Going on Safari

jwillmoore

jwillmoore

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Well it looks like, I have a unique opportunity to go on Safari this summer. I am already going to have my shotgun for hunting birds but I have been told there also is lots of elephant and bufallo. Does anyone think slugs would stop an elephant or should I take my rifle as well? Elephant is not exactly what I had in mind but if the opportunity presents itself...

The Safari tour guide recomends the following:
A 7 mm 300 Magnum or similar, with telescopic sight 8x30 for big game and all species in general, is recommended. For elephant and buffalo, caliber 375 (456-460-600) is preferable, but telescopic sight is prohibited. For birds, a shotgun 22 is advised. Automatic guns are prohibited.

Anyone has any recomendations in terms of rifles? I am set for shotguns.
 
Are yo ufor real? Huting elephant startsa t abotu $60K it goes u tp abotu $120 K


If you ar ehuitng plains game anyting in a the 30-06/7RM/300Mag area can fit your bill.

If you hunt buffs, a .375 is minimum in most places. (and buff isn't cheap, either, look at $8K)
 
I do not have that kind of money. I am expected to be working in Africa for 8 months may be more. Some of the local co-workers have promised me a Safari when the season starts. The locals do not pay when they go hunting.

I have visited every gun shop in the area. The only think I have been able to find is 308 win. Anything else must be ordered. I can not wait for the order I am leaving for work early January. Anyone knows of a place that stocks high caliber Rifles?
 
I also do not think locals can just go shoot elephant for free either.The min caliber is 375 in most countries as well.Unless I won a big lotto I could not even think of it.Shotgun slug................
 
Guys plan thir whole adult lives to go on a hunt like you've described. If you don't already Know what rifle you plan to use or infact even own one, I suggest you spend ALOT of time shooting whatever you end up with before you hunt with it. Shooting open sights well with a 375 or larger is going to take some time. Have fun!
 
If you can handle the reciol the 458 win with 500g solids would be ok for Elephant. Ok what the hell do know, i have never been there. Go to the Accurate reloading forums. There are quite a few people there that have actualy done it.

If you do get to shoot (even hunt) elephants and Cape buff you would be living a dream for some of us. Especaly true if you can do it for free!
 
Your hunt definitely won't be free, I have several friends form South Africa, there is no "crown" land, the game is owned by the landowner and they consider any of the desiarable game to be a commodity. My doctor's family runs an operation Game/hunt farm.
 
jwillmoore said:
Well it looks like, I have a unique opportunity to go on Safari this summer. I am already going to have my shotgun for hunting birds but I have been told there also is lots of elephant and bufallo. Does anyone think slugs would stop an elephant or should I take my rifle as well? Elephant is not exactly what I had in mind but if the opportunity presents itself...
Click to expand...

As others have advised, tackling the Big Ones is NOT something to be taken lightly and without lots of preparation! If you are not thoroughly familiar with big bore rifles (.375 - really a medium bore in African terms - and up, preferably UP), I think it would be highly inadvisable to decide to face a Cape Buff, rhino or elephant as it could make for some serious "laundry" problems for both you and the PH. Plus the trophy fees are, shall we say, substantial. And remember- if you shoot something and it gets away, you still pay the trophy fee.

I don't mean to belittle your intentions or abilities here, just a word of caution from doing a lot of reading. (I'm hoping to do a plains game safari in 2007 myself.)

Ye gods...don't even THINK of facing an elephant with a shotgun :eek: :eek: :eek: !!!!!!!!!!!!

My African Hunter Shot Placement Guide says a .375 or 9.3 x 62 is the MINIMUM for elephant and recommends the .458 WM, 458 Lott or .470 NE. And you will have to do a lot of practice to learn to handle the recoil, even if you're unfazed by a .338. Facing something that can turn you into veldt-pizza is no time to practice your flinch! A quote from the abovementioned book re the Cape Buffalo: "It is absolutely imperative that the first bullet be accurately placed... Once wounded, adrenaline will turn it into a killing machine seemingly possessed by a conscious thought of vengeance." This is from people who live, work and hunt in Africa, so I have no reason to doubt them.

Some websites you should visit:

http://www.african-hunter.com/ (and the associated forum)

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewforum.php?f=6&sid=da8dbf868be71669dbda43d8df911acd

http://www.huntingadventures.net/ This is the website of PH Jim Hackiewiecz, who moderates the Graybeard Outdoors Africa forum above. Lots of practical advice on his site.

Everyone I've talked to or read says that an African safari is a unique (and addictive) experience and you are very lucky to be able to go. Just make sure that it's your trophy pics that get posted to this forum, not your obituary!

:) Stuart
 
You lucky bastard. I hope I get a chance to go on a safari some day.

My advice for a rifle selection, since youl will be living there for quite some time, is talk to the people who live there and find out what rifle ammunition is easily available there [I've ready some countries do not allow military calibers so you could not take a .308 winchester].
pick a rifle chambered for a caliber that you can easily find ammo for in africa. then you can practice more once you get there and don't have to go through the hassel of taking a bunch of ammo over with you.

Maybe start another post and see if there are any CGN's in your area that have big bore's and would be willing to let you try them out before you go out and buy one for yourself.
 
Thank you all for your comments. Let me try to make certain things clearer
1. Cost relatively Free My cost will be a couple of gifts for the hosts
2. Location Sudan
3. On Government land
4. Locals weapon of choice AK 47
5. Elephant my not be on the menu but better to be prepared. I am going to hunt birds rabbits and deer sized animals not in that order.
6. Season is April to October. I expect to be there for the full season on the job. Hunting will have to be a day trip or a weekend trip.
7. Anyone who has any experience in meat production from raising animals to retail butcheries as well as administration and management who is interested in working abroad you can come along. Send me CV's We are recruiting. My email address is public Just visit my profile.
8. Due to time constraints I want be able to pick up a rifle. May be I will have one mailed to me.
9. I have been asked to bring my own Shotgun / rifle and bullets. You have limited choice there basically AK47
 
death-junky said:
Um Gatehouse Where do you get your information???????????????
at most an elephant hunts are around 35k US!!!!!
here is a link:
http://www.chifutisafaris.com/packages-fees.htm
i would go with the 416 cal or bigger. for the big game.
talk to ya all later
Riley
Click to expand...

I shoudl have said they START at 35K, Riley.

You can EASILY spend $60-$100K Canadian on a elephant hunt, depending on duration, quality of animal desired, where you are hunting, governemtn fees, trophy fees, daily rate, airfare, if you want to takea buffalo and plainsgame, etc.

When you book your elephant hunt, lets us know how much you paid for it.;)
 
jwillmoore said:
Thank you all for your comments. Let me try to make certain things clearer
1. Cost relatively Free My cost will be a couple of gifts for the hosts
2. Location Sudan
3. On Government land
4. Locals weapon of choice AK 47
5. Elephant my not be on the menu but better to be prepared. I am going to hunt birds rabbits and deer sized animals not in that order.
6. Season is April to October. I expect to be there for the full season on the job. Hunting will have to be a day trip or a weekend trip.
7. Anyone who has any experience in meat production from raising animals to retail butcheries as well as administration and management who is interested in working abroad you can come along. Send me CV's We are recruiting. My email address is public Just visit my profile.
8. Due to time constraints I want be able to pick up a rifle. May be I will have one mailed to me.
9. I have been asked to bring my own Shotgun / rifle and bullets. You have limited choice there basically AK47
Click to expand...



Hmm....Executive Chef for 2 hotels, alot of meat cutting experience, alot of management experience...:D
 
Gatehouse said:
Are yo ufor real? Huting elephant startsa t abotu $60K it goes u tp abotu $120 K


If you ar ehuitng plains game anyting in a the 30-06/7RM/300Mag area can fit your bill.

If you hunt buffs, a .375 is minimum in most places. (and buff isn't cheap, either, look at $8K)
Click to expand...

You get into the nog early bud? That's an even more impressive bout of typing than usual. HS cut you off and you're getting the shakes?:D
 
death-junky said:
Um Gatehouse Where do you get your information???????????????
at most an elephant hunts are around 35k US!!!!!
here is a link:
http://www.chifutisafaris.com/packages-fees.htm
i would go with the 416 cal or bigger. for the big game.
talk to ya all later
Riley
Click to expand...


Chifuti operates out of Zimbabwa...sure it's cheaper there - so's your life! Ask em why their trackers carry AK's.
 
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