How old to hunt Dangerous Game

[Elkeater]

I tried the search function for a bit then gave up.

We went to RSA last year with my 10 and 11 year old kids. They had a blast! Taking 7 PG animals between the two of them including blue wildebeest, warthog, zebra, impala, blesbok, steenbok, and springbok.

While we were there they got to see some Cape buffalo. Now my 11 year old
Daughter keeps asking if she can hunt one the next time we go over. I said as planning on one more trip before the kids are out of the house. So most likely 5-6 years out. I might try for two more trips but it gets pricy quick when I’m basically paying for three hunts ( and 4 plane tickets) at a time. Anyway I started thinking about what age it’s appropriate to let a kid chase buffalo at. I was thinking 17-18 should be fine but I’d be curious as to what you all think. I know it depends on the kid. But still, what do you all think is an appropriate age to chase DG?

 

[DieJager]

Only you know when your kid is ready.

 

[Hunt anything]

As soon as they can handle the recoil of a .375 H&H or .375 Ruger, only you can determine this. IMO.

 

[Frederik]

My son shot his first DG a buff cow at 16 years of age first shot with the 375 H&H finished her with my 458 Lott.
Did over 40km of walking over 3 days before he had a chance at an old cow.

3 Criterias you should consider.
Fit enough to walk 3-4 miles stalking in thick stuff per day or more.
Shooting an appropriatte rifle 375 H&H or bigger and handling it comfortably.
Being able to carry that same rifle on the tracks and stalk.

 

[bashaw]

A

I tried the search function for a bit then gave up.

We went to RSA last year with my 10 and 11 year old kids. They had a blast! Taking 7 PG animals between the two of them including blue wildebeest, warthog, zebra, impala, blesbok, steenbok, and springbok.

While we were there they got to see some Cape buffalo. Now my 11 year old
Daughter keeps asking if she can hunt one the next time we go over. I said as planning on one more trip before the kids are out of the house. So most likely 5-6 years out. I might try for two more trips but it gets pricy quick when I’m basically paying for three hunts ( and 4 plane tickets) at a time. Anyway I started thinking about what age it’s appropriate to let a kid chase buffalo at. I was thinking 17-18 should be fine but I’d be curious as to what you all think. I know it depends on the kid. But still, what do you all think is an appropriate age to chase DG?

soon as they make enough from working to afford it

 

[towserthemouser]

When I saw the thread I thought maybe it was about how old you can be and still continue hunting DG, haha. Also an interesting question.

 

[Firebird]

Part of this is when they can understand about taking a life and even more so when they take the life of an animal revered as dangerous. If they have the maturity and the skill level, then go for it. I would also let them earn the money to pay for such a feat or contribute in some way-you appreciate more what you have earned the right to pursue

I know they have taken plains game but “dangerous game” has its own category for a reason

 

[DWB]

In my mind when they are able to shoot themselves out of trouble as well.

Because shooting yourself into trouble aint that difficult.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

I first took my boy to Africa when he was 7 years old.

He shot his first African plains game (a reedbuck) when he was 13. He shot his first dangerous game (a Cape buffalo) when he was 20.

I took my daughter to Africa when she was 10 years old. She shot her first plains game (an impala) when she was 16. She shot her first dangerous game (a hippopotamus in the water) when she was 21.

 

[Ericedwinbates]

When the kids maturity, skill and desire meet, age is irrelevant. My son started hunting in Africa at 8, killed his first Buffalo at 11. Suppressed big bores help with recoil. Your PH and yourself are there for back-up just like with any client. Get those kids out there, its our hunting future.

 

[Flbt]

I tried the search function for a bit then gave up.

We went to RSA last year with my 10 and 11 year old kids. They had a blast! Taking 7 PG animals between the two of them including blue wildebeest, warthog, zebra, impala, blesbok, steenbok, and springbok.

While we were there they got to see some Cape buffalo. Now my 11 year old
Daughter keeps asking if she can hunt one the next time we go over. I said as planning on one more trip before the kids are out of the house. So most likely 5-6 years out. I might try for two more trips but it gets pricy quick when I’m basically paying for three hunts ( and 4 plane tickets) at a time. Anyway I started thinking about what age it’s appropriate to let a kid chase buffalo at. I was thinking 17-18 should be fine but I’d be curious as to what you all think. I know it depends on the kid. But still, what do you all think is an appropriate age to chase DG?

Any experience I have had I don’t really think counts as dangerous they can hurt you but not in the same class as African dangerous game.
My dad had me bear hunting around 5 ( but small fl bear)
And hog hunting around the same age
But we Cought or used a knife on them.
I have plans to take my nephew hog hunting like that he 11.

 

[JG26Irish_2]

I understand your question. I would love nothing more than to hunt DG with my kids. But, I think there is the physical and emotional maturity that is needed as the first criteria, and that would be in the same ballpark as when a kid can drive a car, fly an aircraft or race a car. All would be in the 16ish year range. I am not judging at all as I think teaching a child to hunt and shoot is important. For me personally, I engage in a number of potentially hazardous or even deadly recreational pursuits. I ride motorcycles, raced motorcycles and cars, flew aircraft and aerobatics, and hunt, including DG.

I first drove a truck on the farm at 10yr, and on the road at 13yr (country back roads only). I first rode motorcycles at 13 and raced at 15. I first flew at 21. With the exception of learning to drive on the farm, my Dad had nothing to do with any of those. I first deer hunted at 16 and honestly, I was not ready to hunt deer let alone a dangerous beast at that age. I hunted and killed deer for several years before I learned to steel my nerves prior to a shot. That is a critical skill set to master prior to a DG hunt in my view. I my case, I would not have been ready for DG even in my 20's. I know of a pair of brothers who began hunting in Africa at about age 10 and their Dad and Grandfather had them hunt PG from small to large over several years before DG was even an option. They both grew into exceptional DG hunters and now in their 40's are experts at the craft. So, it can be done.

Despite my love of these challenging pursuits, I was always reluctant to encourage my kids to engage in those activities with or without me. The way I looked at it was that everyone is different and if they chose to engage, and if they wanted my help, I would gladly do so, but if I brought them into such a sport and something happened that led to an injury, I would feel personally responsible and I am not sure I could live with that.

A child is naturally going to have an interest in emulating and pleasing Dad. So, for me if they want to hunt DG, I would say, let me know when you are grown, have a job and are ready to go. I would love to go with you and back you up. I am good with being a role model but not an enabler. That is a personal thing.

 

[Flbt]

I understand your question. I would love nothing more than to hunt DG with my kids. But, I think there is the physical and emotional maturity that is needed as the first criteria, and that would be in the same ballpark as when a kid can drive a car, fly an aircraft or race a car. All would be in the 16ish year range. I am not judging at all as I think teaching a child to hunt and shoot is important. For me personally, I engage in a number of potentially hazardous or even deadly recreational pursuits. I ride motorcycles, raced motorcycles and cars, flew aircraft and aerobatics, and hunt, including DG.

I first drove a truck on the farm at 10yr, and on the road at 13yr (country back roads only). I first rode motorcycles at 13 and raced at 15. I first flew at 21. With the exception of learning to drive on the farm, my Dad had nothing to do with any of those. I first deer hunted at 16 and honestly, I was not ready to hunt deer let alone a dangerous beast at that age. I hunted and killed deer for several years before I learned to steel my nerves prior to a shot. That is a critical skill set to master prior to a DG hunt in my view. I my case, I would not have been ready for DG even in my 20's. I know of a pair of brothers who began hunting in Africa at about age 10 and their Dad and Grandfather had them hunt PG from small to large over several years before DG was even an option. They both grew into exceptional DG hunters and now in their 40's are experts at the craft. So, it can be done.

Despite my love of these challenging pursuits, I was always reluctant to encourage my kids to engage in those activities with or without me. The way I looked at it was that everyone is different and if they chose to engage, and if they wanted my help, I would gladly do so, but if I brought them into such a sport and something happened that led to an injury, I would feel personally responsible and I am not sure I could live with that.

A child is naturally going to have an interest in emulating and pleasing Dad. So, for me if they want to hunt DG, I would say, let me know when you are grown, have a job and are ready to go. I would love to go with you and back you up. I am good with being a role model but not an enabler. That is a personal thing.

I think a lot really depends on the kid and they way they were brought up.
I drove a truck at 4 in a plowed field.
With dad. He was seeing if I could.
Because that summer I started driving the tractor some.
But I was keeping cattle in a gate at that same age.
And was not much older when horses back moving cows. I could not pick the saddle up at that time.
And could not use a bullwhip ( still have the scar over my eye from trying)
And had to use a buggy whip.

But I do have to admit I was a bit softer with my kids.

 

[kpoynter]

Lots of good advice….
I’ve taken my boy twice at 12 and 14. We did get a Communal Hippo tag and I let him shoot a Hippo with my .375. Dry land opportunity. Like you, I had him hunt plainsgame first…tag along… and get his feet wet. My daughter…she has zero interest lol.
However… what I would consider a true Dangerous Game Hunt….Buffalo, Elephant, Cats…
I don’t deem him old enough yet at 15+
Two issues to me as many stated above
1) safety…I’m actually less concerned about safety because the PH and myself will be there in any scenario
2) appreciation and true understanding and memory….this is my issue. Can a child truly understand and appreciate the opportunity? I’m not sure they can. Will it “spoil them”? Yeah…very possibly. Others wisely stated having them do something to “earn it”. Wise advice.

I do plan on letting him Shoot a Buffalo in 2026 at age 16.5. I believe he will be much better prepared to “appreciate” by then.
Caught a photo of them the first time a herd of Wild Elephants walked up lol

 

[375Fox]

I hunted buffalo the first time at 17 and took a croc and hippo later in trip. Only you could judge your kid’s maturity level. However, I’d say if they have the potential to distract your PH’s attention from the seriousness of the hunt I don’t think they should be hunting DG. There are lots of other hunting opportunities in Africa until they are ready. I think 15+ is sufficient depending on the kid.

 

[Killo]

Took him for his first time last summer, Zebra,Warthog,Buspig,Kudu and Wildebeest in Zimbabwe
He was 14
Probably going to let him shoot his first buffalo summer of 2026..

 

[Killo]

Took him for his first time last summer, Zebra,Warthog,Buspig,Kudu and Wildebeest in Zimbabwe
He was 14
Probably going to let him shoot his first buffalo summer of 2026..

Lots of good advice….
I’ve taken my boy twice at 12 and 14. We did get a Communal Hippo tag and I let him shoot a Hippo with my .375. Dry land opportunity. Like you, I had him hunt plainsgame first…tag along… and get his feet wet. My daughter…she has zero interest lol.
However… what I would consider a true Dangerous Game Hunt….Buffalo, Elephant, Cats…
I don’t deem him old enough yet at 15+
Two issues to me as many stated above
1) safety…I’m actually less concerned about safety because the PH and myself will be there in any scenario
2) appreciation and true understanding and memory….this is my issue. Can a child truly understand and appreciate the opportunity? I’m not sure they can. Will it “spoil them”? Yeah…very possibly. Others wisely stated having them do something to “earn it”. Wise advice.

I do plan on letting him Shoot a Buffalo in 2026 at age 16.5. I believe he will be much better prepared to “appreciate” by then.
Caught a photo of them the first time a herd of Wild Elephants walked up lol

View attachment 668901View attachment 668903

Bravo!!

 

[rookhawk]

I tried the search function for a bit then gave up.

We went to RSA last year with my 10 and 11 year old kids. They had a blast! Taking 7 PG animals between the two of them including blue wildebeest, warthog, zebra, impala, blesbok, steenbok, and springbok.

While we were there they got to see some Cape buffalo. Now my 11 year old
Daughter keeps asking if she can hunt one the next time we go over. I said as planning on one more trip before the kids are out of the house. So most likely 5-6 years out. I might try for two more trips but it gets pricy quick when I’m basically paying for three hunts ( and 4 plane tickets) at a time. Anyway I started thinking about what age it’s appropriate to let a kid chase buffalo at. I was thinking 17-18 should be fine but I’d be curious as to what you all think. I know it depends on the kid. But still, what do you all think is an appropriate age to chase DG?

I took my middle son for elephant when he was 11. We didn’t connect that trip, but he did take a croc. It wasn’t his first safari with bow or gun and he had been on a variety of hunts since he was about 6 years old. He was a multi-time hunter safety graduate and a jr instructor. He had the emotional intelligence and the proficiency required for such a hunt. There are other people aged 21-80 that are not ready.

You cannot rely on a clean answer to your question. I don’t believe in averages and bell curves in this regard because the average and median quality hunter of any age is not suited for a DG hunt period. The real question is how exceptional your kid is and how self aware. You’re just as likely to get killed by a snake on a DG hunt as being stomped by a buffalo. How “with it” is your kid going to be? If you cut them off emotionally and financially at 18, would they wilt in life, or would they go on to live productive lives like our grandparents did? Emotional IQ and general knowledge is critical. From the general US population, I’d say about 5:1000 18 year old males are suited for a DG safari. Sadly, its roughly the same ratios today for military service held to the standards we had in the Vietnam era.

Hunting with my son on multiple safaris was one of the most rewarding experiences of my lifetime. You have to put in the work early to hatch a good egg in general, for him it was 6 years of hunting extensively with many weapon types that got him to the right place by age 11.

He’s 14 now and he doesn’t like hunting with me too much anymore. Says I’m too noisy and I pick the wrong spots. Now he grabs a bow, picks a spot, and calls me to help him drag out his game. In Africa half the time he’d just split from camp with his own PH to hunt on his terms. Such is life, still glad to share a camp with him.

 

[Safari Dave]

I think DWB's answer is spot on.


A pretty young child can be taught to make a good shot with a .375, especially with a muzzle break or suppressor.


One thing many people forget, is that dangerous game hunting can become really DANGEROUS.



If things go sideways, things can end up dangerous, fast, and at close range.

I'm pretty sure my son could have handled it when he was 17-18, because he did quite a bit of competitive shooting (competed in "steel challenge" events and "3-gun" matches) where shooting involved pressure, timed events, mandatory reloads, safety violation disqualifications, competition, etc.


Grace under pressure, and knowing what do quickly and under pressure, is key.

 

[Borderer]

I had a long talk to a PH about this subject a few years ago.

He said he had guided a few younger hunters and most had done an average lifetime’s hunting by the time they were 21 and gave up.

He said he felt sorry for them as they were too young to appreciate what they were doing and then had nothing to aim for.

He was the son of a PH and had been allowed to shoot birds very young, then plains game from 14 and his first buffalo at 20. He said looking back, he appreciated it so much more being made to tag along with the trackers for years before being allowed to take a shot. His best friend hunted a leopard at 14 and gave up and went in to water sports.