FREE RANGE Eland & Kudu...

[Tim Blackwell]

Thanks Jaco and not a worry at all, I agree entirely. It's all about the hunt and that's the way it is with true free-range hunting, but of course putting yourself in the right area with the right people is going to help.

I've hunted million-acre properties in Australia and I've hunted New Zealand's back country mountains on public land, where there are no guarantees and yes I've come home empty handed at times and still had a great hunt. I fully understand this. At the end of the day my main target is Kudu. Should I came away without one, but bag a few other nice trophies, then yes it will have been a successful hunt - and of course then I'll have a reason to return!

I don't want to turn this into yet another high fence debate, I'd just rather hear about good free range hunting opportunities thanks.

Cheers
blacks

 

[BRICKBURN]

Not a phobia at all Brickburn, just I've never hunted behind high wire and don't plan to. Not to be confused with standard livestock fencing of course...

Unfortunately it's hard to get a straight answer out of some outfits as to where you'll actually be hunting, and we don't want to get there and find it was actually represented as something it's not. Some of them should have been politicians I think. If you find that funny then good luck to you.

Thanks to all for the positive replies.

I'm with you, I hate not getting straight answers. Like I said, I hate Boma hunts and would be totally pissed off.

I live in a province that has legally outlawed all hunting behind any fence. (any enclosure) You can not find anyone who is more rabid about not hunting in an enclosure.

I now make sure I ask questions about the farms I will be hunting and look them up on my GPS and know the exact boundaries of every last one.
I want to know the size and I ensure I get the answers to my questions. If they are not to my satisfaction I will not hunt that property or Outfitter.

Fences do not bother me now. Small enclosures do.


On my first hunt in Africa I sat in blinds in one of those non-fenced (low fenced) properties because the PH was scared of hunting the game and chasing it off the property onto someone elses farm. It was my first hunt and I wanted to see what hunting on a low fenced farm was like.
I enjoyed the stalking on that farm when I did it.

However, I saw ONE Gemsbok and TWO Kudu and 7 Eland Bulls in an entire week. A little too much like home.
I skipped the two Kudu Bulls, they were too small.
I shot one of the Eland during a stalk and I shot the only Gemsbok Bull I saw. Oh yeah, the only thing I truly trophy hunted were Warthogs. I saw lots of big ones and took a great one.
They happened to be incredible trophies. (pure bloody luck)

It sounds like you might enjoy this type of encounter if you are willing to walk away with nothing.


Don't be concerned about a LARGE contagious properties in Namibia, Botswana or RSA or for that matter ZIM or Zambia. Fence or no, the hunting will be great.

Have a good time planning your hunt and wish you all great success.

 

[Jacques.strauss]

Hi Blacks

I do get your problem with high fenced areas... The nice thing about low-fenced (cattle-fenced) areas is that your two main species (Eland & Kudu) can move about freely and you have a chance of getting a monster which I get. And I respect that.

And like you said there are too many outfitters that will bullsh#t you in order to get you over there to hunt, but not all of them... So my advice is talk to guys that have hunted at the outfitters on your "short list" and ask them the questions you want real answers to.

I'm from Namibia and let me be honest with you... Pick the right areas and you will get a BIG Kudu bull and the perfect Eland bull you are after. The rabies has affected us, but not that much to cut the supply of trophy Kudu bulls. And certainly Eland will not be a problem....

Glad I could share my thoughts
Regards, Jacques Strauss

 

[KWALATA SAFARIS]

Thanks Jaco and not a worry at all, I agree entirely. It's all about the hunt and that's the way it is with true free-range hunting, but of course putting yourself in the right area with the right people is going to help.

I've hunted million-acre properties in Australia and I've hunted New Zealand's back country mountains on public land, where there are no guarantees and yes I've come home empty handed at times and still had a great hunt. I fully understand this. At the end of the day my main target is Kudu. Should I came away without one, but bag a few other nice trophies, then yes it will have been a successful hunt - and of course then I'll have a reason to return!

I don't want to turn this into yet another high fence debate, I'd just rather hear about good free range hunting opportunities thanks.

Cheers
blacks

Blacks no worries, and I am sure you'll have an incredible time and experience, I truly believe Namibia, as mentioned in the beginning, is your spot.

As far as lying outfitters go I still can not grasp the concept as fenced properties are not a foreign concept and there seems to be no way to get around it there is no use in lying about it...
But hey if that is the case in certain conversations they clearly are not the right people to talk to.

Brickburn sumized it to perfection above.

My very best always

 

[Environ]

I second the option of Jason Bridger at Tholo. I recently hunted with him at Kanana and OMG! It was great! Outrageous numbers of Kudu and Eland, but the animals such as springbok are not going to be in high numbers at all. Good Duiker and Steinbok though. Great numbers of Blue Wildbeest and Oryx (Gemsbok) as well!

That's encouraging as im off to Tholo in May so will let you guys know how I get on!

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

Jaco,
Totally agree. A bad report has recently popped up on a very reputable outft from Zim on another forum. The hunter chose to hunt a free range area, but now complains that he did not get a Buff.
A piece of land of 33,000 is a big piece of land that no doubt creates a fair chase enviroment. Anyone who says otherwise, has no idea.

 

[Huntin Africa]

Namibia is definitely the answer to your question. There is many area where Kudu and Eland is free ranging in their natural habitat.

 

[CAustin]

To Bills point we shot my sons kudu on a 4000 acre cattle fenced farm where larger farms near by had high fence. I think this acted to keep some animals in between on the low fence........but free range none the less. I can't say it was really any different of an experience . I wouldn't want to walk it folks......it's big even at 4000 acres.
You drive into a 33,000 acre place and that probably the last time you will see a fence.

 

[Tim Blackwell]

Just to revisit this thread and thank everyone for their input. My mate and I, along with our wives, have booked a 10-day stay with Kowas for May 2016.

It will be my first African safari and my mate's third. I can't wait!

Cheers
blacks

 

[bluey]

good stuff , blacks
cant wait for your tales of the hunt .

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

Awesome stuff Tim. You will have an awesome time at Kowas. I have only seen good reports on their operation.
We look forward to the many photos and the report.

 

[Tim Blackwell]

Many thanks guys!!

 

[woods1126]

I'm off to hunt the Eastern Cape in three days. This will be for the second time in two years, on the same properties. 4 in all combined acreage- about 190,000 acres. The two larger pieces about 80,000 each, the two remaining, 30,000 and the smallest 2,000. Personally I enjoyed all equally. I have been blessed to hunt BC, Alaska, and many western states. Also my home state of NY for almost 40 years. All free range. To me, there was no difference in the hunting experience, except for the abundant amount of game seen in Africa. Good stuff!! Kevin

 

[CAustin]

Good luck on your hunt Woods I look forward to the hunt report!

 

[joester]

I think you'd be happy in Zimbabwe on either the Bubye Conservancy (John Sharp, PH) or Save Conservancy (Gary or Barrie Duckworth). These PH's are reputable & honest and known as among the best.

 

[Don K]

They can both jump the average game fences so in theory you may consider them free range... Like our moose they'll clear 8' fences. Have seen it happen.