get. I'm not complaining, its just pricey these days. I have always wanted to hunt any of the sheep but just cant get there, still holing out for an Auodad at some point but the rest are just too out of reach. Me and my brother was talking and looking up prices and I certainly can warrant several animals in Africa we did the quick math and I was surprised at the price. Expensive but way better than I thought. I have always wanted to hunt the cape buffalo but this trip I will pass just to keep everything reasonable. I figure I'll get the bug and then it might be a"requirement" to go back. Bighorn sheep although I think is americas most beautiful mount I can get 6-7 beauties in Africa same basic cost. My big game hunting has been revived. We are looking for a 15k budget out the door, or less of course but with mounts and everything15K seams realistic, at least so far. I think that is dooable. of course if I can do it way cheaper I would like to. I'm not a 5star type client, just a decent place to stay and some food now and again and I'm happy. hell if I can get it done for 10K which I think is pushing it that leaves a little for the return budget.

 

[Zinz]

Lots of Namibian and South African outfitters offer package hunts for multiple animals; definitely shop around. You will want to see recent trophy pictures and confirm the place you will be hunting has those trophies available.

I tell folks to think of your budget in three sections:

• Airfare gets paid up front.
• The hunt and what animals you really want typically involves a deposit, then final payment at the end of the hunt.
• Taxidermy usually gets paid a year or so after the hunt; sometimes involves a deposit. Regardless, there will be shipping of trophies and that gets more expensive every year, even if it is only skins and skulls.

If y'all are planning a 2027 trip, you've got plenty of time to get all of it sorted.

You won't regret it, that's for sure,

Ed Z