Kit list for Namibia

[Dan'l]

James,

Thanks for the advice.  Let me say the trek you and Tradtusker went on after the time at Piet's looked idyllic, and the photography was really top-notch.  Looks like you two had an experience in Africa you'll never forget.  

I will have a woman with me, but a sleeping bag is still not a bad idea.  Of course, if she reads the bit about the roaches in the covers, she may elect to stay home:  another good reason to take a sleeping bag.  

I've got Namibia on my mind almost all the time.  Probably be back with more questions before August rolls around.  Thanks again.  Regards,

[Dan'l]

Rob & Tradtusker,

Again, thanks.  Appreciate the time spent answering basic questions.


The tip on shot placement guide is a good one, and a bird book too would be a good idea.  I've pruchased several guides already; soon I'll need a book bag along with a back quiver.  

I've got some image stabilizing binoculars I plan to take (plus batteries).  

Regarding a notebook, I'd pretty much decided not to bring a laptop, but I don't think I've actually written a page by hand in 10 years.  Guess that's a decision I'll make later.

Wish I'd heard your advice on booking earlier, but we're locked in for August at this point.  As for the cold nights and mornings, I'll be prepared for cold weather.  Guy going with me said it snowed one day last time he hunted Namibia.  How were daytime temps?  In the comfortable range (70-80F/21-27C)?

Good advice on footwear.  I'd planned to bring hunting boots, but something considerably lighter makes more sense, especially if most of th time is spent in blinds.

About blinds:  Several folks advised you to wear black, especially black or dark glove on your bow hand.  Did you follow that advice?  I'll remember your tip about a facemask.

As a trad archer (and not a great one), I'm concerned about longer shots.  Your recounting suggests most shots are 20 yards or under.  True?

Again, thanks for the advice.  Later on, I may ask about the decisions you guys made on care of trophies and taxidermy, and if you'd change some of those decisons if you could; but you've given me enough to think about for now.  Regards,

[robtattoo]

Dan, the notebook need only be a pocket size thing. I spent all week just jotting down lists of sightings & memorable happenings. It's quite staggering how much you'll forget!  :D

At the beginning of July, the temperatures mid-day were hovering around the low 80's, but it will have warmed up a little by August (The Wife just got home from South Africa & the temps during September were in 3 figures!)

Clothing inside the blind is up to you. Dark colours would be a preference (I spent the week in ASAT or old Mossy Oak though & I did OK!) A dark glove for your bowhand is important though.

All the blinds (If my memory serves...) are set within 20yds of the water & your shot distance could be a LOT less (I had a Springbok at a mineral lick, 5 FEET from my blind!)

Practice shootin through a small window, if possible. Even though the blinds have good ports, there's netting pulled over them, narrowing your window right down. If you can get a piece of plywood or similar, cut a 12" wide by 18" high hole, with the top edge at around 5' high & practice shooting through this (Stand with your bow about 18-24" from the window) It really messes with your judgement & takes a little adjusting to. Unless, of course, you're used to blind hunting!  :D

[robtattoo]

Oh, and take a few good books with you (I recommend anything by Peter Hathaway Capstick to get you in the mood!) it can get really, reeaally boring after 8 or 10 hours in a blind!

[BrianK]

Take a small tin of Zambuk ointment - it's cheap and has a thousand uses and lip balm.

Watch out for ticks - you DO NOT want to get tickbite fever. The bites from pepper ticks itch like h*ll at the best of times. I don't like repellents because of the smell, so have a shower with puppy shampoo when back in camp. Seemed to have worked the last time in the bush.

If you suffer from hayfever take meds. Sneezing and hunting don't go well together.

Always shake out your shoes/ boots to make sure that they are empty before putting them on.

[Trad Man 25]

Hay Daniel, I bet you got Africa on the Mind, i do, and im not even going any time soon    

I think i will put some of my pics and words together over the xmas hols and post it up here, so you can get a bit of an idea where your going and what is was like for me,ect,

And a bit closer to the time im sure we can give you a bit more info on the place, whats hides were sucessfull ect, but im sure animals move ect  it wont be the same for you, but its allways nice to now some thing for befor you get there, to get you all excited,

I dont now about the other guys but im still waiting for the taxedermy work, so im sure we can give you ower thoughts on that later in the year.

So tell us a bit about your trip, how manny days, what bow are you taking , what arrows and BH,s , how manny people are going ect,
If you dont mind me asking, how much are you aiming to have for tropys,

James

[tradtusker]

ya its about time James put together his hunt the guy cleaned up over there with his trusty silvertip his success rate for tacking game with the trad bow is impressive

[Trad Man 25]

HaHa, Thanks bud,, but we all now it was beginers luck, you now as well as i do that i cant hit anything.
But im not joking, things got out of contorl this trip, those animals jumped in to my arrows. The only thing that was jumping out of the way were the Gunny fowl.