Are You This Hunter?

[Hank2211]

Many who are regulars on this site will recall that Owain Lewis, a well-known professional hunter with decades of experience, was killed in 2012 while following up a wounded buffalo. Owain hunted for Chifuti Safaris, so you can still see the occasional re-run of shows where he was the PH.

It was said at the time of his death that Owain was on his last hunt prior to retirement, making his death that much more tragic. However, in a recent issue of African Hunter (June/July 2016), Owain's son dispelled that rumour. He had this to say:

"Owain . . . had agreed to hunt for [Chifuti] and he was a man of his word. For the years to follow he proposed that he would limit his hunts for Chifuti to a specific selection of clients who had become friends and were already planning to hunt with him as their PH over the next few years."​

Now here's the part which I was particularly interested to read:

"He was tired of risking his life, health, trackers and sacrifice his time way from [his wife] for individuals who were totally ill-prepared for the rigours of hunting dangerous game in the Zambezi Valley. He was also frustrated that such folks who often posed a greater risk for the PHs and their tracking teams were being booked anyway, just because they could write the check."
​

This got me thinking. Am I that type of hunter? I tell myself that I'm not, if only because I would think that type of hunter would be unlikely to ask himself the question. But if I'm being honest, I have to admit that I went on my first dangerous game hunt without any real experience, without having put in enough time at the range, and without really understanding what I was getting into. I will say, in my own defence, that I admitted all of this upfront to my unlucky PH, and told him that I would follow any instructions he chose to give me to the letter. It seemed the least I could do.

Are you that type of hunter? Do you know that type of hunter? Why is it that some people seem to think that they can buy expensive (or maybe just new) hardware, and thereby become instant experts? Does money give you the right to put someone else's life at risk?

Just thinking.

 

[Divernhunter]

I am notthat kind of hunter.
Have known that type of so called "hunter".
Their self inflated ego causes them to do it. PS__Some are just plain stupid with money.
Money or ego does not give you the right to put others in danger.

I understand that my age/disabilities will not allow me to do that type of hunt no matter how much money I have. I have had to change the way I hunt plain animals such as deer, hogs and plains game. Hard hunts are no longer something I can do. The one good thing is I understand that and will not try to do so.

 

[BRICKBURN]

I think those Professionals are aware of what they are choosing to be involved in, be that for money or a lifestyle. I'd hope the Outfitters have the PH's back, but......

Are the young guys so eager that they do not realistically assess or are ignorant of the dangers and do the more experienced guys get "tired" of the incompetence, I have no doubt on both counts.

We have all heard about the stereotypical Bwana showing up with brand new cloths, price tags still attached and a oversize firearm they have never shot because the clerk said it was the one to use. Do they really exist? I'll bet they do.

Like you Hank, I went on my first guided hunt and followed the PH's instructions and had ongoing discussions and it worked out fine. Was I as prepared as I could be? I was able to converse reasonably and properly discuss what I wanted and understand the expectations of the PH. Other than some basic animal ID I was in the PH's hands. The PH made sure I could shoot his loaner rifle and then we just went hunting. (I was not dangerous game hunting though.)
There is a lot of information that is gathered at the range on those first couple of shots. Those long drives to the lodge can be rather insightful too.

Immediately after that first hunt I spent the time and energy to go through the PH training to make sure that I would reduce the possibility that I was going to be "one of those" guys. (I have spent more time in PH school than many people spend on their entire first hunts and entire trips! )

I am still learning every day and on every outing in to the bush and hope I am never that guy.

 

[CAustin]

Not that hunter. I must have walked 250 miles getting ready for an elephant and shot up $500 worth of ammo getting very good with my rifle. I was ready mind and body......blunt I recognize some may not take it seriously and they should. Hunters owe it to themselves and those they are with to be ready for the rigors of a hunt as well as the dangers.

 

[Mekaniks]

This has the potential for a very good educational thread, thanks for posting it Hank.

I think the truly experienced PH is able to evaluate fairly quickly a hunters experience level. Like Brick said, a couple hours together in a backie can be very insightful. In my opinion, it is really hard to hide inexperience once in the field, and a good PH will be able to compensate accordingly.

The problem with all that is we live in today's reality of internet bookings, keyboard warriors, and game ranch business pressures to fill hunting days and trophy fees. Unless a hunter has hunted with that PH prior, there is really no way for a PH to be truly sure of a hunters experience and saftey level. While there are references that a hunter can use when choosing an outfitter/PH. That's not so the other way around. The hunter that shows up a camp is who the PH is stuck with. Then if it's a disaster because of hunter incompetence the PH and Outfitter still run the risk of a negative feedback all over the internet. Tough spot for them to be in IMO. We, as hunters choose them, not the other way around.
We as hunters have the obligation to be as experienced and prepared with our rifle and/or bows as possible. Butterfly nervousness is normal (PH's expect it I think) How a hunter handles that nervousness shows his experience level in my opinion. Miss a shot, suck it up and try not to miss the next one. Anyone that has any real hunting experience has misssed. More than once. Missed easy shots. That's why it's hunting and not killing. Figure it out and don't make the same mistake again. Blow a stalk because you stepped on a branch, yep it happens too. Suck it up, laugh it off and do not do it again.

I digress... back to PH saftey. As a hunter we have the obligation to be as prepared as experienced as possible. Know limits. Have a good time. Nothing is worth shooting your PH, tracker, fellow hunter, the wrong animal, wounding an animal, or getting someone else killed or badly injured.

Everyone comes to have a good time and do what they love. No one comes to die....

 

[PeteG]

Very interesting thread here.
This brings back a thought from a thread recently about whether a hunter should hunt DG on his first hunt over to Africa.
I am not picking on that thread specifically, but a number of people here suggested he might as well do it, perhaps this brings something additional to think about.
Perhaps hunting DG should be something that is built up to, there are a lot more responsibilities on the hunters shoulders, whether they know it or not, when hunting DG.
An injured Zebra for instance, due to the shakes or buck fever, is not a threat to the hunter, ph, trackers and others in the area. whereas an injured buffalo or ele could potentially be a torrid surprise for the next client and ph.
Ive seen some people shake so badly that there was no way they could hit the target.

So as a question to ph's, what do you do if your client is not ready for the expensive hunt for lion/ele that he has just paid big money for yet he could be a danger to you and your team?

 

[Mekaniks]

Very interesting thread here.
This brings back a thought from a thread recently about whether a hunter should hunt DG on his first hunt over to Africa.
I am not picking on that thread specifically, but a number of people here suggested he might as well do it, perhaps this brings something additional to think about.
Perhaps hunting DG should be something that is built up to, there are a lot more responsibilities on the hunters shoulders, whether they know it or not, when hunting DG.
An injured Zebra for instance, due to the shakes or buck fever, is not a threat to the hunter, ph, trackers and others in the area. whereas an injured buffalo or ele could potentially be a torrid surprise for the next client and ph.
Ive seen some people shake so badly that there was no way they could hit the target.

So as a question to ph's, what do you do if your client is not ready for the expensive hunt for lion/ele that he has just paid big money for yet he could be a danger to you and your team?

Excellent question @PeteG

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Great post and some very good comments. Here's a little test you can try on family, friends, coworkers, etc. Ask a group of people if they think they are a "below average driver" or an "above average driver." Usually most people think they are "above average" in most anything they do and the reality is only half are right. When you think you are better than you are, you tend to lose a sense of vulnerability.

I recently read an article in South African Airways magazine about their pilot training program. In that article, they had a quote from US Air Force pilot and NASA astronaut Frank Borman: "A superior pilot uses his superior judgment to avoid situations which require the use of his superior skill."

So replace the word "pilot" with "hunter" and ask yourself if you do that.

 

[Hogpatrol]

Tag

 

[Hogpatrol]

I learned this a long time ago. Not everyone who carries a firearm or bow in to the woods or bush is a hunter. Some may start out as firearm or bow carriers and become hunters but some won't. Not saying they're bumbling idiots, just that they may not have the time or are occupied with other priorities. The "I have enough money/education/social standing to do what hunters do" is a dilemma that will never go away. I'd guess PHs learn early on that incompetents will always be part of the business and acquire the necessary skills to deal with them.

 

[brushmore]

I am not that kind of hunter because I can't write that check for the DG hunt (yet)!

I bet most people here would never be "that" hunter simply because if you spending time here educating yourself you take hunting seriously.

 

[sierraone]

Most shooters are not and will never be hunters. And they have no intention of being hunters, in Africa or otherwise! I learned this working as a range safety officer on a public range for a short time. That is also something I will never do again. We have to keep in mind that virtually all members on this forum either hunt in Africa or want to hunt in Africa. That makes us at least somewhat of a closed group. In my view being a safe, experienced gun handler, will make you a safe hunter, not necessarily a successful hunter. As far as being safe when confronted with dangerous game, I'm not sure of the answer, how do you practice this without actually confronting a dangerous animal. Of all the hunters, very few will ever be in this situation. Money will always play a part in this overall question simply because most hunters, (not AH members necessarily) will never go to Africa for any hunt let alone DG due to costs alone!

 

[Hank2211]

Most shooters are not and will never be hunters. And they have no intention of being hunters, in Africa or otherwise! I learned this working as a range safety officer on a public range for a short time. That is also something I will never do again. We have to keep in mind that virtually all members on this forum either hunt in Africa or want to hunt in Africa. That makes us at least somewhat of a closed group. In my view being a safe, experienced gun handler, will make you a safe hunter, not necessarily a successful hunter. As far as being safe when confronted with dangerous game, I'm not sure of the answer, how do you practice this without actually confronting a dangerous animal. Of all the hunters, very few will ever be in this situation. Money will always play a part in this overall question simply because most hunters, (not AH members necessarily) will never go to Africa for any hunt let alone DG due to costs alone!

I agree you will never know how you will react when in the presence of (angry) dangerous game, but I think if you are mentally and physically ready for a hunt, you've practised, read about the game, maybe watched a video or two, and you are prepared to listen to your PH, the odds are you will react in an appropriate manner. I recall seeing a scene on a Buzz Charlton elephant hunting video (I think) where the group was charged by the elephant (tuskless, if memory serves). You very clearly see the client running away even after the PH said "don't move". Gotta love a client who thinks he can outrun an elephant! Humour aside though, by running, he was giving the PH one more thing to think about while he was trying to decide if and when to shoot. In addition, the mere fact of running may have changed what would have been a mock charge into a real charge, with the result being the death of the animal.

We have all heard about the stereotypical Bwana showing up with brand new cloths, price tags still attached and a oversize firearm they have never shot because the clerk said it was the one to use. Do they really exist? I'll bet they do.

On a recent hunt to South Africa, I wore a new pair os shorts and deliberately kept the $29.95 Cabelas tag on it, to annoy my cameraman who had made some comment on prior hunts about "nice clothes." As well, I have brought brand new rifles to Africa (they all start somewhere!), but I like to think I'm a good sport about the ribbing I get for having expensive rifles (I save on shorts)!

I think a hunter who cares, practises, and most importantly, leaves his ego on the plane, is one that a PH will want to hunt with, rather than the opposite.

 

[sierraone]

I agree you will never know how you will react when in the presence of (angry) dangerous game, but I think if you are mentally and physically ready for a hunt, you've practised, read about the game, maybe watched a video or two, and you are prepared to listen to your PH, the odds are you will react in an appropriate manner. I recall seeing a scene on a Buzz Charlton elephant hunting video (I think) where the group was charged by the elephant (tuskless, if memory serves). You very clearly see the client running away even after the PH said "don't move". Gotta love a client who thinks he can outrun an elephant! Humour aside though, by running, he was giving the PH one more thing to think about while he was trying to decide if and when to shoot. In addition, the mere fact of running may have changed what would have been a mock charge into a real charge, with the result being the death of the animal.



On a recent hunt to South Africa, I wore a new pair os shorts and deliberately kept the $29.95 Cabelas tag on it, to annoy my cameraman who had made some comment on prior hunts about "nice clothes." As well, I have brought brand new rifles to Africa (they all start somewhere!), but I like to think I'm a good sport about the ribbing I get for having expensive rifles (I save on shorts)!

I think a hunter who cares, practises, and most importantly, leaves his ego on the plane, is one that a PH will want to hunt with, rather than the opposite.

Hank, I will make my first Africa hunt next July. PG only. But I can assure you that I will follow the PH's direction exactly if possible, BUT, as someone that has carried guns of one type or another my whole adult life, I will immediately respond to him if he is being unsafe in handling his rifle to the point of endangering my son or myself. As far as stalking or tracking an animal, I'm pretty sure I won't have anything to add regardless of his actions.

 

[Hank2211]

Hank, I will make my first Africa hunt next July. PG only. But I can assure you that I will follow the PH's direction exactly if possible, BUT, as someone that has carried guns of one type or another my whole adult life, I will immediately respond to him if he is being unsafe in handling his rifle to the point of endangering my son or myself. As far as stalking or tracking an animal, I'm pretty sure I won't have anything to add regardless of his actions.

Congratulations on your first hunt Sierraone!

I doubt you will find your PH endangering you or your son (great that you will be hunting together) but I think you will find that Africa takes a bit of a different perspective on firearms safety than we do in North America. And the "African" carry is only one example!

 

[edward]

interesting concepts,i wonder if my desire to return to africa for one last hunt puts me in that careless category?have been 5 times and have always followed my phs instructions and my wife and i have been very successful.we hunt with handguns and some would say that is careless,but no ph has ever turned us down or stated he had any problems with handguns.im 78 this nov and have had bypass surgery in 2015 and had to have a pace maker implanted in 2016.i feel good but never would know what my limitations are until to late.dr says,go for it.i would love one last hunt but does that make me irresponsible ?

 

[Hank2211]

interesting concepts,i wonder if my desire to return to africa for one last hunt puts me in that careless category?have been 5 times and have always followed my phs instructions and my wife and i have been very successful.we hunt with handguns and some would say that is careless,but no ph has ever turned us down or stated he had any problems with handguns.im 78 this nov and have had bypass surgery in 2015 and had to have a pace maker implanted in 2016.i feel good but never would know what my limitations are until to late.dr says,go for it.i would love one last hunt but does that make me irresponsible ?

Not even remotely. This is just my opinion of course, but if you've been that many times without a problem, I see no reason to stop now. We all have to have a last hunt, but it should never be the upcoming hunt. If that hunt turns out to be the last, well, it will still be a life well lived!

Good luck!

 

[Royal27]

I won't say if I'm that hunter or not. That's up to my PH at the time to decide.

And as important as doing exactly what the PH tells you is, it is equally important to train, not practice, train.

I started shooting a LOT a year before my buffalo hunt. I had over 500 rounds through my buffalo rifle and way more than that from other rifles. In addition I had 1000s of rounds of dry fire practice with snap caps. I did reload and firing drills daily for six months. I also invested in SAAM shooting school for DG hunting. It was worth every penny.

And except for sight in no shots from rifle were from bench. I practiced from sticks and other shooting positions. I also did things like set up my target and ran as fast as I could with rifle back to sticks at 100 yards. Loaded as fast as I could and got off three shots at speed. I tried to make it real.

I even practiced turning to shoot with proper footwork so it was natural. Don't want to spin around and fall down with a buffalo coming at you after all.

The training paid off. I put three shots in my buffalo that my hand would fit over . One standing, one running, and an insurance shot when it fell. I was terrified before that the PH would have to tell me to reload. He didn't.

Ironically I hunted with Chifuti and Owain was discussed as was the client, who came back to hunt buffalo a year later to hunt with my PH... I was also in camp with Ian Gibson at that time.... I will never feel like I've "done enough" but I will make as much of an effort ad I can. And again, I will let others judge me, the true professionals. I'm not qualified to make that call.

 

[Brent in Az]

I have no African experience, so I will have to be a keyboard warrior in that regard. I can say with much conviction, that I am not that kind of hunter. Being smart, and safe, in a hunting enviroment is always a priority. Dangerous game hunting is called that for a reason. I would quit hunting, before ever putting someone else in harms way because of a foolish action on my part.

But as others stated, it would be up to the PH to assess my ability. I am certain that most would be happy to hunt with me.

 

[rinehart0050]

Great thread @Hank2211

As others have said, I think you have much as you can to prepare for a hunt. But there are also limits to how much you can prepare.

When I hunted my lion, it was my first and I had never hunted lion before that. When I first has someone shoot at me in combat, I had never been shot at before.

There are limits to how much you can prepare. It's important to know your equipment, practice your battle drills, and be in shape. Beyond that, you've got to get out there and actually experience something to know how you'll really handle it.