To hunt Hippo or not?

[ArmyGrunt]

That was partly for me as well...I can't get fully set on hippo/hyena or two trips to other continents. I dream of getting all six hunted

 

[ActionBob]

I doubt will have have enough time to properly hunt the Val.

Nothing is ever definite, but I would say this is likely. And as mentioned earlier, beware of cheating yourself on the Buffalo hunt and regretting that later. Difficult to explain the rush of getting in close to any dangerous game, but you will likely have the oppertunty to experience it several times on a buffalo hunt

 

[johnnyblues]

No rush at all Bob. DG is my absolute priority on this hunt. My desire to hunt PG is strong of course. My only decision is the hippo.

 

[johnnyblues]

My PH is eerily silent on this. Lol

 

[Buwanatimbo]

Just my 2¢...You can really do plains game anywhere in Africa quite easily, but Hippo is a more limited. I shot a hippo on our last trip to Africa, and it was a blast! Honestly, it was one of the cooler trophies I've ever taken and was really challenging as we were after a very specific, clever bull. It took us three days of waiting all day to get a shot. It was super interesting to experience the villagers separating the meat amongst its members as well. I doubt this will be your last trip to the Dark Continent, so plains game will be an easy add again in the future. Good luck in your decision! No bad choices here

 

[ROCKET]

Then there is the other side for me. Taxidermy. I'm a huge fan of really good taxidermy.

Well....I can understand you johnny, I am another big fan of any type of taxidermy.......

My issue here is for me the cost of mounting the hippo with the real skin, mucho dinero. I struggle with will I just be happy with a skull mount? I really don't think so.

Now I understand you, even more......I am in the same boat that you could be........I got my trophies from SA almos in 2015......well, with much pity I have to say that nine great trophies still in the crate.....allways something pops out and I did not get the chance to get them mount yet, go figur.......even I can do a european mounts with the skull, but I want sholder mounts........

I'm not sure how many more trips I'll be able to make to Africa so in my mind I need to prioritize.

This make a sence, no doubt Jhonny.......and I know that you have a leopard to get it done yet......

I doubt will have have enough time to properly hunt the Val.

This can be a whole hunt itself, soo better to have time to do it properly......all We know how Wayne swets in those bloody mountains chassing Vallies........


Anyway Johnny, whatever you decide, you gonna have a great hunt, no place to doubt......at the end your heart and feelings will take the best decision for you......!!!!!

Thank you for your good answer......my pleasure!

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

My PH is eerily silent on this. Lol

I'm a slow reader.

 

[Brent in Az]

Just look at it this way. The local farmers will be grateful for one less water hog, eating the fruits of their labor.

Pun intended.

 

[LivingTheDream]

I am completely changing it up here, go buff/Val this trip. Hippo and kipslinger on another trip...Maybe even Zimbabwe.

More only concerns is Hippos are kind of under scrutiny and there might be import issues in the future.

 

[johnnyblues]

I am completely changing it up here, go buff/Val this trip. Hippo and kipslinger on another trip...Maybe even Zimbabwe.

More only concerns is Hippos are kind of under scrutiny and there might be import issues in the future.

You know Mike that's my thought also. Problem is if we go 6 full days on the buff I'll only have 3 days for PG. We initially figured 3 days on the PG I wanted. Airline tickets already bought. Second problem is we need to know for sure on the hippo for the permit. My biggest objection is the taxidermy on the hippo. I just don't think I'll be happy with just a skull mount on a pedestal

 

[Buwanatimbo]

You know Mike that's my thought also. Problem is if we go 6 full days on the buff I'll only have 3 days for PG. We initially figured 3 days on the PG I wanted. Airline tickets already bought. Second problem is we need to know for sure on the hippo for the permit. My biggest objection is the taxidermy on the hippo. I just don't think I'll be happy with just a skull mount on a pedestal

FYI...Here's a cool idea, and the replicas have become amazing for less money. I saw one at SCI in Vegas that was unreal.

 

[LivingTheDream]

@johnnyblues You know the end of the day it is going to be an amazing trip either way. You are better off to wait and get everything exactly the way you want it. I know taxidermy is important to you. So do it right and you will have no regrets.

 

[DWB]

One more for me to hunt then! (Hippo)

Buff in the day, hippo at night, sounds like proper time management to me

 

[edward]

johnny,all i can say is my hippo hunt was the closest i ever came to harm,long story short,hippo was hit and we could see it coming on the bottom of the pan,toward us,like a freight train under water.im on the stick waiting,the ph is yelling for me to get back,all of a sudden the ph is dragging me back,out of the water comes death on 4 legs,the hippo doesnt see us where we were supposed to be and goes back down,dead with next shot.45 min later it floats up to the surface,one exciting hunt.dont miss this one.

 

[enysse]

Boy Edward that does sound cool!

 

[johnnyblues]

FYI...Here's a cool idea, and the replicas have become amazing for less money. I saw one at SCI in Vegas that was unreal.

View attachment 174180

Thanks we've seen this already on this thread. I believe Highvield taxidermy is doing this.

 

[johnnyblues]

johnny,all i can say is my hippo hunt was the closest i ever came to harm,long story short,hippo was hit and we could see it coming on the bottom of the pan,toward us,like a freight train under water.im on the stick waiting,the ph is yelling for me to get back,all of a sudden the ph is dragging me back,out of the water comes death on 4 legs,the hippo doesnt see us where we were supposed to be and goes back down,dead with next shot.45 min later it floats up to the surface,one exciting hunt.dont miss this one.

Great story Ed. I'm hunting at night on land could get exciting. Just wish I could personally get passed my taxidermy issue. This is a very personal decision I realize. Adding fuel to the fire is the poor quality of the ivory. I was unaware the teeth split very quickly. The experience is what drew me to add hippo. Now I'm completely confused.

 

[Redruff]

Dazed & Confused by a Hippo.

Hunt the thing already and go back for the PG next year with the money you save on taxidermy getting that nice coffee table done.

Just what I would do if faced with your dilemma.

Good luck,

R.

 

[Wheels]

. Just wish I could personally get passed my taxidermy issue. This is a very personal decision I realize. Adding fuel to the fire is the poor quality of the ivory. I was unaware the teeth split very quickly. The experience is what drew me to add hippo. Now I'm completely confused.

I have seen elephant, warthog, hippo and walrus ivory that has cracked. I imagine a lot has to do with the humidity where you live. A brother has had hippo ivory for over 50 years and it is not cracked. Ask a taxidermist how to care for them. I have been told rubbing baby oil over the tusks once per year does the trick.

All the best.

 

[enysse]

Honestly there has to be way to preserve the ivory properly, there are so many sealers and cement chemicals out there.