Hunting & Fishing Safari Questions

[Early Cuyler]

Well the plan has been laid to go on Safari to South Africa next year around June/July and had a couple of questions.

1- I plan on taking my 308 that I am comfortable with. I do not intend on shooting any thick skinned animal due to the facts that I don't want to buy a rifle for it ($$) and that I don't have the money for those trophy fees or mounts ($$$$$$$). I'm thinking wildebeest, impala, baboons, warthogs, etc. Is this too small of a caliber? Should I just nut-up and get a 300WM or comparable rifle?

2- Sidearms. Are they really necessary or is it mainly to be used with dangerous game? As above I don't plan on hunting lions, leopards, hippos, etc. If a pistol is recommended, what caliber? Is 45ACP enough or is a high power revolver preferred?


Thanks in advance!

 

[khall540]

Re: Safari Questions

I can't speak from experience but as far as the sidearm goes I would imagine that if you are going to be in South Africa and will encounter the species you plan to hunt there is a possibilty you may also encounter some type of dangerous game while in the bush. I would definately be carrying some type of back up sidearm. My .02

 

[TXPACS]

Re: Safari Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Halcyon575</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well the plan has been laid to go on Safari to South Africa next year around June/July and had a couple of questions.

1- I plan on taking my 308 <span style="font-weight: bold">that I am comfortable with</span>. I do not intend on shooting any thick skinned animal due to the facts that I don't want to buy a rifle for it ($$) and that I don't have the money for those trophy fees or mounts ($$$$$$$). I'm thinking wildebeest, impala, baboons, warthogs, etc. Is this too small of a caliber? Should I just nut-up and get a 300WM or comparable rifle?

<span style="color: #FF0000">.308 is good</span>

2- Sidearms. Are they really necessary or is it mainly to be used with dangerous game? As above I don't plan on hunting lions, leopards, hippos, etc. If a pistol is recommended, what caliber? Is 45ACP enough or is a high power revolver preferred?

<span style="color: #FF0000">sorry, but lol at 45acp. Your rifle is the answer. Do you have a PH? He'll be a backup rifle.</span>

Thanks in advance! </div></div>

 

[Early Cuyler]

Re: Safari Questions

Thanks, TXPACS. I really don't think you know the impact your post has had on my pocketbook! I was preparing to buy a DTA SRS, Fancy Pants 1911, Nightforce F1....

Now it can go to trophy fees!

 

[TXPACS]

Re: Safari Questions

not that you still shouldn't buy all that

Agreed, $$$ will be better spent on trophy fees... Or more safaris

What optic will be on the 308? Your shots will most likely be close in.

Here's a good article for you.
http://www.chifutisafaris.com/guns_and_gear.htm

This video has been around the block more than a few times so I won't get into all the details, but one of the men here is a friend of my father. This is why I highly discourage a pistol.
<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tEIGqD80N6U"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tEIGqD80N6U" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object>

 

[Early Cuyler]

Re: Safari Questions

Optics are a question I'm wondering about. Currently there is a S&B 5-25x on top of my 308 and my not in use (at the moment) scope is a NF BR 8-32x. Both of which I am aware will probably have too restrictive a FOV for any type of quick target acquisition. On my scopes to buy list there is a NF 3.5-15x50 MOAR SFP or FFP (if released within a year). I was thinking of carrying that with a PST 2.5-10x that I currently own as a backup.

In my readings (including the very helpful article you provided), the 1-x power scopes seems to be very popular. However outside of this trip I don't have a use for that type of optic so I don't want to spend that kind of coin. Really the only way I can afford this trip is because my awesome dad has decided to spring for pretty much everything except trophy fees!

As for the video, I noticed it cut out before he turned around. I imagine it was to conceal the brown streak down his pants!

 

[TXPACS]

Re: Safari Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Halcyon575</div><div class="ubbcode-body">On my scopes to buy list there is a NF 3.5-15x50 MOAR SFP or FFP (if released within a year). I was thinking of carrying that with a PST 2.5-10x that I currently own as a backup.
<span style="color: #FF0000">heck yeah!</span>

the 1-x power scopes seems to be very popular. However outside of this trip I don't have a use for that type of optic so I don't want to spend that kind of coin.
<span style="color: #FF0000">exactly</span>

my awesome dad has decided to spring for pretty much everything except trophy fees!
<span style="color: #FF0000">I would agree your dad is awesome</span>
</div></div>

 

[LegioX]

Re: Safari Questions

Halcyon.
I would recommend that you ask your outfitter if they have a minimum caliber they prefer. When we hunted SA they asked we bring a 300 WM or larger even though we only hunted plains game, gemsbok, eland, warthog, etc..
As 808 Huntress mentioned in another thread, her PH even gave her fits over her bullet selection.
As far as a 308 goes, with a good weight retaining bullet and accurate placement you'll probably be OK. Some folks here have whacked and stacked over there to great effect using a 260 Rem, again using superior bullets and shot placement.
As mentioned above, leave the handgun at home, it'll cause more problems than its worth.
Now about the new heavier caliber gun business, you can pick up a decent hunter and glass for a couple grand before your hunt or do it when you return. I say this because after the hunt you WILL plan on going back to do it bigger and better. The 375 H&H is in the shop as we speak getting a tune up for the next trip, whenever that may be. The Lord willing and the creek don't rise, it'll be sooner rather than later.

 

[mtscott]

Re: Safari Questions

I bow hunted in South Africa but others in camp used rifles. I did go along on the rifle hunts when not on stand. Warthogs to kudus we're taken with a 30-06. We never hunted alone. We always had a PH who was armed with a rifle and a side arm. Scopes were low magnification and fixed power. My bow shots were from blinds over water and very close. Rifle kills were made in the open or moderate cover but no more than 100 yards. As always good hunting bullets and shot placement was most important.

 

[h4everything]

Re: Safari Questions

A 308 is fine. I borrowed rifles when I went. They gave me a 308 and 243. my biggest animal was a Kudu. 308 killed it dead. No need for a side arm. One it is heavy and there will be more walking than you want. If you get in a hairy situation there wouldn't be time to draw a pistol becuase you better be holding onto your rifle. Just take your one rifle that your a familiar with and make good shots and kill your animals dead.

BTW 308 and 30'06 were very commom. Didn't see one local that had any magnum other that the PH. 303 british pretty common as well.

Take your 308. an accurate 308 shot is better than a flinched 300 shot.

 

[Ghogs Nightmare]

Re: Safari Questions

1. As has been said, 308 will be good just top it with a tough/well constructed bullet. While it would be ok on the impala you'll want something tough to punch deeper on the bigger game and warthog. As far as optic's go a 2.5-8 would be good OR
a 3-9 if you didnt want to go down into the 1x range. I had a Leupy 4.5-14LR on mine, dont think I shot on 14 at all when I was there. Shots ranged from 40yds to just under 250.
.
2. Sidearms depending on where you go might not even be allowed.
.
Other suggestions:
- Neck pillow for flight over
- Start practice shooting off of sticks either bi or tri.
.
Any other questions shoot me a pm can answer via phone if you'd like.

 

[wilb]

.308 is OK

In South Africa, there is little chance of running into dangerous game unexpectedly; hunting is on very large fenced ranches. The one area we hunted where buffalo were present was Sandveld, and the PHs had their heavy rifles

I was there two years ago with two friends, one of whom had a .308 was no problem. I had a .375; and that is not too much rifle for eland and kudu.

You are absolutely fine with a .308 for SA plains game.

A lot of our shooting was at longer ranges than we expected. 350 yds was not uncommon and you should be prepared for that kind of range.

We are headed to Mozambique in a few months for buffalo, and we are all taking .416 Rems

Our other lessons for South Africa: Cell coverage is good, get a phone at the airport. Also get rand at the airport.

Take as many pictures of the people and land as you do the animals.

The Kudu hunt was the biggest challenge

Semi auto is prohibited, i don't see any need for sidearms

 

[VAPOR]

Re: Safari Questions

best advise I can give to you is great optics they will take beating from bouncing around in the truck.draging the rifle thru the bush stalking and crawling on rocks. premium ammo a must everything is tough, thick skin, big bones. jacket seperation will happen. Been hunting africa since 1997. 12 safaris later just hunted in namibia for monster gemsbok and mountain zebra +lepord all wild free range, south africa 3 times. bring enough scope you can always turn it down.Avarage range depends on hunting presure. you can count on 50 to 300 yrd shots for plains game. I dropped a few at 400+ in the northen transval mountain range , mountain reedbok , 62" kudu ! thats when your glad you had your 3.5 x 14 power . p.m for any help .last african rule ask how much $$$ before you pull the trigger

 

[FN in MT]

Re: Safari Questions

Been over twice, have 20+ days afield in RSA, all of it plains game. Took over .280 Rem, .338-06 and a .375 H&H. The last two worked VERY well on anything I used them on. the .280 performed fine, was more my wifes rifle, than mine though. she had zero issues with 160 Noslers. I used 250 and 300 gr Swift A-Frames in the .338 and three seven five.

Good optics are a must In my opinion. Both binos and scopes.
I used TALLEY removeables on the .338 and .375 with a presighted in backup scope I could use on either. Used a 2.5-8X and a 1.5-5X all Leupolds. The .280 Rem had a 3.5-10X.

Took a Leica rangefinder over too. Worth it's weight in gold at times.

Theres a great book out there "The Perfect Shot". Shows the anatomy of all the game over there. Worth at least looking at.

On the 2nd trip I opted for little taxidermy, did European mounts on most of it. FAR, FAR cheaper all the way around than shoulder mounts.

Forget a handgun. DO take a decent, easily accessed soft case. Kept my rifles optics and action clean from the red dust and from getting beaten to death in the Toyota.

DO practice shooting from shooting sticks too. For me the trick was to push into them and to NOT stoop or bend oover too much. Shot an injured zebra that had been caught in a snare, but escaped. His injuries were such he was not goiing to survive. Shot him over the sticks, in tall grass at 355 yds with the .375 H&H. My farthest shot ever in RSA. Remember the rangefinder comment?

You will have a great time. Bring as much money as possible.

FN in MT

 

[Early Cuyler]

Re: Safari Questions

I know I'm resurrecting my old thread but I just got a bit of heartburn:

Will ITAR limit my scope options? Will it even apply for a recreational trip to South Africa? I was planning on buying a Vortex 1-6x, but I'm pretty sure it is an ITAR item.

 

[MikeeBooshay]

Re: Safari Questions

No worries on the scope - take your rifle, scope and binos to US customs a couple weeks before you depart and get an form 4457 filled out for each one, it's proof that you got it here, and are not importing it. Don't mention ITAR, they won't ask. When you return, declare the firearms and scopes, show the 4457's and pass thru.

The 4457's also serve as "licenses" in most African countrys. Make multiple copies plus store a copy on a chip or thumb drive. Keep them after the trip, they are still valid.

Don't take night or thermal vision devices with you, not as cool with that.

 

[Alaskaguide]

Re: Safari Questions

I spent time as a PH in South Africa. For plains game a .308 is fine providing you do your part. use a well constructed bullet, like barns, trophy bonded, fail safe, or a partition. You want to be able to get full penetration. Exit wounds tend to leave a good blod trail and make tracking very easy. a lot of the African plains game is heavy boned and very tough to knock down, they blead out fine and the trackers in Africa are fantastic. PH's come in all flavors . Most are part time and you never know how good they are. The Full time PH's are almost always excellent. From a PH's point of view most clients are not good shots. The clients that really shoot a lot and can consistently make good hits are a pleasure to hunt with

 

[Alaskaguide]

Re: Safari Questions

when a client is told to bring a min of 300 mag it is because most clients just shoot center mass and poor hits are common. as you are on this sight I will assume you will have done a lot of shooting before your trip.

I would be happier with a client that made good hits with a .308 than a client that made poor hits with a .375 H+H.

A misconception is that guides and PH's are shooters and know ballistics. Sad truth manny are not. I know quite a few guides and PH's that are good in the field, get lots of game for their clients yet are not good shots and do not know much regarding firearms or ballistics.
Hunting clients are the same way. The times A guide gets a client that is a good hunter and also a good shot that is when the guide has fun with you as he can relax. More often than not a Guide that is having fun will work a lot harder trying to get you the best game he can.

 

[Alaskaguide]

Re: Safari Questions

If you are just going to be in South Africa bring a hand gun. The most danger is 2 legged varmints, car jackings are very common and to get in and out of hunting spots you will be on the roads.

I always had my 45 ACP with me in South Africa

Out side of South Africa you may not be able to bring a hand gun

 

[Alaskaguide]

Re: Safari Questions

4457 form filled out befor leaving USA with copies you will not have a prolbem with your rifle, field glasses and scope? A ballistic program could land you in ITAR hot water depending on what you bring. So be very carfull with that. I love my Horus Kestrol but I think it is ITAR restricted.

Have fun but be warned Africa is addictive.

 

[Early Cuyler]

Re: Safari Questions

Thanks, Jerry and Mike! I was a bit freaked out imagining a scenario where I could take it out, but for some reason couldn't bring the scope back!

I also was initially planning on getting the 7mm WSM conversion for my DTA, but now I'll just use my 308 with a load worked up for either Berger 175 or 185gr VLD Hunting bullets. It's over a year away but I've been practicing standing and kneeling offhand shots.

 

[MikeeBooshay]

Re: Safari Questions

Practice using sticks, a lot. Most shots in Africa are from sticks, or off a bag on the tops of the trucks.

Standard Namibian Death Wagon:

To add to what was said in an earlier post - when the PH and the trackers figure out you can shoot, they get real happy, real quick. The trackers especially, as they have the job of tracking wounded critters that bite ( yes even plains game can hurt you) with the critter in front, and a guy behind that just proved he can't shoot reliably. Not their favorite place to be. You shoot well, they like it a lot!

 

[Chopperguy]

Re: Safari Questions

Three of the hunters in our group last August in Mozambique were shooting 308s. One was using some 180 Accubonds, the other was using a 165 Ballistic Tip.

Can you guess which one had some issues taking game cleanly even with what appeared to be good shot placement.

I had my 13 year old nephew using my wife's 308 also with Accubonds in it. He took some very nice trophies including a wart hog, bush buck and reedbuck. All were his first experience big game hunting.

We had him to our range many times before the trip. Only once off the bench for initial zeroing the rifle. Then everything else was using sticks, sitting, kneeling and using improvised resting positions.

The practice really paid off and the PHs were very happy with his hunting and shooting skills. he had a blast walking up a big old dugga boy with me. We followed the same old lone bull for 6.5 days before I got a shot at him. It was really great to share that with my nephew.