Looking for recommendations for first time hunt

[joker2400]

I was 13 on my first trip and I felt that the environment was appropriate for anybody. I haven’t been to a place that I feel children would be unwelcome or unsafe. In fact, the outfitters children or PHs children were on present several trips.

I do think staying away from places that use either hunt giveaways or auctions as their main way to get folks into camp might be advisable. These outfits may be the type to attract younger single men seeking an old fashioned hunt camp atmosphere.

 

[375Fox]

I was 13 on my first trip and I felt that the environment was appropriate for anybody. I haven’t been to a place that I feel children would be unwelcome or unsafe. In fact, the outfitters children or PHs children were on present several trips.

I do think staying away from places that use either hunt giveaways or auctions as their main way to get folks into camp might be advisable. These outfits may be the type to attract younger single men seeking an old fashioned hunt camp atmosphere.

I don’t think the low end auction or free hunt give aways attract a specific group other than those looking for a deal or don’t know better. Could be good people, bad people, and lot in between. The hunt reports for the particular outfitter he mentioned show a wide range. I think that is the problem. If a person plans out a hunt they typically choose a certain outfitter for a reason. Other hunters were likely drawn to that same outfitter for similar reasons so you already have something in common if multiple hunters in camp and outfitter has some consistency in the clients they typically hunt with. If you didn’t plan your hunt and just chose it on a whim because it was “free” or you won it you will be put in camp with people with a lot of different goals for the week that may or may not align with yours.

 

[LIMPOPO NORTH SAFARIS]

Dear Shane I’ll send you a DM with more info and ideas — we’d love to help you plan something special!

 

[greyfox]

@KMG Hunting Safaris will offer you a great experience and some top trophies in the Eastern Cape. I'd recommend them without hesitation.

This, Contact Marius, tell him your budget and dreams/goals. Spend a day and night after in Port Elizabeth.

 

[WAB]

Just wanted to say to find an outfitter that doesn't have any others in camp, i.e. one where your party will be the sole occupants. As far as kids in camp, I've hunted RSA with my bud and his 11 year old grandson and it was one of my more memorable hunts. We had a great time.

I agree. I hear about these camps/lodges with multiple parties at the same time. I would never hunt a place with multiple parties in camp. I did have one hunt in Namibia where the owner had non-hunting parties in and out. Kind of like a road house for travelers. We were the only hunters there and they kept us to ourselves. It definitely took away from the experience and I wouldn’t do it again. But multiple hunting parties??? Not a chance.

 

[Sabre]

As i said to them if i feel like my son isnt welcome then i dont want to be involved in a place. No one should have to plan their lives or hunts based on another parties like or dislike of children right? This is a thread to find recommendations for me to take my family and enjoy it. If you dont have a suggestion or dont like someone wanting to bring their son which will hopefully carry on the same traditions then why even comment?

I think the outfitter response was really weird. I don't know the intent of the other member's suggestion, but it actually isn't necessarily a bad suggestion. There are outfitters in Africa that cater to only taking one client/one hunting group at a time. It might be more enjoyable for your family to be the only ones in camp to hang out as a family vacation trip.

If that isn't you interest, there are plenty of outfitters that are more family oriented as well.

 

[Sabre]

I agree. I hear about these camps/lodges with multiple parties at the same time. I would never hunt a place with multiple parties in camp. I did have one hunt in Namibia where the owner had non-hunting parties in and out. Kind of like a road house for travelers. We were the only hunters there and they kept us to ourselves. It definitely took away from the experience and I wouldn’t do it again. But multiple hunting parties??? Not a chance.

Are you saying you have only hunted as the only person in camp each time you have gone on paid hunting trips?

I have rarely been the only hunter/party in camp on hunting trips even in North America. I don't specifically request it, but I also feel like most outfitters need a certain number of people a year to make their operation work. I have met some really awesome people in hunting camps all over the place.

 

[greyfox]

Here;s a thought because it can be over whelming. Go to DSC and/or SCI, take a mini vacation, and talk to different Outfitters/PHs and see what they offer and how well you and your family "just click" with them.

 

[BeeMaa]

We specifically ask the outfitter if we will be the only ones in camp as part of our interview process. We understand the lodges located near the airports being an exception for hunters coming and going, but as far as a hunting camp, we MUCH prefer to be the only ones there.

Going to SCI and DSC and talking to several outfitters is a good way to get a feel for the environment you will be looking at. I’d highly recommend this.

 

[375Fox]

I have rarely been the only hunter/party in camp on hunting trips even in North America. I don't specifically request it, but I also feel like most outfitters need a certain number of people a year to make their operation work. I have met some really awesome people in hunting camps all over the place.

I wouldn’t expect to be the only hunter in camp in North America. Short seasons and tags nearly make it a requirement to book multiple hunters in camp for outfitter assigned time slots. The long season and quota system in Africa makes it more practical to be the only hunter in camp for dates you choose. I’ve been the only hunter in camp in Africa more often than not. I’m not opposed to a small group of hunters in camp though. I’ve never had a bad experience with other hunters in camp but can see the scenario easily with heavy drinkers or a competitive group or just one idiot.

 

[Hogpatrol]

Myself and a bud had an experience where two from eastern Europe arrived a couple days in to our RSA hunt. They were there for a five day safari. The first night, they polished off ten bottles of wine. The next day they were so hungover, they missed multiple shots. We figured they were there to just get away from their wives and drink without hearing a bunch of bullshit. IIRC, there was a thread about a safari that had other parties in camp that were intolerable to be around. If you're researching outfitters, caveat emptor. This ain't Kansas, Toto.

 

[WAB]

Are you saying you have only hunted as the only person in camp each time you have gone on paid hunting trips?

I have rarely been the only hunter/party in camp on hunting trips even in North America. I don't specifically request it, but I also feel like most outfitters need a certain number of people a year to make their operation work. I have met some really awesome people in hunting camps all over the place.

That is exactly what I am saying. I am not interested in sharing a camp with folks I don’t know. However, I also am mainly focused on tracking hunts in the bush. It doesn’t lend itself to multiple parties hunting from the same camp.

 

[EPIC HUNTING SAFARI]

I'll mainly be looking for plains game package just to see how i like it. It would be for me the girlfriend and 7 yr old son I would be the only hunter they just want to tag along for the sights. I had a free hunt with a rifle purchase for kuche but failed to tell me they had age restrictions until after purchase. All of this is new to me so thanks in advance for any insight

Good day, we can defintely assist you!