U.S. hunting after going to Africa

littlejoe · Mar 17, 2012

Just wondering if this has happened to any of you. I went to Africa last year for the first time and now in regards to hunting it is all that I think about is going back.

My drive is still there for deer, elk, antelope and sheep but not even remotely like it was before going to Africa. I have the bug now and will be going back next year but my passion has definitely changed at this point. I am not as addicted to things at home anymore.

This happen to anyone else?

llamapacker · Mar 17, 2012

I understand the change that occurs after you have hunted Africa, but I can't say it has diminished my drive for western game. I been 7 times to Africa, and will go again for my eigth trip this year. It is a great place to hunt in the spring and summer in the US.

It has only reinforced how special western US hunting is to me. Nothing quite like a DIY backpack elk hunt, or chasing mule deer in the high country.Don't even get me started on sheep hunting and mountain goats. I absolutely love the freedom and sense of accomplishment that I get from hunting in the western US.

I will still hunt Africa periodically, and as I get older and wish to be catered to, I'll probably spend even more time there. But the reality is almost all hunting is good, and the variety of expereinces available in the US and around the world make the sport ever fascinating.
Bill

stinkystomper · Mar 17, 2012

i totally agree with you. i have almost no desire to hunt north america now and i honest to god cant figure out why. i have almost zero desire to hunt elk n deer. all i wanna do is go back to africa and i dont know why i feel this way.

Feleno · Mar 18, 2012

Been fortunate to go to Africa a few times and really nothing in the states compare. I've been on sheep, moose, deer, elk and just about everything else there is here. But nothing holds a candle to Africa.

woodruffhunter · Mar 18, 2012

I been on, or participated on, Bison, Deer, Elk, and Moose hunts in the states. I have been on hunts since I was 5 years old.
I'll never give up hunting in North America.

Having said this, going to Africa was unlike any of my other hunts. Its just someting I had to experience to really believe. People kept telling me how great it was and I was never 100% convinced. I was sure it would be fun, but had no idea.

I have pretty much scratched out some of my dream hunts in North America. I will still apply in the draws, but I would rather pay to hunt Africa.

I still want to do a BC or Alaska bear hunt....

CAelknuts · Mar 18, 2012

I don't know of a single serious hunter who has been to Africa and not wanted to go back. It is definitely my #1 hunting priority as far as guided hunts are concerned. I've mostly decided to forego anymore guided hunts here, unless I happen to draw a sheep tag or something like that, in favor of saving those dollars to go on another African hunt. I've been on 4 different safaris, and can't wait to make my fifth.

littlejoe · Mar 18, 2012

I agree with each of you. I have a very close friend that just does not see the light. He said he cannot go knowing that he does not know a big Kudu from a little Kudu, etc.

I have told him that is what your PH is for and when you finally book it you will do more research than ever and reasonably know what you are looking at in most regards.

I have been lucky and hunted Alaska and Canada a few times but I doubt I will ever go back after hunting Africa. Always wanted to shoot a Dall Sheep but I don't see it happening as going to Africa is a much bigger priority for me.

I can hardly wait to go to Namibia next year. I was actually looking around in my trophy room as I am getting to completely reorganize it in anticipation of the Africa stuff starting to filter in over the next few months.

What an amazing place that cannot really be explained until you have been there.

TAGATTRACTER · Mar 19, 2012

I have been to Africa three times with final negotiations on a fourth trip almost finalized.

Africa is all about fun. Where else can you shoot multiple species daily, day after day? The variety and quantity of game is unreal. Like most people that go to Africa, once is never enough. I will always find another reason to return to Africa but
to me, nothing in Africa compares to chasing 230 inch Muleys or 400 inch Bulls.

littlejoe · Mar 19, 2012

I guess I love Africa so much becuase I am looking in all the wrong places here. I have never shot an elk anywhere near 400" or seen one in the field with a tag in hand. I have shot a 205" muley and felt very fortunate at that. Africa is just so consuming for me.

stinkystomper · Mar 19, 2012

i couldnt agree more. ive chased but havent killed a 400" bull. came close and took a 190 muley. they consumed my life until i went to africa. now to heck with elk n mule deer. im all african now. already booked a double leopard croc buff and full plainsgame hunt for this year and looking towards lion and elephant for next year possibly. africa is just to unexplainable and consuming for me. im ruined

Navaluk · Apr 9, 2012

It hasn't happen to me. Yet. 5 trips to Africa and I still respect the difficulty I went through here to get my Mountain Goat and Polar Bear. Come to think of it, about the only thing that has changed is that I no longer give a rip about hunting Whitetails. So I guess Africa has only ruined any desire I may have had to hunt in Texas, but really is that such a loss?

littlejoe · Apr 15, 2012

I still appreciate all of my North America trophies but they all pale a little now after having gone to Africa. It is in the blood and I cannot wait for 2013 to get back there again. If I don't draw any tags in the States anymore I don't worry about it much. I used to leave sleep over it.

billc · Apr 16, 2012

Could be from being on the east coast and not having elk,mule deer,pronghorn to hunt.I still get pumped going out west with my boy.Nothing like hearing them big bulls talking in the fall.Could care less if i ever shot another whitetail but love my western hunting.But having africa as a trip ever other year makes not drawing tags not near as bad.Working on my next africa trip now.Will be doing plains game in namibia and south africa next trip.

backinthegame · Apr 18, 2012

I had the African "hangover" after I got back...hunted in May 2010, the entire fall of 2010 just wasn't the same for whatever reason!

Broke out of it a good bit last year and had a blast chasing elk, muley, and antelope. This fall I'm all-in on western game here in the states again.

I LOVED Africa, trip of a lifetime. I sure hope to go back someday! That being said, I just can't pry myself away from big game in the States completely just quite yet.