Around the Campfire with Trophy Destinations

Trophy Destinations

Around the Fire with Trophy Destinations shares real stories and expert advice on African hunting, safaris, gear, calibers, shot placement, travel tips, and conservation. Hosted by Oliver Wettstein & Carl Battenhaussen, we break down what US and European hunters must know before coming to South Africa, from plains game and dangerous game to ethics, safari prep, and camp life. Grab a cold beer, pull up a chair and join us for honest conversations about hunting, adventure, and the REAL African experience. Youtube: Trophy Destinations Instagram: @trophy_destinations www.trophydestinations.com

Episodes

  1. 09/12/2025

    Ep. 2: Why South Africans Aim Differently: Head Shots vs Vital Shots Explained

    Why do South African hunters often take head shots, while hunters in the USA and Europe almost always aim for the vitals? In this episode, we break down the real reasons behind these different shot-placement traditions — from meat recovery and ethics to terrain, hunting culture, and client expectations. After guiding hunters from around the world for many years, we’ve seen firsthand how different backgrounds shape a hunter’s shot-selection habits. This conversation explains the pros, cons, and contexts behind each approach, and why they aren’t as “right or wrong” as people think. What we discuss in this episode: • Shot placement traditions in South Africa vs overseas • Why meat hunters in SA often choose head shots • Why vital shots are the global standard in the USA & Europe • Ethical considerations & risk factors • Trophy care and why head shots are a bad idea on big-game trophies • Terrain, distance, and hunter-education differences • Our experience guiding international hunters for many years Whether you’re a South African biltong hunter, an American whitetail hunter, a European forestry hunter, or someone preparing for your first African safari — this episode will give you a better understanding of why hunters around the world aim where they do. As seen on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TrophyDestinations Book your South African safari with us: 🇿🇦 Trophy Destinations – Northern Cape & Limpopo 🌐 Website: https://www.trophydestinations.com 📸 Instagram: @trophy_destinations 📩 Email: oliver.wettstein@gmail.com

    16 min

About

Around the Fire with Trophy Destinations shares real stories and expert advice on African hunting, safaris, gear, calibers, shot placement, travel tips, and conservation. Hosted by Oliver Wettstein & Carl Battenhaussen, we break down what US and European hunters must know before coming to South Africa, from plains game and dangerous game to ethics, safari prep, and camp life. Grab a cold beer, pull up a chair and join us for honest conversations about hunting, adventure, and the REAL African experience. Youtube: Trophy Destinations Instagram: @trophy_destinations www.trophydestinations.com