Outdoor Adventure USA

I took a monopod, but never used it. All was HH--just watch the speed and the 1-4 is IS. As a general rule, the more reach the better. Where are they going? Some places you can get very close to the critters and other no dice. The 70-200 2.8 is a big heavy lens. For the size and weight, I would take the 1-4. What body does she have? Crop? In my last three trips, I shot L lens, but wanted more reach. The primes are out of the question for me due to weight and size. Always take a TC, they are small, but sometimes the pic may be affected. I lose AF on the 40D with the TC. A few other things to consider, always check your settings, as I managed to hit the knob and lost some good pics. Remember it does rain or is dusty--make arrangements for the weather. If you want to call, feel free, I think you have the number, if not PM. You can always email smc.law@sbcglobal.net

Any other questions, let me know--and the plane ride is LONGGGGGGGGGGGGGG. Don't have the 7D, Just reading reviews and they are a bit mixed.

Regards, Steve

If I ever went to Africa I'd love to see the Nile crocodiles and then head south to see the great white sharks!

She has the Rebel XTI, and the 70-200 only, no 100-400. I do experience some loss in PQ with the 2x TC, but it's a trade off between that or PQ loss due to cropping. There's no loss of functionality with that setup, 70-200, 2x TC, and the Rebel xti.

I'm not sure where they're going, but they're going somewhere where they get to see critters. I'm going to send her my TC. Your right it's small, and would be better to have it than wish you did later.

I wish her the best. Take extra cards and batteries.

John, I have seen crocs and killed one. When we shot it, people came out of the bush clapping and yelling. I would have thought no one was around for miles . It was in Zim and apparently, this croc had killed two local women when they were washing clothes. In Cape Town, we did sign up for a dive with the white sharks--then ran out of time. Next time.

Regards, Steve

ssc wrote:John, I have seen crocs and killed one. When we shot it, people came out of the bush clapping and yelling. I would have thought no one was around for miles . It was in Zim and apparently, this croc had killed two local women when they were washing clothes. In Cape Town, we did sign up for a dive with the white sharks--then ran out of time. Next time.

Regards, Steve

Whoa! Did ya happen to get any pictures?

I do have pics. Taken with film. I could scan, but am a bit leary to post as this isn't a hunting forum and some folks might not like to see dead critters. You come to Havasu or plan a run to AB and I will bring lots of pics. it was not a huge croc--maybe 11 feet. I will try to take a 14 footer in the next couple of years. Croc hunting is interesting. You need to scout the shoreline for a croc sunning itself and then stalk. They disappear into the water as you approach. Generally you are lucky to get within 70 yards and then must place your bullet into the brain, which is the size of a golfball. If you are off by an inch or more, the croc is in the water and gone. Not good, as drawing blood means you pay a trophy fee, even if it gets away. My buddy wanted the skull and wanted to not brain it. The PH told him to forget it then, but he agreed. The deal was that when he shot, everyone else was to run towards the croc and if it was moving, meaning no brain shot, everyone else was to try for a brain shot. He shot and hit it hard, but missed the brain. It spun around and was in the water quick. I ran up and shot it--brained it and all movement stopped. The trackers then ran into the water and grabbed it and pulled it back to shore. The funny part to me was that I turned to my bud and said,"look what happened to your croc." When I shot it, I destroyed most of the skull. Reptiles are a strange thing. That thing was still trying to get up and walk 2 hours after it was dead. Tasted like scallops.

Regards, Steve

Looks like a great trip! Did you stay at private game parks?

We stayed at different ranches/farms. Also visited Estosha National Park. For someone who wants to go on a photo safari, they should tag along on a hunting trip. I hunt and also do the photo thing. I have had friends go as observers who did only photo. Observers fees are $150 to $250 per day, which includes food, lodging and transportation. Compare that to a "photo Safari" which costs $10,000 for ten days. Plus, we take side trips for just for photo's and build blinds over water holes just for photo.

Regards, Steve

ssc wrote:I do have pics. Taken with film. I could scan, but am a bit leary to post as this isn't a hunting forum and some folks might not like to see dead critters. You come to Havasu or plan a run to AB and I will bring lots of pics. it was not a huge croc--maybe 11 feet. I will try to take a 14 footer in the next couple of years. Croc hunting is interesting. You need to scout the shoreline for a croc sunning itself and then stalk. They disappear into the water as you approach. Generally you are lucky to get within 70 yards and then must place your bullet into the brain, which is the size of a golfball. If you are off by an inch or more, the croc is in the water and gone. Not good, as drawing blood means you pay a trophy fee, even if it gets away. My buddy wanted the skull and wanted to not brain it. The PH told him to forget it then, but he agreed. The deal was that when he shot, everyone else was to run towards the croc and if it was moving, meaning no brain shot, everyone else was to try for a brain shot. He shot and hit it hard, but missed the brain. It spun around and was in the water quick. I ran up and shot it--brained it and all movement stopped. The trackers then ran into the water and grabbed it and pulled it back to shore. The funny part to me was that I turned to my bud and said,"look what happened to your croc." When I shot it, I destroyed most of the skull. Reptiles are a strange thing. That thing was still trying to get up and walk 2 hours after it was dead. Tasted like scallops.

Regards, Steve

I don't think we have a problem with it as long as it's a legal shoot. This is an Outdoor Adventure site. We promote outdoor adventure within the boundaries of the law and regulations. That's all types of outdoor adventure not just wheelin' and expedition. I think you'll find pictures of DaveK with his sons after a Dove hunt somewhere on here.

Steve:

Subject to Ollie's comments, post away.