Rain tips

[Eventually_Africa_Again]

Good morning all!

I'll be leaving in a week for Africa Safari #2 and as I was looking at the weather I'm seeing rain, rain, and more rain. I was wondering is anyone here has any tips for hunting Africa in the rain? Do the animals react differently? Does it make tracking easier or harder? (I imagine both, easier to see footprints, harder to follow blood?). Honestly a bit nervous about it but I'm looking for some reassurance/ ways to mitigate it. I already have a good rain jacket with a removable fleece liner so I think I'm set there but any other suggestions I'm wide open to. As always thank you for your time!

 

[CAustin]

I have only been there when there was very small rain and once hail. When it stopped we went right out. Short burst of rain and it was over. You should be fine,

 

[Art Lambart II]

Scope caps and gun maintenance are the order of the day when hunting in the rain. Two pair of hunting boots would be a good idea as well.

 

[gillettehunter]

Waterproof your boots if you can. Light pair of shooting gloves may be handy. Usually you won't hunt in the rain..... The animals are often bedded in heavy cover and hard to find. Between showers they will be out and so will you. Maybe some of the Remington gun wipes? They have a light oil on them. Something to dry bino lenses as well as a scope. Several actually. Good luck.
Bruce

 

[Hogpatrol]

Get some of those Harbor Freight surgical gloves, cut off the tips and use them on your muzzle. The 7mil ones work better than the 5mil ones. Keeps out all the fod, you'll run in to while hunting.

https://www.harborfreight.com/7-mil-nitrile-powder-free-gloves-50-pc-x-large-61774.html

Almost forgot. Be prepared for the truck to get stuck. BTDT. If you're hunting Limpopo, I just received a WhatsAp video from a PH I hunted with and he's there now. It is WET!

 

[cagkt3]

Had a bit of rain on my first hunt - as others have said, we just waited it out and got out once the rain quit. We took half a day when it was raining and went to town and did an elephant experience/tour. By the time we got back, the light rain had cleared and we went out.

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

Scope caps and gun maintenance are the order of the day when hunting in the rain. Two pair of hunting boots would be a good idea as well.

I agree with Art Lambert II.

 

[Eventually_Africa_Again]

Get some of those Harbor Freight surgical gloves, cut off the tips and use them on your muzzle. The 7mil ones work better than the 5mil ones. Keeps out all the fod, you'll run in to while hunting.

https://www.harborfreight.com/7-mil-nitrile-powder-free-gloves-50-pc-x-large-61774.html

Almost forgot. Be prepared for the truck to get stuck. BTDT. If you're hunting Limpopo, I just received a WhatsAp video from a PH I hunted with and he's there now. It is WET!

You pegged it, that's exactly where I'm going!

 

[Eventually_Africa_Again]

Waterproof your boots if you can. Light pair of shooting gloves may be handy. Usually you won't hunt in the rain..... The animals are often bedded in heavy cover and hard to find. Between showers they will be out and so will you. Maybe some of the Remington gun wipes? They have a light oil on them. Something to dry bino lenses as well as a scope. Several actually. Good luck.
Bruce

That's a great idea. I'll re-mink oil the boots tonight because if I don't I'll forget. I'll also pick up a bino wipe or three, that hadn't even occurred to me.

 

[Ridgewalker]

I have only been there when there was very small rain and once hail. When it stopped we went right out. Short burst of rain and it was over. You should be fine,

+1 same situation.
As already mentioned, treat your boots and if you have two pair, that may help. But most of South Africa, Namibia and Botswana have very low humidity, so things dry out quickly. You’ll be there in warmer weather, so it shouldn’t be a problem.

Just go prepared and you’ll do great!
Can’t wait for your pictures and report!

 

[Eventually_Africa_Again]

+1 same situation.
As already mentioned, treat your boots and if you have two pair, that may help. But most of South Africa, Namibia and Botswana have very low humidity, so things dry out quickly. You’ll be there in warmer weather, so it shouldn’t be a problem.

Just go prepared and you’ll do great!
Can’t wait for your pictures and report!

Thank you! I'm chomping at the bit myself, trying to stay calm so that I can get through the next few days! This time I'm taking a journal so hopefully I'll be able to give a fuller account of the trip!

 

[Ridgewalker]

I’m jealous you are going so soon! I have to wait until the end of July!

 

[Divernhunter]

It is really bad. I would not want you to get wet or the truck stuck. So I will take your place and you can stay home and stay nice and warm.

My 1st trip we had rain 2 days. We still hunted and took animals. It is all about attitude. Good luck on your trip --------if you do not want me to take your place

 

[Eventually_Africa_Again]

It is really bad. I would not want you to get wet or the truck stuck. So I will take your place and you can stay home and stay nice and warm.

My 1st trip we had rain 2 days. We still hunted and took animals. It is all about attitude. Good luck on your trip --------if you do not want me to take your place

Ah, that's very generous of you but no, this is my burden to bear . If nothing else at least I might be able to bless the rains down in Africa finally!

 

[Divernhunter]

Just remember I will always be there for you if you decide differently

 

[BRICKBURN]

......... I was wondering is anyone here has any tips for hunting Africa in the rain? Do the animals react differently? ...............

The animals in Natal treated a light rain shower in July/August like the animals at home would treat a major snow blizzard. Everything except the Rhino's and Elephant hid in the cover. (Including the PH and tracker.) Right after the rain everything came out and was ready to play.

The critters will all be there, it may take slightly more work to find them if its raining.

 

[Eventually_Africa_Again]

The animals in Natal treated a light rain shower in July/August like the animals at home would treat a major snow blizzard. Everything except the Rhino's and Elephant hid in the cover. (Including the PH and tracker.) Right after the rain everything came out and was ready to play.

The critters will all be there, it may take slightly more work to find them if its raining.

Thank you for the reassurance. Just first time jitters I expect heh

 

[AZDAVE]

Take your rain gear and the other suggestions folks have already made. When it is raining hard the animals will be bedded and that is time for you and the PH to enjoy a nice cup of coffee and enjoy time out in the bush. Just remember it is about a positive attitude and when the rain stops of is very light you will have animals everywhere. Some things will be harder and others easier but just remember you won't melt and it will add new dimensions or experience to your adventure. Have fun and enjoy every second.