Whitetail deer seem to vanish after opening day in October. Acorns fall, crops are harvested, the weather changes, hunting pressure emerges, and the once constant deer movement we cherished suddenly disappears, making it the most frustrating time of the year to hunt. A few years ago, I vowed to overcome the October lull with a new approach, and it was a resounding success.
Hunt Way Down South
You won’t be able to take my suggestion in the next two weeks, but you can be decisive for next year. October is an ideal time to embark on a safari in the African plains. First, flying to South Africa is comparable in price to flying to Chicago or Dallas, Texas. For most of South Africa, the high temperatures of summer are on the horizon, and tourists stop visiting, which causes airfares to plummet by half or more.
Hunters Wanted
Secondly, many African hunters wind down their hunting season around our Labor Day because many families have their children in school, and moms and dads don’t want to travel. Additionally, most North American hunters are focused on deer and elk and don’t want to sacrifice their cherished seasons for a safari. That’s the beauty of hunting Africa in October. Deer hunting is less productive, and you still have time to have the hunt of a lifetime and not miss the rut. October is off-season and a great time to make a deal with an outfitter. Recruit three buddies and you will have almost as much fun anticipating October’s lull as the safari itself. Anticipation is a wonderful experience, and having a year to prepare makes it even sweeter.
Tim Wells Shows What It’s Like