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Hello everyone.. new to the board but have already learned at least one thing this morning by reading posts and hope to learn a lot more from the resevoir of knowledge here.

My daughter, who is already an experienced hunter and marksman turns 16 in late spring 2008 and rather than a party she wants a safari trip to Africa with the goal of taking a nice Kudu. Of course I was thrilled with the idea and very proud that she would prefer this type of experience to a one time party. I have spent considerable time on line researching but, of course, first hand experience where all the fluff of a web site can be cast aside is much better and that is what I hope everyone here can help me with.. so on with the questions!

- What I learned and had not seen in any of my on line wanderings is that semi autos are apparently illegal to import in several African countries. We had planned on using a Benneli R1 (already owned) semi auto as the primary weapon (I know don't he me to hard on this one, but recoil was a consideration). We were intially leaning toward Namibia. What countries are semi autos banned?

- That brings me to caliber... 300 win mag sufficient? As I mentioned above a Benelli R 1 will be the primary weapon with a Weatherby mk V synthetic/stainless as back up in the same caliber. The glass on top will be provided by Leupold.

- One reason we had considered Namibia is that from everything I could discern it is a very safe destination. Is this true and what countries would be a safety concern for us.. no desire to put my 16 year old daughter in a compromising siutaiton.

- now perhaps the most important question. I would like an outfitter that may have a specific program for a young first time Africa hunter. We have had one bad experience at a lodge hunting upland game which had, should we say, a bit too much of an adult atmosphere. It would be nice if the program has special pricing for youth hunts. We have been on a few of these in the states and had good experiences both times. Any suggestions?

- Even though we would like a hunt specifically desgined for her we would want an outfitter and a PH who would try to put us in a position to harvest a nice kudu (our goal would be one north of 50 inches). In other words I am not inetrested in traveling all the way to Africa for a chance at a Kudu spike (equivelent) with a single shot 243... if you understand where I coming from.

- we would be interested in attempting to take at least one more trophy animal of the antelope family while there... thinking perhaps red hartebeast. Any suggestions on this point?

- we were planning on 5 days actual hunting.. is that enough time? Only she will hunt.

Anything else anyone on her would like to add as advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

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