About the First Hunting Trip in zimbabwe

[johnjiao]

I am a hunter from China. I have booked a hunting trip to Gwayi, Zimbabwe in February next year.
However, in China, hunting is not a common activity. I'm not quite sure what questions new hunters need to know about Outfitters.
I have been to Kenya and Tanzania to witness the Great Migration. I have some experience with firearms and have a bit of knowledge about Africa. However, my direct understanding of hunting has mainly come from YouTube channels.
For example, the distance from the camp to the hunting ground or the difficulty level of the hunting location.
Could everyone give me some suggestions? Thank you all.

 

[375Fox]

It’s difficult giving advice to someone that’s not really from a hunting culture. Since I don’t know how you booked the hunt, First thing I’d want to make sure your outfitter and PH are on this list https://zpga.org/our-members/ if they are not I’d be asking a lot more questions to verify it’s a legal hunt. For yourself I’d ask how many days it typically takes to be successful, how far you walk each day, and try to mentally prepare for the shot. Tracking 10 days at only a mile or two an hour all day takes a lot more out of you than you might think. I’d also have discussions with your PH about back up shots. I think that is something he would insist on and you should be willing to accept since I’d suspect your ability to practice at home is limited.

 

[johnjiao]

It’s difficult giving advice to someone that’s not really from a hunting culture. Since I don’t know how you booked the hunt, First thing I’d want to make sure your outfitter and PH are on this list https://zpga.org/our-members/ if they are not I’d be asking a lot more questions to verify it’s a legal hunt. For yourself I’d ask how many days it typically takes to be successful, how far you walk each day, and try to mentally prepare for the shot. Tracking 10 days at only a mile or two an hour all day takes a lot more out of you than you might think. I’d also have discussions with your PH about back up shots. I think that is something he would insist on and you should be willing to accept since I’d suspect your ability to practice at home is limited.

Thank you so much! You are the first one to respond to me.
Yes, my outfitter's name is on this list. But because my English is not very good and there are no hunting groups around, I really don't know what I should do and how I should do it.
If it were my athletic ability, I often exercise by hiking in the rainforest outdoors.

 

[375Fox]

If his name is on the list that’s a good start. I don’t think you can use WhatsApp from China, but that’s standard way of communicating in Africa. I’d recommend find a way to have a phone call with your PH/outfitter and just ask him to describe a typical day for you and what he expects from you as a client. Make very sure he knows your experience level before you arrive.

 

[johnjiao]

If his name is on the list that’s a good start. I don’t think you can use WhatsApp from China, but that’s standard way of communicating in Africa. I’d recommend find a way to have a phone call with your PH/outfitter and just ask him to describe a typical day for you and what he expects from you as a client. Make very sure he knows your experience level before you arrive.

I have downloaded the WhatsApp app. To access these webpages, a VPN is required. Thank you very much. I will communicate with my phone and hope for the best. I guess

 

[mark-hunter]

For example, the distance from the camp to the hunting ground or the difficulty level of the hunting location.
Could everyone give me some suggestions? Thank you all.

Most likely in ZIm, hunting camp will be in the middle of hunting area.
You will go in hunting car, and search for tracks crossing the roads, or near the water ponds.

From there you will track.
Can be 10 km per day, on foot. But PH (Guide) will make sure you can keep the pace.

Then, since you are hunting in Zimbabwe, most likely is you will hunt dangerous game, i assume elephant or buffalo.

Dangerous game hunting is all about first shot.
You must make perfect first shot, to vital areas.

For this:
You study the vital areas of animals hunted.

Next, you make sure you can handle the rifle of magnum power.
With less experience, I suggest 375 HH as a minimum, due to acceptable recoil.

I know in China, there is no legal ownership of rifles, so most likely you do not have experience with high recoil guns.

WIth that in mind, ask PH (guide) to give you to try your rifle, till you are sure you will be on target.
For example try 10, 15 or 20 rounds on target, till you are happy with result. Pay ammunition as necessary. This will pay off soon.

Next thing is back up shot.
Very rarely dangerous game animal drops immediately on first shot.
So, most likely second shot will be needed.
This second shot discuss with your PH.
Some clients insist they want to make themselves this back up shot.
Some clients, authorize PH for second shot.

My suggestion is: give your PH green light to fire second shot if he thinks is necessary.
Loosing wounded animal, in high value, high stakes hunt is disaster. Do, whatever you can to prevent this.
The first shot is most important, and will decide what happens later. Back up shot by PH is additional insurance.
But most important, do not miss on first shot!

 

[mark-hunter]

But because my English is not very good and there are no hunting groups around, I really don't know what I should do and how I should do it.

Your english is good enough in writing!

So, few more notes on what to expect:
Weather: October, november can be very hot - be ready. (prime time is august)
Check your doctor for any profilactic pills, like malaria prevention if you are going to malaric zone.
Take some antibiotics with you in case of tick bites.

Actual hunt:
When hunting leopard, elephant or lion, Zimbabwe parks ranger will be with you.

Your hunting group will be:
- PH
- You, the client.
- trackers
- Zimababwe parks ranger.

You have only one duty, and only one job: to make first shot perfectly placed in vital zone, in the animal you hunt.
Focus your mental preparation only on that! Visualize the situations.

The camp: the camp will have camp staff, laundry organized, and meals.
There will be probably wi fi ,so you can send messages home.

Day starts early.
You will have the breakfast. Then will go with the team to search for tracks.
When tracks are found, trackers and PH follow, you follow them.
At midday is usually lunch break.
So, depending of circumstances you will go back to camp for lunch.

There will be a lunch break, and at 15 pm, or after lunch, you will go back hunting with same team.
Tracking and hunting, all afternoon. Then before night you will get to camp.
Dinner time.

Fire pit in camp at night, is also called bush TV.
After dinner you all will sit around the fire, and discuss events of the day, and plans for tomorrow.

This is the daily routine.

When actual hunting comes up:
PH will place shooting stick, usually tripod and and will put you in position to shoot.
You aim, and you shoot.
PH may have other advices, like giving you advice where exactly to aim, but this is optional.
So, be ready for shooting situation with understanding of shootable vital zones of animal you hunt.

So, in conclusion:
you have only one duty! Place the first shot where it is supposed to go, in vital zone.
This also means, if you think you can not make that shot - then you dont do it. Do it only when you are 100% you can make it.
You will have second chance. if you decide not to shoot.
So, fire only if 100% certain of good hit.

Mental and psychological preparation is important. When you see a dangerous game animal, adrenaline will jump up. It can be frightening experience.
The distance will be between 20 and 50 meters, very rarely up to 100 meters. But that is maximum.
Shorter distance, will make maybe easier shot, but also, shorter distance more frightening it could be. 100 meters, will make harder shot, but distance makes it less dramatic.

there will be various hunting rifles in camp, and many DG rifles have iron sights only.
My suggestion is choose the rifle with scope. Only with scope you can make perfect shot, when animal is in the bush, in the shadow, covered by leaves, or branches. Only scope will give you possibility to pass the bullet through the foliage and all these obstructions.

So, make sure, you are mentally ready for this situation, when you are face to face with dangerous game animal.

You are about to embark on the greatest adventure in the world! This is reserved only for priviliged and small group of enthusiasts!

I congratulate you on this!

Please write a report about your experience on the forum!

 

[johnjiao]

Thank you very much, sir! Your opinion is extremely important to me. I will read it carefully and discuss it with my colleague. You also have a good understanding of China. Yes, most Chinese people do not shoot and have never touched a gun.

Your english is good enough in writing!

So, few more notes on what to expect:
Weather: October, november can be very hot - be ready. (prime time is august)
Check your doctor for any profilactic pills, like malaria prevention if you are going to malaric zone.
Take some antibiotics with you in case of tick bites.

Actual hunt:
When hunting leopard, elephant or lion, Zimbabwe parks ranger will be with you.

Your hunting group will be:
- PH
- You, the client.
- trackers
- Zimababwe parks ranger.

You have only one duty, and only one job: to make first shot perfectly placed in vital zone, in the animal you hunt.
Focus your mental preparation only on that! Visualize the situations.

The camp: the camp will have camp staff, laundry organized, and meals.
There will be probably wi fi ,so you can send messages home.

Day starts early.
You will have the breakfast. Then will go with the team to search for tracks.
When tracks are found, trackers and PH follow, you follow them.
At midday is usually lunch break.
So, depending of circumstances you will go back to camp for lunch.

There will be a lunch break, and at 15 pm, or after lunch, you will go back hunting with same team.
Tracking and hunting, all afternoon. Then before night you will get to camp.
Dinner time.

Fire pit in camp at night, is also called bush TV.
After dinner you all will sit around the fire, and discuss events of the day, and plans for tomorrow.

This is the daily routine.

When actual hunting comes up:
PH will place shooting stick, usually tripod and and will put you in position to shoot.
You aim, and you shoot.
PH may have other advices, like giving you advice where exactly to aim, but this is optional.
So, be ready for shooting situation with understanding of shootable vital zones of animal you hunt.

So, in conclusion:
you have only one duty! Place the first shot where it is supposed to go, in vital zone.
This also means, if you think you can not make that shot - then you dont do it. Do it only when you are 100% you can make it.
You will have second chance. if you decide not to shoot.
So, fire only if 100% certain of good hit.

Mental and psychological preparation is important. When you see a dangerous game animal, adrenaline will jump up. It can be frightening experience.
The distance will be between 20 and 50 meters, very rarely up to 100 meters. But that is maximum.
Shorter distance, will make maybe easier shot, but also, shorter distance more frightening it could be. 100 meters, will make harder shot, but distance makes it less dramatic.

there will be various hunting rifles in camp, and many DG rifles have iron sights only.
My suggestion is choose the rifle with scope. Only with scope you can make perfect shot, when animal is in the bush, in the shadow, covered by leaves, or branches. Only scope will give you possibility to pass the bullet through the foliage and all these obstructions.

So, make sure, you are mentally ready for this situation, when you are face to face with dangerous game animal.

You are about to embark on the greatest adventure in the world! This is reserved only for priviliged and small group of enthusiasts!

I congratulate you on this!

Please write a report about your experience on the forum!

 

[Bejane]

Johnjiao which outfitter are you going to hunt with in Zimbabwe? And which animals are you going to hunt?

 

[johnjiao]

Johnjiao which outfitter are you going to hunt with in Zimbabwe? And which animals are you going to hunt?

Dumazulu
i want buff and some plains animal

 

[Bejane]

There was a thread that was dissapeared about this outfitter... some negative reports

https://www.africahunting.com/threads/zimbabwe-has-anyone-hunted-with-dumazulu-safaris.59331/

I'd hazard a guess it is the price offered for this safaris is attractive to you.

You may wish to explore other outfitters. But hey, if you go good luck

 

[Betterinthebush]

No hunting experience in home country, no access to weapons to practice with and master, you will be renting a rifle (of a minimum caliber of =>.375) for a buff with no experience behind a large(ish) caliber, first big game hunt is for a big five DG animal, little to nil ability in the local language for effective communication…

@johnjiao , I am happy for your decision to join the ranks of the world wide hunting community. Especially being a Chinese National. You are embarking on a life changing and enriching journey. My compliments to you. We need more hunters in this world, not fewer. But you have some severe handicaps (IMO) to overcome before jumping into the deep end of the pool, the deep end being dangerous game hunting.

My advice,? Go on a dedicated PG hunt first. Get wet and wade in. You will learn so much about hunting, personal expectations and the African bush in general.

I truly mean no offense, and wish you great success in your future.

 

[johnjiao]

No hunting experience in home country, no access to weapons to practice with and master, you will be renting a rifle (of a minimum caliber of =>.375) for a buff with no experience behind a large(ish) caliber, first big game hunt is for a big five DG animal, little to nil ability in the local language for effective communication…

@johnjiao , I am happy for your decision to join the ranks of the world wide hunting community. Especially being a Chinese National, you are embarking on a life changing and enriching journey. My compliments to you. We need more hunters in this world, not fewer. But you have some severe handicaps (IMO) to overcome before jumping into the deep end of the pool, the deep end being dangerous game hunting.

My advice,? Go on a dedicated PG hunt first. Get wet and wade in. You will learn so much about hunting, personal expectations and the African bush in general.

I truly mean no offense, and wish you great success in your future.

Thank you very much, sir. Your reply is of means a lot to me. I have been to Africa several times, but this is my first time hunting. Many people around me were confused when they heard about it, let alone knowing how to do it.

 

[buck wild]

Thread 'BETTER QUESTIONS To Ask When Looking For A Hunt'

Sep 4, 2015

Using some basic questions that I often hear hunters ask, it occurred to me that this may be a good thread to start because so many questions that I hear are very general and open to non specific answers.


QUESTION: What is your success rate for Buffalo?
BETTER QUESTION: What is your success rate for a hard boss trophy Buffalo on your 1x1 8 full hunting days Buffalo package over the last 2 hunting seasons?

QUESTION: When is the best time of the year to come hunting?
BETTER QUESTION: When is the best time to come hunting for Crocodile, … (list any species that would be a priority...

• AfricaHunting.com
• Replies: 57
• Forum: Safari planning guide

• 

Click on this and it will open full page

 

[johnjiao]

thx！

 

[Rare Breed]

I have downloaded the WhatsApp app. To access these webpages, a VPN is required. Thank you very much. I will communicate with my phone and hope for the best. I guess

Excited for you! If you have not already it would be great to take a gun safety course before you go to make your PH feel better. If you cannot practice where you are i would do two things; 1. watch videos on how to shoot a rifle off sticks 2. Even if you can only get a BB gun just practicing squeezing the trigger while never losing sights of the target will help you greatly. Last I would search our AH website for @Philip Glass what to pack for Africa video and you will be in the best step possible. Last make sure you are using a travel agent who knows all the paperwork requirements

 

[johnjiao]

Excited for you! If you have not already it would be great to take a gun safety course before you go to make your PH feel better. If you cannot practice where you are i would do two things; 1. watch videos on how to shoot a rifle off sticks 2. Even if you can only get a BB gun just practicing squeezing the trigger while never losing sights of the target will help you greatly. Last I would search our AH website for @Philip Glass what to pack for Africa video and you will be in the best step possible. Last make sure you are using a travel agent who knows all the paperwork requirements

thank u sirI will learn and experience the use of firearms. You are a very nice person.

 

[Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS]

hi Johnjiao

i am sure u will be very happy and cope well
your ph will take good care of you
as long as you can walk a couple miles/day you should be ok
it will be very hot, and probably humid as you are close or in the rainy season then too

any other questions or queries you are welcome to dm me or email me, stuart@tallyho.co.za

 

[mark-hunter]

To decide, to invest and to make such a trip, it takes a lot of courage!

This is a large step across the line of the comfort zone.
I know hunters who wish to go, and who can afford to go on a Safari, but do not have balls to do it.

I can only admire this action and congratulate whole heartedly.

 

[johnjiao]

hi Johnjiao

i am sure u will be very happy and cope well
your ph will take good care of you
as long as you can walk a couple miles/day you should be ok
it will be very hot, and probably humid as you are close or in the rainy season then too

any other questions or queries you are welcome to dm me or email me, stuart@tallyho.co.za

thank u！You seem to be a seasoned hunter.