AH MEMBER HUNT - HOST OUTFITTER?

[JGRaider]

Delta's mobile app lets you track your luggage. It works well.

 

[billc]

How many guys after doing there first trip thought it was way easier then they thought it would be to get through the airport stuff. I found it to be nothing to worry about at all after doing it the first time.

 

[Royal27]

Funny, but traveling internationally with a rifle didn't bother me at all. I guess I had done it enough times here in the States that I didn't think it was a big deal.

The anxiety I remember the first time I went to Africa in 1999 was horrible though. I had this perception that it was nothing like it was, which in the case of Joberg was just another big city. As soon as I got there and saw they had ATMs and cell phones I really felt silly.... Now I know not everywhere is like that, but most is where the average hunter goes, or you're taken to your destination and there isn't an issue as you're never alone.

 

[JGRaider]

I use the $150 meet/greet services with pre approved SAPS. Peace of mind is worth the price to me.

Clearing rifles in some parts of Mexico is another story though. I get a little nervous when 16 yr old boys, lots of them, are wandering around in camo with AK's.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Everyone has a different risk tolerance and that is exactly what I am trying to get at with asking the questions I am.
Anyone with an automatic weapon would be getting my attention, anywhere.

What made you anxious and why?

 

[JGRaider]

When I went down to Sonora, MX in 2006, we drove down there, entering MX through Nogales, AZ. The outfitter met us at the border and escorted us through the Mexican border town to the Federales' office to clear our weapons. He had all the necessary permits. Myself and two buddies waited outside the compound with our F250 loaded with gear. That's when the gun toting teens in camo came buzzing out of the office, getting up close and personal with out truck, staring into it and at us, without saying a word. Probably 15 of them. We knew zero spanish. We gave them a couple of small flashlights and they pretty much went on about their business and left us alone. They made us very nervous to say the least. That was when MX was deemed much safer than today. No way in hades' I'd go back down there now.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

When I went down to Sonora, MX in 2006, we drove down there, entering MX through Nogales, AZ. The outfitter met us at the border and escorted us through the Mexican border town to the Federales' office to clear our weapons. He had all the necessary permits. Myself and two buddies waited outside the compound with our F250 loaded with gear. That's when the gun toting teens in camo came buzzing out of the office, getting up close and personal with out truck, staring into it and at us, without saying a word. Probably 15 of them. We knew zero spanish. We gave them a couple of small flashlights and they pretty much went on about their business and left us alone. They made us very nervous to say the least. That was when MX was deemed much safer than today. No way in hades' I'd go back down there now.

Was this possibly with Kirk Kelso (Pusch Ridge Outfitters)?

 

[JGRaider]

Was this possibly with Kirk Kelso (Pusch Ridge Outfitters)?

No, it was with a guy named Rich LaRocco, ex editor of Outdoor Life. The rest of the trip was a wonderful experience.

 

[KWALATA SAFARIS]

I bet you it was the first intersection you came to with your newly acquired PH driving on the left side of the road !

 

[BRICKBURN]

I bet you it was the first intersection you came to with your newly acquired PH driving on the left side of the road !

Coming up to that same intersection the first time you drive yourself is pretty darned interesting!

 

[KWALATA SAFARIS]

Coming up to that same intersection the first time you drive yourself is pretty darned interesting!

Now ain't that the truth, I use what we call the Flip-off-o-meter (marketing circle slang) I use to be flipped off around 10 - 15 times a season, these days I'm down to once, possibly twice, but they're usdually big ones (like finger missiles! With little middle fingers raining down on me!)

So I reckon I'm doing well...

My best always

 

[Royal27]

I bet you it was the first intersection you came to with your newly acquired PH driving on the left side of the road !

Ya know, I actually loved this part of my first trip. I think it is just because I'm left handed, but one of the things I really wanted to do in SA was to drive a stick shift. the folks I was with thought I was nuts!!!! We finally rented a stick shift in Cape Town. all of the others who had their international DL made it clear that I'd be doing all of the driving, which was fine by me!

 

[BRICKBURN]

So, how long (duration) are most first time Safari's?
7 days Hunting?
10 days Hunting?

Here's a link to a Poll on the subject. Please throw your vote in.

http://www.africahunting.com/threads/ah-member-hunt-of-days-poll.20873/

 

[Diamondhitch]

10 days for me

 

[Rob404]

I would think 7 days for a first timer after that 10 days + I think my next trip would involve some touring and sightseeing as well as hunting

 

[accipiter]

I would be very interested in an AH group hunt because I always hunt alone. Very few of my friends are hunters, and none of them would go to hunt in Africa.

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

I would be very interested in an AH group hunt because I always hunt alone. Very few of my friends are hunters, and none of them would go to hunt in Africa.

Just one thing that comes to mind through this post. Should we end up hosting a hunt like this, although it would be an "AH Group hunt", you will still hunt with your own PH in your own area." The "group" activity will only occur at night from the lodge.

Take Care,
Marius Goosen

 

[ActionBob]

Just one thing that comes to mind through this post. Should we end up hosting a hunt like this, although it would be an "AH Group hunt", you will still hunt with your own PH in your own area." The "group" activity will only occur at night from the lodge.

Take Care,
Marius Goosen

And during travel. I think that is the biggest advantage to first timers mixing with people who have done it. Group discounts also help

 

[Johnny7604]

Just one thing that comes to mind through this post. Should we end up hosting a hunt like this, although it would be an "AH Group hunt", you will still hunt with your own PH in your own area." The "group" activity will only occur at night from the lodge.

Take Care,
Marius Goosen

I like the idea of a group hunt and would be interested in something like this if there are available spots.

 

[accipiter]

Just one thing that comes to mind through this post. Should we end up hosting a hunt like this, although it would be an "AH Group hunt", you will still hunt with your own PH in your own area." The "group" activity will only occur at night from the lodge.

Take Care,
Marius Goosen

Sounds perfect.

When I went on my first safari, I really enjoyed the company of local hunters that were at my lodge for the first two nights. Before I departed I spent a night at Africa Sky guesthouse. I chatted for hours with a couple that also just finished their first safari. There is a lot of comraderie and reflection that you do not get when you are alone.

I would be very interested in an AH group hunt, as long as I have no scheduling conflicts.