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Posted: 3/2/2018 2:16:24 PM EDT
[Last Edit: deanald2pt0]
My brother and one of his friends went hunting last year in South Africa and have decided to go back next year. I have the opportunity to join them on their next trip.
I will admit that this sounds like a fun and exciting trip, but I am a bit concerned about safety. I’ve started reading more news from there to become more familiar with current events and politics. I’m aware of the current talks of taking away land from the farmers, crimes committed against them, and just the amount of violent crimes in general. So my question, is South Africa as bad as GD makes it out to be? I’m not naïve; I realize there are risks in everything we do. I’m asking these questions here because I want to hear about the experiences people who have been there recently have had as opposed to GD. We would be going to a place near Hartbeesfontein. From my understanding it’s about a 2 hour car ride southwest from the airport in Johannesburg. Our PH would pick us up at the airport and take us directly to the lodge we’d be staying at and returning us to the airport when we are done. The original plan would put us in country for 7 days, in the middle of May 2019. Since this is the hunting forum, I’d be after common game such as Impala, Gemsbok, and Blesbok. I don’t have an exact list of game I’d like to take, but at the same time I’m not a rich man, so I can’t go to crazy. Will I go, have a good time and have a box of heads sent home, or will it just be my head in a box? |
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Posted: 3/2/2018 2:23:36 PM EDT
[Last Edit: wildearp]
[#1]
[coc]
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Posted: 3/2/2018 5:22:21 PM EDT
[#2]
You'll be fine. I just went to South Africa last October on an eight day photo safari; it was fantastic.
You're not going to be hanging out in Joburg, you'll be at a safari camp many, many miles from any of the bullshit. Literally in the middle of nowhere. Tourists and hunters are the South Africans bread and butter. Whatever disputes are going on in the country, they aren't going to harm their meal tickets...at least at this point in time. Your guides do this for a living; they know the ins and outs of South Africa as far as what to do and where to go. They'll keep you safe. (At least from the two-legged animals) One thing...you'll be amazed at the amount of security most residences, businesses, and farms actually have over there. Fencing (both barrier and/or electric), razor wire, walls, gates, guard shacks. Unemployment and poverty is high, so anything not protected can be stolen in cities and towns. You're also going to be amazed at the major highways and the courteousness and professionalism of the drivers. We could only wish they were that good here! |
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ZAF
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Posted: 3/16/2018 8:34:09 AM EDT
[#3]
Hi There
I am a South African. Live in the Eastern Cape, about 800 miles from Johanesburg. If you have booked with a good Safari outfit they will take care of you. Collection and drop off at airport is a must as we drive on the opposite side of the road to you guys. Outfitters do take care of the clients, they have to as this is their bread and butter and wont look good if they loose a client to violence or crime. You will see that folks here are wired differently when it comes to safety and situational awareness, we have to be, its just a way of life. Book your hunt, practice your shotplacement and spend some time shooting from shooting sticks and you will LOVE it. A great reference for shot placement is a handbook called the perfect shot. It shows you everything you need to know. Enjoy the experience. |
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CT, USA
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Posted: 3/16/2018 8:03:23 PM EDT
[Last Edit: nyalaman]
[#4]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Daneel:
Hi There I am a South African. Live in the Eastern Cape, about 800 miles from Johanesburg. If you have booked with a good Safari outfit they will take care of you. Collection and drop off at airport is a must as we drive on the opposite side of the road to you guys. Outfitters do take care of the clients, they have to as this is their bread and butter and wont look good if they loose a client to violence or crime. You will see that folks here are wired differently when it comes to safety and situational awareness, we have to be, its just a way of life. Book your hunt, practice your shotplacement and spend some time shooting from shooting sticks and you will LOVE it. A great reference for shot placement is a handbook called the perfect shot. It shows you everything you need to know. Enjoy the experience. Do ample rifle practice and practice from shooting from the shooting sticks. The shot distances could be very far. Bring as much extra cash as you can possibly spare for extra animals. You'll be fine. Your safari company will likely be right with you airport to airport. It will be one of the best experiences of your life. The best time to go to Africa is whenever you can. If you don't go now and postpone it, you may regret it. Africa may change at some point, or your ability to go again may not be there in the future. Do it. 
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Posted: 3/21/2018 5:20:58 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By nyalaman:
This. Coming from an American hunter who has had great experiences hunting for African plans game in SA. Do ample rifle practice and practice from shooting from the shooting sticks. The shot distances could be very far. Bring as much extra cash as you can possibly spare for extra animals. You'll be fine. Your safari company will likely be right with you airport to airport. It will be one of the best experiences of your life. The best time to go to Africa is whenever you can. If you don't go now and postpone it, you may regret it. Africa may change at some point, or your ability to go again may not be there in the future. Do it. https://image.ibb.co/dRvMXQ/IMG_1924.jpg looking into namibia now |
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Posted: 3/22/2018 9:02:15 AM EDT
[#6]
Thanks for the info, Arfcom has a way of making someone paranoid.
As mentioned previously, I'd be going with my brother and one of his friends. They are the serious hunters and have a nice list of animals they'd like to get. I'll end up going where and when they decide to go. I think they have all but officially decided where they are going, but I haven't talked to my brother in a few weeks. We were waiting to hear back from another place with a quote for a hunt package. That quote came back earlier this week, and it was higher than I expected it to be. My funds are a more limited than my hunting partners and I was looking for a budget friendly hunting package. Unfortunately for me, my dog tore her ACL last week and I had to spend most of the money I had previously saved up for her surgery. I'm still optimistic I'll find a way to make the trip happen. I just may have to spend more time as a spectator than a hunter. |
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Posted: 3/22/2018 11:48:20 AM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By deanald2pt0:
Thanks for the info, Arfcom has a way of making someone paranoid. As mentioned previously, I'd be going with my brother and one of his friends. They are the serious hunters and have a nice list of animals they'd like to get. I'll end up going where and when they decide to go. I think they have all but officially decided where they are going, but I haven't talked to my brother in a few weeks. We were waiting to hear back from another place with a quote for a hunt package. That quote came back earlier this week, and it was higher than I expected it to be. My funds are a more limited than my hunting partners and I was looking for a budget friendly hunting package. Unfortunately for me, my dog tore her ACL last week and I had to spend most of the money I had previously saved up for her surgery. I'm still optimistic I'll find a way to make the trip happen. I just may have to spend more time as a spectator than a hunter. |
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Posted: 3/23/2018 7:04:11 PM EDT
[#8]
As mentioned, the outfitter will take care if you. They know where to stay away from and you'll be way out in the middle of nowhere.
If you do stroke out on your own, don't drive at night, don't look like a tourist and don't drive arouj d wit h your windows down. Basically use common sense and stay aware of your surroundings. Listen to the little voice... |
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Posted: 4/11/2018 4:36:32 AM EDT
[#9]
Do it!!!
I just got home yesterday from the most amazing trip. I can’t wait to go back, and with the exception of one incident that was swiftly taken care of we felt completely safe. Of course next time we’ll leave our attractive wives at home, which will make me feel safer as well as allow me to be less financially responsible with the trophies I take... |
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Posted: 4/11/2018 4:42:05 AM EDT
[#10]
Has not knowing what they are talking about ever stopped anyone in the GD from running their mouths?
Do it, you will have a great time if you pick out a good outfitter. |
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ZAF
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Posted: 4/11/2018 4:49:40 AM EDT
[#11]
Do it, you'll be fine.
And probably book your next trip before you even fly home. |
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Posted: 4/11/2018 6:57:14 AM EDT
[#12]
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Posted: 5/19/2018 11:58:32 PM EDT
[#13]
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Posted: 5/23/2018 11:18:55 AM EDT
[Last Edit: GAZ32]
[#14]
When I was there, it didn't seem any more dangerous than DT Chicago.
We even hit up some strip clubs, a casino, a farmers market, and Randlords (rooftop bar) while in Jburg. Stick to areas with a high ratio of Afrikaners and you'll be fine. Tips for saving money: -CC points for travel. -Many outfitters will let you borrow a camp rifle for free. This will save you at least $200. -If you're a bowhunter, seriously bring your bow. Not only is it more sporting than going around and shooting things out of a truck, but it's cheaper in the long run since you have to either wait for the opportunity or try and spot and stalk. -Get euro mounts instead of shoulder mounts. Euros look cooler (to me), take up less space, are easier to move, and will cost significantly less to ship back over here. I got euros and flatskins for my kudu, blue wildebeest, nyala, impala, and warthog (no flatskin) and my taxidermy bill was under $2k. |
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Posted: 5/24/2018 8:13:03 AM EDT
[#15]
Any tips for practicing shooting from sticks? Basically what I've seen so far say position your sticks so that your rifle is at the same height it would be when shooting standing. Stand up straight to engage your core muscles, which makes you more stable as opposed to bending at the waist.
Per the trip. I'm going to make it happen. I realize there are places here and there were I can skimp to save some money. I know I can save money borrowing a rifle but do I really want to? My brother did that on his trip and bitched about it when he got back. Short story, he said it was a piece of junk and ended up using the PHs gun. The PH brought 7 rounds of ammo, had to go to town to buy 300 WSM, and lost a half day of hunting. My brother claims he will take his rifle on this next trip. My brother finally got his taxidermy from his May 2017 trip, so I could get a better idea of size. The Gemsbok and Impala are still at the top of my list. I'm kind of impartial on the Blesbuk, it's not my favorite but if the opportunity presents it self I may get one. His Kudu and Zebra are impressive, but there are some bald patch's on the Kudu and places on the zebra it looks like hair was glued back on (don't know if this was an issue with the animals or something happening in the tanning process). His Blue Wildebeest a Red Hartebeest were my least favorite. If I do a Wildebeest, it will definitely be a European mount and flat skin. What ever taxidermy I get, my brother and I will combine to save on shipping. |
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Posted: 5/24/2018 9:21:24 AM EDT
[#16]
I'm no big game hunter and never paid for a hunt, so take it for what it's worth.
Of the animals I've hunted in Africa, the Kudu was by far the most impressive of the lot - for me. Bagging a trophy impala is almost as difficult as bagging a trophy whitetail. Impala are "bush mcdonalds". They are bloody everywhere and have a short lifespan due to predation, poaching (meat) and hunting. These are all factors on regular farms and would not apply to properly managed hunting preserves. I only once hunted on a professional hunting farm and used the rental mauser 9,3. It was not an experience to be repeated. That said, neither is dealing with the SAPS and firearms. Pick your poison, I guess. I didn't hunt any of the big 5, but have been present in such hunts. Never hunted off sticks either, so can't help you there. Nature provided most of my rests. Hope my useless post helped 
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Posted: 5/25/2018 1:07:17 PM EDT
[Last Edit: AnvilUSMC]
[#17]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GAZ32:
When I was there, it didn't seem any more dangerous than DT Chicago. We even hit up some strip clubs, a casino, a farmers market, and Randlords (rooftop bar) while in Jburg. Stick to areas with a high ratio of Afrikaners and you'll be fine. Tips for saving money: -CC points for travel. -Many outfitters will let you borrow a camp rifle for free. This will save you at least $200. -If you're a bowhunter, seriously bring your bow. Not only is it more sporting than going around and shooting things out of a truck, but it's cheaper in the long run since you have to either wait for the opportunity or try and spot and stalk. -Get euro mounts instead of shoulder mounts. Euros look cooler (to me), take up less space, are easier to move, and will cost significantly less to ship back over here. I got euros and flatskins for my kudu, blue wildebeest, nyala, impala, and warthog (no flatskin) and my taxidermy bill was under $2k. Having use of the safari vehicle can be a huge asset for people that aren’t physically able to hunt in a more conventional manor. If your ph is having an able bodied sportsman shooting from the vehicle than chances are he is being lazy or doesn’t trust your abilities on the ground. Prior to or upon your arrival you and your ph should have a heart to heart with your expectations vs his realities. This will help give you the safari you desire. OP, I’m a big proponent of being your own rifle(s). Do the research beforehand, hire the right service, and all is well. For the sticks, play around with height. And also play around with rifle position on the sticks for balance. If you properly balance the rifle the sticks do most of the work. You’ll just aim and absorb recoil. Boddington discusses using sticks in some of his videos. I’m sure you can find more tips on youtube. |
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Posted: 5/25/2018 2:21:57 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By AnvilUSMC:
I have some issues with what you said in red. Not only does it stink of unfounded opinion, but also a lack of communication with your PH(or just a bad PH). Having use of the safari vehicle can be a huge asset for people that aren’t physically able to hunt in a more conventional manor. If your ph is having an able bodied sportsman shooting from the vehicle than chances are he is being lazy or doesn’t trust your abilities on the ground. Prior to or upon your arrival you and your ph should have a heart to heart with your expectations vs his realities. This will help give you the safari you desire. I talked to the outfitter before hand, so everything was exactly up to my expectations. Some other guys in the camp only wanted to drive around, even though perfectly capable, and shoot animals of opportunity. They spent what I did on the whole trip in two afternoons. FWIW, I'm not knocking anyone physically disabled who wants to shoot out of the truck. But many of those animals are inoculated to seeing/ hearing vehicles, which allows people to drive up close. It really just takes the sporting part out of it for me. |
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Posted: 5/25/2018 4:39:52 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GAZ32: The part in bold is exactly right. Talking to them will really solidify your expectations. After all, you're paying them for the experience. I talked to the outfitter before hand, so everything was exactly up to my expectations. Some other guys in the camp only wanted to drive around, even though perfectly capable, and shoot animals of opportunity. They spent what I did on the whole trip in two afternoons. FWIW, I'm not knocking anyone physically disabled who wants to shoot out of the truck. But many of those animals are inoculated to seeing/ hearing vehicles, which allows people to drive up close. It really just takes the sporting part out of it for me. |
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Posted: 6/4/2018 3:15:32 PM EDT
[#20]
I am heading to South African in less than three weeks. This is my first trip to Africa. I'll be hunting with a small outfitter in Eastern Cape. I know the PH personally. I am bringing two Winchester model 70's: a Safari Express in .375 H&H Magnum and a Super Grade in .300 Win Mag. I have practiced with both and worked up loads that shoot sub-MOA. Both rifles are zeroed at 200 yard. The Leupold scopes have B&C reticles with holdover points out to 500, but I do not plan to shoot past 200. I don't want to take any chances.
My list of animals inlcudes Eland, Kudu, Zebra, Blue Wildebeast, Impala, Blesbuck, Red Heartbeest, and Fallow Deer. I think I am going to limit myself to three trophies to save cost. As mentioned above, I have been studying a copy of The Perfect Shot to learn about my quarry and aid in good shot placement. I am flying into Johannesburg on Delta, spending the night, then taking South African Airlines to Bloemfontain. I hired an expediting service to arrange my rifle permit and meet me at customs. I will of course report back and post photos.  Attached File |
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CT, USA
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Posted: 6/19/2018 3:43:33 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By bikerman9967:
nice ! looking into namibia now |
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Posted: 6/19/2018 5:38:57 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MikeDeltaFoxtrot:
I am heading to South African in less than three weeks. This is my first trip to Africa. I'll be hunting with a small outfitter in Eastern Cape. I know the PH personally. I am bringing two Winchester model 70's: a Safari Express in .375 H&H Magnum and a Super Grade in .300 Win Mag. I have practiced with both and worked up loads that shoot sub-MOA. Both rifles are zeroed at 200 yard. The Leupold scopes have B&C reticles with holdover points out to 500, but I do not plan to shoot past 200. I don't want to take any chances. My list of animals inlcudes Eland, Kudu, Zebra, Blue Wildebeast, Impala, Blesbuck, Red Heartbeest, and Fallow Deer. I think I am going to limit myself to three trophies to save cost. As mentioned above, I have been studying a copy of The Perfect Shot to learn about my quarry and aid in good shot placement. I am flying into Johannesburg on Delta, spending the night, then taking South African Airlines to Bloemfontain. I hired an expediting service to arrange my rifle permit and meet me at customs. I will of course report back and post photos. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/37013/70s_in_case-565919.JPG |
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Posted: 6/19/2018 8:41:59 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Repairman_Jack: Best of luck on your hunt! Be sure to update us with pics. |
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Posted: 6/21/2018 7:18:18 AM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By nyalaman:
@bikerman9967 Good luck and I hope you go. I'm in your neck of the woods. (CT) ive switched gears to cape buffalo. im trying to figure out how to get to the caprivi , wife doesn't like that idea LOL |
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Posted: 7/11/2018 8:07:17 PM EDT
[#25]
Deposits have been made. Flights are booked. We will be hunting in the northwest province next May.
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CO, USA
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Posted: 7/13/2018 1:05:12 AM EDT
[#26]
Where in the Northwest are you hunting and who are you hunting with?
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Posted: 7/13/2018 7:29:51 AM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Hasher1:
Where in the Northwest are you hunting and who are you hunting with? |
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Posted: 7/13/2018 9:56:18 AM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By deanald2pt0: A place called Shingalana in Hartbeesfontein, near Klerksdorp. One of the members of our hunting party went there last year and liked the place. |
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USA
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Posted: 7/13/2018 10:07:24 AM EDT
[#29]
How much does a total trip generally cost everything including flights? Ballpark.
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Posted: 7/13/2018 10:59:10 AM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By widmn:
How much does a total trip generally cost everything including flights? Ballpark. Really depends on what you're hunting, where you're hunting, number of animals taken, and the length of the hunt. A lot is tied to costs per day, trophy fees, skinning fees, number of trackers, etc. Figure around $2,500+ per person on round-trip flight. I'd highly recommend trip insurance through someone like Ripcord or Global Rescue, too. ($300-$500 typically) These guys have resources on standby to pull your ass out of the fire if things go wrong, for whatever reason. A nice plains game hunt could be done for 10-20K, or even less. So not outside the reach of mere mortals. Throw in some Big 5 trophies and you could be looking at $100K plus. So ballparking a number is hard. Best advice, check out some of the safari guide's websites. They'll usually have their fee structures laid out and can tailor a trip to fit your budget. Check references and word-of-mouth at Safari Club expos or conventions helps, too. |
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Posted: 7/13/2018 11:12:18 AM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By widmn:
How much does a total trip generally cost everything including flights? Ballpark. At conventions, I've seen budget packages advertised in the low $2000s for a 5 day hunt that include 3 smaller animals such as springbok, impala, or warthogs. Lots of places advertise a daily rate that include all accommodations and your PH, than have a trophy list with prices for various animals. When it comes to hunting in Africa, the sky is the limit. My taxidermist said he was there for 2 weeks, shot between 14 to 18 animals and spent over $30,000. Depending on were you are at in the US, you can find round trip flights starting around $1800 via Delta or South Africa Airways. Delta is a tiny bit more, but is a direct flight out of Atlanta. SAA flies out of Dulles and has a refueling stop in Ghana. |
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Posted: 7/13/2018 11:53:24 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By widmn:
How much does a total trip generally cost everything including flights? Ballpark. I didn't pay daily fees, only trophy fees and gratuity. I spent $9k for my animals, $1,200 in tips, and $2,500 for taxi and shipping back here. My hunting buddy spent $6k, and about the same in tips and taxi/shipping. I'd say $10-12k is a good budget, especially for a first timer. |
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Posted: 7/14/2018 3:49:57 PM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By deanald2pt0:
Depending on were you are at in the US, you can find round trip flights starting around $1800 via Delta or South Africa Airways. Delta is a tiny bit more, but is a direct flight out of Atlanta. SAA flies out of Dulles and has a refueling stop in Ghana. |
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Posted: 7/14/2018 10:41:07 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By JimPope: We flew from Reagan to ATL then the direct flight to Johannesburg and it was just under $2k for two tickets. Delta flight. |
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Posted: 10/1/2018 9:38:33 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By deanald2pt0:
Deposits have been made. Flights are booked. We will be hunting in the northwest province next May. |
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Posted: 10/1/2018 9:45:29 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By widmn:
How much does a total trip generally cost everything including flights? Ballpark. It REALLY depends on where you fly out of. I have flown out of RDU once, and Dulles 2x. RDU had a layover in JFK, then straight to Jberg. Fuck 16 hours in coach. Dulles has layovers in Frankfurt with Lufthansa , it breaks the flight into managable hunts and there is a hotel in the airport you can shower and catch a 6 hour nap. Some layovers are 16 hours long and you can visit the city. I just came back this July on a buffalo hunt. 11k including airfare. This included airport pickup. |
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Posted: 10/2/2018 4:49:03 AM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By cpl_fisher:
5k including airfare, but not including taxidermy for me on a plains game hunt 3 animals, wilderbeast, impala, blesbock. It REALLY depends on where you fly out of. I have flown out of RDU once, and Dulles 2x. RDU had a layover in JFK, then straight to Jberg. Fuck 16 hours in coach. Dulles has layovers in Frankfurt with Lufthansa , it breaks the flight into managable hunts and there is a hotel in the airport you can shower and catch a 6 hour nap. Some layovers are 16 hours long and you can visit the city. I just came back this July on a buffalo hunt. 11k including airfare. This included airport pickup. |
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Posted: 12/10/2018 2:37:08 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By cpl_fisher:
Nice, I have friends in Pottchefstroom. When talking with a couple guide serves before, they all seemed to indicate it was just political posturing for the upcoming election. I'm wondering if that is still the case. Our hunt is booked for the first week in May 2019. I'm getting excited to go, but at the same time, the political climate has me a bit unsettled. |
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Posted: 12/10/2018 3:38:35 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By deanald2pt0: @cpl_fisher have you talked to your friends recently? I saw the thread in GD about land expropriation starting in March and wondered what the locals think about it. When talking with a couple guide serves before, they all seemed to indicate it was just political posturing for the upcoming election. I'm wondering if that is still the case. Our hunt is booked for the first week in May 2019. I'm getting excited to go, but at the same time, the political climate has me a bit unsettled. It will probably be a slow roll out with the EFF clowns taking some properties closer to the cities over. The cops will come in and beg them to leave. the official land claims thing will take a while. That said, I've got 2 friends desperately trying to sell their farms and GTFO and no buyers, even at a massive loss. One friend's farm has been in his family for 5 or more generations now. My family divested early on. The writing was on the wall when the ANC scrapped the Volkstaat clause from the constitution... Safety shouldn't be too much of a concern. I'll probably be in SA around May as well to help some family out. I'm not really concerned. Just stay the hell out of populated areas like JHB/ PTA and Pietersburg and for the love of God, stay out of Natal...that area is sketchy on a good day. |
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Posted: 12/10/2018 4:05:39 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By boerseun:
Not directed at me, but I've still got some skin in that game. It will probably be a slow roll out with the EFF clowns taking some properties closer to the cities over. The cops will come in and beg them to leave. the official land claims thing will take a while. That said, I've got 2 friends desperately trying to sell their farms and GTFO and no buyers, even at a massive loss. One friend's farm has been in his family for 5 or more generations now. My family divested early on. The writing was on the wall when the ANC scrapped the Volkstaat clause from the constitution... Safety shouldn't be too much of a concern. I'll probably be in SA around May as well to help some family out. I'm not really concerned. Just stay the hell out of populated areas like JHB/ PTA and Pietersburg and for the love of God, stay out of Natal...that area is sketchy on a good day. |
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Posted: 12/10/2018 4:50:47 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By deanald2pt0: Your input, and others, is certainly welcome. Other than the airport in JBH, we won't be spending any large amounts of time near the populated areas. Our outfitter will be picking us up and dropping us off at the airport. As with the farm attacks, most crime tend to be within a short drive of the major cities. |
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Posted: 12/10/2018 5:02:18 PM EDT
[#42]
Stay out of the big cities. The Northwest province is like true American Midwest.
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Posted: 12/10/2018 5:05:02 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By boerseun:
Where will your hunt be? I was in SA this March...and it really wasn't bad from the airport out of the city - except I did it at night, in a manual Corolla - with a GPS that wouldn't work. It was exiting haha. But yeah, unless you are traipsing around at night, hitting restaurants, malls and clubs, you'll be fine. As with the farm attacks, most crime tend to be within a short drive of the major cities. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By boerseun:
Originally Posted By deanald2pt0: Your input, and others, is certainly welcome. Other than the airport in JBH, we won't be spending any large amounts of time near the populated areas. Our outfitter will be picking us up and dropping us off at the airport. As with the farm attacks, most crime tend to be within a short drive of the major cities. |
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Posted: 12/10/2018 5:42:07 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By boerseun:
Where will your hunt be? I was in SA this March...and it really wasn't bad from the airport out of the city - except I did it at night, in a manual Corolla - with a GPS that wouldn't work. It was exiting haha. But yeah, unless you are traipsing around at night, hitting restaurants, malls and clubs, you'll be fine. As with the farm attacks, most crime tend to be within a short drive of the major cities. |
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Posted: 12/10/2018 6:06:40 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By deanald2pt0: As mentioned previously, we are going Hartbeesfontein, near Klerksdorp, in the Northwest Province. I understand it's about a 2 1/2 hour drive from JHB. |
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Posted: 12/10/2018 6:28:43 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By boerseun:
That's some beautiful country out there. Work on your long range shooting lol. |
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Posted: 12/10/2018 6:42:35 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By deanald2pt0: How long are we talking? My hunting was 99% in the far northern Transvaal/ Limpopo. Long shots were possible, but for the most part, it was scrub brush and under 100m. |
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Posted: 12/14/2018 9:50:34 AM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By boerseun:
It's been a looong time since I've hunted there, so I may be wrong. I recall a warthog at about 200 meters, but have heard from my grandfather that he's taken shots twice that. He hunted there quite a bit. My hunting was 99% in the far northern Transvaal/ Limpopo. Long shots were possible, but for the most part, it was scrub brush and under 100m. I've been practicing shooting a round 4" plate at 100 yards off of sticks. I'll have to step up my game and start shooting a bit further. |
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Posted: 12/14/2018 10:32:39 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By deanald2pt0:
This should be interesting. I'm taking a 308 with a 3.5-10 Leupold w/ duplex reticle. I should be OK out to 300 yards with it. If I need more than that I guess I'll borrow my brothers 300WM. I've been practicing shooting a round 4" plate at 100 yards off of sticks. I'll have to step up my game and start shooting a bit further. |
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Posted: 9/10/2019 10:04:00 AM EDT
[Last Edit: deanald2pt0]
[#50]
The latest South Africa thread from GD the other day reminded me that I had not come back and updated this thread after the hunt.
My 308 with factory Hornady 178gr ELDX did great. I ended up taking 5 animals total, an impala, blesbok, gemsbok, kudu, & blue wildebeest. Looking back, I had a great time and would love to go back. It seems like we saw more animals the first morning than I have seen in an entire lifetime of hunting Indiana whitetail. There are some things I'd consider doing differently if/when I go back.  Attached File Attached File Attached FileThe shot on the gemsbok looks like it is to far back, but it was quartering away from me and the PH told me to shoot through to the far shoulder.  Attached File Attached File |
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