'Met Buzz a couple of times. Congratulations to the hunter and all the crew.

😳 whoa,

I was about to ask why the Africa guys seem to not use a sling for their rifles. I dont watch this stuff much but Ive noticed it before. It appears he has no sling and then later in the video he has a sling. Maybe a different guy but my question remains-why do they often not use slings?

The trackers seem happy. Yay, one less thing to eat me out here.

I think because they tend to get in the way when something is trying to kill you. Things can happen extremely fast.

That makes sense, definitely. I should of thought about that.

That's what I've read. Plus, they typically have a tracker/gunbearer to carry it when things aren't close and hairy.

Exactly. Don't want it snagging on something when a buff or lion is coming for you.

Why does it look like an overgrazed stomp lot out there

So I'm one of those old curmudgeons that believes that "nobody carries my rifle but ME". A fat lot of good that rifle is gonna do me if we bump into something shootable and my cannon is slung over the shoulder of a tracker fifteen steps away!

Similarly, that sling comes OFF when the spoor freshens. A fat lot of good that cannon is gonna do me if it's hanging on my shoulder when it oughta be in my hands!

Things sort out quickly sometimes (dangerous game or otherwise)...it pays to be able to get into the game as rapidly as possible. And if the day ever comes when I can't carry my own rifle all day long in the field, well I guess it's time to consider fishing. Or macrame.

Very nice shumba, by the way!

Slings get caught on stuff as you're walking through the thick brush. Every PH I hunted with does the "Africa Carry" and the bluing is worn away where they grab the barrel. Craig Boddington isn't a fan of it. But don't expect your PH to change is habit if you're over there hunting.

I’m not a fan of it, either, and I won’t do it. I just can’t bring myself to carry a rifle in a way that can be pointed at someone so easily. But, I’m not about to criticize a PH. Those guys are pretty good at what they do.

I sometimes carry that way when alone. Your brain keeps track of where it's pointed pretty easily, if you're paying attention. Those PHs look out for the whole group's safety a lot better than any American guide I've hunted with.

Well said, Creek. As all but one of my doubles have no provision for a sling, I'll often carry them on my shoulder / muzzles forward. Of course, I'm alone or leading...but your point about your brain keeping track of muzzle direction via your hand placement is spot on.

Regardless, I very, very seldom carry in this manner across the pond. Frankly, with 1-2 trackers PLUS a PH ahead of me, my twelve o'clock has suddenly become a pretty target-rich environment and my muzzles have to be approaching 90 degrees to keep folks clear.

Dkershen's comment about hanging slings getting caught on brush is a fact as well.

And make no mistake, the professional hunters I've hunted with are exactly that: professional. They live with their gear for MONTHS at a time and the team they form with their trackers is impressive to behold. No, if I want to witness sloppy gun-handling in its highest and best form, I can do that right here in the States. Even the thought of going to a public range these days gives me a rash. And the last time I had a rifle thoughtlessly pointed at me was in the McAllen airport shortly after 9/11. A weekend warrior National Guardsman had his rifle slung horizontally and would lazily sweep the entire crowd of passengers with his muzzle as he chatted with his partner. The THIRD time that rifle muzzle crossed my belt buckle I walked over and had a chat with that young man...

Good for you, he should have known better!