Africa Hunts and Relationship with Your Professional Hunter

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Clients have expectations and limitations when hunting.
They don't want to walk to far from the truck or are willing to walk all day...physical expectations.
They are hunting with a single shot, double rifle, open sights, etc...limitations of the firearm.

You are the client and get to have the hunt YOU want.
The PH will do his best tailor the hunt to you.
Be honest with him about your physical fitness and shooting capabilities...everything else will fall into place.
Open lines of communication between the two of you is the best course of action.

I will say that you need to allow yourself to be flexible as plans may very well change.
One minute you are on the hunt for Zebra, but holy crap that's a great looking Impala and you should take it.
You just never know, it's Africa and you should take what it gives you.

Having a positive mental attitude will go a long way with anyone, including the PH.
No one wants to be stuck in any hunting camp with a downer, especially not in Africa.
There is always a bright side, find it and move on.
Allow yourself to really enjoy your hunt.

I guarantee that you are overthinking this and it will be easy.
I'd bet that in the truck from the airport to the first stop you have several things hammered out.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the hunt...don't let this be a point of stress.
This is a VACATION...treat it like one.

I wish you all the best on your upcoming safari.

@BeeMaa
One thing I've picked up on in the AH forum is don't go bragging about how good a shot you are your PH will find out soon enough what type of shit you are..
Also let your PH know what animals you are after. They will do there best to get them. It may not be in the order you want but you will get them. We were on the way for impala but I got a beautiful Kudu then went on to get a cracker 24 inch impala the same day and all before lunch.
My wife go sick while there fortunately we took antibiotics with us but I lost 4 days hunting. My PH knew how badly I wanted a black or blue wildebeest and on our last day he and I had a black wildebeest on the ground.
Listen to your PH on where to shoot an animal and don't be afraid to ask questions.
We arrived as clients and left feeling like family. To me that is the sign of a good PH client experience.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

LISTEN AND DO what your PH says, your success and possibility your life could depend on it.

Kind of what I meant by “he’s in charge”....just hope he doesn’t mind a lot of questions because I’m always curious and like to learn.

Your other advice makes a lot of sense, I don’t need to be babysat and would enjoy sometime to myself doing exactly what you described.

@Fastrig
Your trackers and drivers are part of the experience as well. Talk to them and ask about tracking. I am a reasonable trackers but learnt a hell of a lot from them. They are happy to share. Ask about their families and what the do when not hunting. But be respectful. You WILL learn a lot about the local culture. They may be a little stand offish at the start but soon loosen up and you will enjoy many a good laugh with them especially when you are learning to track.
Bob
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Thanks everyone for your input, advice, etc. Feeling better now as I have no idea what I’m doing when it comes to hunting in Africa so laying down rules/expectations wasn’t resonating with me. I will let the PH know my experience, my shot capabilities (prefer inside 300 yards), that stalking is one of my favorite ways to hunt, am and will be in good physical condition for the hunt. I have been and will continue to practice off sticks, making an ass of myself shooting isn’t something I’m keen on. Past that, I’ll put the hunt in his more than capable hands, listen to every instruction and glean everything I can from him, enjoy the evening camp fire and dinner, and stand and soak in the African night, sounds, and atmosphere with a beer in my hand . Being laid back, joking/laughing, and going with the flow are pretty much me in a nutshell, no camp downer here .

Answers to some of the queries: Nick Bowker is the PH I’ll be heading out with in South Africa, working on getting that booked now. We’ll be hunting in the Bedford area of the Eastern Cape. Animals I’m keen on for this first eight day PG hunt are a Kudu, Gemsbok, Blesbok, Springbok, Impala, Nyala, and Waterbuck. The last two I threw in as possibles if opportunity/time allows. Guessing it will take all eight days for the first five and the last two might have to wait till the next trip. As to definition of a trophy, I know there are certain horn lengths and sizes that class as a trophy animal but for the Kudu, in particular, I’m after an animal bordering on spectacular or as close as I can get. My wife isn’t keen on mounted trophies in our house but there is one place in our den that she’s acquiesced to let me put one and that’s where the Kudu will go (very tall ceiling with the perfect wall space). If it took all eight days to track down and get that one animal, I’d bet perfectly content with that as the Kudu is my favorite of the African PG. Anything else I get and have mounted will go in my office. A good friend of mine might be joining us on the hunt, which would really make the trip a blast.

Thanks again to everyone. You all are the reason this site is so much fun to follow and participate in.

@Fastrig
One of our group walked over 30 km to get his Kudu. He chased it for 2 days and on the third day he walked 200 yards and got his trophy a beautiful 55 inch. The leader of our group spent 2 days in the same area and a lot of walking to get his 58 inch Kudu.
Mine was from the Kalahari area and an old bull. He may have only been a bit over 52 inches but my PH assured me it was a good bull for the Kalahari with lovely ivory tips. I only walked a bit over a kilometer but that's the luck of the draw.
Your trophy is yours and yours alone. Don't try and compare it to others or you may be disappointed. Mine wasn't as big as the other2 and I didn't have to walk as far ( I'm not capable of walking great distances nowdays due to various injuries) but it is MY Kudu and I got it the best way I physically could. It doesn't make it less than the others to me.
To top it off it was the only one seen on this concession.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I understand that you have some doubts of what to expect and what to have them expect of you..

Sometimes the toughest is too not know who you book or hunt with in person. The hunt is more than just a hunt it is an experience and sometimes a once in a lifetime experience .... most times it starts off as a once in a lifetime experience that turns into an addiction by day 2 !

It helps to go by other references although we all have different personalities and where sometimes you "click" with someone and sometimes you do not.

The other factors besides the amount of animals , the price , the size of animals plays a big role . Comfort of accommodations , food , ambiance , socialization , trust to name a few.

You have to decide what is your main aim ....Big Trophies , Ease of the hunt , budget , social interaction and comfort etc.

Tell your Outfitter first what you expect or what your main objectives is to make it a successful trip for you. Normally a good combination of a few will ensure a great safari.. He can then also have a better idea on which ph to assign to you to ensure you have a wonderful trip.

Be upfront about your abilities may it be physical or shooting capabilities. The more info he has the better he can plan. The days can turn into 18 and 20 hour days or nights sometimes ..If you choose the right person your 10 days feel like 3 and you cannot wait to return.

We all want to have a GOOD time and some good trophies. Sometimes it is easier to be upfront on something even though it might sound abnoxious .... It is YOUR trip . We all have different expections in life. If you are honest any GOOD Outfit will need your ecpectations and MORE !

Good luck amd enjoy your first trip of many !

Happy Hunting !

@SafariA
We must have got the best ever
Great animals
Great price
Good trophies
Brilliant accommodation and staff.
Good ambiance and social interaction. My wife went out with our cook and the PHs wife a few times
To top it off one the second last night we had a beautiful meal at Joe's beer house in Windhoek with 2 of our PHs.
Our young PH was born and raised in Windhoek as was our host in the area so we got to see his town from his perspective not a tourist operater.
Our PH/Owner stayed back to organise for his next client. A man from the U.S. coming to hunt leopard. This worked out well for us as my son was able to get more warthog for bait at no charge. Others also got to get bait warthog with the owner using dogs.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

@BeeMaa is spot on.

The enjoyment of the adventure of a safari will likely eclipse the enjoyment of the size of any trophy. The biggest trophy in inches is usually not the best/favorite hunt.

If you can go meet your PH at SCI or DSC, you absolutely should. I remember being told to not worry about or overthink things, just to go to Africa and I would have an amazing time. No simpler truth could have been said.

@Tra3
I have to agree with you the biggest may not be your favourite. My impala that went 24 inches is one of my favourites. They are a beautiful but underrated animal my other is my zebra because my son wanted one and so did other members our owner/PH gave us a godfather deal that we couldn't refuse. Our second zebra was half price. I had always wanted one but decided to let my son have it due to the cost but when the offer came up how could I say no.
Bob

My bonus zebra stallion

My beautiful (in my opinion) impala and our outfitter/fellow hunter Markus on the left.
My absolute best trophies were the ones my wife was there to share the moment with me.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

@Fastrig , if you want a spectacular Kudu, you should go farther north, as in the Limpopo province.

@Nyati
The Gobabis region of Namibia has some good ones to 55 to 58+ inches

Just be bloody careful as some CHARGE PER INCH for Kudu bigger is more expensive.
Our owner/PH charged per animal whether 45 or 58+ inch same price.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

@Fastrig It's so awesome to read through all the comments and advice. I can tell with almost 100% certainty that you are going to have a fantastic time! Your positive attitude is certainly a main contributor to that. It's great that you learned the difference between the Kudu as it will avoid disappointment. You may end up returning for another Kudu..... Hunting Africa is extremely addictive!! My first trip I hunted the East Cape and found out about the size difference, and to be honest, I was somewhat disappointed. But I'm told for an East Cape Kudu he's respectable enough. But it really is more about the experience than the trophy size. My absolute favorite hunt was my Barbary Sheep, and he is no record book trophy! I honestly don't know if I've seen a smaller one posted on here. LMAO! The hunt itself was awesome!! And for what it's worth, from what I've heard of your outfitter you've made a great choice! Have a great trip and tell us all about it when you return!
Here's pics of my Kudu and Barbary (Aoudad)View attachment 355878 View attachment 355879

@Cam Moon
Beautiful animals mate well done. I know your trophies will bring a lifetime of memories.
Bob

 

[375Fox]

@Fastrig
One of our group walked over 30 km to get his Kudu. He chased it for 2 days and on the third day he walked 200 yards and got his trophy a beautiful 55 inch. The leader of our group spent 2 days in the same area and a lot of walking to get his 58 inch Kudu.
Mine was from the Kalahari area and an old bull. He may have only been a bit over 52 inches but my PH assured me it was a good bull for the Kalahari with lovely ivory tips. I only walked a bit over a kilometer but that's the luck of the draw.
Your trophy is yours and yours alone. Don't try and compare it to others or you may be disappointed. Mine wasn't as big as the other2 and I didn't have to walk as far ( I'm not capable of walking great distances nowdays due to various injuries) but it is MY Kudu and I got it the best way I physically could. It doesn't make it less than the others to me.
To top it off it was the only one seen on this concession.
Bob

That’s a really exceptional average on kudu.

 

[Firebird]

Maybe be a bit cautious here-
I once guided a guy for a once in a lifetime mtn goat. Horseback and hike and tents and open fires above Wilderness timberline. He killed a nice billy on second day and all he cares about was how long it’s horns were. Inches do matter, but are they the measurement of the hunt? I would take experience over inches every time and old age twice on the sabbath. Guys who carry record books will be frequently disappointed or are too wealthy for their own good. My 2cents is follow your guy on Facebook and have fun, let him worry about the inches.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

That’s a really exceptional average on kudu.

@375Fox

The 55 inch Gobabis Kudu after a 30 kilometers 3 day chase.

Markus with his 58 inch Gobabis Kudu.

My 52 and a,bit Kalahari Kudu.

 

[LPANKRATZ]

Taking a representative animal and then remaining on the look out for something special is always a good technique. However, we probably ought to keep relative size clear for someone hunting the Eastern Cape for Kudu rather than the Southern race. I think the largest ever taken was was 58 inches and a fraction back in 1977. The typical quality mature trophy from the region is 45-50 inches. Anything north of fifty will be special. There are a host of kudu (both Southern and Eastern) in that size range in the photo section of this forum. Any bull like that from that region would be a wonderful memory for the wall.

I apologize...my specie was not the eastern cape. My ph told me of my possible expectations my first night. You'll see plenty from 45 to 52. I'll let you know. He must've said NO 20 times...then a yes. I was ecstatic but I budgeted a little extra....I heard NO countless times throughout the hunt. On all different animals. We had a good bond. When a YES registered, it was on. Full tilt to that animal.
Relax and have fun. You'll be back but when?? Take the specials home. European the rest. Don't bust the bank. Leave options. And take every pic and video you can. Don't worry about being rude stopping or delaying the hunt for pictures. Include the whole group!

 

[Bos en Dal SAFARIS]

@Nyati
The Gobabis region of Namibia has some good ones to 55 to 58+ inches

Just be bloody careful as some CHARGE PER INCH for Kudu bigger is more expensive.
Our owner/PH charged per animal whether 45 or 58+ inch same price.
Bob

To me that is B.S and what message does it give to the client? If you are not a high roller and dont book a $4000 kudu then we wont be hunting too hard for kudu and you better take the 49" one i show you....
I always believe if a animal is priced a certain price it is what it is, and we will hunt for the best one we can find. If you shoot a 55+ trophy why should you pay more, if you have been boots to the ground you deserve that trophy.
I understand some places may cost more than others due to different land owners having different pricing on their animals for different reasons. But if you hunt a certain area and the Kudu is priced X then all Kudu in that area should be X not only the ones below a certain inch mark.
And this counts for every animal on the price list

 

[Bos en Dal SAFARIS]

@Fastrig as been said in the post, i think communication is key, even if you are completely new to hunting Africa, you know what you expect from the hunt, that's why you booked it. Yes things may not play out as you were planning for different reasons but that's exact;y why you and your Ph should talk a bit about what can and what cant be expected from the area. From what i have read you are fixed on not shooting anything from the truck "we call it a Bakkie" and that should be a known fact when you arrive in camp.

Also it seems to me you are looking for a good Kudu, in the eastern cape you are not gonna shoot a real BIG one but it is a different type of hunt than what one can expect up north. So go and enjoy the hunting method and get the best East cape kudu you can find. But again let your Outfitter / PH send you photos from the last 10 kudu taken in their area. This way you can see what would be the expectation, then you will know better when you get on the sticks if better is possible or if it is a representative of the area in your cross hairs. Remember the decision is always yours if you gonna pull the trigger or mot

Then other than that if you have been talking good and Honest with your Outfitter/ PH all that is left is to go out and enjoy the hunt, make new friendships that will last a lifetime and get hooked on Hunting the dark continent

All the best for your planning and hopefully we will all be hunting again sooner than later
My personal Best
Gerrit

 

[Red Leg]

@Nyati
The Gobabis region of Namibia has some good ones to 55 to 58+ inches

Just be bloody careful as some CHARGE PER INCH for Kudu bigger is more expensive.
Our owner/PH charged per animal whether 45 or 58+ inch same price.
Bob

The European/New Zealand infection of charging by the inch is indeed spreading across many of the game ranches of South Arica. I personally have no desire to participate in it on the African continent. One of the real attractions of a wilderness hunt or most of the low fence ranch country of Namibia is having a PH working hard to find his hunter the best whatever in the time allotted.

 

[JKO HUNTING SAFARIS]

@Nyati
The Gobabis region of Namibia has some good ones to 55 to 58+ inches

Just be bloody careful as some CHARGE PER INCH for Kudu bigger is more expensive.
Our owner/PH charged per animal whether 45 or 58+ inch same price.
Bob

I also do not agree with the concept of charging by the inch like Gerrit said.... I feel that hunting does involve luck and hard work. If you have hunted large enough properties you will understand what I mean, some areas in SA are smaller and the ph's know exactly where what animals are hanging out and if the price list is per inch.... Well we all know what will happen with the client that is willing to pay $5k for a kudu. If a hunter is willing to pay a little more for a safari in a top quality hunting outfit with the right values he will always take proper trophies regardless.

Yes there is hunters out there that contact us as an outfitter asking for guaranteed sizes or exceptional record book trophies. If a client want to take a 48" buffalo and nothing less and he is willing to hunt one specific animal knowing all the in's and out's before hand, who am I to turn him away if I can arrange the safari for him? I am always honest and upfront with what can be expected and we always hunt ethically. I will never take a client to hunt a buffalo in a 100 acre pin even though he is okay with it. That offers no respect towards the animal you are hunting and it is no accomplishment for me personally!

 

[CBH Australia]

I think the PH knows the area snd whats likely available.
Be a good client it might pay off.
If they offer you an animal then thats whats on offer. It may be the best they think they are going to find or it may be better than average and yhats likely where the price/expectaion is set.
If you are a trophy hunter and a good client they might just try a little harder to find a better specimen.
The animals move freely but the PH knows the area and knows animal behaviour.
I expect he is noting potential availabilty for upcoming hunts the whole time.

 

[Roller]

Tell the PH that you want to shoot old, past breeding age animals. A good PH will steer you in that direction regardless. You will get a good trophy. It should also help take pressure off the PH, and make you look wiser and more knowledgeable than a new-to-Africa guy who thinks a mid 50's cape kudu is an everyday occurrence.

 

[Ruan Bouwer]

I grew up in Africa. I've lived here for all of my short 20 years. I have had the privilege to be on game farms regularly since I was 2 weeks old. I spent all of my weekends and vacations on our game farm in Limpopo until we sold it, and ever since, I've still gone to family of mine's farms and I've hunted many places including Botswana. I have also had the privilege to guide many a friend, and it is a passion of mine. I am going to do my PH course in order to become a qualified PH later this month. From my guiding experiences and having many, many PH friends, I have a few tips that we would really appreciate a client to keep in mind.

1. Be positive. Nobody likes being in pessimistic company. Be optimistic since the first day - this will create a good vibe between members of the hunting party, and everybody will enjoy the trip more.

2. Don't be uptight. Crack a joke when you feel like it, enjoy yourself and remember that it is a vacation, not a formal business meeting. You're in the African bush, not the boardroom.

3. Listen to your PH, but don't treat him as if he is your boss. We are all human. If I went to a different continent for hunting, I would trust that the guide taking me out knows what he is talking about if he grew up in the area. Ask questions, make conversation, tell him about your experiences, your knowledge and your passion for hunting. Make him your friend and listen to what he says.

4. Communicate, communicate, communicate. Inform your PH on what you want to hunt exactly, how you want your trophies prepared, what you like and don't like to eat or drink, how far you are comfortable shooting and don't be afraid to tell him when you're not 100% comfortable with a shot. He will appreciate your honesty.

5. Ask us about our experiences and stories. We grew up here. We love what we do and we love Africa. We have stories that will make you laugh, cry and leave you in awe. We love to share our stories and listen to yours.

6. Be yourself. You're in a new environment with new people. Be comfortable and just be yourself - don't try to impress others or be someone else.

7. Be clever. Hunting Africa is hard at the best of times. Nobody will think weird about you if you decide to go to sleep at 21:00 - it is smart to not burn yourself out and be the difficult client who struggles to get up early in the mornings. You will enjoy it more if you pace yourself and treat it as you would any other hard hunting trip. The PH will also respect you for not making his job more difficult and you will get along way better.

8. Don't have initial expectations. Africa is something you can't really describe to someone who comes here for the first time. Rather come here without expectations and take everything second-by-second - this way you'll enjoy every moment and experience that much more.

9. Enjoy every moment to the fullest! There is a famous quote from I believe Richard Mullin that goes, "The only man I envy is the man who has never been to Africa, for he has so much to look forward to."

Ruan Bouwer

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I grew up in Africa. I've lived here for all of my short 20 years. I have had the privilege to be on game farms regularly since I was 2 weeks old. I spent all of my weekends and vacations on our game farm in Limpopo until we sold it, and ever since, I've still gone to family of mine's farms and I've hunted many places including Botswana. I have also had the privilege to guide many a friend, and it is a passion of mine. I am going to do my PH course in order to become a qualified PH later this month. From my guiding experiences and having many, many PH friends, I have a few tips that we would really appreciate a client to keep in mind.

1. Be positive. Nobody likes being in pessimistic company. Be optimistic since the first day - this will create a good vibe between members of the hunting party, and everybody will enjoy the trip more.

2. Don't be uptight. Crack a joke when you feel like it, enjoy yourself and remember that it is a vacation, not a formal business meeting. You're in the African bush, not the boardroom.

3. Listen to your PH, but don't treat him as if he is your boss. We are all human. If I went to a different continent for hunting, I would trust that the guide taking me out knows what he is talking about if he grew up in the area. Ask questions, make conversation, tell him about your experiences, your knowledge and your passion for hunting. Make him your friend and listen to what he says.

4. Communicate, communicate, communicate. Inform your PH on what you want to hunt exactly, how you want your trophies prepared, what you like and don't like to eat or drink, how far you are comfortable shooting and don't be afraid to tell him when you're not 100% comfortable with a shot. He will appreciate your honesty.

5. Ask us about our experiences and stories. We grew up here. We love what we do and we love Africa. We have stories that will make you laugh, cry and leave you in awe. We love to share our stories and listen to yours.

6. Be yourself. You're in a new environment with new people. Be comfortable and just be yourself - don't try to impress others or be someone else.

7. Be clever. Hunting Africa is hard at the best of times. Nobody will think weird about you if you decide to go to sleep at 21:00 - it is smart to not burn yourself out and be the difficult client who struggles to get up early in the mornings. You will enjoy it more if you pace yourself and treat it as you would any other hard hunting trip. The PH will also respect you for not making his job more difficult and you will get along way better.

8. Don't have initial expectations. Africa is something you can't really describe to someone who comes here for the first time. Rather come here without expectations and take everything second-by-second - this way you'll enjoy every moment and experience that much more.

9. Enjoy every moment to the fullest! There is a famous quote from I believe Richard Mullin that goes, "The only man I envy is the man who has never been to Africa, for he has so much to look forward to."

Ruan Bouwer

@Ryan Bouwer.
You have m are some excellent points young man. I learned a lot about Namibia from my PH. The good the bad and ugly of the country past and present especially how environmental experts are trying to ban hunting.
We all had a great time stirring the shit with each other about the Koff Schott.
All the best in you PH endeavours young man. You never know you may get a job with Jacques at JKO.
BOB

 

[CBH Australia]

I grew up in Africa. I've lived here for all of my short 20 years. I have had the privilege to be on game farms regularly since I was 2 weeks old. I spent all of my weekends and vacations on our game farm in Limpopo until we sold it, and ever since, I've still gone to family of mine's farms and I've hunted many places including Botswana. I have also had the privilege to guide many a friend, and it is a passion of mine. I am going to do my PH course in order to become a qualified PH later this month. From my guiding experiences and having many, many PH friends, I have a few tips that we would really appreciate a client to keep in mind.

1. Be positive. Nobody likes being in pessimistic company. Be optimistic since the first day - this will create a good vibe between members of the hunting party, and everybody will enjoy the trip more.

2. Don't be uptight. Crack a joke when you feel like it, enjoy yourself and remember that it is a vacation, not a formal business meeting. You're in the African bush, not the boardroom.

3. Listen to your PH, but don't treat him as if he is your boss. We are all human. If I went to a different continent for hunting, I would trust that the guide taking me out knows what he is talking about if he grew up in the area. Ask questions, make conversation, tell him about your experiences, your knowledge and your passion for hunting. Make him your friend and listen to what he says.

4. Communicate, communicate, communicate. Inform your PH on what you want to hunt exactly, how you want your trophies prepared, what you like and don't like to eat or drink, how far you are comfortable shooting and don't be afraid to tell him when you're not 100% comfortable with a shot. He will appreciate your honesty.

5. Ask us about our experiences and stories. We grew up here. We love what we do and we love Africa. We have stories that will make you laugh, cry and leave you in awe. We love to share our stories and listen to yours.

6. Be yourself. You're in a new environment with new people. Be comfortable and just be yourself - don't try to impress others or be someone else.

7. Be clever. Hunting Africa is hard at the best of times. Nobody will think weird about you if you decide to go to sleep at 21:00 - it is smart to not burn yourself out and be the difficult client who struggles to get up early in the mornings. You will enjoy it more if you pace yourself and treat it as you would any other hard hunting trip. The PH will also respect you for not making his job more difficult and you will get along way better.

8. Don't have initial expectations. Africa is something you can't really describe to someone who comes here for the first time. Rather come here without expectations and take everything second-by-second - this way you'll enjoy every moment and experience that much more.

9. Enjoy every moment to the fullest! There is a famous quote from I believe Richard Mullin that goes, "The only man I envy is the man who has never been to Africa, for he has so much to look forward to."

Ruan Bouwer

Good luck with your PH career.
We look forward to hearing about your experiences in the future