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List Of Bowhunting World Articles
Bowhunting
World’s Adventures In Archery
Africa—Don’t
Dream it—DO IT!
Too excited to sleep, you step from your tent, shivering from an unexpected chill of the predawn air. Like a glowing ember, the eastern horizon heralds the arrival of another perfect day. The campfire crackles, beckoning you forward, its leaping yellow flames a promising oasis from the cold. Visions of big game animals tantalize your imagination, making rest impossible. Will a magnificent kudu bull cross your 30-yard pin as you try to disregard its spectacular horns spiraling four feet toward the heavens? Will a wildebeest pause in savannah grass long enough for a shot? Or, a tank-like warthog pause to drink, challenging a broadhead to pierce its gristly armor? If these scenarios spark the slightest interest in your hunting soul, heed the popular jingle and “just do it!” Eight years ago, I was that person by the campfire, arriving in Africa with a million unanswered questions, yet filled with an acute sense of adventure. As I stood beside the fire, captivated by the jungle and the spectacular sunrise, I pinched my flesh, expecting to awaken at any moment. It was not a dream. I have since returned three times, and on each occasion my anticipation of an exciting African adventure is equal to or greater than my first. African hunting methods and conditions differ by country, outfitter, and habitat. Hunts fall into three general categories: large game ranches typical of South Africa, huge jungle enclosures as in Zimbabwe, and enormous safari concessions such as Botswana, Zambia and Namibia. Each poses advantages and variables of cost, time and hunting method. South African Game Ranches The game ranches of South Africa are the most advertised and economical safari option. Outfitters purchase or lease hunting rights to lands and manage the animal populations for hunting. Cattle ranchers kill off indigenous populations and these species are often reintroduced to their former range and prosper through protection from predators and poaching. Game ranches are usually 1,000 acres and larger.
Animals usually begin watering mid-morning, providing a leisurely pace to the day. You can sleep in, enjoy breakfast, pack a hearty lunch, and then hunt. Because lions and other dangerous game are absent from most ranches, hunters are left alone to hunt, photograph and enjoy. Most ranch hunts offer a relatively controlled environment and are ideal for the first-timer. Ranches are accessible and well supplied, often with 3-D targets and practice ranges. Although the property is fenced, hunting is not affected since game animals usually come to you. Article reprinted with permission from Bowhunting World magazine. For more information contact: Bowhunting World Magazine
Call 1-800-877-6118
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African
winter (our summer) is the dry season, when dense brush becomes dry and
dormant. Stalking wary animals that are hunted ten months of the year is
very challenging. Conversely, water hole ambushes can be very productive.
Most animals drink each day (some do not), providing an incredible wildlife
viewing and hunting opportunity. Ambush points at waterholes include treestands,
ground blinds (called hides) and pit blinds.
