Hunter Testimonials

Story

Over the past four decades I've traveled here and there on the African continent: spending something close to a year in various African countries in total. So it will tell you something when I say that I was very pleasantly surprised indeed by the outfitter that John Martins hooked me up with for my last trip. In fact, I will go so far as to suggest that the packages offered through Discount African Hunts by this safari company may very well provide one of the best experiences in South Africa today, for a hunter traveling with children or with a non-hunting spouse.

My trip took place in May and the package arranged by John was primarily for a big, 42-inch plus, sable. It was an easy hunt, and if my experience is anything to go by an afternoon will be all that's needed to "collect" a trophy. In fact, after we left the truck it took just a little walking and glassing before I ended up taking an animal with 45-inch horns, after a quick shot off the sticks. (Evidently, things had changed on this concession during the year prior to my visit and there was no longer the opportunity to inspect lots of animals; instead my PH and I went looking for a single bull.)

Once the sable was in the salt, other plains game animals provided some challenging hunting, and over the course of a week I enjoyed spot and stalk hunts for zebra, blue wildebeest, warthog and klipspringer. Evenings spent over baits, waiting for bush pig, were great fun too - despite the fact that the big boar we'd seen on camera failed to materialize! Yep, the hunting was good.... but it was really the so called "companions program" that made the trip exceptional!

For my wife, daughter and granddaughter there were visits to game parks, daily game drives, a "night safari" and a "tribal dancing evening" to keep them busy. At the lodge there was a well stocked bar, a swimming pool, plunge pool and shop. In addition, a game viewing area overlooking a waterhole provided opportunities for photography - while drinking a cocktail, no less! The staff were attentive and courteous, and the gourmet cooking - often featuring game meat - was absolutely delicious. As for the accommodation, it was simply wonderful, and because of this the distaff side of the equation was very happy indeed. So much so that within a week of returning to the US we booked again for next year!

Additional Info

On a practical note it is a good idea to make sure that you are proficient shooting off of sticks before undertaking ANY kind of bushveld hunt. Apart from that, talk to your PH and make sure you are on the same page regarding how you wish to hunt

Recommendation

I can highly recommend Discount African Hunts and this outfitter in particular if you are looking for a family safari. When you call John Martins, tell him what you are looking for, at the same time mention what kind of hunting you prefer: Do you like to still hunt or sit in a blind. Do you like to work for your trophy or do prefer to just go out and "collect" something? Talk to John and he will make sure that you get the African hunting experience you want. He won't try to push a hunt on you either. He will tell you what's what and then leave the decision up to you!

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