African Safari question and Answer

[HuntForHorns]

I mentioned a few weeks ago on here that a Professional Hunter friend of mine from South Africa will be staying with me in Katy the weekend of January 15th. I set up a conference room at the Bass Pro in Katy on friday night January 16th because he wanted the oportunity to meet some bowhunters(or gunhunters) that are interested in a safari in the next couple of years. This is your chance to get the real scoop about everything you wanted to know about going on an African safari straight from the horses mouth.

I just got back in August so I know the details on getting guns or bows back and forth and the taxidermy options.

PM me if you are interested.

Thanks,

Alan

[Texastaxi]

I'd really like to come to this but that's the last weekend of doe and spike season ... and I got tags to fill!

[redneck82]

Man I wish I would have known. I will be in San Antonio playing golf. I would have gone.

[SanAngeloBowman]

I'd like to go but to far away. Anyplace on the net to get that kind of info? I saw someone advertising African hunts on TV today. 5 species of animal for pnly $2700? (or so) it was really cheap, but what about airfare and accomodations, etc.? What kind of deposits do ya have to give? am I gonna get skunked outta my cash from a crooked Outfitter, things like that. Who has used which outfitters over there. How were ya treated? Was it worth the money? These are but a few questions I have about an overseas hunt.

[Txnrog]

Meeting the PH you will actually be hunting with is the biggest part of it. If you're spending 2 weeks with the guy, you'd better get along. If your serious about a hunt over there, don't shortchange yourself and get some time with them away from the shows. Many do houseparties or events like above with former clients, good thing.

There are plenty of 'cheap' hunts that are attractive, but you have to look at what you want out of a hunt over there - your 'cheap' options will likely be in areas like the Cape, beautiful country, for the most part, lesser trophy quality. Some cheap hunts are even for mostly cull animals. You also have to keep in mind that the cheap ones are cheap for a reason, either they are running a large number of hunts, accomodations aren't first rate, properties aren't that large, etc. If you go to RSA, you'll recognize quickly that much of the country looks just like Texas, and some areas, you'll pass a fancy gate to a safari outfit every couple of miles, point being, there are just as many ranches selling hunts over there as there are in Tx.

When I advise folks looking to go (and I've taken a number over), I suggest they figure on $10-$12 grand to do it right. $6-8K for the actual hunt & trophy fees, and the remainder for airfare, trophy prep & shipping, tips, and incidentals. Airfare will run you ~$1500, shipping will run about the same.

You can do it cheaper, but you definately get what you pay for.

BTW, who's the outfit you're hosting the deal for in Katy?