sikamalc
Administrator
I started hunting Africa in 1990, visiting Botswana first, followed closely by the Transval (unfenced) in 1992, followed by Zululand, Zimbabwe and the Cape.
Africa has changed dramatically in my opinion and it is true to say finding an unfenced area in SA is like rocking horse poo. But there are fenced areas and there are fenced areas, if you get my meaning. Many hunts being sold are on small areas in SA that are no more than a large farm, and by days end you will have seen the high fence about 10 times! On the other hand if you find an area of 15,000 to 30,000 hectares you will hardly if ever see the fence and the hunting can be of high quality and with excellent trophies.
I have not hunted Namibia, but have a acquaintance called Dani Van Ellewe who I could recommend. There were up until a short time ago I believe hunting areas unfenced in Namibia. But like most of Africa the days of open hunting and classic safaris are nearly at an end in my opinion.
That's not taking away the fact that you can still get a quality hunt in many parts, and SA can produce some good hunting. JUST make sure you are not hunting a small area that will make you feel as though you are on canned hunt. Either way it is still hard earned money you are paying, and also don't forget that the trophy fees on most if not all game are added to by the PH, and are at least 20% more than the owner of the farm or area would charge, so negotiate.
Lastly make sure if you are taking trophy animals that they are of the standard, no disrespect to anyone intended, but I have seen so called trophy heads that have been taken by clients that I would not have even put the rifle up to. Kudu at well under 50" with not even 3 full curls of the horns being a prime example. Don't forget if you are paying for top trophies research it first and ask the PH before pulling the trigger as he should be experienced enough to be able to judge trophies at a distance.
Your taxidermy work will be done cheaper in SA, but be aware that once mounted (as in shoulder mounted) it will cost a lot more in air freight, and if its not to your liking you cant send it back. As for the work being done in the UK, there are some excellent taxidermists in the UK, and it will be dearer to get mounted, but then the freight will be less from Africa, and you can at least check the work and get one piece at a time done if needs be.
Good luck and I am sure you will have a great time
Africa has changed dramatically in my opinion and it is true to say finding an unfenced area in SA is like rocking horse poo. But there are fenced areas and there are fenced areas, if you get my meaning. Many hunts being sold are on small areas in SA that are no more than a large farm, and by days end you will have seen the high fence about 10 times! On the other hand if you find an area of 15,000 to 30,000 hectares you will hardly if ever see the fence and the hunting can be of high quality and with excellent trophies.
I have not hunted Namibia, but have a acquaintance called Dani Van Ellewe who I could recommend. There were up until a short time ago I believe hunting areas unfenced in Namibia. But like most of Africa the days of open hunting and classic safaris are nearly at an end in my opinion.
That's not taking away the fact that you can still get a quality hunt in many parts, and SA can produce some good hunting. JUST make sure you are not hunting a small area that will make you feel as though you are on canned hunt. Either way it is still hard earned money you are paying, and also don't forget that the trophy fees on most if not all game are added to by the PH, and are at least 20% more than the owner of the farm or area would charge, so negotiate.
Lastly make sure if you are taking trophy animals that they are of the standard, no disrespect to anyone intended, but I have seen so called trophy heads that have been taken by clients that I would not have even put the rifle up to. Kudu at well under 50" with not even 3 full curls of the horns being a prime example. Don't forget if you are paying for top trophies research it first and ask the PH before pulling the trigger as he should be experienced enough to be able to judge trophies at a distance.
Your taxidermy work will be done cheaper in SA, but be aware that once mounted (as in shoulder mounted) it will cost a lot more in air freight, and if its not to your liking you cant send it back. As for the work being done in the UK, there are some excellent taxidermists in the UK, and it will be dearer to get mounted, but then the freight will be less from Africa, and you can at least check the work and get one piece at a time done if needs be.
Good luck and I am sure you will have a great time
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