Perhaps true for DG. Some of us can pick up almost any rifle, make corrections for wind and distance, and hit the bullseye as long as the rifle has been sighted in. Sure, if you dig down in the science of it you might argue that one needs to be well practiced with their specific rifle, but for many, that science is well beyond the point of diminishing return. Every Africa hunt I've done (plains game only) I've used hired rifles for myself and my family members and every bullet hit its mark.
If you shot a round of clay targets with your preferred shotgun then I gave you a Mossberg 500 would you shoot the same score? I don’t have a problem renting a rifle for certain hunts, especially a short PG hunt, but bringing a rifle to South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe is extremely easy for an American. Too many hunters have decided it’s too difficult before they even try. Most hunters are going to shoot better with their own rifle and scope that fits them best and they’ve practiced with.
No one can really know before their first safari but choosing PHs I actually want to hunt with and would enjoy hunting with is the biggest change I have since I booked my first safari. I talk to references on the phone and try to get details about the PH’s work ethic and how much he enjoys hunting and being outdoors. A lot of outfitters have access to properties and can take you hunting but just because they have a PH license doesn’t mean they actually passionate about what they do.
. Find out the gratuities in the event you get great service. Although not necessary, there is a guide posted here on AH. Don't worry about getting a lot of money converted to the African Rand. They really like US dollars.
After reading about the tragic recent death by cape buffalo in Uganda, I contacted the insurer I use for scuba diving (DAN) and they told me they also cover medical evacs and treatment if injured while recreational hunting (non-commercial). I thought I would pass this along in case someone already have that coverage too.Trip insurance and emergency medical evac insurance in case you have to be lifted out or flown back to the states. Also, max 3 pr of clothing. Laundry is done daily except on the weekends....hence the third pair....unless you want to stink
What Tanks said! I switched to 1615’s a couple of years ago. The Mrs and I have 2 fluorescent orange ones and since they stick out like dog’s balls, the chances of someone swiping them at luggage claim is greatly diminished.
I always used to take my digital SLR on trips to Africa. On my last trip, the pictures taken by my PH on his iPhone were so much better than the ones I took with my SLR that I upgraded my iPhone and plan on using it from now on.
100% agree with this. A Pelican 1615 Air case is absolutely the best travel luggage you can take for African Travel. Once I got one and tried it, I’ll never use anything else. It’s plenty big and very secure. Very durable with 5 latches and 2 reinforced locking points. I’ll never travel to Africa or anywhere else I go hunting without taking my Pelican Air Case.
Not only put AirTags in every piece of luggage, also put on inside the magazine of your bolt rifle too. I nearly had a custom built 375 H&H stolen last February at San Francisco Airport. An AirTag is the only thing that helped us locate my gun, which a spooked baggage handler finally put on baggage delivery belt 2 hours after my flight landed. From now on, everyone one of my guns will have an AirTag inside the magazine as well as the case it’s in.
That’s a great idea that I had never thought of. I’ll be doing that for sure going forward.
Me too!
