An aunt needing help!

[Twraska]

In addition to those mentioned, I know a couple of guides that have worked for me on the farm here in Texas that could give you guidance.

 

[MurphyS]

I also recommend skull mounts. Tell the African taxidermist to simply mount the skulls on scrap plywood "plaques" so they can pass customs inspection as "finished taxidermy." That will save $$ and import hassles. And tell taxidermist no painting the skulls! Your nephew can mount the skulls however he wants. He is a young man who has many physical relocations in his future. It will be much easier to deal with skulls than dragging around shoulder mounts.
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For economy I suggest impala, springbuck, and blesbuck. Maybe a blue wildebeest. Warthog usually are a bit more of a headache to get through customs on this end. Because they are so greasy, getting a skull done up properly is a crapshoot. Or you could simply book one animal, the most rewarding of all: kudu. A spectacular trophy and usually a very challenging hunt. On my first safari I had four of five animals of my package by day two plus blue wildebeest, warthog, and Cape buffalo. Then I had five days left to get my kudu and finally shot him literally at the last hour of the last day. Probably saw a dozen bulls but never able to connect. Wary buggers and difficult terrain. If your nephew's hunt was dedicated for kudu and he couldn't connect, by the last day or two the PH could set him up with something else ... likely a couple of something else. The amount and variety of game he/you will see is mind boggling.
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I would suggest asking the outfitter if your nephew can cull a couple of springbuck. I culled them and only paid the "meat price" (about $150 as I recall). Usually can't take the horns but have the hides tanned for table top throws etc. Springbuck are beautiful little things and not very expensive to get tanned up. Again, something he will be able to easily carry with him down life's road long after you are gone.

Just about any outfitter will be able to set you up with tours while your nephew is hunting.

My thoughts exactly! At the end of the day, he's 18. I have no idea what he would do with 5+ mounts. The euro mounts are beautiful, and I think a more affordable option. Thank you for sharing the tip about the plywood, I will definitely inquire about that!

 

[MurphyS]

In addition to those mentioned, I know a couple of guides that have worked for me on the farm here in Texas that could give you guidance.

I'm open to all suggestions! Thank you!

 

[Tbitty]

If you're looking for outfitters, I can highly recommend @GAME 4 AFRICA SAFARIS , who also happens to be a site sponsor here. I just returned from a hunt with them about a month ago and am already planning a return visit. A number of other AH members have also hunted with Wik (G4A) and his team this year. You can find the hunt reports all over this website, and I never found a negative comment about them in my research. I'm sure theres also many, many more outfitters others here would recommend (and a handful they wouldn't).

PM Wik or do a search for his website online and send him a message on what youre looking for. Im sure he can put a package together.

 

[FIELD ETHOS]

Welcome to AH! Glad to have you on board.

 

[PENDLETON AMMUNITION]

Welcome to AH!

 

[Kalahari Safari NAMIBIA]

I am planning a surprise trip to Africa for my 18 year old nephew's graduation. He is an avid hunter; I am an avid vacationer. I want him to have a good experience, but I am totally out of my element in trying to plan a guided hunt for him. Is it possible to only hunt for 1 or 2 animals for 4 or 5 days (nothing dangerous--I'm thinking warthog, springbuck, blesbok, impala, etc. in the South(ern) Africa area)? Most hunts I have researched are 7+ days and 4 to 5+ animals. While I'm sure he would love that, it's really not feasible for me to pay for the trophy fees and for all of that taxidermy work on top of the trip and the hunt. Also, I would love to see Africa... I want him to hunt and enjoy himself, but I also want to explore, which is why I had envisioned a shorter hunting trip. If that's just not feasible then I totally understand. I'm just looking to try and understand the expectations of this kind of hunt. For those that travel with companions/families--what do they do while you hunt? An African Safari is my #1 bucket list adventure so I'm trying to figure out how to balance his dreams and mine. Are outfitters out there who offer both? Hunts and opportunities for families to safari? I'm open to any insight or information you may have! I want this to be special for him, so I am trying to learn all of the things!
Thank you!

You are most welcome to contact us at Kalahari Safari! That is our speciality- creating experiences for the hunter and non hunter. And you can custom make the hunt to suit your needs and requirements. No minimum hunting days or trophies required. Namibia is a great destination for your first Africa trip. There is so much to see and do and we will gladly assist with all the side trip arrangements to see more of our beautiful country. You are welcome to contact me on info@kalahari-safari.com. - Janneman