Pet peeves? "Hunters" that go anywhere to "hunt" and spend too much time imbibing and "hunters" that use hunting as an excuse to get away from their wives. Example, on one trip, there were two Europeans who upon arrival day, downed EIGHT bottles of wine. The next morning, one missed the same kudu at 150m, then 100m, then 75m. If all you want to do on a safari is get away from your spouse and get buzzed, there are other, more safe venues.
Edit: One more, people that believe money buys experience and skill. This one is an epidemic in the shooting sports.
MPN, Hogpatrol,
I agree with you that, if any safari company is in the practice of double-booking / mixing groups simultaneously into a hunting camp, I too would be unhappy upon arriving, only to just discover it then (too late to book with a better outfit).
An exception for me however, would be if the outfit contacted me about it, in plenty of time for me to ask why they felt they should invite unknown persons to my vacation and also, in plenty of time to discuss it with my hunting companions, before deciding to agree to it or not.
In that circumstance, and with the PH vouching for the extra visitor's peace and quiet loving personalities (his prior experience with them) I have in the past agreed to it (and it worked out well).
Conversely, two fellows downing 8 bottles of wine the night before, I totally agree is a recipe for disaster in the bush.
If nothing else, I'd worry toss and turn that, said drunkards might try to tinker with their firearms that night, within range of my not bullet proof hut.
In furtherance of this, I agree with you that, spending a pile of money to fly over-seas and drink like a fish, and / or to escape and evade the old ball & chain, is a pitiful waste of cash and energy.
Among several other topics, I joke about alcohol but, it's mostly because I was raised by fiercely Baptist parents who, in practice were essentially about the same doctrine as Mennonite (not that there's anything wrong with that).
Those who know me well or, at least have attended one of my annual, sometimes bi-annual "Hunter's Party" gatherings, will tell you I actually use very little alcohol.
But, I do regularly enjoy making fun of myself and alcohol is such an easy target.
(Hangovers are for college kids and GI's home on leave).
Also, another favorite target of my sometimes nut house humor is; Sports ("Soap Opera for men").
In that regard, my family's "splinter Baptist" church would not associate with other churches, not even other Baptist ones, because they felt all others were "not firmly grounded in The Word".
This exclusivism was, except for the fact that they would play sports games in the local church leagues, because the Preacher and his spoiled brat son were intense sports fans so, I often make jokes about "grown men getting excited, even violently angry, over what amount to activities designed to help children burn off excess energy".
At least I know where my dragons-in-need-of-slaying were born (and poking fun at same is my delight).
Well anyway, cheerio for now,
Velo Dog.
