A few more Safari Photos

Well, first of all, in South Africa and Namibia, one doesn't buy a hunting license, per se. You get a hunting permit that lists the animals a hunter may take. Then you pay a trophy fee for each animal killed or wounded. If you draw blood, you pay the trophy fee, even if it's just a flesh wound, because a wounded animal will be tracked down and killed by predators if it's not recovered by the hunter and his crew, so the trophy animal is no longer available. The Cape Buffalo hunt, since it's one of the "big five", was my most expensive by far. On that hunt, I took the buffalo, and a zebra. The hunt cost was +- $13,500.00 U.S. That included the hunt, Professional Hunter (guide), trackers, skinners, vehicles, camp, meals, daily laundry service, airport pickup and return. On other hunts that just included various antelope species, They were all under $10,000.00 and included 5 or 6 animals. You're treated like royalty: heck, they won't even let you get a beer for yourself. I really think plains game hunting in southern Africa is the best value in hunting today. How many people do you know that have gone on a guided Elk hunt, several times, and haven't even pulled the trigger. How much money did they spend for "the experience". That's why I don't do much hunting in North America any more. I'd rather save my money for a few years and go to Africa.

Now, if your heart is set on an elephant trophy, or an old, dark maned lion. sure you can drop 50 thousand, or more. I can't afford that, and even if I could, I can find much better things to spend it on.

Another thing: I don't get my animals mounted any more. I have the digital photos, and have them professionally done up in a studio and framed. A lot cheaper than taxidermy, and I put the money I save toward the next hunt.

I've been searching all over the internet, looking for a time machine to take me back a few years. Just in case I'm successful and have to leave in a hurry, here's a picture of me back in October 1969. I had a lot more hair then, and a lot fewer pounds. :lol: So, if I make it back to 1969 and any of you guys see me, this is what I'll look like. :lol:

tracye said:

Very beautiful pictures.The third one looks like a long history.

Click to expand...

Here's a couple of photos of some of my Kudus taken in Namibia.

Our safari camp: