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HUNTING INFORMATION

There are no complications in planning a hunt with Rance Safaris. You tell us what species you need and we’ll advise if we can meet your requirements.

Hunting is “walk-and-stalk” and can be strenuous for the fitter or more adventurous clients, or tailored to meet your level of fitness. Your level of fitness, hunting experience and species list is required for us to plan your hunt, so it’s important you advise us of this.

One of our greatest pleasures (and talent) is to introduce new hunters to the exciting sport of hunting. If we can’t make a hunt exciting for a client, we’d prefer not to do it. If your whole family want to hunt, you’ve come to the right place. All lodges have a shooting range nearby where rifles may be checked for zero and function.

The lodges are located within the hunting area, so you do not have to travel for hunting, excepting for those species indicated on the price list. The normal hunting method is to glass the area from high vantage point in search of game animals. Once spotted, the stalk begins. Shooting from or near a vehicle is not allowed so that animals do not associate vehicles with hunting.

Shooting distances vary from close (50m) to long shots out to 400m for those who are proficient at those ranges. Vegetation varies from very bushy to open and terrain from deep valleys, to flats to mountains. A study of the photographs will give an idea of what to expect.

Firearm requirements vary according to the game species being hunted. Generally all medium calibres like 7x 57, .308. 7×64, 30-06 with 165gr bullets will suffice, but long range calibres like 7mm Rem with 175gr bullets and 300 Win or H&H with 180/200gr do best for those hunters who are skilled at longer range shooting. The .338 mag is probably over-kill for most species, but not for larger animals like eland, waterbuck, blue wildebeest, zebra and southern kudu.

For buffalo, the minimum calibre required is 9.3mm or .375 with as heavy a bullet weight as possible. Shooting ranges for buffalo are normally close, so heavier calibres work well. For clients who do not use heavy rifles regularly, we recommend the .375 H&H.

It is essential to use good quality bullets as African animals are tough, with heavy bone structures. Generally something like Nosler Partitions or Winchester Powerpoint work well enough, but even better are the more expensive makes such as Swift A-frame, Barnes X, Trophy Bonded Bear Claw.

You advise us what calibres you own or prefer to use, and we’ll advise you what to bring, or what is have available from our collection.

Don’t under-estimate the excitement which takes place when you line up on one of our African icon species like kudu, nyala or buffalo. We’ve not met a person yet who isn’t soaked with adrenalin when facing any these magnificent animals. We understand, appreciate and just love the excitement which goes with guiding a client.

Wounded animals are seldom lost as our trackers and guides are experienced in following up and we have dogs trained in blood spoor to bay the wounded animals.

Because of thick bush and ample cover, “walk and stalk” bow hunting is more successful than hides. Hides can be made, but with widespread water and nutritious vegetation, sitting in hides over water or licks is less successful. The method of bow hunting is also dependent on the species being targeted. Our professional Hunters will be able to advise on what equipment to bring.

Wing-shooting is available if your trophy list is completed early. Dove, guinea-fowl, francolin and geese shooting can be arranged and an array of shotguns is available for your use. The lodges have clay-pigeon throwers for recreational shooting. We love firearms and shooting, so any time the urge takes you, we’re ready to participate.

It’s advisable to allow 7 days for a successful safari and a buffalo hunt requires a minimum of 10 days. For a buffalo hunt a minimum of four other species must be booked.