Any hints and tips?

[shotguntom]

Hi all,

A friend and I are off to SA for the first time this September. We are both going after plains game, and were wondering if any of the more traveled stalkers on here had any pieces of advice? We have a kit list, etc just looking for anything you might recommend to take with us or advice for when we are out there from travelling process to hunting. Just the things really that you thought I wish i knew or brought that.

Cheers, Tom

 

[bruce w]

get fit ,and dont take new boots , and take underwear that dosnt rub.

 

[charlieg43]

I was going to post a similar thread Tom!! We do indeed need to know what to take and what to try and bring back!!
Any help would be much appreciated

 

[Linda]

Hi Tom

Tick spray! ...if taking your own rifles copies of your license and passport. Kit... Just lightweight stalking trousers and a shirt is all I wore, sensible worn in comfortable stalking boots. A good fleece for early mornings and evenings it can be a bit chilly in September.

Have a great time....i

Linda

 

[Mungo]

In terms of kit, don't over think it and don't try to prepare as if you're Stanley off to find Livingstone (the most common mistake that people make when going to SA). You can easily buy anything you might need there (often more cheaply than here). Over the years, I've narrowed things down so that the only real difference between what I take on a weekend stalking in Fife and what I take on a season's field work in SA is the layer of thermals!

But take multiple copies of all paperwork, and a set of passport photos is very handy. An unblocked cheap mobile phone is also extremely useful - just make sure you buy the SA sim card as you arrive at the aiport (they have a law that requires proof of residence, which is waived for tourists arriving at major aiports). Otherwise using your UK phone will be astonishingly expensive. Having said that, the 3G coverage is amazingly good - I have seen people suf the web on smart phones in the middle of the Kalahari, 350km from the nearest real town.

 

[Bos en Dal Safaris]

Hi Tom

keep it simple, don't take to much clothing as most of the outfitters offer a laundry service! Good walking shoes that is already worn in and won't give you blisters.
Then bring enough ammo, as the wish list tend to get bigger as the hunt progress!!!
Go see this link, very valuable info on here!!! http://www.africahunting.com/content/16-traveling-africa-130/

enjoy your hunt and shoot straight

​

 

[Erik Hamburger]

Hi all,

A friend and I are off to SA for the first time this September. We are both going after plains game, and were wondering if any of the more traveled stalkers on here had any pieces of advice? We have a kit list, etc just looking for anything you might recommend to take with us or advice for when we are out there from travelling process to hunting. Just the things really that you thought I wish i knew or brought that.

Cheers, Tom

Forget the shorts, wear long trousers and thick long socks - as African Tick Borne Fever is not nice to bring back, as I did after a photo-safari in RSA.

 

[shotguntom]

Thanks all, some very useful tips and links. Will let you know how we get on.

​Tom

 

[kevhumps]

Be aware that every man and his dog, in the airport will be after a tip!!! We had a "fixer" meet us in Joburg, to help us clear customs with firearms, but still had to tip the official to smooth things out, even tho a large sign behind him said that corruption wouldn't be tolerated.
Kev.

 

[steve109]

Be aware that every man and his dog, in the airport will be after a tip!!! We had a "fixer" meet us in Joburg, to help us clear customs with firearms, but still had to tip the official to smooth things out, even tho a large sign behind him said that corruption wouldn't be tolerated.
Kev.

Yes there Will be a few of them ready to carry your gear.

 

[Dama]

Is it a trophy hunt?

My few tips on a trophy hunt are:

1. Know what you want to hunt if possible and be picky on trophy size early on. African hunting can often be easier than you think due to the density of the game, talk to your PH and find out what are realistic good trophy sizes for the area. Many of my friends have returned with kudu and particularly nyala which they were disappointed with in hindsight because they pulled the trigger too early. They can be expensive.

2. If you are likely to hunt Africa again, try to hunt the best trophies in the area you are visiting. SA game varies between area, highveldt and lowveldt. It is nice to take game from indigenous areas and trophy quality tends to be better, and cheaper in areas where they tend to occur naturally. Go to a different area the next time.

3. Buy or borrow a decent camera and know how to use it before you go.

 

[shotguntom]

Is it a trophy hunt?

My few tips on a trophy hunt are:

1. Know what you want to hunt if possible and be picky on trophy size early on. African hunting can often be easier than you think due to the density of the game, talk to your PH and find out what are realistic good trophy sizes for the area. Many of my friends have returned with kudu and particularly nyala which they were disappointed with in hindsight because they pulled the trigger too early. They can be expensive.

2. If you are likely to hunt Africa again, try to hunt the best trophies in the area you are visiting. SA game varies between area, highveldt and lowveldt. It is nice to take game from indigenous areas and trophy quality tends to be better, and cheaper in areas where they tend to occur naturally. Go to a different area the next time.

3. Buy or borrow a decent camera and know how to use it before you go.

Hi

Im doing a mixture of everything! Im after a trophy springbok, Impala and warthog. Then a cull warthog, x2 blesbok along with some lamping for jackel and bass fishing! The hunting is on the east cape about 1 hour from Port Elizabeth. I got a nice camera for my 21st so have been out taking pictures of deer, etc to get used to it. Thanks for the advice!

Tom

 

[shotguntom]

Be aware that every man and his dog, in the airport will be after a tip!!! We had a "fixer" meet us in Joburg, to help us clear customs with firearms, but still had to tip the official to smooth things out, even tho a large sign behind him said that corruption wouldn't be tolerated.
Kev.

Yes, I have been warned by the outfitter about this.

​Cheers

 

[Drag1]

Beware of some of the porters they are getting very greedy used to be about 20 rand but now they want £20 EACH went over in April had to disappoint one or two of them other than that get plenty of practice up to about 200 yds off the sticks
and take plenty of ammo its a great trip worth every hassle you come accross

 

[User00030]

Some good advice here I'm going again in 12 hours bowhunting this time please take some protection for ticks I caught tick bite fever last time wasn't nice. Have a look at rhino skin I'm a cheap skate and went for deet.

 

[cwd]

take twice as much money and half the clothes ! enjoy
Regards Andy

 

[HunterMoore]

Personally you should decide whether you are after trophies or a terrific adventure .... they can be inclusive but not always ... but if like me you want a memory, look at the head on the wall for what it is ... the cumulation of a lot of hard work .... not be sad that it is a couple of inches shorter than someone elses ....
Tony

 

[nuttyspaniel]

Hi

Im doing a mixture of everything! Im after a trophy springbok, Impala and warthog. Then a cull warthog, x2 blesbok along with some lamping for jackel and bass fishing! The hunting is on the east cape about 1 hour from Port Elizabeth. I got a nice camera for my 21st so have been out taking pictures of deer, etc to get used to it. Thanks for the advice!

Tom

Good luck mate me and the missus are saving for a trip, who are you going with? We are planning to go over and stay with Nduna.


nutty

 

[pheasant sniper 1]

Hi

Im doing a mixture of everything! Im after a trophy springbok, Impala and warthog. Then a cull warthog, x2 blesbok along with some lamping for jackel and bass fishing! The hunting is on the east cape about 1 hour from Port Elizabeth. I got a nice camera for my 21st so have been out taking pictures of deer, etc to get used to it. Thanks for the advice!

Tom

If you know exactly what your after trophy wise then you should haggle a good package deal before you leave.

If they are offering a good laundry service then pack some clothes that might be appreciated by the trackers, or even their young children which will be much appreciated.

Allow enough money to take that extra trophy cause your only here once

Terry

 

[shotguntom]

Good luck mate me and the missus are saving for a trip, who are you going with? We are planning to go over and stay with Nduna.


nutty

Im going with Nduna. David has been very helpful in organizing it, and me and my friend worked out a good deal.

​tom