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