Can I hunt Africa? I have injuries...

[CZDiesel]

So I have just been medically retired from my career because of injuries that happened 19 years ago. I have chronic pain, swelling, and difficultit’s with mobility associated with the wounds...

I want want to come to Africa in 2023 for a PG and possible DG hunt and have talked to several friends that have discussed going with me in the past to plan it. But all my friends keep asking if I’ll be able to actually hunt or if any outfitters or PH’s will want to work with me?

So my injuries... In 2002 I was involved in a gun fight and was hit five times in my right hip and both right and left legs. I was, for over a year, in a hospital bed. But in 2004 went back to work in management for Costco, a pretty physically demanding job. I held that job until this spring, walking upwards of 10 miles a day. But in the last several years my legs just couldn’t do it anymore. I tell you this because it’s not that I can’t walk, I can! It’s not that I’m not mobile, I am! But I’m slower, I can’t go the distance that I could before, and I need assistance from a walking stick at times. Weather and swelling can cause severe pain but I know how to keep them mitigated. There can be days I just can’t do it at all, sadly...

So I guess the question is what it is! Can I still hunt Africa and are there Outfitters and PHs that are willing to work with my disabilities?

Im OK with any questions about my injuries if an Outfitter or PH needs clarification or more information before giving their opinion...

 

[Randy Bo]

I have never hunted Africa so, obviously, I can be of no assistance.
But, you have certainly came to the right place with your question.
Good Luck and God Bless…

 

[MMAL]

Yes you can hunt Africa. Without getting into specifics there are outfitters that can provide everything from long stalks in wild country to hunting from the back of a truck. Thus there is certainly someone that can work with exactly what you are capable of. Good luck.

 

[mark-hunter]

Yes, you can hunt Africa. (I was twice in Africa to hunt and planning next trip)
In most cases of common safari, you have two options: walk and stalk, or sitting in a blind over waterhole.
Most common way of stalking is to approach the area by car, and stalk for few hundred meters - not demanding.

There are of course, very demanding walking safaris, but above description will fit majority of the offers that you find for plains game hunt in south africa or namibia.

DG hunts:
Very wide subject.
But leopard in most of the cases is hunted on the bait, as well as lion can be hunted.
True buffalo hunt is really by stalking but can be hunted from blind as well.
Hippo and croc are hunted in water by accurate shot, and hippo sometimes on land.
etc etc

Out of numerous options I am sure you will be able to find something for you.

Now what you need to do, is narrow down the list of species and ask for options and offers.
many outfitters will respond. Then you can discuss in more details with them

 

[CBH Australia]

Yes, I'm sure someone can accommodate you.
Maybe place a post asking for such a Hunt.
Somehow wording that you want a hunt with limited walking. You can go into the specific s with them. You will most likely get a few offers to tailor something for you.
I didn't walk a lot on my hunt because he was abundant but the terrain was hilly in parts. That was walked a bit but could have been avoided if I had difficulty.

Good luck with it and I hope it comes to fruition.

 

[Inline6]

Outfitters are all about accommodating the client.

Even if you have a bad day or two in a 7-10day hunt. Just riding in cruiser with your friends taking everything in (the landscape, animals, nature) is worth the trip.

One thing I can say, don't let the what ifs keep you from making a dream into a reality.

 

[GuttormG]

This guys hunt deer in Norway.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

@CZDiesel as @mark-hunter said for PG you drive and then a short stalk, or you could shoot from the vehicle if you wish. Our little Land Rovers are perfect for this, it's an open platform. I have also seen plenty of buff close to the road, and a slow stalk is the order of the day, so no problem there.
All of my best hunting areas, like Save and KweKwe are on a dead flat terrain, you could do a whole hunt there in a wheelchair if necessary, no steps anywhere in the camp either. So in summary YES!

 

[Rell]

100% you can!

The flights will be taxing most likely. Plan on a recovery day between arrival and first day of hunting.

Bringing a gun is actually a fair amount of work and running around. I would strongly consider using an outfitters rifle.

I would do a longer PG trip so you can have bad days and not be stressed.

For PG in South Africa you can even get a massage arranged, comfortable beds, some have hot baths and what ever else might help.

It would be very easy to a trip where you hunt from blinds part of the time and cruise around in a truck looking for game and just stalk in the last 400 hundred yards.

The trick is to be patient and wait for good opportunities, don’t get frustrated with your limits and just enjoy it.

Many many outfitters would be happy to set it up for you, just communicate your needs well in advance.

 

[Rell]

I’ve hunted with Andrew Pringle at Crusader Safari six times and I’m sure they would be more then happy to accommodate.

Best Free Range Hunting Safaris in South Africa | Crusader Safaris

Crusader Safaris is a premier South African hunting operation, that provides an authentic free range hunting experience with superior trophy quality. Explore Africa!!

www.crusadersafaris.com

Most operators are proud to go above and beyond for clients and finding a good one is not that hard.

 

[JimP]

I would say that the flight to Africa is more stressful than the hunts themselves, at least for plains game. On my hunt we did do some serious walking, not because it was needed but it was what my PH and I decided to do.

As for importing a firearm into a country in Africa, if you use a pre approved rifle service with a meet and greet it is no more stressful than just going through customs, and usually a lot less stressful since you are taken to the head of the line in most instances.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

As others have said Yes you can hunt Africa!
I am a big guy with some mobility issues. Your PH will make sure you can and will have a great time. I have hunted with Gerrit at Bos en Dal 3 times and have trips 4&5 booked also. I have taken 3 buffalo, lioness, and 21 plains game so far. Spot and stalk type hunts. You should have no problems. Do your research and tell your outfitter any limitations ahead of time and they will make sure you have a great time and take your desired animals.

 

[WebleyGreene455]

@CZDiesel as @mark-hunter said for PG you drive and then a short stalk, or you could shoot from the vehicle if you wish. Our little Land Rovers are perfect for this, it's an open platform. I have also seen plenty of buff close to the road, and a slow stalk is the order of the day, so no problem there.
All of my best hunting areas, like Save and KweKwe are on a dead flat terrain, you could do a whole hunt there in a wheelchair if necessary, no steps anywhere in the camp either. So in summary YES!

View attachment 423919

Kevin, do you know of anywhere that offers hunting with horses or offers casual sightseeing via horseback?

 

[outwestidaho]

I have a very close friend that has been in a wheel chair for most of his life .
He is now 67 years old and hunted Africa several times. He has taken elephant, cape buffalos, crocks and lots of plains game. He has hunted Zim, Zambia and other places.
If you like I can give you his info for contact. He's always enjoys talking about hunting africa.

 

[HENRY GRIFFITHS SAFARIS]

So I have just been medically retired from my career because of injuries that happened 19 years ago. I have chronic pain, swelling, and difficultit’s with mobility associated with the wounds...

I want want to come to Africa in 2023 for a PG and possible DG hunt and have talked to several friends that have discussed going with me in the past to plan it. But all my friends keep asking if I’ll be able to actually hunt or if any outfitters or PH’s will want to work with me?

So my injuries... In 2002 I was involved in a gun fight and was hit five times in my right hip and both right and left legs. I was, for over a year, in a hospital bed. But in 2004 went back to work in management for Costco, a pretty physically demanding job. I held that job until this spring, walking upwards of 10 miles a day. But in the last several years my legs just couldn’t do it anymore. I tell you this because it’s not that I can’t walk, I can! It’s not that I’m not mobile, I am! But I’m slower, I can’t go the distance that I could before, and I need assistance from a walking stick at times. Weather and swelling can cause severe pain but I know how to keep them mitigated. There can be days I just can’t do it at all, sadly...

So I guess the question is what it is! Can I still hunt Africa and are there Outfitters and PHs that are willing to work with my disabilities?

Im OK with any questions about my injuries if an Outfitter or PH needs clarification or more information before giving their opinion...

Hi there, please send us an email henrygriffiths@gmail.com. We can definitely accommodate you.
Talk soon.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

So I have just been medically retired from my career because of injuries that happened 19 years ago. I have chronic pain, swelling, and difficultit’s with mobility associated with the wounds...

I want want to come to Africa in 2023 for a PG and possible DG hunt and have talked to several friends that have discussed going with me in the past to plan it. But all my friends keep asking if I’ll be able to actually hunt or if any outfitters or PH’s will want to work with me?

So my injuries... In 2002 I was involved in a gun fight and was hit five times in my right hip and both right and left legs. I was, for over a year, in a hospital bed. But in 2004 went back to work in management for Costco, a pretty physically demanding job. I held that job until this spring, walking upwards of 10 miles a day. But in the last several years my legs just couldn’t do it anymore. I tell you this because it’s not that I can’t walk, I can! It’s not that I’m not mobile, I am! But I’m slower, I can’t go the distance that I could before, and I need assistance from a walking stick at times. Weather and swelling can cause severe pain but I know how to keep them mitigated. There can be days I just can’t do it at all, sadly...

So I guess the question is what it is! Can I still hunt Africa and are there Outfitters and PHs that are willing to work with my disabilities?

Im OK with any questions about my injuries if an Outfitter or PH needs clarification or more information before giving their opinion...

I'm currently on the road traveling and have limited access to the internet, but in short, yes. Jacques @JKO HUNTING SAFARIS will work within your means to give you a great hunt.

 

[LJ SAFARIS]

Hi CZDiesel. Like everyone said you can definitely still hunt Africa. I would be happy to hunt with you. Send us an email at ljsafaris@gmail.com and we can put something together.

Kind Regards
Juan Stander

 

[Newboomer]

Hi CZDiesel. Like everyone said you can definitely still hunt Africa. I would be happy to hunt with you. Send us an email at ljsafaris@gmail.com and we can put something together.

Kind Regards
Juan Stander

You will not have a problem hunting Africa. If you can walk a mile or so for a short stalk you are good to go. Most stalks will be much less. I have a bum knee and am limited to distance and type of terrain but have been to RSA Eastern Cape three times with no problems. The biggest hassle is dragging luggage and gun cases around an airport. Good luck and good hunting.

 

[Happy Myles]

Lots of encouraging information already. You can do it, so go for it. One additional suggestion, have a friend accompany you because airports are a pain to navigate these days. The hunting will be fun. I am 83 and have taken seven Cape buffalo since I turned 80. The only tough part was airports. Kindest Regards

 

[One Day...]

Hello CZDiesel;

Yes you can

Huntershill has welcomed and hunted with clients who suffered life-changing disabilities, and I promise you, you do not need to be able to walk miles and miles at an intense pace to hunt plains game in South Africa

You can hunt that way if you choose to, but you can also hunt with much less physical efforts and short and slow stalks. Actually, it has been my observation that a fairly large number of African hunters, me included, are past their physical prime, but are very successful, using their brain a little more than their legs

Having conducted very successful hunts with paraplegic hunters, we know that it can be done and that it will be a breeze in your condition. We will be happy to welcome you at Huntershill, as I am sure many other outfitters will be able to, and happy to welcome you