How many species should I hunt?

[Bearkat]

I’m planning my second Safari to the Eastern Cape. Last year we only hunted six days and I took a number of species. I took some great trophies, but we were hustling to get my animals. Please don’t get me wrong. We hunted hard and took high quality animals, not just examples. This time, I’m planning on ten days and have seven species on my list. They are not all a must have. Klipspringer is number one, followed by Nyala and Mountain Reedbuck. I want to spend time enjoying my hunting days and focus on high quality trophies. Is there such thing as a reasonable number of animals to hunt in a given time frame? I’m just curious to hear how others look at numbers vs days.

 

[Ridge Runner]

Your outfitter and/or PH is better qualified to answer your question as there are a variety of variables that come into play when trying to figure number of days to hunt a certain species.

Examples:

Bushbuck, Mountain Reedbuck, Kudu:

Early winter, less cover, relatively easier to spot, versus mid or late spring or early fall, more vegetation relatively harder to spot.
Some outfitters / concessions may have an abundance of animals while others may have a moderate quantity.
You could get lucky on day 1 or not until day 8.

Warthog, Springbok, Impala, Blesbok:

Again time of year, quantity of animals on the concession. Generally 1 or 2 days, but don't be surprised if it's day 5 and your still looking for that above average animal.

TIA. Always expect the unexpected.

Meaning you could have your Mountain Reedbuck by 9am, Nyala by 1pm and on the way back to the lodge your Klipspringer around 6pm. Or it could be day 8 you have all your other package animals plus a couple of opportunity animals in the skinning shed. On day 9 your PH is secretly sweating bullets, still looking to finish you out with a nice Mountain Reedbuck, Nyala, and Klipspringer.

Your planning a 10 hunting day trip for 7 animals your good to go. Just inform your PH what's on your Animals of Opportunity List.

 

[Ryan]

With what you have initially you will probably have to travel to different areas. So find out what is in each area and go from there. Right now, the number is three, interest and time in the area will tell you more as you go along.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

7 animals in 10 days of hunting seems very doable if you’re taking what the bush gives you. Now all 7 on your list, might be a little more challenging.

Do you have an outfitter? Might I suggest Viktor with @KAROO WILD Safaris he’ll have the Klippie and Nyala. Not sure about the Mtn Reedbuck but if you run down the road to Jeff’s place for a couple days that shouldn’t be an issue. Bushbuck there won’t be an issue either. Not sure what else is on your list but I’d encourage you to at least consider Cape Grysbok, a Vallie, Blue Duiker, Carcal w/ hounds, Cape Kudu, Cape Bushbuck, Karoo Springbok and a few other species endemic to the Eastern Cape

 

[Nyati]

I took a very large Mountain Reedbuck within two hours of my hunt, pure luck !

I literally ran into my hyaena, luck again !

Yet other animals like my buff, eland, bushbuck, aoudad, took me from three to four days to hunt.

You never know, make a list with your priorities, talk with you PH, and make a plan.

Wish you the best of luck

 

[Rem280]

I’m planning my second Safari to the Eastern Cape. Last year we only hunted six days and I took a number of species. I took some great trophies, but we were hustling to get my animals. Please don’t get me wrong. We hunted hard and took high quality animals, not just examples. This time, I’m planning on ten days and have seven species on my list. They are not all a must have. Klipspringer is number one, followed by Nyala and Mountain Reedbuck. I want to spend time enjoying my hunting days and focus on high quality trophies. Is there such thing as a reasonable number of animals to hunt in a given time frame? I’m just curious to hear how others look at numbers vs days.

I had 7 on my list for a 10 day hunt, got them all. Plus one additional! Just discuss with your PH.

 

[BryceM]

The more often I go, the less picky I am about the plan and the schedule. Sometimes it's just more fun to be there, hunt hard, see what Africa gives you, and focus on great experiences and exceptional trophies. This last hunt I booked I was only sure about hunting kudu and klipspringer. I came back with an exceptional springbok, gorgeous sable, and yes, of course, the other two. Mostly I was there watching my son discover Africa. It was a fantastic trip, and every day seemed like another day full of opportunity and adventure. Fixating too much on one thing leads to pressure, and too much pressure destroys the fun.

Other times focusing on one animal (especially on DG hunts) is the whole reason for the trip...... and that's OK too.

In the end, a handful of exceptional trophies that you work for is always more meaningful and memorable than a huge pile of whatever was standing there.

 

[AZDAVE]

Take what africa give you. Talk to your PH on what is reasonable for the are you will be hunting. You should also consider going out a few nights for night predators.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

Seven or eight (if a good specimen presents itself).

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I’m planning my second Safari to the Eastern Cape. Last year we only hunted six days and I took a number of species. I took some great trophies, but we were hustling to get my animals. Please don’t get me wrong. We hunted hard and took high quality animals, not just examples. This time, I’m planning on ten days and have seven species on my list. They are not all a must have. Klipspringer is number one, followed by Nyala and Mountain Reedbuck. I want to spend time enjoying my hunting days and focus on high quality trophies. Is there such thing as a reasonable number of animals to hunt in a given time frame? I’m just curious to hear how others look at numbers vs days.

My first trip I was committed to five animals in the package deal for nine day safari. By noon of the first morning I had four in the truck including two not on the list. Next day I took two more off the list only leaving kudu for the rest of the safari. I finally got him just before dusk of the last afternoon. 330 yard shot.

It depends on the animals you select. For a beginner plains game package the following would make sense: kudu, wildebeest or gemsbuck, impala, springbuck, blesbuck. That should run about $4K.

Your preferred animals are different. I think the nyala might be acquired fairly quickly. A lot depends on whether the animals can be found on same property or nearby property. If a lot of travel is involved, that can cut into hunting time. For long distance objectives, I'm not adverse to staying with the property owners at the farmhouse to eliminate travel time. Actually, I enjoy time with them and their families more than hanging out at the lodge (which is not to say I don't enjoy my lodge because I do).

 

[skydiver386]

Make as big a list as you like. If you don't end up with all of them in the bag, it's the perfect reason to go back.

 

[BeeMaa]

My wife and I hunted hard for 10 days to take 10 animals. In hindsight, we should have hunted a little less and looked around a little more. Smell the roses so to speak.

Your animals vs days seems reasonable, but do your best to manage expectations as the days go by. Not everything pans out and sometimes a wonderful opportunity presents itself. Be prepared for both and do your best to keep a positive mindset.

Good luck on your hunt.

 

[Throwback]

My buddy and I took 17 animals in 5 days in May in Namibia. We were not just shooting anything either.

Like many have said, talk to the outfitter and it depends on your "openness" of pursuing what the bush gives you vs. a dedicated list. I personally find out what is unique or above average in quality to the area, something usually is.

Depending on the hunt, but probably applicable in this case, I find it rewarding to take one animal a day if possible. If you are hunting PG in Africa and are open to multiple species that is probably totally doable. Cheers

 

[BRICKBURN]

. I want to spend time enjoying my hunting days and focus on high quality trophies. ......

You can burn 10 days chasing one animal. It all depends how picky you want to be on the quality.
It also depends how lucky you are.
Enjoy yourself and see what comes your way. Good luck.