Why You Should Bowhunt Africa with George Flournoy
John E. Phillips 10.22.12
Editor’s note: Avid bowhunter George Flournoy has made six safaris to Africa lasting more than 30 days and several other safaris with other hunters, videotaping their hunts. He helps hunters find the types of hunts they’re looking for on the Dark Continent. He advises them on what to take and what to leave at home, tells them what to expect and helps bowhunters pick the hunts that fit their pocketbooks.
One of the reasons I’m so fascinated with Africa hunting is because in four or five days, you’ll probably see more wildlife and different types of birds than you will see in your lifetime of bowhunting the States. Even though you may not be hunting for all these animals, seeing a wide variety and a large number of so many animals on one hunt is very thrilling. An African hunt is usually a once-in-a-lifetime hunt for most bowhunters. As the old saying goes, and I totally believe it, “once you hunt Africa, as soon as you get home, you’ll start saving money for another African hunt.” Most hunters who go to Africa for their first hunts will generally make two or three more hunts to this destination.
I believe that many of America’s big game species, especially in the West (with the exception of the whitetailed deer), are declining. Just having the opportunity to big game hunt in the West seems to be steadily declining. The opportunity to draw a tag to hunt many of the big game species of the West seems to be becoming more and more difficult. Many of the hunters I’ve talked with have found going to Africa for 10 days costs about the same price as hunting elk in New Mexico.
One of the reasons most bowhunters fall in love with hunting the Dark Continent is because it is a target-rich environment. I usually recommend South Africa for first-time bowhunters on an African safari, primarily due to the sure numbers of animals they will see. Many of the outfitters in this part of Africa set up ground blinds and tree stands around water holes. Then when the animals come in, they will be within bow range. This way, a hunter may take four or five animals on a 10-day hunt and possibly more. Plus, he’ll see hundreds of other animals that he never has seen before, and have the opportunity to video and photograph wildlife from the blind almost constantly. Bowhunters like to shoot their bows. When we go hunting, we like to take game. I know of no other place that a bowhunter will have more chances to see and take game than in Africa. The real secret to having an African hunt of your dreams is to begin by talking to other bowhunters who have been to Africa several times and learn about their experiences.
Since 1971, Flournoy, who has shot PSE bows for 30 years, has been helping hunters find the type of African hunt and African game animals they want to take. For answers to any questions you may have about an African hunt, whether, you’re a first-timer or a veteran of many African bowhunts, Flournoy will be happy to help you. You can contact him at gflournoy@iglide.net or call him at 1-755-673-5513.
You’ll learn more intensive hunting information and tips from nationally known hunters in the new Kindle eBooks, “Bowhunting Deer: The Secrets of the PSE Pros” and “Jim Crumley’s Secrets for Bowhunting Deer” by John E. Phillips. Go to http://www.amazon.com/kindle-ebooks, type in the name of the book, and download it to your Kindle, and/or download a Kindle app for your iPad, smartPhone or computer.
John, the 2008 Crossbow Communicator of the year and the 2007 Legendary Communicator chosen for induction into the National Fresh Water Hall of Fame, is a freelance writer (over 6,000 magazine articles for about 100 magazines and several thousand newspaper columns published), magazine editor, photographer for print media as well as industry catalogues (over 25,000 photos published), lecturer, outdoor consultant, marketing consultant, book author and daily internet content provider with an overview of the outdoors.
Phillips has been a contributor to many national magazines, has been affiliated with 27 radio stations across Alabama serving as their outdoor editor and wrote for a weekly syndicated column, "Alabama Outdoors," for 38-Alabama newspapers for more than 13 years. Phillips was Outdoor Editor for the "Birmingham Post-Herald" for 24 years. Phillips was also the executive editor for "Great Days Outdoors" magazine for 3 years.
The author of almost 30 books on the outdoors, Phillips is a founding member of the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) and an active member of the Southeastern Outdoors Press Association (SEOPA). Phillips also is the owner of Night Hawk Publications, a marketing and publishing firm, and president of Creative Concepts, an outdoor consulting group.
Phillips conducts seminars across the nation at colleges in freelance writing, photography and outdoor education besides teaching courses in how to sell what you write to writers' groups. Phillips received his photography training as a still-lab photo specialist for six years in the Air Force. He was the chief photographer for Mannequins, Inc., a Birmingham modeling agency, for 11 years.
While serving as 2nd Vice President of the Alabama Wildlife Federation, Phillips was in charge of all press releases for the organization as well as serving as Chairman of Alabama's Big Buck Contest, which he founded more than 30 years ago. He also was president of the Alabama Sportsman's Association for three years.
Phillips is the recipient of a Certificate of Merit from the Governor of Alabama and the Department of Conservation for his work in the outdoor field. Phillips is vitally interested in the outdoors and travels the nation collecting personalities, stories and how-to information for his articles and features.
EDUCATION: B.S. degree from the University of West Alabama with a physical education major and a history minor.
EXPERIENCE: 10 years parttime and fulltime physical director for YMCAs and 34 years as a freelance writer, photographer, editor, book author, lecturer and daily-content provider for websites. Currently, Phillips is a field editor for Game and Fish Publications; serves on the editorial board of Grandview Media; is a regular contributor to 12 internet magazines and a daily content provider for 8 websites.
WRITING AWARDS: Runnerup - Best Outdoor Magazine Feature - 1981 - SEOPA; Certificate of Merit - Awarded by Alabama's Governor for writings on conservation; Most Outstanding Sports Writer in Southeast - 1983 & 1984; Best Outdoor Feature in Alabama, 1987 - Alabama Sportswriters' Association 3rd Place; Best Book of the Year - 1989 - SEOPA; 2007 - inducted into the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame as a Legendary Communicator; 2008 - received award naming him 2008 Crossbow Communicator of the Year from the Crossbow Manufacturers' Association; 2009 - GAMMA Honorable Mention for Consumer/Paid Best Essay for July/August 2008 in "Southern Sporting Journal."
