The Top 10 Hunting Tips South Africa

1. Unrealistic Expectations.

Don’t bind yourself to a safari checklist when you hunt in Africa.  You probably won’t take everything on your checklist anyway, however you are likely to take some extras.  On your first safari in Africa, you are likely to take more game than on any other hunt in your life – take time to enjoy & savour the experience rather than rushing through a rigid check list.

2. Ignoring your Professional Hunter (PH)

Trust your PH to know his area and his game better than you.  Take his advice, follow his instructions, trust his experience.   You hired him!

3. Not enough “sticks” practice

Get a set of 3-legged African shooting sticks and practice, practice, practice.  They are used in almost every African hunt and the more comfortable you are with them the better.

4. Uncertain Shot.

Taking the shot is always YOUR decision.  Never shoot unless you are absolutely certain of the hit. Blood equals a trophy fee in Africa.  An uncertain hit with dangerous game places your whole party in danger.

5. Rifles

Bring your “old faithful” hunting rifle that you are most familiar with to Africa, it will account for most African plains game.  For dangerous game, bigger is better – yet again, your comfort is paramount and shooting with a gun that intimates you is not wise.

6. Underestimating the Climate

Safari season is during the winter months in Southern Africa.  Days are warm and pleasant; however, mornings and evenings are cold.  Bring layers, a warm jacket and a cap!  Leather gloves, like work gloves, are better than thin shooting gloves.

7. Underestimating the terrain

Whilst your PH will always get you into a position comfortable for you to shoot, you may have to walk & stalk for a long time before reaching that point.  Make sure your hunting boots are comfortable and worn in.  And by stalking, its not always walking – sometimes it is crawling on hard & rocky ground.  Consider bringing knee pads / elbow pads!

8. Bullets

Performance and penetration are far more important than accuracy on an African hunt.  Choice of bullets are critical.  Ask your Outfitter for advice.  The bullet must be tough enough to ensure penetration of the game you wish to shoot.

9. Breaking the budget

Most hunters are limited by budgets and some animals are just beyond our means.  However, you have travelled all the way to Africa and if you do have the opportunity to take extra animals that are not in your budget, do so if you can.  If you don’t, you may regret it later.  Especially if you come across a trophy in a localised area or habitat where you are not likely to visit again.

10. Over reaching.

There is only so much that can be accomplished in the time you have on safari.  Do all you can to tick animals on your list but do make time to absorb your experience of Africa as well.