How well seasoned are you?

[bashaw]

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.

I'm a ways away from getting the N American 29, no skin off my teeth I'm 3 sheep, Goat, Wolf, Tule Elk and Grizzly away. For the price of one of the Sheep hunts, thats 2 or 3 trips to Africa, The Wolf is very high on my list.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

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?

@Tanks
I took my son when he was 14.
Acquitted himself well with a big standard Howa 308 with 150 gn accubond and 140gn mono outer edge projectiles. Game from impala to zebra and gemsbok/ oryx
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

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

View attachment 644657View attachment 644658

@Kilo
I go so much joy watching my son hunt Namibia and still do everytime we hunt together at home.
Just gives you a sense of pride that only a father can understand.
Bob

 

[R eight]

I’ve noticed through reading several of these threads that many here are older that I had initially presumed, many north of 60.

That makes sense given the nature of African Hunting and the financial position required to support this interest.

Just curious what the demographic breakdown is here. I’m in my 30’s for reference.

I’d also be interested to know at what age you started to pursue this interest?

I still haven’t got to Africa and I’m in my mid 60’s….so I’m still young.

I can come up with any number of excuses for not getting to Africa. But, I guess that the real reason has been that I haven’t prioritised it so far. I had the opportunity to go in’93 but the opportunity to shoot at Camp Perry came along at the same time. Camp Perry won and I have no regrets.
Then I figured that I’d better hunt NZ and Alaska and Canada whilst I can still climb hills. I figured Africa is probably flatter and more forgiving of old men. Who knows ? I certainly hope so. So, four NA hunts down and that itch has been scratched ….sort of.

Anyway, NZ again next year and every year after while I can ….and Africa for late 2025 or definitely in 2026. Elephant and or buffalo.

Nice to have first world problems.

 

[R eight]

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 guess my parents didn’t love me. If they had have then I’m sure my dad would have robbed a bank or three to finance a safari.