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First African safari!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply     Back to Top Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/28/2011 at 11:51
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Optics Jedi Knight
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Next summer, I am off to South Africa to hunt, no dangerous game.

Recommendations on weapon, mostly caliber and weight.  How much will I be stalking (warhog and antelope species)?

At the moment, the plan is a 300WM (about 11 pounds) supplemented with either a 257Wby Mag or a 270 Winchester (both about 8 pounds each.)

Thoughts?

Also, for those with first-hand experience: things to be sure I take or things to be sure I do NOT take.  obviously, I have a great knife, a good side arm, and great binos.  What else specific to African safari?


Edited by Rancid Coolaid - August/28/2011 at 11:51
The plural of "anecdote" is not "data."
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply     Back to Top Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/28/2011 at 11:51
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Or should this be under the "general hunting" tab?


It ain't general hunting.
The plural of "anecdote" is not "data."
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dogger Quote  Post ReplyReply     Back to Top Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/28/2011 at 12:02
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Lucky dog.
 
This sounds right up 8shots and Glock's alley.
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Sounds like fun! 
If it is tourist season, why can't we shoot them?
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply     Back to Top Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/28/2011 at 17:00
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Lucky bastardBucky
 
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 300S&W Quote  Post ReplyReply     Back to Top Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/29/2011 at 08:44
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 REALLY GLAD for ya,RC. 
 
 Here's a web site that may be of some help.
 
 
  
 
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What are you going to be hunting ?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply     Back to Top Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/30/2011 at 00:01
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The elusive 8shots?
 
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bad Bob Quote  Post ReplyReply     Back to Top Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/30/2011 at 12:15
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Congratulations RC, once you,ve made the trip, you'll be planning your next one by the time you get back. It is a wonderful experience.

I've been very fortunate to hunt South Africa and Mozambique. I've pretty much have only hunted plains game, but it is a most exciting and fullfilling trip. I chose a 300wby, but I found that most any good 300 mag or even a 30-06 was sufficient, with a good bullet. I always use Nosler Partitions or Barnes Triple Shock. I have never lost an animal and have never required more than one shot. The animals I took on my last trip were Eland, Blue Wildebeest, Zebra, Springbok, Gemsbok, Impala, Duiker, Steinbock, Kudu and Warthog. A 300 was obviosly not required for all these, but it served me well for the larger ones such as the Eland and Zebra. My shots ranged from under 100yds to a hair over 300yds on the Kudu and Gemsbok. You don't need a lot of items. My PH only had me bring two sets of clothes and raingear(just in case). Your clothes are washed and cleaned every day as a rule. Your PH and Trackers will field dress and prepare your capes. Good binos are a must. I experienced mostly spot and stalk on the animals I took.  As you can tell by the way I have rambled on that I love Africa. I'm presently planning another trip for next year if all goes well. If I can provide any additional bits of info, please feel free to give me a shout. It's definitely a trip you'll always remember.
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply     Back to Top Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/30/2011 at 12:19
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Bob, great info, thanks.
The plural of "anecdote" is not "data."
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chris Farris Quote  Post ReplyReply     Back to Top Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/30/2011 at 14:55
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Do you have a PH lined up?

You could get some extra special VIP treatment from the trackers/skinners if you took a carton of Marlboro Reds and divied them out a little at a time.
 
I'd check into the legality of taking a side arm.
 
It is important that your cartridge head stamps match what is on the barrel and that the ammo is in a factory type marked box.  You could lose your ammo if it does not match, IE:  6.5 STW marked barrel and cartridges head stamped 7mm STW in an unmarked plastic reloader type container.
 
You'll need to get all of your shots up to date as well as malaria, tetanus, etc.  Get you Dr. to write you a script for a strong antibiotic like a Z-PAC and start it as soon as you get there to help cut down on the risk of you getting sick and spoiling much of your hunt.  It takes a long time to get there and cost a lot of money so any preventive maintenance you can do will be worth it.
 
Also don't rely on the PH to have the best shooting sticks, take a Bog-Pod for sure.  Should easily fit in your rifle case.  Throw a cleaning rod in there too.  You won't believe how hard it is to find something to get a stuck case or round out of the chamber in the bush.  Same deal if you stick your muzzle in the mud.  Those little condom looking things that go on your fingers work great as muzzle protectors.
 
I don't know how remote you will be but I would look into renting or buying a Satellite phone and/or emergency beacon devise.  Don't rely on someone having the number to an evac service either, find it yourself and tape it to the phone.
 
 
 
 
DEET, good sunscreen and lip protection can make your hunt more pleasant.  We are not acustomed to hunting all day in hot bright sun as most of our seasons are in the winter months and most of our game are only active early and late.  The tops of my ears were bloody from being burnt crispy over and over.  We did find a giant aloe plant one day and man did it feel good on my ears.  I learned real quick why they wear those funny looking safari hats instead of a base ball cap.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply     Back to Top Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/30/2011 at 16:19
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It will be interesting to see all the responses you get here.  I am planning a trip in the next year or so.  I hope you get all the info you need and that you have a wonderful time.  
Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Glock Quote  Post ReplyReply     Back to Top Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/31/2011 at 07:01
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Rancid Coolaid your choice of caliber is fine,any 30 cal rifle will down any non dangerous animals you are going to shoot. But I would stick to bringing one rifle, seeing as our import restritions are downright frustrating.

You can only shoot one rifle at a time, so unless your rifle breaks which I cant see happening.I would just bring a spare scope and mounting tools, most of the time if you fall it's the scope that gets damaged. Most PH's will lend you a rifle at a price, but I dont like that as you arent familiar with the handling.

Concentrate on your choice of Bullet our animals can be quite tough, especially Wildebeest and Warthog. I would sacrifice a bit of accuracy for a better Bullet constrution. Try practice your shooting positions as much as possible, not just from a bench. Lying down, kneeling, freehand from a rest tree, ect. And get a book on shot placement.

What Chris said is good advise especially about malaria and the hand gun. Basic things you would need are
Comfortable clothes
Good hat
Bino or rangefinder
Ammo pouch
Tripod
Knife
Camera
Water bottle
Good torch or headlamp,
Carry a small medical pouch with some plasters and headache tablets
Small rucksack to carry everyhing in
Good walking shoes are a must, prefably with a hard sole. Seen thorns punch through thin soled shoes.
Try keep it light as you could end up walking quite a bit, although the tracker will glady carry your bag for a tip. I like to buy bottles of Powerade and leave them in my bag in place of water, as they are a good way to replace lost energy.

Regards Chris
 
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Son of Ed Quote  Post ReplyReply     Back to Top Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/18/2012 at 15:58
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300 Winchester Mag is perfect.  257 Weatherby would be very light except for springbuck and impala, etc. . 
 
Bring some WARM clothes.  It can get very cold in South Africa unless you are going to be in the Low Veldt.  In the high veldt you will be scraping ice off the windshields in the morning. 
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply     Back to Top Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/18/2012 at 16:27
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http://www.bugtamer.com/big_leaf.html  Dont know if you are familiar with bugtamer but this stuff is awesome at keeping bugs from getting to you no insect repellant needed.
 
 
 
 
compass or GPS,  fire, water purification & nalgene bottles,
 
snake boots?  rubber gloves? lightweight tarp? hatchet?
 
anything that is really hard for them to get there that has trade value -- ask 8 shots.
 

"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Son of Ed Quote  Post ReplyReply     Back to Top Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/18/2012 at 20:32
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Bugs aren't that much of a problem in the dry season. 

Optics and cameras ( German stuff ) used to be worth its weight in gold. 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply     Back to Top Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/18/2012 at 21:27
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Sorry, posted the thread and haven't been back for awhile. Thanks for all the advice.

I have customs letter for the guns, have chosen 300WM and 308 as a backup, have gear mostly planned.

Z-pak is a good idea, traveling with Imodium is always smart.

Keep the good stuff coming. I leave in July so still have time to make necessary changes.

I have PH, all animals planned, dates, ammo choice (hand loads in factory boxes, Barnes TTSX bullets.)
The plural of "anecdote" is not "data."
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SChunter Quote  Post ReplyReply     Back to Top Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/18/2012 at 22:30
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I leave 27 April for Johannesburg. My first and I can't wait. My recommendation is to get camera and bins on customs form also. Went to Dallas safari club in January. One other recommendation was buy a cheap money box from Wal Mart for locked ammo box. Remember ammo must be separate from rifle and locked.

Who is the outfitter?

Edited by SChunter - February/18/2012 at 22:52
 
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Also ammo and box had to be under 11 lbs in total.
 
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Be safe and hope you have a great time!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Glock Quote  Post ReplyReply     Back to Top Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/19/2012 at 00:07
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Well I geuss the qestion know for Rancid and SChunter. Where in South Africa are you hunting, and excactly what animals do you intend to bag?

Regards Chris
 
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Originally posted by Rancid Coolaid Rancid Coolaid wrote:

(hand loads in factory boxes, Barnes TTSX bullets.)
Too bad. I was hoping you needed bullets........... They haven't been to africa yet.

"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply     Back to Top Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/19/2012 at 07:39
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I can see taking the 300 WM but not the .308 I would want the second gun to shoot 300+ grain solids and would probably either take a 375H&H or larger even if it was my single shot encore or probably the better choice out of the rifles I have is the 45-70 Marlin because you can load some solids in it and hot hand loads are strong enough to shoot through big critters that are trying to stomp or eat you.
My Marlin 45-70 has  an Aimpoint 9000L 2moa dot on it.  If you dont have one of these 45-70 lever actions yet I believe it is something you would truely enjoy owning its a pleasure to reload and you can vary the load greatly.
For Dangerous GameDevil:
 
and for your light work Devil:
 
 One of my friends has a lioness full mounted in his den that came into camp hunting them at night.


Edited by Urimaginaryfrnd - February/19/2012 at 07:48

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 3 Tuns Quote  Post ReplyReply     Back to Top Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/19/2012 at 13:25
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  Your .300 WM should be just about perfect, and lots of folks use a .308 Win on plains game.
 
  I pack my ammo in MTM Survivor Dry Boxes (about $13 from Midway) and put two keyed-alike TSA locks on each case.  I also lock the luggage with a TSA lock.  You should be able to put two to three factory boxes inside of each Dry Box.  I also run a thin coated steel cable (attached to the inside of the luggage by a small non-TSA lock) to the boxes to keep light fingered people honest.
 
  It might be a good idea to carry a couple of extra locks (both regular and TSA) with you in just case.
 
  It does get cold in the morning.  Have a great trip!
 
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