Page 23 - Safari Trails Dec 2020

We imagined ourselves to be “trophy hunters” and wanted to take only animals that would
score in the top 10 in the record book. We set upper and lower measurement limits that would be
acceptable…..and planned to shoot the first animal that appeared within those measurements even
if it was the very first day of the hunt to avoid the chance of returning home without anything. We
discovered after just a few hunts that collecting a “Top 10” trophy on every hunt was a dream of
amateur’s and not practical or possible. As a result of these decisions, we always had great
experiences and collected excellent trophies added to our collection. A few even made the Safari
Club Inc. “Top 10” list.

The true joy of hunting is in the doing – not a listing in the record book.

Do Your Homework – decide what you want to hunt. Look through the SCI or Boone &
Crocket record books to find where the trophies have been taken for the species you want
to hunt and the Outfitter or guide’s name. Decide the ideal trophy size and the minimum
size you will be proud to bring home. Contact a Professional Booking Agent about your
goals in order for him to recommend the best Outfitter and guide for your situation.

Ask The Guide
 Game you actually can expect to see in sufficient numbers to choose a trophy.
 Success percentage and size of trophies collected this year and last.
 Tell the guide the trophy size you want – from ideal to unacceptable.
 What is the best time of year to get the animal I want?
 Reference list – call at least 3 or 4 who have hunted with the recommended guide.
 Describe terrain, mode of hunt (spot & stalk, tree stand, walk, horse, vehicle).
 Detail accommodations, food, costs, any extras and terms of payment.
 Name of the guide with whom you will hunt – age and experience.
 I choose not to be in camp with hunters I do not know and trust. When standing
on top of a high mountain half way around the world, I do not want to flip a coin to
see who shoots the only trophy Marco Polo ram…. my son, OK – no one else.
 Tell your age, physical ability and past hunting experience….do not exaggerate.

Do not go on the first or last hunt of the season
Because – on the first hunt, they may not have pre-scouted the area to know
the game’s favorite territory. Many times, they are not well organized. On the last
hunt, they are anxious to close the camp and go home after a long season.
In addition, the largest trophies may have been taken.

Hunter’s Responsibility for a Successful Hunt - know your limitations
Good physical condition and physical health is a must.
 Be able to walk several hours in hot weather for African or desert hunt.
 Be in good physical condition and able to climb 40 floors (in a building – not a stair
climber in a gym) at least once/day for 3-4 wks before a mountain hunt.
 Be comfortable riding a horse if that is the transportation.

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