Miki and I take you on a hunting adventure to South Africa in this episode. Just over a year ago, we bid on a trip to Africa at the Wild Sheep Society of BC's conservation fundraiser auction. A year later, we were welcomed by the Bosveld Jacobs Safari team on the other side of the world.

Travelling away from home to hunt has been a foreign concept for me. Hunting in a place without connection to the place, the people, and the animals raises many questions about how this can fit together and align with our hunting ethic. Miki and I spent the months leading up and the days on the hunt processing these questions.  And now we have answers! We are excited to share what we learned from the mind-blowing experiences of this Adventure. 

While on the hunt, I interviewed Drian Laas, the professional hunter who guides and facilitates the hunting experience. I caught up with Riaan Jacobs, owner of the Boshveld Jocobs Safaris, who donated the hunt to the fundraiser at this year's Wild Sheep Society of BC fundraiser in Penticton.

I hope you enjoy this podcast as we dive into the complexities of hunting in a foreign country, touching on the ethics of sport versus sustenance, strategies used in guided hunts, and the emotional highs and lows that come with the experience.

I am excited about returning to Africa and will plan a trip in the next few years. I will be organizing a trip for folks who are part of the EatWild community.  If you are curious about Africa or may want to join our Adventure, please reach out! 

If you listen to this podcast ahead of April 7th, there is still time for you to join Spike Camp and enter for a chance to win a trip to Africa. 

I want to thank Bosveld Jacobs Safaris for the generous donations to help fund wild sheep conservation in BC, and for taking such good care of Miki and me and truly facilitating a trip of a lifetime.

The iHunter App supports the Eatwild Podcast and other programs. It is an essential tool for making you more comfortable in the woods. The app's mapping layers, navigation tools, and hunting regulations are packed into it to give you the information you need on your next adventure. 

As always, Seek Outside brought this podcast to you. They make unique ultralight tents and packs for your next adventure. Use the discount code EATWILD on your next purchase. Please use this Affiliate link to let them know you heard about Seek Outside from our podcast. https://seekoutside.com?aff=15

Stop in at Beere Brewing and take advantage of a 10% discount on your purchase. Use the code EATWILD10 on your next purchase. Beere makes a great selection of bright, crisp beers perfect for the patio or around the campfire.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections

03:23 The Adventure Begins: Hunting in South Africa

11:17 Exploring the Landscape and Wildlife

19:16 The Guided Hunting Experience

29:48 Reflections on Ethics and Experience

38:52 Setting the Scene: A Day in the Wild

40:15 Meet the Professional Hunter: Insights from Triane

41:39 The Role of a Professional Hunter: More Than Just a Job

43:07 Exploring the Landscape: The Beauty of Limpopo

45:57 Diverse Wildlife: The Spectrum of Animals in South Africa

49:32 Hunting Strategies: The Approach to a Successful Hunt

53:19 The Art of the Stalk: Techniques for Success

56:44 Ethics in Hunting: Choosing the Right Animal

01:00:01 Passion for the Job: What Drives a Professional Hunter

01:02:51 Dream Hunts: Aspirations Beyond Borders

01:04:08 The Afternoon Hunt: Bush Buck Adventures

01:07:02 Understanding the Hunting Industry: Insights from Rhian

01:14:25 Utilizing the Harvest: Meat Distribution and Community Impact

01:16:46 Conservation and Community Impact

01:20:12 Tourism and Wildlife Management

01:22:04 Entry-Level Hunting Opportunities

01:24:37 The Experience of African Hunting

01:30:15 Reflections on the African Adventure

01:51:13 Diversity of Wildlife and Hunting Techniques

01:54:50 The Kudu Hunt Experience

02:01:26 Lessons from a Challenging Hunt

02:06:28 Value of Hunting in Conservation

02:14:10 Experiencing Kruger National Park

02:24:43 Reflections and Future Adventures