Many hunters prefer one method of hunting over another Archers live for the thrill of being close to game and the heart-pounding excitement that only comes with proximity. Gun hunters crave marksmanship and the spotting and stalking challenge that a longer range weapon provides. But can you have the best of both worlds?
If ever there was a benefit of combining hunting tactics, Jere Neff of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, experienced it on our recent safari to Namibia. We primarily planned to bowhunt, but remained open to the option of rifle-hunting. I took four boxes of premium ammunition to improve our chances.
Namibia is an arid country and rain rarely falls outside of January, February, and March. “You really ran into an unusual situation this year,” said Agagia Safaris owner T.J. Neethling. “We got twice as much rain this year as normal and had a downpour the day before you arrived. It’s very unusual.”
Jere and I spent most of our time in bowhunting hides, where we took several trophies — despite the abundance of water throughout the environment. However, we kept the rifle option alive and enjoyed it just as much. I took a warthog and an oryx while Jere had the hunt of his life when he stalked a 
zebra and a black wildebeest in the same morning as the featured picture displays.
Some U.S. states and seasons are weapon-specific, but you can often use archery or black powder gear in rifle seasons. When hunting in such states as Alaska, you can use your choice of method unless the licence specifies one device.
Be sure to check with your guide or outfitter to make sure such options are legal and consider using one of the camp’s rifle. We learned ahead of time that Agagia had rifles in .308 and .30-06 and brought ammo with us.
Photos: Jere Neff
