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But then I've seen as bad or worse here in B.C. by some client's shooting, even with scopes.

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John,

Very good questions about shooting sticks for close up shots. It seems that more guides are using sticks for all shots, not just long shots. For the bear, I assume that the guide knew where the bear was but still, the it seems that the sticks would likely be unnecessary and possibly in the way.

Now on the other side, I believe taht many people cannot shoot well, particularly offhand and perhaps many guides have had too many ckliens blow shots. When I go to the range, it seems taht everyone is only shooting off the bench. Now some are excellent shots using a mechanical rest but I wonder how they would do with a hunting rifle shooting offhand,

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I have shot off sticks at 50yards. The Stopped running so we stopped, sticks went up, thankfully. I was breathing hard and would not of had a stead shot. The PH had said shoot quickly we only have about five seconds. By the time he finished talking the shot was away with about 2 seconds of the five left.
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How right or wrong the PH was about the time the Buff would stand still, I don't know. His experience and knowledge of the animal was one of the things I was paying him for.

Another time I did not want the sticks and a different PH was saying use the sticks. The Baboon was only 20 mts away. Did as I was instructed, but did not want to do, and yes I missed. The one leg of the sticks were on deadfall covering a hole just as I fired (as soon as the rifle was on the sticks) the deadfall gave way and the sticks moved. The PH was not happy I missed and I was not happy with him for insisting on it. When I showed him why he apologized. He like another PH I came across just had dealt with too many people who could not shoot without a rest. Told me after that incident that If I wanted the sticks to ask for them.

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In my experience many PHs can immature self important berks. One exclaimed to me"the only thing the client needs to bring was a rifle and ammo". Probably a camera as well. Binoculars aren't requured as the PH has them and tells the client what to shoot. I thought why even that, I'll just sit in camp, the PH can do the shooting .... He can pay as well though.

I've found many of the trackers excellent though. Tremendous skills.

The PH has the legal access, hopefully knowledge of the country. Hopefully can communicate with the trackers, locals. Trophy estimation skills. Many of us could not differentiate between an average and trophy beast. The Outfitter, property owner, can supply a camp, vehicle etc. Dealing with the trophies, administration etc.

Many clients have good hunting skills themselves.

The point is not every client is a Ruark who has never sot a rifle before, nor ever hunted before.

I really get irritated by PHs which nag "shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot" as you're aiming and taking a good well aimed shot. I'm going to tell them to " shut the fuck up" next time it happens. Thecattitude is very disrespectful. Especially when one is not taking much time anyway.

One PH at the midday siesta commented "if you had a Leer jey like one of my clients, it could fly us to the beach and back, in the middle of the day". Sorry I'm not a billionaire ...

Not all bad. Most were good blokes. Everyone is made up of positives and negatives. One can have a whine if one likes.

Karl Stumpfe was one PH I use, he wasn't any of the above btw.



Now I'm eighteen olders since my last safari, I'm sure my fitness, walking ability has deteriorated, One should be in training before hand, permanent training.

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That estimation of five seconds, for the beast stopping and continuing running, sounds spot on, even too long.

It all adds to the experience.

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John aka NitroX

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Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

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