AFRICAN TIPS FOR TRIPS
(or)
What your booking agent “forgot” to tell you.

A great many folks have come to me and asked about the how, and what and why’s or do’s and don’ts of going to Africa for the first time.

Having spent almost 300 days in the Bush hunting, on 17 trips, there are a number of hints that can be passed along.

Here is a new tip that we just learned of. Call your credit card company and tell them you are going to be in Africa. That way if they get any new or strange charges from there, they will not deny it. This could save you a lot of trouble trying to pay for a meal or Hotel somewhere in Tim-buc-too.

Another new problem we have run into is this….What is your credit limit? Get as large a Credit Card limit as you can. It seems that when you purchase something in local currency, like South African Rands, @ 6 or 8 to 1, they run the sale thru in Rands. So 10,000 Rands is really a $600 dollar purchase, but is charged against your available credit line.

If you have 10,000-dollar credit limit, and you try and run another sale thru that day of 500 R, the sale will be denied because you have exceeded your limit. Now the next day it will workout, as they convert all sales each night, and adjust your account.

Now on to your Safari planning:

Where to start? From the beginning.

For the sake of simplicity, let’s ASSUME that you already have a hunt booked. Getting hunts booked is another complete project, so I will not attempt to lead anyone in any direction at this point. If you need help or recommendations, please just ask.

Check with your local health dept to see what shots might be needed. There are now a couple of “life time” Polio and Hepatitis A and B shots that should be gotten. Be certain your Tetanus is up to date for sure.

Speaking of health problems, look up www.MedJetAssistance.com we purchased their coverage a few years ago, and so far have not needed it, though came close in 2004.

BUT, just recently, I spoke with a widow of a man who bought this coverage 2 years ago for their African trip. Unfortunately, her husband died in Canada while back-packing, 14 miles into the mountains.

She called Med Jet, and they arranged getting the body out of the mountains by helicopter, then the paper work to get it back to the USA, all handled perfectly, and at no extra charge.

She told me she just could not imagine getting that done without their help.

Airline tickets are a big part of the trip. DO NOT CALL THE AIRLINES DIRECT, they have no deals. Usually, your Booking agent will have their own agencies for travel so they want to book the airline seats too, but if you did book your hunt through an agent, be sure and ask several travel agents for QUOTES, you will be amazed how different the same flights can be in price.

There are two people listed below that have done all our Air Tickets for the last 15 years.

Call Elaine at African Odyssey in Miami FL toll free at

1-866-486-9351 or e-mail at aodyssey@gate.net

And look up their web site www.africanodyssey.net

AND/OR

Dave Kidder at Kidder Safaris in Michigan

1-616-791-1400 or e-mail to kidsaf@comcast.net

Only ask for quotes for “approximate” dates. Don’t give anyone your exact dates.

Why not give them your exact dates?

It seems that every time I do give one of them the exact dates, they book the space with the airlines. Now later when you want to buy your tickets from someone else, you find that you now have a “Double” booking and the airlines will not allow that and will cancel both.

I have had this happen in the past, and it is embarrassing to have to tell one agent to cancel your space so that you can buy it somewhere else cheaper. If they want to be a “pain”, they can just not cancel it, and hang you up for a week getting it done.

BUT, ask questions. Make them explain in DETAIL, what is exactly going to happen as far as your itinerary.

MAKE every effort to be sure that you are NOT going through London. London is very anti-gun and anti-hunter, so most of the gun problems occur there.

Seldom can you not get where you want to go by going through Amsterdam, Holland, Frankfurt, Germany or Johannesburg, SA.

If you absolutey “MUST” go thru London, DO NOT attempt to change airports between Heathrow & Gatwick. London has some very strict and nasty gun laws, and transporting guns between airports is big time trouble unless you hire a courier to do it for you (at $500 or more.)

IF YOU MUST GO THROUGH THERE, GO IN AND OUT OF OF GATWICK AND AVOID HEATHROW IF AT ALL POSSIBLE.

It now seems that Paris is not much better. So stay out of there too.

Also be sure and check with your local Health Department to see if any shots are “required” for where you are going. Be sure that your tetanus is up to date. A lot of rusty nails and wires can get you in trouble.

It really doesn’t matter if you are going to Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe or staying in South Africa, everything is much the same.

The best way to get there is to fly from Atlanta on South African Airlines, (known as SAA) to Johannesburg (Jo Berg) or Cape Town South Africa. Once there, you can change planes and connect to any of the southern parts of SA to hunt like Port Elizabeth, Durban, etc. from either Jo Burg or Cape Town, and change to a connecting flight to Namibia from either one also.

SAA also still flys out of New York’s JFK Airport, non-stop to Jo Berg leaving at about 6 PM. In addition there is a weekly flight to Jo Berg that makes a fuel stop at SAL Island.

Speaking of flights, put at least TWO nametags on luggage just in case a conveyor or cart rips one off. If you can, use an ink pen to write your name on a sticker. No conveyer will rip that off.

I have gotten a little ahead of myself with the Airline details, so let’s back track a bit.

OK, let’s assume you have the proper flights from anywhere to JFK or Atlanta.

Let’s talk about packing for the trip.

Only TWO checked pieces of luggage per person, and don’t let exceed 70 lb in weight per bag. If you are alone, (and that is no fun) that means one gun case and one bag.

***********Note******

Northwest and several other carriers have just instigated a 50 lb rule instead of 70. Not quite sure what that will mean to international travel, but could get sticky or expensive.

I have found by going to the local “Army Surplus” store and look for an Air Force flight bag, a big Green nylon rip stop flight bag. It weighs next to nothing and is tough, but does not lock very well, even with a pad lock. But why worry? If someone wants in the bag, they either pick the lock or cut a hole in it anyway.

All locking does is keep it from coming open by itself in transit.

Include in your packing a laundry bag. Also write down what you turn in to be cleaned each day to be sure it all comes back.

Also put your boots in a “boot bag” when you leave home, that way you will have a bag to put them in when you leave or change camps, as they could be dirty.

Weight IS a problem, which is why the light bag is important. A 20 lb suitcase is already 20 lbs, and on international flights, they are not bashful at charging you for over-weight bags.

Let us assume again that you are going with your wife. It matters not if she hunts, but it is a bonus just having her along, because it gives you more bags.

You still will take only one gun case with two NOT THREE OR FOUR guns in it. Seems that since 9/11, those big “trunks with 3 or 4 guns are not being allowed anymore. Two does not seem to be a problem with any airline.

Also a NEW NOTE: South Africa will not give you a permit for 2 guns of the same caliber, nor can you bring in semi or fully automatic rifles. Also don’t attempt to bring in (traffic) ammo for your PH for a caliber that you don’t have with you.

Another new note just in: I recommend you contact a Company in Jo Berg that “Meets and Greets” Hunters, and takes care of getting their gun permits for them. Also, they may be needed to transport your gun THRU RSA to other countries, as a new law has just been put in place to control firearms “trafficking” and Jo Berg is the hub.

You can, however, check your bags and guns THRU to Wind Hoek Namibia, if, and only if, you are flying into Jo Berg on SAA and connecting to SAA to Windhoek.

So contact Air 2000 at Anne@air-2000.com and web site www.hunterssupport.com for assistance.

IF GOING TO ZIMBABWE...

You must have $20 US DOLLARS for departure tax. Many people do not know this, so be sure you plan on it. They are also trying to collect a VISA tax upon arrival of $30 so have some small US bills available, because they “can’t” make change. Victoria Falls is also collecting and “extra” tax upon arrival as well as departure.

So now we have one gun case and THREE bags we can take along. This is wonderful because that gives your wife two and a half complete bags for her and one half of one bag for you.

But that is OK, because you are going to want to put some ammo IN EACH of those three bags.

Let’s assume again, that you are taking only two rifles. A Buffalo rifle, (if hunting Buffalo) and a plains game rifle.

Or maybe two plains game rifles if not hunting Buffalo. Maybe a 416 or 375 and 300 Mag, 7mm Mag or 30-06.

PUT a box of ammo of EACH Cal in EACH bag. That way if you loose any one bag, you still have ammo.

Even if you go with a partner and not with your wife, put some ammo in each other’s bag, so that if you lose yours, you still have ammo in your partner’s bag.

REMEMBER, Airline Regulations allow only 5 Kg’s or 11 lbs. of ammo per passenger. So you claim 5 kg for your wife and 5 kg for yourself.

*************NEW THING JUST IN**************

Seems that you will be asked when checking in,” Is your ammo in the ORGINAL factory container”? And, they might ask, “Is it in a locked metal box”?

Put you ammo in an original factory container, OF THE CORRECT CALIBER for the ammo, and put your ammo in a “cash box” that you can buy from Wal Mart for $7.97 compared to Office Max at $29.99 ea. So buy 2 metal boxes, so you can put ammo in each luggage and be legal.

Never mind that you will have too much ammo if all the bags get there, that ammo is priceless to your Professional Hunter (PH). Leave it, and the metal box, with him when you go home.

Do not attempt to leave a gun in Africa under any circumstances. It is illegal and the US Fed’s frown on that big time.

What clothes to bring? An old saying comes into mind when packing... “Bring half as much as you think you will use and twice as much money”.

DARK colored clothes are the key. Old Boy Scout uniforms are great. Dark green, no camo... Real Tree or Tree Bark seems to be OK, but not light colored khaki shorts or shirts. Also no WHITE baseball caps.

The game will spot your legs or head moving first in the bush, and dark ones are harder to see. I actually had a PH send me back to the truck once to change my light colored shirt for a dark one.

He did not care if it was red, but not light colored. There may be a lot of game in Africa, but it still is hunting.

You must see them first or they are gone just like a White-tailed Deer.

Remember, most all hunting outfits in Africa do your laundry everyday, so it is not important to bring a lot of clothes. One or two sets to travel in and two for hunting.

Shoes are very important, WELL broken in walking shoes, and a lightweight DARK colored hat or baseball cap.

Ask your PH about how COLD, or HOT it might get where and when you are going. The Southern parts of South Africa can get very cold during July and August, even snow in higher elevations. So take an extra jacket and sweater if going where it might cold.

We were southwest of Jo Berg at Kimberley one time in the middle of May, and we had ice on the windshield two mornings.

Before going to the Airport to leave, take a trip down to the local Customs Office, and get a form 4457... CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION OF PERSONAL EFFECTS TAKEN ABROAD.

Take all your guns, cameras, binoculars, and anything with a serial number on it with you to the Customs office. They are usually open normal 9 to 5 hours. Monday - Friday. Be careful of Gov’t holidays, as they might be closed. It is a no hassle deal; they do it all the time.

Do not try and do this the same day as you are leaving on your trip. All you need is for the Customs office to be closed for some dumb reason (like Presidents Day) or any other Gov’t Holiday excuse for a day off, and then you are screwed.

The reason you get this form, is to show the US Customs people when you come back into the USA. They want to be sure that you are bringing back the guns, cameras, etc, that you took out. If you have something not on that list, they then might charge you DUTY because they can say that you bought it abroad and now must pay Duty.

Plus the Customs folks in South Africa NOW REQUIRE YOU TO HAVE THAT FORM UPON ARRIVAL TOO.

Another new thing has come up. Seems that the Federal Gov’t is now spot checking departing passengers to see if they have more than $10,000 in Travelers checks or cash on them. If you have $10,000 or more, you are “required” to file a FinCen Form 105 with US Customs at your departing airport. If is no big deal, and is trouble free just like the 4457.

Look up www.fincen.gov/reg_bsaforms.html#105 to down load the from.

Do it or don’t do it, but I told you about it.

As you can see by now, this is no short quick reading material to absorb before going.

There are a lot of details here that booking agents don’t take time to tell you.

OK, we are packed and ready to go now. Dual nametags, bags that are not too heavy, and ammo in correct boxes.

OH.... Did we bring our PASSPORT up to date before we try to leave?

YOU MUST have at least 11 months left on your Passport after your scheduled return date. Why, I do not know, just a Gov’t thing. In case you get delayed, then your passport does not expire. SO BE SURE and check the expiration date.

AND>>>>>>>>. Now South Africa requires 2 blank pages in your passport when you arrive.

So check out that passport to be SURE of the 2 black pages.

Never mind “why”, you will figure that out after you get there.

I am assuming that you have a passport already, or have just gotten a new one.

Arrive at the airport 2 hours before departure time here, and 3 hours before any international flight.

It always takes longer to check in when you have guns. They will ask if they are unloaded and may ask you to fill out a form and sign it. They may also ask about ammo, and tell them it is SEPARATE and in the other luggage.

IF they ask how much you have, tell them 5 Kg’s, don’t say any more than that, and only answer their questions. South African Air (SAA) will usually ask you to sign a paper stating that you have only 5 kg’s. No problem, just sign it and say no more about it.

Also, do not take the bolt out of your rifle, and try and carry it on the plane in your carryon. When x-rayed, it looks like a pistol, and guess what that will get you at an Airport?

If you are taking a laser range finder, be sure it is in your checked luggage, as airline folks are inclined to think you are a terrorist if you have a laser object.

If you get an anti-hunting agent, ask to speak with the supervisor right away. Don’t make a big show of it, but you don’t have to take any guff either.

Do just what they say, and get away from that counter before something else comes up. NOW... CHECK YOUR CLAIM CHECKS, AND BE SURE THAT YOU HAVE AS MANY AS YOU SHOULD HAVE, also be sure that they are YOURS and be sure that your tags get on your bags at the counter. This is how we lost a bag a few years ago.

IF you are missing any luggage when you arrive in ATL or JFK, go directly to the claims dept of the airline you arrived on and speak with them.

Now, when you get over to Departure Terminal at the SAA counter, you will again go through the same routine as before.

Fill in the unloaded gun forms, sign a form about the 5 Kg’s of ammo, they will check your passport (for the first of many times). Issue the boarding pass and luggage claim checks and away you go.

Now on your way to the departure area, you will see a Currency Exchange window. If you have not gotten some South African Rands exchanged before you left home, stop here, and exchange some US Dollars for SA Rand. Take about $100 to $500 and buy some Rands.

Ask for small bills, as you will use these for tips and misc things when you get to South Africa. If all they have is big bills, try to exchange them with the flight attendants on your SAA flight. They carry Rands from home and will usually help you

A pilot friend of mine once explained flying this way:

“Hours and Hours of boredom spiced with seconds of sheer terror”.

Well, now comes the boredom part. It is a long ride to Africa. Usually 17 hours with one stop for fuel stop.

IF you are leaving from Atlanta on SAA, all flights are one-stop, and all the same routines must be followed. Just different airports.

After dinner, a nap, several movies and a nice brunch, you really do get there.

All international travel is in the 24-hour clock so be aware of how it works.

Upon arrival, (In Joberg) you will come down the steps to Immigration

Now go through Immigration, again only answer the questions, and don’t make small talk. But don’t look like you are in a hurry either.

Once through Immigration, you will see the luggage area and lots of people. First of all, find yourself a cart for your bags. Collect your luggage, and then go to the Security office there (in the far corner of the room) and ask about your guns.

Your GUNS will USUALLY NOT come out on the normal luggage carousal, but are unloaded and held for pickup at the Security Office.

Watch across the luggage area, and look for someone carrying your guns. Be sure he brings them to the Security Office and does not “try to leave” with them.

I once caught a guy walking out the door with my guns. Those Porters are a menace, and thieves.

Now proceed to the “red” line, declare your guns, and get a temporary permit. (Unless you have Anne from Air-2000 there with you). You must do this even if just changing planes and continuing on to some other SA airport, and also if you are just staying over night before continuing on to Zimbabwe or Namibia etc. Just answer the questions and don’t make a bunch of small talk.

Again this is not much of a hassle, just enjoy the system and do it their way. Get out that Form 4457 you got from US Customs, and fill in their forms with Serial numbers etc. The African’s like that form, because it gives credibility to what you are doing.

OK, you have arrived, got your SA permits and are about to embark through the sliding doors into a sea of people.

If your destination is Jo Berg, your PH should be waiting for you when you come through the door, and he is now in control of the situation). But if you are flying out the next day, here is what to do.

IN JO BERG, You will be overrun with porters who want to help you with your luggage. That can be good and/or bad. They know where to go and will take you to the bus to Hotels etc., but never take your eyes off them or your luggage for one second.

BUT if you and your wife, or partners have two carts, which means you will end up with two porters. NOW LISTEN, each of you stay with one cart no matter what.

It has happened that a man alone has come out with two carts. He was pushing one and a porter the other. When they get outside, the porter and a cart went in an opposite directions, so what does he do? Leave his cart to chase the porter? But if he does, the cart he left standing will be gone too.

If you must choose, follow the cart with the guns. You can always get clothes replaced, but there will be heck to pay if your guns are gone. If your wife or partner is with you, each stay with a cart. And just say STOP if your cart goes the wrong way.

If you are trying to get to your shuttle bus to take you to the hotel, so be sure you know WHICH hotel you are going to.

Holiday Inn, for example, has two right by the airport. Be sure and go over this detail with your agent so you have no doubt which one you are going to. Tell the boys what bus you want and they know what to do.

When you get to the bus more boys will try and help load your luggage, and collect a tip. “Be European”, and tell them to get away. Tact is not one of the European’s strong points, but the boys understand it very well.

Now the bus will take you to the hotel and life is calmer.

Tip your bus driver 10 or 20 RAND and he will handle your luggage there. Be sure and have your hotel Confirmation when checking in, because, they have no idea what or how to spell your name.

Lo and behold, they do have your reservation, sure enough it will have one bed instead of the two you requested, or visa versa.

But it can usually be handled. (Or sorted out as they say)

The bellhop will take your luggage to the room. You might ask the head bellman downstairs if you should pay the bellman or if you will be billed for it anyway? This is the European way, but it works.

Finally, you can put your feet up. Get those stinky clothes off and take a shower.

The hotels have very good food, and the waiters usually speak English as well. The menu is usually in English and the prices in Rand. With the favorable exchange rate of the Rand to the US Dollar, don’t worry about the price, just get what you want.

Do not attempt to pay for it with your Rands, just sign the bill and charge it to your hotel bill. If you need more Rands or smaller bills, the hotel can usually help you. Do not pay for anything in U S Dollars. Use your VISA card any place you can.

Now it is about 7 or 8 PM and you are exhausted, and will want to sleep. So sleep, I guess. About 4 or 5 hours from now, at 2 AM local time, you will be wide-awake and will be hungry again. I have been known to have room service send up something at 2 in the morning. Ya see, at 2 AM in Jo Berg, it is 8 PM in the USA. And your body wants to eat. The sleep you got was only an afternoon nap after lunch.

We have found the local Bed & Breakfast houses to be much better than the hotels. Call me for details. They will personally pick you up and transport you to their house. Dinner must be arranged in advance, and breakfast is included. Food is normally GREAT. And they quite often have a puppy to play with.

Also they are a little cheaper than the hotels, and much quieter.

Depending on what time your plane leaves in the Morning, you do need to wake up, (as you are now gone to the world) and get ready to go.

Try to eat breakfast at the hotel or B & B before you leave. Check out of the hotel and plan on getting to the airport at least 2 hours before departure time. Now you are in for a fun time again.

Take the bus back to the airport, and get ready to be over run with porters again. Same deal, get one or two and stick with them like glue.

At the departure counter, the nice lady will check in your bags, but NOT your gun case.

If “she” complains about your luggage weight, tell her you “in transit”, and that seems to make it go away.

She will give you the claim tags, and you will have to go with your porter to a separate counter to check in the guns.

South Africa has gotten tough on gun travel because of all the stolen guns. The man here will check in the guns and carry them to the plane at the appointed time. Again, check the tag he has is put on YOUR case not another one that looks just like it.

Then just one more thing, go through Immigration once more. They will stamp your passport and say goodbye. Finally you are in the departure area, and wonder where the last hour went.

In Jo Berg or Cape Town, ask where the RENNIES LOUNGE is. Usually up-stairs, and you can buy in for your stay at anywhere from about R90. This gives you a quiet area, great chairs, and all the food and drink you want. For the price, you can’t eat down-stairs with noise and people.

Relax, but stay alert, there are those who will separate you from your luggage in a heartbeat if you are not careful.

If you are off to Zimbabwe, you will fly to Bulawayo, Victoria Falls, or Harare.

The drill is the same wherever you go. Be patient...

Just pay attention to the big departure board and it will tell you what gate and time to board. Odds are they will want to see your Passport once again, so be ready.

Believe it or not, they will try and leave early if everybody is on board.

Same goes for departures in Harare, we almost got left behind once, the plane was ready 25 min early, except for us, but they came and got us out of the line at the bank.

Harare is where most hunters go in Zimbabwe, so let’s start there. Upon arrival it will be much warmer and more humid than in Jo Berg. And the Airport does not believe in air conditioning.

First get in line to have your passports stamped.

MAKE SURE THAT YOUR PASSPORT GOT STAMPED. It has happened where a stamp was missed and there was all hell to pay when trying to leave.

They will give you a little paper to fill out while on the airplane and that you will turn in with your passport.

Then over to luggage, and most likely your luggage will be waiting on a cart with a “boy” watching and waiting for you. He is smart enough to look for luggage tags that look alike and puts those on his cart.

Now over to Customs to fill in the firearms forms. Same as in Jo Berg, be patient.... it goes slow. Slower than slow, but it does get done. Be sure you get it done RIGHT. No mistakes. Then out the door into the airport.

Your PH should be waiting there for you. He will go get the truck and get you all loaded up. Ask him to tip the porters for their help with your luggage.

Why ask HIM? Because you have no Zimbabwe money unless you have been there before, or have “borrowed” some Zim dollars from someone who will loan you some.

Zim dollars are so worthless; that there is no way any bank will exchange money for them. I keep an inventory of Zim dollars just to use when I go there. There is just no way to get them outside of Zimbabwe. And away you go finally.

Not having ever been to Bulawayo, I can only assume it goes the same there, because in Victoria Falls it goes the same as in Harare.

In Vic Falls, I was standing in line waiting for Immigration to stamp my Passport, and the guy next to me sure is nervous as could be. He is looking around the corner watching his luggage.

He says to me “You sure don’t look worried about your stuff”, my reply “I’m not”, “because if you look real close there is a porter sitting by my luggage on a cart.”

“How do you know it is your stuff? I can see the orange nametags on them. The boy there recognized my tags from before.”

Anyway, after Passport Control, this boy has my stuff all ready to go. Again after filling in the gun papers, you either go to a Hotel in Vic Falls or your PH is waiting for you.

Pay your boy “well”, like $50 to 100 ZIM dollars. But be sure and tip him, you will need a friend when you depart.

He will ask when you are leaving and give him the time and date. He will look after your stuff upon departure.

Vic Falls is bad for catching you on overweight, especially on Air Zimbabwe. This is where you want the boy to handle things. Tell him if you are overweight, and can he fix it for you? He will take your luggage and “Fix the scale”. For 100 Zim dollars, he would fix most anything. (At 50 to 1, it is only $2 US dollars.

His “sister” runs the little store at the airport, and suggests that you wait there for him to bring your luggage claim checks to you. No problem, while you are spending a little money, he is getting the job done. An extra 100 Zim ($2 US) goes a long way there.

I’ve gotten a little ahead of myself here about leaving, but it seemed to fit in right there.

Finally, we are now getting to the camp to hunt.

So far this has been a lot of details on things I would rather not mess with, but now on to guns, bullets etc, and I am now in my glory.

Upon arrival in camp, you will have a snack and then time permitting off to the rifle range. Be it Buffalo or plains game, be it in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia or Tanzania, the drill is the same. Shoot the cardboard box with an X on it.

The PH really just wants to see if you can, HIT THE BOX, let alone hit the X on the box.

I love details on guns and ammo, so bear with me, there will be lots of details to follow. BUT I’ll sum it up in the first few sentences.

FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANT:

NOTHING, BUT NOTHING BEATS

BULLET PLACEMENT.

I don’t care if it is a 50 lb Duiker or 1,500 Buffalo or Eland, if you do not or cannot put the FIRST shot in the right place, you are in for big troubles.

Remember, most of Africa has a great system; you shoot first and pay later. It is a great conservation measure. BUT, if you wound an animal, you PAY ANYWAY. So, do not take a running shot, your PH will most likely kill you anyway if you do.

Shoot ONLY when he says to shoot, and be sure you are looking at the same animal he is. Then only take the shot and only if YOU are sure YOU can do it right.

Off hand or standing shots are required are common. The grass is often too high for a sitting or prone shot, and this is where most PH’s will have a set of shooting sticks.

They are nothing more than a pair of 6 ft long sticks tied together so that he can set in front of you and spread them apart to form a wedge for your rifle to fit in. This helps tremendously to steady the gun and help you make a good shot.

PRACTICE... A LOT.

And do it in hunting positions. I have made a target out of ¼” steel plate that I have hung it in the back yard. (Now you can do the same by taking it to the rifle range at a local gun club if you do not have a back yard to do this in). It is only about 6” x 9”. I shoot it at 80 yards with my 22 cal rifle all winter, off hand and sitting and with a set of sticks.

Shoot at least 500 rounds before you go. Do this for months, everyday if possible.

Shoot 10 to 50 rounds everyday if you can. Any 22 cal with a scope will do. Shooting must become second nature, just doing it out of habit.

CITIES PERMITS… Some animals need a special permit to export and import your trophies, especially Leopards.

Write to Office of Management Authority

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

4401 N. Fairfax Dr Rm 432

Arlington VA 22203

They have applications and information on what you may need. Do this LONG before you leave, as it can take “weeks” to get done.

Leopard is the most common permit needed. Without one, importation is not likely. Getting an Export permit from SA is very difficult even if you have an import Cities Permit.

Check it out or call them at 1-800-358-2104 ext 5446

IF ARE NOT HUNTING BUFFALO, YOU MAY SKIP DOWN TO PLAINS GAME AMMO ON PAGE 23

A PH I was going to hunt Buffalo with, once told me to go home and put a 10” paper plate up. Now take my BUFFALO Rifle, and learn to hit it off-hand.

At what range I asked?

His answer was unique. “You, tell me at what range,” he replied, “that you can hit that plate EVERY time”. “If is 20 yards, then we will have to get to 20 yards or less before you shoot. If it is 82 yards, then we will get to 81 yards before you shoot. It is that simple.”

And shooting a BIG rifle is different than shooting the 22 by a long shot. It kicks a lot more, and makes a lot of noise.

Your trip boils down to YOU putting the first shot where it belongs.

Do it right and picture taking is shortly coming, do it wrong, and you will spend the day following a wounded animal.

This is time you paid for and should be hunting other trophies, and not spent following wounded game. Remember, if they find blood, you pay for that animal anyway.

OK, enough of that.

Now on to what guns, scopes, & bullets to use.

Since we have come all this way to hunt Buffalo, let us start with Buffalo Rifles and ammo.

Number one, let me state that I have only killed two Buffalo, but have spoken with many PH’s who have killed hundreds. I am gleaning from their experience combined with facts about bullets and their construction.

Most countries will not permit you to hunt Buffalo with anything less than a 375 H&H. That’s OK, as you need a pretty big rifle to do the job.

Let us assume you are taking a 375 H&H. Bolt action, unless you have big bucks for a double rifle.

What kind? Winchester, Remington Ruger, custom made, whatever makes you happy.

Ammo? The BEST. In the “old” days, all Buffalo ammo was thought to be of Solids only. The reason is that in “old” days, there were just no good soft points. Only solids could be depended upon NOT to breakup upon impact, and none of them were as good as the solids we have today.

Today, we have so many GREAT bullets; it is hard to decide which one to use. Personally, I have killed my two Buffalo with Trophy Bonded Bear Claws 300 gr. handloads in a 375 H&H.

What more and more PH’s are recommending, is shooting a SOFT Point first, like a Bear Claw, Swift, Barnes “X”, or Winchester Fail Safe.

This will be your best shot at a standing animal, and the idea is to get a bullet into the lungs that will do as much damage in there as possible. Followed by a Solid, which is used for pure penetration on the running away shot that is sure to follow. Plus if you get a charging shot, the Solid is better to “brain” him with.

Since then, I have spoken with MANY PH’s and fellow hunters who have used the “soft-solid” combination, and it has worked fine.

If you choose to bring a bigger rifle, a 416 Rem is a popular and fine choice, or even the 458 Win. Use the same “soft-solid combo”.

In the 416 Remington, Federal loads Bear Claws and Sledge Hammer Solids.

Speaking of the 458 Winchester, “If you can afford to hunt something big enough to require a 458 Win, then you can afford to use Factory ammo”. That’s right; I do not recommend using handloads for hunting in the 458 Win. It is the most difficult of all calibers to get the proper velocity out of. Let the folks at the factory pick the right powders to attain the required velocity.

The folks at Hornady, Federal, and Speer, are the only companies loading the 458 Win up to its real potential and published velocities.

In fact, the new Hornady Heavy Magnum 458 Win has loaded its fine 500-gr FMJ bullet to a velocity of 2260 fps. That, my friends, will certainly get a Buffalo’s attention.

I have spoken to several hunters, who have used the Barnes X with great success on Buffalo. Only a couple have ever been recovered, because of complete penetration. Barnes X bullets are great on game, but they can difficult to make shoot good groups, and their length certainly makes them difficult to use in the 458 Win, as they take up too much powder space.

Should bullets exit the animal or stay inside?

Ah, there is a subject that will keep you up all night around the fire discussing that one.

Personally, I hope I NEVER recover another bullet, now that is a mouth full, but I will tell you why.

Exit holes bleed, not entrance holes. If a bullet stops so that I can recover it, it may not have gotten to where I wanted it to go.

If you will look up a story in the Barnes Reloading Manual #2 on page 29, a good friend of mine, NATIE OELOFSE, originally from Namibia, but now from Tanzania, has a great set of charts in there.

I first met Natie in 1992 when I hunted with him in Namibia. He has now collected hundreds of reports on kills he has been in on and measured the distance an animal travels after taking a hit.

There is a great book on the market by Dr Kevin Robertson, called THE PERFECT SHOT. Also a SHOT PLACEMENT book from African Hunter Magazine. See www.african-hunter.com to order.

Both are well illustrated and really shows you how to place your shot effectively. Find one somewhere before you go.

OK back to Natie’s report:

Using three different classes of animal sizes, it boils down to this: IF YOU HAVE AN EXIT HOLE, THE ANIMAL WILL TRAVEL 1/3 THE DISTANCE AS AN ANIMAL WHERE THE BULLET STAYS INSIDE.

According to those who shoot lots of Buffalo, there is a marked difference between hitting them with a 300 gr 375 H&H and hitting them with a 400 gr 416 Rem. But the 500 gr 458 Win seems no better than the 416 Remington, because it is going too slow.

The 458 Win is the most controversial gun around. LOVE OR HATE seems to be the word. Choose only the BEST ammo, like Hornady Heavy Magnums, Federal Premiums, or Speer Nitrex, and you should do just fine.

“To scope or not to scope”? This is the question most potential Buffalo hunters ask. And how about “quick detachable scope mounts”?

To scope... absolutely. You and I need all the help we can get to hit the target correctly. BUT not too big a scope. Since the range is most likely to be less than 100 yards, a big scope is more hindrance than help. I suggest a Leupold 1x-4X scope, as my first choice followed is a Leupold 1 ¾ - 5 scopes.

Even a plain 4X scope is really all you need. Sighted in to hit dead on at 75 to 100 yards, and you are all set.

Most quick detachable mounts are “for the birds”. Cost too much and not likely to be needed. Besides, you must have iron sights on your gun if you intend to use them anyway. Just turn the power down as low as possible and do your thing in thick cover. The only QD mounts I like are the Leopold’s.

Quick detachable mounts are just like “Range finders” in scopes. Just something else to come loose and/or fool with, but they are something the manufactures try to tell you that you really must have, and then charge you a lot for them.

PAGE 23

FINALLY

PLAINS GAME RIFLES AND AMMO

This is one of my favorite subjects. In my many trips, I must have killed over 200 head of various plains game; one thing remains as primary importance:

First shot Bullet Placement is what counts.

Plains game is made up of “everything” that is not a Buffalo, Lion, Rhino, Hippo, or Elephant.

Yes, Leopard to me, are plains game and are treated with the same ammo requirements as anything else.

If you do hunt Leopard, use any plains game rifle that you are SURE you can hit a 2” target at 75 yards, off a rest, every time.

Special bullets are not really needed, but a good scope is a must. Just be able to hit a certain “spot” on that cat’s shoulder and he is yours.

There are many sizes of African plains game, made up mostly of the following:

Small ones, made up of Duikers, Steenbok, Bushbuck, Impala, Reed Buck(s), Springbok(s), Oribi, Klipspringers, all pretty much less than 100 lbs.

IF, you could plan on hunting ONLY these small ones, any small rifle will do. A 243 Win, 25-06, or a 270 Win would be great. BUT seldom does that happen. Most of your hunts will be for a variety of game, and you see what you see when you see it.

So let’s continue with the next class of plains game:

The “Bigger” size ones:

Usually made up of Wildebeest, both Blue and Black species, Kudu, both Greater, Cape and Lesser, Water Buck, Hartebeest (Hard-to-Bust), Gemsbok, Zebra, Blesbok, Warthog, Bush Pig, Nyala, Bontebok, Lechwe, Sable, Eland, and a host of other species depending on country and local populations.

These species range from 250 lb Blesbok to 1,500 lb Eland, and all mixed together in the same bush.

In Namibia, and southern South Africa, ranges tend to be a bit long, like over 200+ yards. In Zimbabwe, and Eastern and Northern South Africa, there is a lot of brush and ranges tend to be in the 100-yard type.

Tanzania can vary a lot too, depending on the region.

So depending on WHERE you hunt will help determine the proper gun, scope and ammo combinations.

Since you might be combining Buffalo and a plains game hunt, let us assume that you have gotten your Buffalo and now are hunting a variety of plains game in the same bush country.

Normally a Kudu, (800 lb) Impala, (120 lb), Wart Hog, 150 lb) Duiker (50lb), Wildebeest (500 lb) are what to expect. All these will normally be shot at around 100 to 150 yards.

What gun to bring? 30-06 on up is simple, BUT with proper ammo, like 180 gr. Hornady’s, Swift A-Frames, Barnes X or new TSX, Bear Claws, or Nosler Partitions. Remember, (NO Nosler Ballistic Tips), although Speer Grand Slams & Mag Tips are fine.

I also like 220 gr Bullets a lot in the 30-06, followed by the Hornady 180 or 190 gr BT’s.

The 300 Win is very popular too, also with the same above bullets. We have used the 300 Win with 180 gr Barnes X bullets, Swifts, and Bear Claws and killed “everything” in sight with no problems.

The 7mm Mag is also a good choice, BUT only with 160 gr or 175 gr Premium Bullets, NO 140 gr or 150 gr light fragile bullets.

I do have to add in one tidbit here, or my wife will kill me: She shoots a 7 mm Remington Mag with 162 gr Hornady Spire Point BT with 63 gr. of IMR 4831 or the 175 gr Hornady RN or Spire Points, with 66 gr of IMR 7828 and has now killed 55 animals with it.

Hard to believe, but I have stood right there and watched her do it, day after day after day, and NEVER had to look for anything except a Zebra and an Eland that ran and died within a 100 yards.

Most all animals just dropped where they stood, including Kudu & Hartebeest. She seldom takes shots that are more than 200 yards, and she just does not shoot until the shot is right. Which means bullet placement is right.

Beware of any bullet going over 3000 fps. Hitting an animal with a fast bullet at under 100 yards can be devastating. Better to use a heavier or slower bullet if you know you will be taking shots less than 100 yards.

The 270 Win is bit on the small side for Zebra & Eland. I have used the 270 with 140 gr Hornady’s and 150 Nosler Partitions, but really feel it is a bit light for Kudu, Wildebeest etc.

I certainly would prefer the 30-06 for these “middle” size animals.

I have shot three Eland so far. One with my 7mm Mag and 175 gr Bear Claws, one with the 338 Mag with a 250 gr Speer Nitrex Grand Slam, and one with a 225 gr Barnes TSX. All of them piled up shortly after being hit.

An absolutely great cartridge is the 35 Whelan for bush type hunting. Nobody thinks about it as an African caliber, but believe me, it works. It is very close to very the popular 9.3 x 62, which is a .366 dia. Bullet, compared to the .358 of the Whelan.

I have used the 35 Whelan with 225 gr Barnes X bullets, and killed two big Kudu and a Wildebeest. All THREE dropped right where they stood. Now that is what I call performance.

Federal loads a 225 gr Bear Claw for the 35 Whelan. That is a dandy, no doubt about it.

The 338 Win Mag is a really good one too. With 225 gr. or 250 gr. bullets, it is a real powerhouse. Contrary to many misconceptions, the big 338 Win Mag and 375 H&H do NOT blow up the little animals.

Federal loads a 225 gr Trophy Bonded Bear Claw in the 338 Magnum that has truly impressed me on Zebra.

In those large calibers, the bullets are so “tough” that they just begin to expand in those little animals, and just knock them down without doing excessive damage. A 270 or 243 will do MORE damage to meat and hides than a 338 Mag will.

Then again if limited to ONE rifle for the entire hunt that includes Buffalo, just use your 375 H&H on everything.

If Buffalo or Lion are not included, then any 338 Mag on down to the 30-06 will do just fine.

I have killed “everything” from Duikers to Buffalo with my 375 H&H. Just use the same 300 gr SOFT point bullets you were using on Buffalo.

But remember, better to shoot a 30-06 well than a 300 Mag or 338 Mag poorly. Any bullet in the right place beats a bigger bullet in the wrong spot.

How about scopes on the plains game rifles?

Pretty much what you like. Personal preference is that nothing bigger than a 3x-9x is used.

A bigger scope is just not needed for 100 to 150 yard shots. Most of my guns wear a 3x-9x VXII Leupold, and I get along just fine. Please, no big 50mm scopes, they weigh too much and are clumsy.

A 1.5x-5x or a 2x–7x is great; it gives you enough field of view in brush and still have a little extra magnification if you need it. BUT buy a quality scope. If the Airlines do not kill it, the riding around on the terrible rough roads will.

Let’s take a minute here, and go over hunting in the wide-open spaces like Namibia and South Africa. Actually, Northern South Africa (called the Transvaal) has a lot of brushy country, but the Orange Free State along with the Southern and Western parts of the country, can be quite wide open.

Quite often, a 200-yard shot is as close as you are going to get. Here you may want a flat shooting longer-range rifle.

Also get yourself a “Harris” bipod to put on your gun. It will really help you with prone shoots at long range.

The 300 Win and 300 Wby are top choices, using 180 and 200 gr Pointed bullets.

The 338 Win Mag also does well at longer ranges with 200 gr or 210 gr bullets. Here a 3x-9x or bigger scope is acceptable.

Also the new Federal High Energy and Hornady Light and Heavy Magnum ammo is great. But remember, you wound it, you pay for it.

What is nice about this open country is that when you hit an animal and it runs off, you can usually see it for quite a while. Not like in the brush that swallows up every animal two steps after you shoot it.

OK, let’s go home.

You may certainly want to consider having your heads mounted in Africa. It saves dipping & packing charges, the price per head is cheaper than in the USA and the Quality of work there is very good.

First of all, when arriving back at the departing airport you will need to turn in that gun permit issued to you when you arrived. They will want to check and see that you are really taking out the guns you brought in. No more and no less.

Now, IF, you are flying from another airport in South Africa back to Cape Town, you usually can’t check your luggage or guns all the way home. You will need to collect them at the Domestic arrival area, and put them on a cart and take them over to the International Departure check in area. Just follow their directions from there.

If you are flying into Jo Berg from Harare or Wind Hoek, then normally you can check your bags all the way to New York or Atlanta. As you do not take possession of them in Jo Berg, no permits are needed.

Now it is a sad time of having to say goodbye to your PH, kiss his wife and kids, of course by now you have promised the world to him, given him the scope off your rifle, and any extra left over ammo, and even left deposit money to come back again next year.

Now to passport control where you will have your passport stamped again. Enjoy the system, and do as they ask. Be polite, and be patient...

Finally you go through the metal detector, and enter the departure lounge. Do you know that Rolaids are hell in those detectors? They will get you every time.

Did you buy any souvenirs? Remember, you bought ‘em; you have to carry ‘em. All that pretty (bargain) stuff now is a pain.

SHIPPING CAPES AND HORNS HOME

Here is a subject sure to send terror through many people. IF anything in your trip will go really wrong, this is where it will be.

Your PH and/or outfitter will handle getting your capes to the taxidermist or shipping agent to get them shipped home. There will be additional costs in this.

Before you leave on your trip, contact Carol Rutkowski in Dallas at 1-888-827-4388 or e-mail to carolr_dfw@coppersmith.com She is very good about helping get your stuff home.

Don’t just leave it to your African Agent, as he will most likely send it to NY and that is not what you want to do, unless you live there.

Now you must have even more patience, as this takes a long time to get them out of an African Country and finally get to the USA.

GOING HOME, LIKE IT OR NOT

Now that we are finally on the way home, the next thing is getting through Jo Berg again.

Upon landing, you will again go down the steps down to immigration, just like when you arrived the first time. Only now, you do not have to go through the passport stamping line.

Remember that bank of Airline counters you saw when you arrived in Jo Berg? Go right to Airline you are using, SAA, KLM etc, and get your boarding pass.

After that, just to the left of the Airline counters, is a metal detector. Go there because that bypasses the lines, and takes you directly to the departure lounge upstairs.

Here you wait for your plane to depart for home. If you want to return any SA Rands you might have, there is an exchange bank right there in the lounge. Plus lots of shops for last minute shopping. But remember, you buy it you carry it.

If you have been hunting in South Africa and your PH has brought you back to the Airport, the drill is about the same.

Come into the INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE area, and a Porter will want to help you. That is OK; he knows how to get through the lines.

Now pay attention for a minute, IF you purchased anything in SA, you paid a VAT tax on it. This tax is refundable to you when you leave, but you must apply for it.

Just inside the door when you come into the terminal is a VAT tax office. There you must check in they may want to SEE the goods you are taking out of the Country.

So do not bury them in your luggage. They will give you some paperwork to take to the REFUND office inside the departure lounge way on the far end.

Here you will get a check for the VAT tax refund and you can go to a Bank there in the lounge to cash it in.

On our last trip to SA, found out that VAT tax refund is not worth the trouble. “They” disallowed most of our receipts for one reason or another. Sort of like our IRS, no compromise. After an hour of sorting, waiting and watching, we got a ck for US $ 7.28, which was not worth the trouble.

IF per chance your PH takes you to the large discount store called Macro’s take your passport to the courtesy counter and get a “day pass” with YOUR name on it. Then you can get a VAT refund for what you spend. Without it, no refund.

I still say the VAT tax refund deal is a Gov’t scam.

OK, back to departing, go over to your check in counter for boarding passes and luggage tags.

Then you must take your gun case to the special desk to check that in. Your porter or PH will know where to go. Make sure your paper work is correct, be polite, and say thanks. Be sure that your luggage tags get on YOUR gun cases. Then through passport control and into the departure waiting area.

Now is when you go to collect the VAT tax spoken about earlier. (If you have enough to make it worthwhile).

OK, let’s load up and get going. Assuming we are going to JFK or Atlanta, the next 8 hours are made up of dinner and movies.

At about 3 AM the next morning you will land at SAL Island for fuel.

This island is part of the Cape Verde Islands, and is quite remote. Usually you can’t get off the plane while they refuel, but not always. DON”T drink the water in the terminal, it is terrible.

After about an hour they will herd you back on the plane and head for New York or Atlanta. It is about 8 hours to New York or Atlanta from Sal Island.

After about 6 hours, they will put the lights on and start to serve some breakfast. Show you a newsreel and such and some information upon entering the USA.

If you depart out of Jo Berg for Atlanta, depending on the day, you will have a short flight to Cape Town to pickup more people. Then it is on to Sal Island.

Check for details with your travel agent.

Again, keep your passport handy, as you will wear it out. They will give you a form to fill out about where you were and what did you do. And what did you BUY. Get all the receipts from purchases ready to show Customs if they ask.

BREAKER-BREAKER

Newsflash…

In Atlanta right now, the Immigration people want to see all boots from returning hunters, so that they can dip and spray them with a disinfectant to prevent hoof and mouth disease from entering the USA.

Upon landing you will have a long walk to immigration to have your passport stamped. But they have lots of lines, and do very well. Then down the steps to baggage claim.

Luggage will come out as normal, (get a cart) but your gun case will come out on a side door.

Then over to Customs to see if they want to see or open anything up.

He or (she) is bound to ask for that Form 4457 PERSONAL EFFECTS that you got in Customs before leaving. Have it out and ready. At this point it is a 50-50 chance if they will want to check the gun numbers or your purchases. Just be patient and polite.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BRING ANY FOOD OR ANIMAL PARTS INTO THE COUNTRY. THIS INCLUDES BILTONG, Warthog tusks, or Porcupine needles.

Don’t act nervous or in a hurry. After clearing Customs, there is a check in counter for ALL airlines leaving to your departing airline. Check in your luggage and guns here and they will put them on the right plane.

In JFK, be sure you have at least 2-3 hours between arrival and departure, as it takes at least 2 hours for that luggage to get to your airline and your luggage could miss it.

Then go to the Airline departure counter, where you will check in and get boarding passes.

In Atlanta, you just go to the baggage re-check counter and they will send it on its way. They are much faster than JFK and an hour should get the job done.

If per chance you are not leaving from JFK, you will most likely be taking a cab to La Guardian airport. Just look for the signs for Taxi cabs and take one to La Guardia, and check in there like normal to go back home.

From here on it is just endure a couple more hours and you are home.

One more note about Malaria pills. If you are on a one a week program, keep going.

Let me tell about a case I know of regarding Malaria.

Seems this man followed all the directions very carefully, and took the pills for 4 weeks after returning.

Guess what, 6 WEEKS later he came down with Malaria. Pay attention to any symptoms you might get later. Get medical attention and tell them about the pills and that you might have Malaria.

Larium seems to be the pill of choice, but some people have had reactions to it, so certainly talk to your Doctor about it or an alternative.

Malarone seems to be a better choice, but check with your local health dept.

In the past, I have contracted Tick Bite Fever. Beware of ticks on the grass and on animals. I just could not get warm, (had a fever). Took some antibiotics and felt much better the next morning.

There is tick spray available from most hunting ranches to put on your clothes to keep the ticks away, USE IT.

I am not sure where I should insert this little note:

BUT, I need to insert a little wisdom here. While with your PH’s, have a little extra patience with them.

They need to make stops to get and do things while out with you. Some of what they are doing while with you will be about or for, the next client. Then again he did things for you while with the previous client. Don’t be mad at him if he stops in town to get “supplies”, like salt or fuel.

Every minute of everyday is not going to be spent hunting.

You are not getting cheated out of your daily rate. Bear with them; it is tough enough having all the supplies they need when they need it to make you happy.

ALSO, it is very customary when you arrive at a Ranch to hunt, to say hello and have a tea or coffee. These farmers want to talk with the Americans a bit and are truly interested in what you have to say.

Then stop in when leaving for the day, to show them your trophies, and again you might have coffee. Take time to listen to them, as they are very interesting people that live in the country you came a long way to visit.

Stay “loose” and just let things happen.

Do one more thing.

Be sure and get all your “negotiations” in Writing.

Take all paper work, faxes, e-mails to and from your outfitter and booking agent along with you.

Be prepared to defend or prove all conversations and agreements of prices and services.

Don’t “take anything for granted”.

I saved $500 once for Airport Pickup, of all things.

The Outfitter tried to slip it in on the bill. I had specific paper work with me, saying that Airport Pickup and return was, “Included”.

I know this has been a lot of reading, but the trip is worth it. I would be glad to talk more about it anytime, just call me days at 616-896-6500.

Or write Terry & Jo Ann Blauwkamp

E-Mail to tblauwkamp@superior-sales.com

I would like to insert just one more tidbit,

INSURANCE.

Look up www.siai.net you might want to buy their coverage on your guns and equipment. Great low cost, no-deductible INS.