Greetings, first time heading to S. Africa

[horsebackhunter]

Hello to all!

This will be long-winded, and I'll thank you now for reading if you're going to commit the time, haha.

Here it goes...
A family member on my wifes side won the high bid on a South african hunt at auction, and I was either lucky enough or unlucky enough to draw the short straw and will be joining in on the adventure...maybe it's just my chequing account that gets to share half the total that is the unlucky one, because I'm pretty excited.

The auction package was for a 2 :1 hunt with 11 plains game animals included.

Kudu
Blesbok
Bushbuck
Impala
Blue wildebeast
Zebra
5 Springbok culls.

... we haven't done the coin flip to see who gets dibs on what yet.

With only 5 months heads up (hunt will be in september) I'm feeling mildly pressed for time to plan all this out haha and I'm only just cutting my teeth on reading and research as africa hunting has been in my blindspot and never crossed my mind.


My first question is going to be the most long-winded... regarding the experience of hunting with a PH.

Little background on myself. My father is an outfitter for western style horseback hunting.. not his main vocation, but I'm pretty fortunate in that regard. Suffice to say I get to do back country big horn sheep/elk hunting every season, and have done so since I was a wee young punk.

With my background, I've never looked into an African hunt, as I always viewed (incorrectly I now realize after the past week of research) african hunts as baited, fenced, "tied to a post", shoot from a truck type of hunting. As a hunter and conservationist, I've always agreed that african hunts were a positive thing in the world, but arrogantly looked down my nose at it.Truck hunting isnt for me, I rarely join in on my buddies whitetail hunts if you see what im getting at. After all , most North American hunting publications portray back country sheep/elk hunting as the top tier "once in a lifetime" hunting, and I get to do it every season... why would I look elsewhere, haha? Horses and mountains is how i like to hunt...

Anyways, I've schooled myself a bit, watched some YouTube ( that I'm sure is filmed through a rose colored lens, and I watched it with a big grain of salt), and read a good many posts on this fine forum.


Does the majority of these hunts go as follows?
-Ride in the truck until the PH or tracker spots an animal.
-Exit truck and walk behind the PH while *he stalks the animal.
-PH sets the stick rest and points out the animal I'm to shoot.
-PH says when to shoot
-Bang (hopefully I'm on the mark)
- Track wounded animal for follow-up shot , OR walk up to deceased animal.
-Take some nice pictures with a beautiful exotic trophy
-Load the prize into the truck and return to lodge for a meal.
-Rinse and repeat if there's still daylight.

What I'm getting at here is... is there no skill required on the customers end other than to shoot accurately and be able to hike. Are you literally tied to the PHs hip as is so often portrayed in the videos online?

I realise the a good percentage of the regular clients most of these outfitters have to deal with are on the lower end of the hunting experience side, and they have to ensure the clients are firing at acceptable and legal to harvest animals.
I'll be honest, alot of the YouTube I've seen, these hunts seem about as spoon fed as anyone could make a hunt. Yes, clients miss shots. Yes, animals spook and leave the client empty handed, yes even finding the animals to begin with isn't garunteed... but I mean spooned fed with airplane noises as much as they can make it be.... but maybe that's just what I'm seeing on the internet.

Honestly, I'm not sure what I'm expecting, I'm not trying to say I'm some master hunter teddy Roosevelt ... I'm sure I would be like a child in Africa. An unfamiliar environment, unfamiliar prey, and unfamiliar regulations. I do realize the PHs have to do things a certain way, one to ensure their clients are successful, two to make sure things are safe, three to be within the laws, and four make the entire thing enjoyable, five make a living.

I myself couldn't point at a group of big horn rams from 4 miles away and tell a client, "radio me when you bag one"... I'd have a alot of wounded non legal sheep I'd have to answer to the authorities about, and probably a very short list of successful clients. I get it.

Please educate me. Will I *feel like I'm hunting? Or feel like I'm a child following dad on my first hunt for a whitetail out in the wheat field? Clueless and not a participant in the hunt, but I get to pull the trigger haha.

I'm actually okay if it's wholly a spooned experience, I'm sure I will enjoy myself. I just want to know what to expect.



Moving on....

So this package includes 11 animals. I'm just going to swing in the dark and take a guess that then regular business model is ..." hey look at this species we just spotted thats not included in the package... it'll only cost you $xxxx.xx to bag that, what do you say?"

Am I right? Hook us with the package deal, upsell once the adrenaline and blood lust is in effect ? Haha.

Obviously things to discuss with the outfitter prior. Is it smart to ask for their full trophy fees list for any possible add ons prior to arriving in the country. Fair to just say here are species we are willing to pay for don't tempt us with anything else...


I'm not sure I am comfortable traveling with my firearm. We've been told rifles are available to rent... Use the outfitters?



Is getting taxidermy done in SA still a thing to avoid in 2025? It seems like costs make it cheaper overall to get it taxidermied over there... and it seems like there's less risk of ending up with a ruined cape if things do go south with the DP and shipping. From the few outfits I've checked out online the quality seems up to par with taxidermists in my area that I've used before or would look to use.

We haven't really discussed who gets first crack at which species, but my goal would be a shoulder mount kudu (he would look nice next to my local game mounts) and a zebra carpet... I'd probably euro mount or get the back skin for anything else I end up with... The guy who won the auction isn't expecting to want anything but photo trophies.... so there's that... but i think taxidermy just isn't in his budget.

Do I bring my kuiu camo or just my olives and browns?




Thanks again if you read till the end... I'm going to keep scouring the forums and googling, haha . See you in South africa.



Cheers from "paradise mountain"

 

[BeeMaa]

First of all, welcome to AH.

Secondly, yes…you are tied to the PH. He’s in charge of the hunt. In addition to this, he will have a tracker/skinner and there will be a representative from the ranch you are hunting. The representative is there to make sure the PH is acting responsibly.

The PH is in charge of the hunt, and as such his first priority is the safety of the hunting party. A close second is making sure the hunters are happy. Your real job here is to communicate (nicely) with the PH on the expectations and how you want to hunt.

Upselling. A little, but you should also have the opportunity to trade animals on your list for something different if a real trophy animal comes along. This is something you can discuss with the PH.

Your level of service experience in US is about a 4 out of 10. In SA you will feel like you’re being treated as a King. Honestly, I’d be surprised if it didn’t make you a little uncomfortable the way they pamper you. Enjoy the ride.

Go with the flow. Try to maintain a positive attitude about all things and assume good intentions. This is Africa and things aren’t always on time or perfect, but you will find everyone around you doing their best to ensure you have a wonderful trip.

I’m sure your dad has stories of a-hole hunters he’s had in camp or maybe you’ve experienced it yourself. The story usually starts with “entitled” somewhere in the first sentence. Yeah, don’t be that guy.

I’m not sure about taxidermy in SA but have had it done there with great results. The outfitter should have a recommendation that you can investigate before the hunt. It will be your choice on where they go. The outfitter owns the meat, you own the hide and skull unless otherwise specified.

Good luck, shoot straight and take a ton of pictures!

 

[cpr0312]

Welcome aboard!

 

[miket1]

I have/had some of the same reservations. Being guided makes me uncomfortable. For me hunting is a solitary pursuit. Being driven around in an unfamiliar place? Ok, yeah, that's nice! But for me, once we see an animal, I would MUCH prefer being told "go get em, we will be here when you get back". But, it is what it is. I guess I will know for sure in a few weeks.

In the end, IMO, it's just the way the game is played, gotta play by the rules, or stay home.

 

[Mekaniks]

 

[MontanaPat]

Welcome,to AH, @BeeMaa advice is spot on. I would definitely ask the outfitter for the trophy fee price list before you go so you know what to expect and plan accordingly if you want to take any additional animals and can budget for them. Don’t let yourself get sucked into he excitement of the hunt and taking animals you weren’t planning/ budgeting to shoot. Part of the fun is taking what you run across but know in advance what it will cost you to do so. These type of outfitters that do a lot of donation hunts typically charge higher trophy fees on other animals to make up some of their lost revenue, no problem with that if you are informed ahead of time.

Have a great trip

 

[horsebackhunter]

First of all, welcome to AH.

Secondly, yes…you are tied to the PH. He’s in charge of the hunt. In addition to this, he will have a tracker/skinner and there will be a representative from the ranch you are hunting. The representative is there to make sure the PH is acting responsibly.

The PH is in charge of the hunt, and as such his first priority is the safety of the hunting party. A close second is making sure the hunters are happy. Your real job here is to communicate (nicely) with the PH on the expectations and how you want to hunt.

Upselling. A little, but you should also have the opportunity to trade animals on your list for something different if a real trophy animal comes along. This is something you can discuss with the PH.

Your level of service experience in US is about a 4 out of 10. In SA you will feel like you’re being treated as a King. Honestly, I’d be surprised if it didn’t make you a little uncomfortable the way they pamper you. Enjoy the ride.

Go with the flow. Try to maintain a positive attitude about all things and assume good intentions. This is Africa and things aren’t always on time or perfect, but you will find everyone around you doing their best to ensure you have a wonderful trip.

I’m sure your dad has stories of a-hole hunters he’s had in camp or maybe you’ve experienced it yourself. The story usually starts with “entitled” somewhere in the first sentence. Yeah, don’t be that guy.

I’m not sure about taxidermy in SA but have had it done there with great results. The outfitter should have a recommendation that you can investigate before the hunt. It will be your choice on where they go. The outfitter owns the meat, you own the hide and skull unless otherwise specified.

Good luck, shoot straight and take a ton of pictures!

I have/had some of the same reservations. Being guided makes me uncomfortable. For me hunting is a solitary pursuit. Being driven around in an unfamiliar place? Ok, yeah, that's nice! But for me, once we see an animal, I would MUCH prefer being told "go get em, we will be here when you get back". But, it is what it is. I guess I will know for sure in a few weeks.

In the end, IMO, it's just the way the game is played, gotta play by the rules, or stay home.

It's not that i have any reservations about being coddled and "treated as a king" . I'm going on the trip to experience an "African plains hunt", whatever that entails... just want to know what to expect so i dont set expectations too high or too low... if im going to hunt in comfort and not have to think much thats fine by me haha.

Thanks for the info gents, seems to run inline with everything I've read and watched so far.

 

[Mnovak]

Welcome aboard! You will find lots of helpful information on this site.

 

[grand veneur]

@horsebackhunter

Welcome,

..., but I am a bit surprised that the son of an outfitter would ask such questions on a Forum. As a professional, his father should theoretically have contacts with outfitters in Africa, so information would have to be obtained from there first. Sure, It is certainly not the client's point of view, which perhaps explains the question on the Forum.

If now we try to answer the question or rather the many questions asked, it will be difficult because Africa is a continent with different areas and also countries with different cultures, also when it comes to hunting. One should also differentiate between Plain Game and Dangerous Game hunting and on which terrain all this is hunted, but compared to many other hunting areas in the world, in Africa you almost always see various game species. Hunting in Africa does not require exceptional physical condition, although some areas are, due to a difficult access and to climatic conditions, more difficult to hunt. Therefore, the hunt may be limited to a drive along the road and a short approach to the game, but in other cases, hours of tracking the game by walking will be necessary. No matter where you hunt in the world, you need guides and trackers. The PH is there to coordinate everything and also ensure safety, but is not there in all countries of Africa. Ultimately, in Africa, after the hunt, you have something that you only get after days or weeks on many hunts around the world; a well-equipped camp with sanitary facilities, good food, and a comfortable bed. You can also relax at the bar in the evening.

Generally speaking, when it comes to hunting in Africa, you can talk about the topic for a very long time. As for hunting Plain Game in South Africa, plenty of people who have hunted there will be able to give you information.

 

[JimP]

A hunt in Africa is what you make of it.

Explain to the PH just what you like to do, he will be with you all the time that you are in the field, it's just the way that it is done. He is much more familiar with the game that you could ever hope to be, even after a dozen hunts in Africa. If you like hiking, let them know and I am sure that they will be more than happy to accommodate you. Quite a few animals are found by just driving around, but once spotted they will be stalked to get withing rifle range. This may be just a short distance or it may be a mile, you just never know.

As for being coddled, your boma or room will be quite nice. You'll have multiple foods offered for breakfast and your lunch will be packed for you. When you return in the evening you can relax a bit talking to others on how their and your hunts are going. Then dinner and afterwards more talk or you can go back to your room. You'll find out that the vast majority of what you experience here in the US is done for you. Once you pull the trigger and the animal is down they will take care of everything. If you want to get involved in the pack out, or skinning let the PH know before you get back to the skinning shed. But just remember those folks at the skinning shed have taken care of thousands of the animals that are hanging there and can do it quite quickly and in some cases better than we can.

On my first hunt in the Eastern Cape I was quite evolved. We did a lot and I mean a lot of hiking, I felt like I was hunting elk in the Rockies instead of African plains game.

On my second hunt I was quite a bit older and with a few more medical problems. I didn't hike as much as the first hunt but I was still willing to get out and hike, not as much but we did do a couple of nice "walks" as we spotted animals and talked about if they were good enough to go after or not.

The big thing that I learned on my first hunt was that I needed to listen to the PH, do as he suggest and you'll have a much better outcome.

 

[ILDRHNTR]

Welcome to AH! And simply look forward to the adventure ahead of you. I always like to know what I’m getting into but try to expect the least. That way anything above and beyond simply adds to the experience. Your research, responses here, etc are all spot on for their respective situations. It sounds like you know what to expect from the general hunt, good or bad. My only recommendation is to talk heavily with the outfitter themselves. That way they can pair you up with a PH that fits your “style”. Beyond that, most outfits are going to go above and beyond to be accommodating to your needs/wants/desires. Don’t worry too much about anything and just go with the flow. Soak up the adventure for all its worth. The pictures and memories will be what you make of it and will last you just long enough before you realize that you just have to go back. The bug will likely bite you. Just saying. Enjoy and best of luck!

 

[dhoover]

You are obviously very experienced with guns and hunting. The more experience you have the better your hunt will go much like the hunters you guide in the mountains. If you can hunt harder, are more motivated and can shoot better than the average hunter your PH will get along great with you. Again, much like your horseback hunters. Think about what it means when a guy shows up on one of your hunts and brings his own saddle. You know you're in business. Your PH will take you to hunt places a less experienced hunter may not go and you may get some better trophies.

I had some of the same reservations when I went on my first Safari. By the end of day 1 the Ph and I and our tracker were like buddies out hunting together. We had a great time, hunted hard, walked dozens of miles and got some hard-earned trophies. And just like the saddle I'd take your own rifles too.

 

[mark-hunter]

Kudu
Blesbok
Bushbuck
Impala
Blue wildebeast
Zebra
5 Springbok culls.

... we haven't done the coin flip to see who gets dibs on what yet.

In my opinion, as wrong as it may be, kudu and zebra are most iconic of the list. Split these two between the hunters, or add each on the list for each hunter.

 

[mark-hunter]

Does the majority of these hunts go as follows?
-Ride in the truck until the PH or tracker spots an animal.
-Exit truck and walk behind the PH while *he stalks the animal.
-PH sets the stick rest and points out the animal I'm to shoot.
-PH says when to shoot
-Bang (hopefully I'm on the mark)
- Track wounded animal for follow-up shot , OR walk up to deceased animal.
-Take some nice pictures with a beautiful exotic trophy
-Load the prize into the truck and return to lodge for a meal.
-Rinse and repeat if there's still daylight.

Besides the fact that you are supposed to be more romantic for a first safari, this is the short summary.
This is basic hunt as done in Namibia or south Africa on farm lands.

But - Go to some wilderness hunt, and experience may be quite different. (Tanzania, Mozambique, Cameroon, Caprivi, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Uganda etc)

 

[BJH65]

Welcome to AH.

When we first hunted SA almost 30 years ago, our PH Dion Cilliers let my brother and I hunt by ourselves with no PH a few times and shoot several animals. Those day are long gone. You will be with your PH at all times while hunting now.

I’ve only hunted SA twice. We drove around in the bakkie (truck) searching for a suitable animal, made the stalk, got on the sticks and made the shot….other times we cut tracks or just got out on foot to hunt before locating s suitable animal to shoot. If all goes well, handshakes and congratulations all around, pics are taken and the animal is loaded up and taken to the skinning shed then it’s “in the salt.”…or, the animal get’s spooked and gets away.

If the animal is wounded or runs off requiring tracking, then you get to observe the amazing skills of the tracker in locating the dead or wounded animal and you can put a finishing shot into it.

I believe the PH can tailor the hunt to your desires, skill and physical conditioning. A good portion of the time we spent on foot. I enjoy being on foot the most, observing, stalking or tracking an animal and watching the almost magical abilities of the tracker. Let your PH know your desires and they will do their best to accommodate.

Also, while I like to think I can recognize a nice trophy caliber African animal, the PH and tracker are much better at that than I. They have much more experience identifying a good trophy animal.

The vast majority of our hunting has been do it yourself, a few guided wilderness hunts and semi guided ranch hunts in North America. Our SA hunts weren’t as strenuous as climbing a mountain in B.C. after mountain goats or climbing mountains in the Bob Marshall in 7 feet of snow, dead tired and wondering if I could even make it out ….or as adventurous as our Mozambique hunt 29 years ago that involved many miles of walking, wading through through tributaries from the Save River and a mixed variety of calamities and adventures.

Still, I enjoyed our SA hunting very much. Yes, I did feel spoiled to a certain extent with the great food and amenities. It’s much different than resting on the ground next to a burning log, elk quarters hung, having roasted and eaten a carved off piece of tenderloin, speared with a sharpened stick and contemplating a two day arduous pack out as it’s starting to snow.

You’ll have an enjoyable experience observing and hunting a variety of animals in SA, sharing the camaraderie of the hunt which is universal among hunters from all walks of life and interacting with the wonderful people of SA. Like the others have said, keep a price list of desirable animals that you would like and stay within budget and enjoy the experience.

 

[Doug3006]

A good PH will listen to his client and provide a safari experience as close to their expectations as possible. I’m in Namibia right now finishing a 14 day leopard and plains game hunt. The scenario you provided CAN be the way the hunt goes, but it’s not the only way to skin the cat. On my plains game hunts, we started the day trudging up one or another copji (granite mountain) to scope for game. Some of these climbs were pretty tough for this flat lander. You might not think so. Then we’d spot an animal and set out on foot. Point is, tell the PH what you want and he’ll likely accommodate you.