African hunts

[hesse]

So I am looking at going in the next couple of years also taking the little women with me to hunt also . So here is my question to save money I am not interested in being the heads back to the US . That is where a lot of the cost is. I figured a lot photos and video for the memories . Has anyone else done the

 

[Coyote Shadow Tracker]

So I am looking at going in the next couple of years also taking the little women with me to hunt also . So here is my question to save money I am not interested in being the heads back to the US . That is where a lot of the cost is. I figured a lot photos and video for the memories . Has anyone else done the

You will want to get some Mounts-Trust me!

 

[hesse]

Maybe euro mounts

 

[hesse]

Maybe euro mounts

 

[Gary in MD]

OP,
That is exactly how I felt and what I did about two years ago. Pictures and memories are what mattered to me (and of course the whole African experience). Getting shoulder mounts would have turned a 10K hunt into a 20K hunt.
I did get one shoulder mount, a few euro mounts, and a zebra skin rug. Still a fair sum of added cost and headaches.
If I did it again, I might leave ALL of it over there. What a pain in the butt and extra cost.
You won't be disappointed in the experience. You get a lot of hunting (and killing) for the money.

 

[Sealesniper]

If you want the experience, but are not worried about the trophy aspect, there are many places that offer cull hunts. As for Africa, you really want to make that trip happen. And go as soon as you can, as the hunt and the Dark Continent will stay with you forever. Bring a good camera, several cards and a journal. Every day, take 45 mins to an hour to document the day. You will be amazed how even the little events and occurrences become golden memories. I brought mounts back of the animals that were exportable, but pictures of those that were not are just as prized. Take more days than you think you need as you will want to just relax and enjoy. One place I stayed had an outdoor shower attached to my hut. Taking a midnight shower, with all lights off, looking up at the stars listening to the lions roar and other nocturnal noises is a memory I cherish. Enjoy your trip, and understand, she will call you back. You will not just go once.

 

[Allen Kitts]

I have been (3) times, which pales in comparison to many guys on here but, I can tell you that Africa gets in your blood. I have a friend that has gone along on two of the trips and he does not bring anything back. He usually just hunts cull animals at a discounted price and takes pictures. You are correct in assuming that the cost to get the trophies back is significant, actually that is what is hindering me from going back for a fourth trip. I am one of those guys that has to have the mount and its just so **** expensive anymore. As others have stated you should go, it is an experience unlike anything you can get in the states and you will be very glad you did. If you are looking for a place to go that your wife can enjoy as well I have a friend that owns a large concession in the eastern Cape of South Africa. His lodge is beautiful, the food is great and he has lots of plains game critters to chase. He has things that cater to the spouse available as well if she is not a hunter. Message me if you would like more info and good luck in getting a trip booked.

 

[son545]

Smart call skipping trophy shipping taxidermy is one of the biggest ways to slash costs on overseas hunts often $2k $5k per animal in fees, brokers, permits, and freight from Africa or NZ, plus CITES headaches for protected species. Real hunters do this all the time: focus on the adventure, take killer photos or videos phone GoPro drone, and leave the meat skulls for locals or minimal Euro if allowed. Memories last way longer than dusty mounts anyway.
Best spots for couples hunt focused but with downtime romance
South Africa plains game cull mixed bag packages $4k–$8k pp including lodging meals guides; fly in cheap, spot-and-stalk, evenings at nice lodges with wine views wife can join drives, bird hunt, or relax. Outfitters like those on BookYourHunt offer non-hunter options.
New Zealand red stag chamois tah guided $8k–$12k pp stunning scenery, hikes, luxury lodges; photos of epic mountains beat any wall hanger.
Argentina red stag dove boar combo often under $6k pp; great food wine, romantic vibe.
Tips to save more: Book cull non trophy packages, go off season, combine with sightseeing. Check outfitters via BookYourHunt.com or WorldwideTrophyAdventures for couples-friendly deals many include non hunter activities. Document everything your videos will relive the thrill forever without the hassle cost.

 

[Rifleman97]

You will want to get some Mounts-Trust me!

Ehh

I've given away the best deer I've ever shot, just not for me. Even gave away the 17pt in my profile pic, and my 6x6 bull

 

[Dr. Vette]

Went to Namibia this past July.

To save money, I'm having the skins tanned over there and the skulls cleaned.
The skulls and skins will be shipped and we will pick them up at the broker's in Chicago. If you have to have them shipped from the port or the broker in the US it's extra.
Once home some of the skins will be made into a patchwork rug, and the skulls will end up in my barn as Euro mounts, likely on Skull Hookers. Unused skins will end up on my barn wall as well.

I'm not having anything mounted. I'll put a picture of the animal harvested next to or below the Euro mount. I'll end up with all the skulls, hides and rug for about the price of bringing home and mounting just 1 animal.

My next one in 2027 I'm doing a management hunt.

 

[Taf643]

Taking the little woman to Namibia for PG like your Sako 6.5x55 plan is a winner tons of families do it, with her tagging along for photos videos while you hunt. But true DIY self guided? Nah, not viable there Namibia requires a licensed PH for non citizens legal must, plus lions hyenas make it sketchy without. No heads PH trackers flying back separate to save bucks outfitters bundle am in daily rates $300-400pp 2:1.

Real savings hack Book a budget observer package for her $100-200 day extra, covers lodge meals photo safaris Etosha NP tours she chills or snaps memories while you hunt. Fly together RT from ATL via Europe to Windhoek $2k-3kpp, hunt 7-10 days on free range ranches e.g., Sangwali Kowas $3.5k-5k for 5-7 animals 1x1. Dip dip trophies $200 animal, local taxidermy ship later $2-3k total, beats US heads home at $5k.

 

[ridgewalker]

Yep, they are fun to have for a while, but now at 78 yo I am trying to clean house so I don't leave a lot of stuff for my family to have to deal with. If/when I return to Africa I have learned my lesson…pictures and a diary will be all I bring back.

 

[Greyfox]

I think it depends on how old you are…stage of life. My African hunts were 30-40 years ago….And I considered those the pinnacle of my hunting experiences over 60 years of hunting. At that time I had been quite selective about the particular quarry, location, and method of hunting. The particular animals hunted was more important than the number of animals. Did a few hunts…All amazing. All successful. Yes, it was costly at the time, but I did ship the animals back to the states, and have top quality shoulder mounts made, and put them on my wall. Was it worth it? Absolutely! The cost has been long absorbed/forgotten…..But over the past 30-40 years looking or even glancing at those mounts….thousands of times?!…..Perhaps one of the greatest experiences in my lifetime has been kept alive and vibrant…We are only here once!

 

[Dr. Vette]

But over the past 30-40 years looking or even glancing at those mounts….thousands of times?!…..Perhaps one of the greatest experiences in my lifetime has been kept alive and vibrant…We are only here once!

However, if your wife doesn't allow heads in the house and you can only put them in your barn...
Euros it is.

I'm happy that she will even consider allowing the rug in the house.