How well seasoned are you?

[Happy Myles]

I am 86 and have been big game hunting since 10 years of age. Made my first African safari to Zimbabwe about fifty years ago and have been trekking back pretty much annually to hunt all over that Continent. Have worked in hunts elsewhere around the world. I love to hunt wild sheep in tough country. Have managed to take North American Grand Slam and other sheep including Marco Polo and various Argali. My last hunt at 82 I took four Cape Buffalo and ten head of plains game. It has been a good run. Hunting is a way of life for me. Not a pastime.

 

[migrabill]

I am 59 years old. Took my first trip at... 59 years old. Went in June. Took 10 animals. Trophies (Dip and Pack) ship out next week.

 

[Hogpatrol]

Looking at the age spread, this thread begs the question, after the boomers are done, who fills the void?

 

[Tanks]

I am surprised that I am the only one who had their first Africa hunt as a teenager. No one else had parents take you on hunts?

 

[Doug3006]

I was 48 when I took my first safari in 2009. My 6th will be in late April next year. Cost and time are the 2 main factors that limit us. As you get older, hopefully you’ll have enough of both to make it happen!

 

[Northern Shooter]

I’m late 30’s, got all my ducks in a row and was fortunate to retire at age 37.

I’ve been buying up all the rifles I’d like for future hunts but have yet to go on a safari.

After my double rifle arrives I will be focusing on international hunts.

 

[sureshot375]

I’m 39. I made my first trip to Africa at age 12 in 1998. My dad took me on my first two safaris, and then I’ve gone back as often as possible as life has allowed.

I hope I have many years of adventures in front of me. I’m excited about having my kids fall in love with Africa. The stepdaughters already have their first trip under their belts. They were 9 and 7 at the time. The two boys are in diapers, but I’m already dreaming of getting them to Africa.

 

[NTX]

I’m 37 and have been 3 times now. While finances and family life are certainly factors, I have many coworkers who can take the time off to go, as well as easily bring in extra side money to pay for it. I’ve only convinced one of them to go (he’s been twice now). I think many hunters in my age bracket and younger just simply won’t make the jump and I don’t really understand why. In Texas the average hunter with a decent hunting lease spends enough to go on a plains game trip every year. The money people spend on high fence and exotic “hunts” here is astounding as well.

 

[Northern Shooter]

I’m 37 and have been 3 times now. While finances and family life are certainly factors, I have many coworkers who can take the time off to go, as well as easily bring in extra side money to pay for it. I’ve only convinced one of them to go (he’s been twice now). I think many hunters in my age bracket and younger just simply won’t make the jump and I don’t really understand why. In Texas the average hunter with a decent hunting lease spends enough to go on a plains game trip every year. The money people spend on high fence and exotic “hunts” here is astounding as well.

I’m the same age and hunters in my circle can’t seem to separate the idea of trophy hunting from poaching.

“Why would you want to shoot a Buffalo/Lion/Elephant?” Etc. and “that’s not hunting..”

It’s frustrating that not many I know share my same interest.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

First trip 2018, 6th trip this year 2024 turned 61 in South Africa on safari.
Next trip planned 2027.

 

[Rellik]

My first African hunt is booked for April 2025. I've hunted a reasonable amount in the U.S - Pronghorns, mulies and whitetails, elk, bighorn sheep and black bears. I haven't been lucky in the moose license draws and I remain hopeful that grizzlies will be huntable again in my home state of Montana before I die. Kids are grown and on their own (mostly). Mortgage will be paid off early next year. and wife is now an ex-wife. So most of the obstacles have been cleared.
I told myself I was going to Africa before I turned 40, Then it was 50. Next April, when I finally get there, I will be 59. With any luck, it should be the first of several before I get too old and decrepit.

 

[Nevada Wapati]

First African hunt in 2008, 49 years old. Last hunt September 2024 was my 6th trip at 64 years old

 

[mark-hunter]

I’m the same age and hunters in my circle can’t seem to separate the idea of trophy hunting from poaching.

Unfortunately such mentality is always present. High percentage. Many hunters in my vicinity, prefer to hunt for free or for cheap. This is the reason to join hunting club, although for hunting this is not mandatory. But non members of a club pay, while club member have very conveniently priced annual membership fee with obligation of some voluntary work.
They are happy to bag a hog and bring it home. I am sure, on many occasion they forget the tag. Which is the reason why so many club managed hunting areas are depleted of game. So:
"You are crazy to pay so much money for safari, and not bring meat home".

Another view: "I will never hunt in Africa, before I hunt all the species available in our country". BTW 90% of hunters never get all the species, because they dont even try. Roe deer and boar and thats it, most common game.

The first is attitude of a poacher for a cheap meat. The second is just excuse for the people to stay in their comfort zone.

 

[Hunting Hitman]

2008 at the age of 41.
12th Safari next year…and hopefully more after that.

HH

 

[BeeMaa]

I'm 54 and started hunting with my grandfather before I was 5. Taken enough NA game to be considered well seasoned.

As for Africa, we've only been once with another trip planned in '25. Joined this site just prior to that trip to draw from the considerable knowledge base. And I continue to learn just about every time I open this forum up. Thanks for all your help!

 

[Killo]

I am surprised that I am the only one who had their first Africa hunt as a teenager. No one else had parents take you on hunts?

I started late ( 54 )
But these year I took my 14 year old Son with me!!

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

I’m the same age and hunters in my circle can’t seem to separate the idea of trophy hunting from poaching.

“Why would you want to shoot a Buffalo/Lion/Elephant?” Etc. and “that’s not hunting..”

It’s frustrating that not many I know share my same interest.

I’m right around your age and get similar questions from some friends. Luckily most of my co-workers hunt so the questions from them and many other friends is more about how I afford it. I tell them it’s pretty easy when I don’t have a boat, my trucks are both older (03 & 17), I don’t have a wife, a divorce, crotch critters from 1 or both marriages, student loan debt, take other vacations. I also remind them I have a pension from job #1.

Hunting and Fishing are my passions, so I’ve structured my decisions around them. I don’t need to work as I’ve structured my expenses to fit within my pension and choose to work 80+ hour weeks to keep investing and fund my passions.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

I’m in my late 30’s and have been hunting since I was legally old enough offer tagging along with my dad well before I could. I have 3-10 states a year (mostly public land) and take at least one international trip a year.

am surprised that I am the only one who had their first Africa hunt as a teenager. No one else had parents take you on hunts?

I grew-up hunting with my dad but in a lower class household. Hunting was always on the family 20ac or somewhere we had permission for. We’d often improve the freezer stock with a couple roadkills, slaughtering some of the pigs, chickens, or a cow. Out of state or international hunting wasn’t even a thought. I first started applying for out of state tags my senior year of high school without my parents knowledge or permission (or understanding of how they worked) thinking if I got a permit I’d pack up the old truck I owned, tent, and sleeping bag to drive out there and hunt until I was successful or the season ended.

My dad in his 60’s still thought Africa was just “trophy hunting” and looked down on it in 2018/2019 when I asked if he’d join me on my first hunt. My mom had to convince him to join me. Now he’s about to join me on his 2nd safari and bringing my mom since she retired from teaching this year. He’s tagged along on a couple of US Hunts I’ve drawn tags for as well and if finally open to the idea of applying himself.

 

[375Fox]

I went on my first safari with my Dad at 13 years old to Namibia in 2002. I’ve been on 12 more safaris since and have 2 more booked. I’ve been really lucky to have a good job that provides a lot of flexible time off. Trying to make most of it while I can.

Interestingly, the members I communicate with most or have reached out to me are typically under 40. I think there are more common hunting goals in certain age brackets whether hunters realize it or not.

 

[1dirthawker]

I am surprised that I am the only one who had their first Africa hunt as a teenager. No one else had parents take you on hunts?

my family was not in a financial position to take me to disney world as a teenager. no, i did not go to africa as a teen either.

that said,

my first trip to africa was at age 55. second at 58, last time at 63. each time was great, wish i could have funded it sooner...oh well.