Africa
Phototourism has its place, but in terms of benefit to wildlife, there's no substitute for going afield with a rifle.
by Diana Rupp
The rifle is the primary tool of the hunter. A few hunters consider their rifles just that—tools—and nothing more. Most of us, though, also enjoy rifles for their own sake: the fine lines, craftsmanship, that peculiar combination of wood (or synthetics) and metal that turns a simple, powerful tool into a valued possession, a cherished heirloom, an old friend.
People who don’t hunt sometimes ask me why I can’t “just take a camera” into the field, instead of a rifle. I try to explain that carrying the rifle changes my experience in nature from one of an observer to one of a participant, intimately involved in the cycle of life in the natural world. As much as I enjoy observing nature, participating in it is, to me, far more rewarding.
In the world's thickest, darkest jungles, the simple flashlight takes on supreme importance.
by Craig Boddington
It really doesn’t matter whether we’re talking about the Asian jungle, the forests of central Africa, or, for that matter, the rain forests of our Pacific Northwest--climax forest has to offer some of the most difficult hunting conditions in the world. Visibility is measured in feet, progress is slow, and animals have all the advantages. It’s country that is hard on equipment and tough on hunters. I just returned from Liberia’s West African forests, a hot, sticky forest that is about as challenging as anything I’ve ever encountered.
An excerpt from the new book Ask the Namibian Guides.
In the new book Ask the Namibian Guides, author Diana Rupp interviews thirteen highly regarded professional hunters from all over Namibia in an effort to bring the most up-to-date information to the aspiring safari hunter. The professionals answer questions about why this country is such a popular safari destination, what hunters can expect when they go there, what to bring, how to prepare, what game to pursue, and what a typical Namibia hunt is like. In this excerpt, the PHs share their insights on how to practice and prepare for a successful safari.
How do you recommend hunters prepare for a safari? Any tips for shooting practice, etc.?
READ MORE
Common throughout Africa and fun to hunt, a big warthog also makes an impressive trophy.
By Craig Boddington
The warthog is one of the most recognizable of all African animals, so ugly that he’s downright impressive and almost comical as he paces through the bush with antenna-like tail erect. My most recent article for Sports Afield (in the March/April 2013 issue) is on all the African pigs, and I freely admit that I have a pig problem: I like to hunt pigs, all kinds! Many European hunters would agree with me. In fact, every year some number of Europeans travel to Africa just to hunt warthogs! I’ve never heard of an American doing this, and despite my long-standing pig problem, I don’t see myself doing it.
READ MOREQuestion:
I am planning to have a double rifle built for use on buffalo and elephant. I am undecided between .450 NE, .470 NE, or .500 NE. I understand that ammo is more common for .470 and .500 NE. Do you have any recommendations?
Answer:
An interesting question, because there are many things to consider. As you mention, one of them is ammo--and this is an aspect that concerns me.
In recent years Namibia has become one of the most popular destinations for safari hunters, both first-timers and old Africa hands alike. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to hunt in this country, this is the book for you.
