Iqbal

Very true the legal situation pushes the foreign hunter heavily towards the REQUIRED use of outfitters. When there is other avenues the balance between chances of success and self-guided also play a big part. But that is my real point in the discussion.

Also I know some people who have hunted self-guided legally and they loved it, and I admire they did it this way and for a fraction of the cost. Unfortunately Mr Robber Mugabe and his lawlessness may have stopped those opportunities.

Bakes

I know where you are coming from. Traditionally, 20-30 years back there were NO outiftter, professional hunters or hunting guides in this country. Hunting was essentially free, by invitation or jumping the back fence only.

But I think lots of safari hunters hunt at home self-guided.

Lots probably also use outfitters at home from time to time.

My question isn't elitism. But what actually adds to experience.

A couple of points which sometimes are mentioned.

A Professional Hunter is reported to be an experienced expert. But in this modern day and age how many elephants has a young dangerous game PH actually personally shot. He may have been "in" on the hunting of a hundred but only shot one, that is the one required to get a DG PH licence.

Same goes for buffalo.

Many clients may have shot and killed more elephant and buffalo than the PH who is guiding them.

Also some of the hunting in Africa is arduous. The long distance lion tracking safaris and trophy elephant safaris can cover many miles and many days. I think you certainly have to work at these. Again the trackers probably are the true kings of the hunt!

But say for the general plains game hunt. I don't feel I learned a lot in the shooting of my kudu. It is a very nice trophy and I like it a lot. I also enjoyed the hunt, but I didn't learn anything in the hunt except maybe some ideas in judging horn length.

In the end the paying client as long as they enjoy the hunt and holiday they have value for money.