Julian Loc: Sarasota, FL

I guess since my 200-500 mm is not an f/2.8, it does not qualify as part of the trilogy, so it will be four lenses in all. A as the bean bag, it is part of my props which I still have from my varmint shooting days back in Texas; a 22-250 single shot did the job well then.

No weapons, nor firearms this time, been there, done that; strictly a photography trek.

Tigger1 Loc: Surrey, BC Canada

What country or countries are you visiting?

GregWCIL Loc: Illinois

Congrats on your trip, Dave. My wife and I are looking at 2017 for an African trip. Its a huge continent; where are you considering going? I too am interested in other folks experiences particularly on places and times to visit.

I've mainly looked at western Kenya and Tanzania in the Jan./Feb. time frame. Its not the heavy rainy season but hopefully not dry brush and so much dust either.

I also am open to a two-destination trip. Perhaps one more photo intensive and another with a little more scenery and cultural emphasis (like the OAT Travel trips).

I hope others will jump in with suggestions.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Check out in Texas the YO Ranch Headquarters. You can do both. I did the photo safari part for 5 hours. http://yoranchheadquarters.com/

Tigger1 Loc: Surrey, BC Canada

Hi Greg,
If you and your wife are in reasonably good health and fitness, consider going to Rwanda for gorilla trekking! Then on to Tanzania to see the "Big Five" and countless other species too! Or, South Africa for big game safari and the cosmopolitan life style of Cape Town!
If interested in additional information, PM me.
Garth(Tigger1)

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

no but I do pay a fee when I fish. And we contribut to any number of animal charities. With regard to hunting and animal preservation- meat hunters almost wiped out the American Bison. Meat hunters (fishing) have decimated many fish populations. Meat hunters (whaling) are wiping out whales. And by the way- even if the meat is given to the locals- I don't grasp the fact that somehow killing animals helps to preserve them. As a target shooter. when hunting any animal as soon as the rifle comes to the shoulder, the hunt is over. At that point it is merely target practice.

Dave R. Loc: PNW

Going to Africa from the US is far enough that even if I wanted to bring meat home it is NOT allowed by either the African government or the US government. The locals eat all the meat and in many cases it is donated to folks starving or in need of substance. Your comment although out in left field is one of misunderstanding. Perhaps think it through before making yourself look silly. Common sense goes a long ways these days. You may want to also research the value of hunting. It actually is better for the species than not hunting: Example look at the countries overpopulated by people in this world and the problems they face. Rocket science it is not. thumbup:

DaveHam Loc: Reading UK

I do so hope the animals are successful and hunt you.

Isnt there enough game to slaughter in America without shooting the little left we have in Africa.

Between tourist hunters looking for their jollies away from home and poachers its lucky I have some photos of what wildlife looked like to show my children.

Dave R. Loc: PNW

You really need to educate yourself. There is no shortage of animals in Africa. They do have a problem in some areas with poaching I will concede you that but the reality is most of the safaris you are hunting on private land where the land owner's own the game. It's a BUSINESS. No different than ranchers in the US or the UK where they raise cattle for food. Get a grip as you are very clearly misinformed. In africa most safaris allow up to 10 animals where here I need to apply for a tag and hope for the chance to take one animal to help feed my family. Huge difference if you stop and think about it. Something I question you can do.
Perhaps you call yourself a vegan and don't eat meat. Thats fine and a choice we can all make, but to criticize others for not agreeing with your beliefs is plain stupid. Things always balance out if and when they get out of control. It's a fact of life. :roll:
I made it clear from the opening statement if you disagree with hunting move on. I guess some just don't respect others and only wish to spew their own BS regardless.

Dave R. Loc: PNW

DaveHam Loc: Reading UK

Firstly this is a photographic web site.

Secondly as a person who works in Africa in the wildlife business I can assure you that the populations of many of the species are being reduced significantly.

I know you people love to shoot things and justify yourselves with the delusion that you individually have no impact on the general population but as you like to shoot the biggest and the best and the business of hunting is money oriented with no concern being exhibited for the natural balance and order of things there is a significant impact.

Still when there is nothing left to shoot you can all amuse yourselves looking at the trophy heads on your den walls.

Oh but most of the airlines won't fly meat products now. Shame eh?

Dave R. Loc: PNW

Again your inability to educate yourself is obvious. Look at these;
https://www.safariclub.org/
https://www.safariclub.org/
https://jrd.rmef.org/howtohelp/join?gclid=CNDBw_Lh-coCFQyHaQodBEkKYA

Justa small few of the organizations that are doing what they can to PRESERVE wildlife.

Remus Loc: Norfolk, UK

I once went big game fishing in the South Pacific. A Marlin was caught and duly killed, taken back to port and hoisted up so the captor (not me, nothing bit during my turn on the rod) could be photographed with his catch. Afterwards I realised that none of us had shown any skill, we'd just been grunts winding in the fish. The skipper sought out the best fishing area, his crew set up the rods and hauled the fish on board. Everything excapt holding the rod was done by others. I suspect, may be wrong, that you will be taken to a place where game are known to be, there will be some that need culling (old age, illness, injury or overpopulation - whatever) and they will be set up for you. Your trophy will be handled throughout by others. You will just be the guy who takes the shot and gets photographed sfterwards. I'm a meat eater, I have no problem with raising animals for food but I wonder what is gained by posing for a photo with the kill. I've seen photos on facebook of people posing in front of dead animals, lions, giraffes and others. I don't know what they think they look like but the response from most others is either ridicule or disgust or both. Shoot with your camera friend. Leave the culling to qualified vets.

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

I have always had a problem with the word "harvest" when describing killing animals. Look up the word euphemism. It's not like picking tomatoes. But maybe it makes you feel better about it. I have no problem with you hunting if it's legal. But please don't hand us that bull sheet.

Tjohn Loc: Inverness, FL formerly Arivaca, AZ

Never hunted there, didn't take a camera because the country didn't like people taking pictures, even had a .45 pointed at my head asking me if I had a camera. Not fun. What I did discover is there is a serious shortage of Ketchup until I found out that Brits call it tomato sauce.
Have a nice trip.