I like how PHs always assume that the clients can't shoot. I'm sure that there is a percentage who cannot so that must be fair.
While we're being fair, should I assume that;
All outfitters are shadey?
All guides are people that can't hold a regular job?
All booking agents are trying to get something for nothing?
That he will never spent as much on rifles as some of his clients spend on primers?
That being a control freak is admirable?
That if he has any decent gear, or decent ammo on his belt someone gave it to him?
That "This is Africa" forgives poor planning that would get a pump jockey ran off?
That all gun-writers will praise the advertisers products?
This painting with a broad brush is getting a little tiring.
As clients we are expected to give all these people the benefit of the doubt. It wouldn't hurt to fake a little faith in the client in the client once in a while.
I get what you are saying, and yes, you should assume that all outfitters are shadey, at least until you have satisfied your comfort through checking references, checking up on their history etc.
I don't think its a question of painting everyone with a broad brush.
Keep in mind that we see 100's of hunters come through, so for every one guy that you see on the range flinching at a caliber that he should not be shooting, we see 30 of them.
There is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of when you have a flinch. It happens. I develop one every now and so often, and then I take myself to the range, give myself a good talking to, and try and sort it out. I don't like painful or sharp recoil, and don't understand how anybody can.
The hunters who handle big calibers well, and truly shoot them without any fear are few and far in between. I envy them. I'm not talking about when the heat is on. I'm talking about a guy who comfortably takes any rifle and shoots it effectively, accurately and consistently off the bench.
You will have to pardon us, Model70Guy, as we see so many of them, that we develop a notion to expect the worst.
I also believe by expecting the worst, it puts us in a position to see the signs early, and give us the confidence to address the problem.
Especially hunting in South Africa, you don't need a .378Weatherby for plains game. The good old .270Win, 30-06 , 308's will do just fine. If you can handle the .300Win, even better. Our animals are not bullet proof and will go down with any well placed shot. Due to the terrain, predators and their way of life here in Africa, maybe some of them have a tough streak, but a pill in the boiler room has proven to be effective.
Maybe JJHACK, can chime in here what his observations is regarding this point. The feeling that I get, and I hope that this does not stir the pot too badly, is that hunters feel they have a point to prove to their PH by shooting a large caliber. Shooting a Barrett 50Cal, and missing everything does absolutely nothing to enhance your reputation, I can tell you that. If you want to become a legend in camp, spend your time on the range, and practice with the rifle that you are thinking of taking on your trip. The best two shooters I have ever guided was a lady shooting a 25-06. She took from Kudu, Hartebeest to Springbuck. The other was a gentleman who used a 280AI who took from Blue Duiker to Vaal Rhebuck. They knew their rifles, and put a huge amount of time in on the range.
It was not the diameter of the bullet that mattered, it was where the placed them.
