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African Game Animals

Hunting African game animals successfully requires skill, hard work and knowledge. Some visiting hunters believe that they pay their Professional Hunter for these attributes and they are only the 'trigger men'. They sometimes don't even know or want to know, what a particular animal looks like, let alone it's habitat and social behaviour.

"Every year Africa is invaded by hordes of big-game hunters. Some of them are real sportsmen, but some have only a yen to cut loose with a gun. They blaze away at anything they see, monkeys, baboons, antelope, zebras, giraffes, lions, ostriches - everything. Behind them, they leave bloody trails of wounded and slaughtered animals." Alexander Lake

"It's pleasant to work with men who know what trophies they want, bag them, and do no other killing except for food. They stalk game carefully, often expertly, and try not to merely wound a beast. Usually they give the animals more than an even break and are happiest when their trophies are won with all odds in favour of the animals." Alexander Lake

Many hunters are surprised at the 'toughness' of African animals compared to their home species. Most African plains game are constantly predated upon so are extremely wary, thus highly skilled stalking methods are required. The 'common' zebra and wildebeest will fight to the bitter end, often taking a lot of lead before succumbing. The predator species, for example, crocodile or leopard, are in turn, very wary. Being at the top of the food chain means they cannot put themselves at risk of injury.

Knowing a few simple facts about the animal you are hunting will truly enhance your African hunt - not only will you really enjoy the hunting experience, you can confidently contribute your own hunting ideas and your hunt will become a true team effort, earning you the respect of your PH and trackers.

African Game Animals

Includes details on the following on each game animal species:

Rowland Ward and SCI minimums and measurement methods
Basic habitat requirements so the hunter will know he is looking in the potentially right areas for an animal.
The social structure of an animal is good to know when hunting for a particular gender.
Gestation and gender differences is very important for hunters especially in countries where females are not permitted to be hunted.
Hunting methods, shot placement and what to look for in a good trophy are also included.