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Author Topic: Stalking Africa ?  (Read 2175 times)

Online Ben Maher

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Stalking Africa ?
« on: January 15, 2011, 04:27:00 PM »
Just wondering how many bowhunters use Stalking as there main method of Hunting in Africa ?
If so, do you have any recommendations as to the why's where's and how to's ?

Any assistance appreciated
" All that is gold does not glitter , not all those who wander are lost "
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Offline calgarychef

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Re: Stalking Africa ?
« Reply #1 on: January 15, 2011, 06:12:00 PM »
Where I went in SA the openess of the understory made stalking quite difficult.  The opportunities for very good ambushes were many though.  You'll find that the dongas (ravines) are good travel paths for animals and  you can sit on the edges, I sat with my legs in warthog holes as pitblinds...there are lots of good opportunnities if you look beyond the "blind at the waterhole" idea.  I'd have to say though that true stalking is very hard and best used with a rifle.

the chef

Offline tradtusker

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Re: Stalking Africa ?
« Reply #2 on: January 15, 2011, 09:33:00 PM »
Hey Ben
For the last several years i have done most of my hunting walk and stalk, however i did play with a tree stand this last trip.
 The reason is that it is very challenging, though sitting in a hide is fun and allows one to pick the right animal and the right shot, you are missing out on the real "hunt"
Africa on foot is wild, exciting and sometimes dangerous. The diversity of fauna and flora is unmatched and hunting walk and stalk is the way to truly experience it, take it all in.

Just about everything out there gets eaten and the game is wired 24/7 you don't find many stupid animals out there.
Terrain is a big factor, the open plains and grassland of places like Namibia can be impossible to stalk game in,
well nearly impossible...
 

 i prefer the slightly thicker Acacia Velt, river beds are also a good place to stalk. Game trails are you friend in Africa, they allow you to move though the bush very quietly where they are worn down to sand. Try to keep to them as much as possible.

 
Use the terrain to your advantage, kopjie's are great for glassing.  

Shoes..are probably the most overlooked mistake you need flat or crepe soles , the more tread the more noise no matter how you walk.
You have to have a good understanding of the animals habits and movements, the bush and a good bit of luck. You also need a lot of time, success rate is low.
You have to see the game before it see's you, once your are seen the stalk is over! 99% of the time.
keep your hands and face covered or camo painted they stand out alot.

 
There is more to the Hunt.. then the Horns

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Andy Ivy

Online Ben Maher

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Re: Stalking Africa ?
« Reply #3 on: January 16, 2011, 04:02:00 AM »
Hey Andy ,
Thanks for the tips and photo's. I realise that treestands and blinds etc can be 'easier' or more potentially succeeful. Its just that if I am going to Africa I'd want to do it on foot stalking. If that means no game down then so be it ...
would you recommend SA ?
" All that is gold does not glitter , not all those who wander are lost "
J.R.R TOLKIEN

Offline tradtusker

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Re: Stalking Africa ?
« Reply #4 on: January 16, 2011, 04:13:00 AM »
You'v got it right Ben, thats the way to go and if you hunt hard enough you'l get something....
There is more to the Hunt.. then the Horns

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Andy Ivy

Offline SHS

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Re: Stalking Africa ?
« Reply #5 on: January 16, 2011, 04:28:00 AM »
Hi Ben

You can always look for good spots like a salt lick were animals will congregate wait stalk up to it making sure the wind is in your favour that should give you a good chance.

As mentioned earlier by making use of warn out game trails.

Since you said walk and stalk and if you don’t get the animal fine, I would say it would be wise to stalk in fairly thick bush, be well camouflaged and take it very slow also insure that the wind is always in your favour this is a major aspect when stalking any African game.

I hope this helps?

Best Regards
Louis van Bergen

Offline storm5

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Re: Stalking Africa ?
« Reply #6 on: February 01, 2011, 11:55:00 AM »
Stalking I South Africa is quite doable, that’s how we hunt when we are there.
Its important to pick the right outfitter if you are going to hunt that way, not all of them have experience whit stalking whit a bow.
Cant wait to go back in April  :goldtooth:  


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Offline jonsimoneau

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Re: Stalking Africa ?
« Reply #7 on: February 02, 2011, 01:22:00 AM »
Not to sidetrack the thread..but Andy mentioned something about treestands in Africa.  Since I hunt whitetails most of the time...I hunt out of Stands 99% of the time.  In some areas of Africa...treestands are downright deadly.  The animals are not used to looking up like ours our.  I shot a warthog out of a treestand and passed up numerous representatives of kudu in a tree that was so short you would NEVER have gotten away with it here in the states.  Good times!  The best part is that I have it all on video!

Offline tradtusker

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Re: Stalking Africa ?
« Reply #8 on: February 02, 2011, 01:26:00 AM »
So when we gonna get to see these Video's Jon    :readit:  

p.s. i left on of my stands back in SA, ready for next time
There is more to the Hunt.. then the Horns

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Andy Ivy

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