Comanche 6
New member
The old timers know all of the following, but here are some lessons learned from a first timer’s Plains Game hunting safari.
Free Range vs High Fence. Prior to booking my trip, this is the decision I struggled with the most. I’m a lifetime Rocky Mountains (USA) hunter so the concept of high fence isn’t appealing. That written, the number of animals you can shoot in Africa is so high that “free range” areas can also be over hunted. My learning is that whether you go high fence or free range it is critical to go with on Outfitter that practices proper game management.
Outfitter selection. After I decided on a free range hunt, finding an outfitter was the next challenge. I went off a referral and was very happy with the result. My lesson learned is going with a referral is far better than selecting the best website. I’ll be back to Africa and already confounded on how to find an Outfitter that strikes the right balance of running their business without over-hunting.
Rifles. It’s easy to rent from a lodge but you’re at the mercy of what is available. For a trip of this magnitude, I would use a booking service to travel thru gun-friendly countries with your own firearms. If you’re doing side-trips outside of your hunt then rent. As a first timer I didn’t want the stress of taking my rifle but next time I’ll shoot my own gear.
Practice shooting off shooting sticks. In Africa all shots will be off sticks, or off the back of the truck if one chooses. We did several training sessions in the months leading up to our hunt and it resulted in nearly 100% success rate on shots taken. Making the most out of your opportunities makes all the difference. Practice paid off. As long as I’m covering shooting, it’s worth nothing that shot placement on Africa game is not the same as North America. Shoot thru the shoulder instead if just behind it.
Take more tip money than you think you‘ll need. I learned this the hard way years ago on a guided hunt in the USA and thankfully have not repeated. Ask your outfitter in advance for guidelines. My lesson learned this trip is how large the team is for an Africa hunt; a PH, driver, trackers, skinners and house staff. Take care of the team that will take care of you.
Don’t overpack. You only need two or at most three sets of clothes excluding travel wear. Bring layers. With daily on-site laundry service you can easily take all you need for a 10 day trip with a carry on and backpack.
While I’m on packing take time to understand the clothing type. Pants need to be of fabric that doesn’t snag. Between our family we wore a combination of KUIU attack pant, KUIU Kutana Stretch and First Lite 308. By far the best selection was the Kutana Stretch. Whatever you decide, don’t wear fabric that will snag on thorns. Same goes for shirts, but I found this less critical. Depending on time of year make sure to take layers. August in Namibia ranged from wearing light long underwear in the mornings to being comfortable hunting in shorts by the afternoon. Take a pack that will remain in the truck and subtract clothing as the day warms.
Hunting style. As hunting styles vary in North America by region and by game type, I’m sure the approach to plains game varies by country and region. I’m also sure it is different to dangerous game, although I lack any experience in this. In the highlands of Namibia, it required covering a lot of ground to locate game so it started as a road hunt. I’m sure some conduct their entire hunt from a vehicle. For us, our approach was to locate game, park and then stalk. My lesson learned is to be up front with your PH on what your preference is and then stick to it. It’s your adventure so communicate how you want to approach it.
Scoring Africa Game. Hang with me here.. Don’t learn the scores or what score constitutes a “trophy.” This being my first Africa hunt, there was something refreshing about not wanting to “score” the animals or even knowing how my “trophy” animals compared. Just go enjoy the experience.
The “Budget Effect.” Prior to Africa, I’ve always known what I was hunting and when going with Outfitter knew exactly the cost. In Africa you “hunt what the bush provides.” I went to Africa with a list of animals in mind but found it changed (grew!) during the hunt. When I write “during the hunt,” I mean when the animal presented itself and had to make a quick call. My learning is to go with a list (with budget) and then know in advance you’ll see something unexpected so have a “budget for the unexpected.” That will take the stress off “going over budget.”
Last, if traveling with family or non-hunting companions plan their activities in advance. As a hunter you’ll want to maximize your time in the field. Knowing your non-hunting companions have activities planned will take the stress off worrying if they are enjoying the trip.
Free Range vs High Fence. Prior to booking my trip, this is the decision I struggled with the most. I’m a lifetime Rocky Mountains (USA) hunter so the concept of high fence isn’t appealing. That written, the number of animals you can shoot in Africa is so high that “free range” areas can also be over hunted. My learning is that whether you go high fence or free range it is critical to go with on Outfitter that practices proper game management.
Outfitter selection. After I decided on a free range hunt, finding an outfitter was the next challenge. I went off a referral and was very happy with the result. My lesson learned is going with a referral is far better than selecting the best website. I’ll be back to Africa and already confounded on how to find an Outfitter that strikes the right balance of running their business without over-hunting.
Rifles. It’s easy to rent from a lodge but you’re at the mercy of what is available. For a trip of this magnitude, I would use a booking service to travel thru gun-friendly countries with your own firearms. If you’re doing side-trips outside of your hunt then rent. As a first timer I didn’t want the stress of taking my rifle but next time I’ll shoot my own gear.
Practice shooting off shooting sticks. In Africa all shots will be off sticks, or off the back of the truck if one chooses. We did several training sessions in the months leading up to our hunt and it resulted in nearly 100% success rate on shots taken. Making the most out of your opportunities makes all the difference. Practice paid off. As long as I’m covering shooting, it’s worth nothing that shot placement on Africa game is not the same as North America. Shoot thru the shoulder instead if just behind it.
Take more tip money than you think you‘ll need. I learned this the hard way years ago on a guided hunt in the USA and thankfully have not repeated. Ask your outfitter in advance for guidelines. My lesson learned this trip is how large the team is for an Africa hunt; a PH, driver, trackers, skinners and house staff. Take care of the team that will take care of you.
Don’t overpack. You only need two or at most three sets of clothes excluding travel wear. Bring layers. With daily on-site laundry service you can easily take all you need for a 10 day trip with a carry on and backpack.
While I’m on packing take time to understand the clothing type. Pants need to be of fabric that doesn’t snag. Between our family we wore a combination of KUIU attack pant, KUIU Kutana Stretch and First Lite 308. By far the best selection was the Kutana Stretch. Whatever you decide, don’t wear fabric that will snag on thorns. Same goes for shirts, but I found this less critical. Depending on time of year make sure to take layers. August in Namibia ranged from wearing light long underwear in the mornings to being comfortable hunting in shorts by the afternoon. Take a pack that will remain in the truck and subtract clothing as the day warms.
Hunting style. As hunting styles vary in North America by region and by game type, I’m sure the approach to plains game varies by country and region. I’m also sure it is different to dangerous game, although I lack any experience in this. In the highlands of Namibia, it required covering a lot of ground to locate game so it started as a road hunt. I’m sure some conduct their entire hunt from a vehicle. For us, our approach was to locate game, park and then stalk. My lesson learned is to be up front with your PH on what your preference is and then stick to it. It’s your adventure so communicate how you want to approach it.
Scoring Africa Game. Hang with me here.. Don’t learn the scores or what score constitutes a “trophy.” This being my first Africa hunt, there was something refreshing about not wanting to “score” the animals or even knowing how my “trophy” animals compared. Just go enjoy the experience.
The “Budget Effect.” Prior to Africa, I’ve always known what I was hunting and when going with Outfitter knew exactly the cost. In Africa you “hunt what the bush provides.” I went to Africa with a list of animals in mind but found it changed (grew!) during the hunt. When I write “during the hunt,” I mean when the animal presented itself and had to make a quick call. My learning is to go with a list (with budget) and then know in advance you’ll see something unexpected so have a “budget for the unexpected.” That will take the stress off “going over budget.”
Last, if traveling with family or non-hunting companions plan their activities in advance. As a hunter you’ll want to maximize your time in the field. Knowing your non-hunting companions have activities planned will take the stress off worrying if they are enjoying the trip.
