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Joined: Oct 2008
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OP
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Just got in this morning from my first trip to Africa. Hunted in S. Africa. Trip was truly amazing. Seeing that much game, hunting all day, drinking at night, sleeping in a bed. Big change from DIY elk in the Rockies. But working with a great PH, seeing the trackers/skinners doing their job was a great learning experience. I'll add more details later, but here is a start. Basics: Kimber MT, 338 Fed, 160 TTSX. Shots were 50 to 190 yards and nothing traveled more than 30-40 yds. 16 Hours Dulles to Jo-burg(via Senegal) First to go down was a nice Gemsbok. (~168 yds off sticks) On day two, I got lucky to have this great Blesbok stand out from the herd. (190 yds). Credit for this really has to go to the PH who spotted him in the herd and was able to quickly talk me onto him. Saw lots of game! Yea, it was rough! My favorite of all! [img] https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-...y0/td8dTeax-5k/w422-h563-no/DSCN3636.JPG[/img] These guys are hard to see in the thick stuff! Finally found one, and was able to get a shot, after three days of trying. [img] https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-...zE/t15xTbbUU4Y/w751-h563-no/P1010574.JPG[/img] Last, but not least, was this fine Impala. [img] https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-...zc/SQ87lnJGnt0/w672-h504-no/P1010671.JPG[/img] Can't wait to go back! [img] https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-...1o/KkLWjcHjzJs/w751-h563-no/P1010425.JPG[/img]
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Campfire Tracker
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Looks like you had a great trip. Congrats on making it all happen.
If you don't mind, a couple or three questions.
Did you go with anybody or solo?
What was the size of the property you hunted?
If you went back, would you go to the same place?
Thanks for posting the pics. Africa is something on my list to do someday and reading about a "first trip" is very helpful.
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Joined: Oct 2008
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I went with two friends. Highly recommend going as a group. The socializing is nearly as important as the hunting for the overall experience. Every night was spent at the bar and then around the fire. We even did the Impala hunt as a group. Great time! Hunted two different concessions. The smaller was 3000 acres I believe (Gemsbok). If I had to do it again, I'd stick to the larger which was enormous. 70k+ acres I believe. It effectively had no borders to impact the game. The PHs and the lodge hosts were exceptional and I'd go back with them in a heartbeat. Duke Safaris.
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Joined: Oct 2010
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Very nice report, congrats on your animals! Your favorite shot is a real winner. Nice angle! I'm leaving for RSA in just over three weeks and seeing this is getting me pumped! Also cool to see the Kuiu gear in Africa.
Eric
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Joined: Dec 2008
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Campfire Oracle
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Campfire Oracle
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Fantastic Waterbuck! When are you going back?
"...the left considers you vermin, and they'll kill you given the chance..." Bristoe
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Great pics, nice shooting. Congrats on a super trip and super trophies.
It is irrelevant what you think. What matters is the TRUTH.
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Long Live The Judge
Thinking of moving to Florida? Don't........
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Congrats...I never saw a waterbuck like that when I was there....what a magnificent trophy!
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Campfire Regular
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Great trip and that WB is superb!!!
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Scott
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Here I am up at 3:30am looking at your pictures trying to get back on Central US time again......dern jet-lag
Great pictures and I hope your experience was what ours was.
Thank you for sharing and I'm glad you enjoyed yourself.
Maker of the Frankenstud Sling Keeper
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Beautiful pics. Congrats on a great hunt.
maddog
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Couple of notes, I used Air 2000 Hunters Support for the trip over. They made the whole process of getting the rifle in country a piece of cake. Very little delay and no hassle. Others have said they had to send ammo in it's own case. I did not. Flew South African both ways and ammo in the luggage was fine. They did ask that the bolt be out upon inspection at Phalaborwa for the return trip.
Dress warm in the morning! A couple of the mornings were near freezing and combined with the wind from being in the back of the truck made it quite chilly.
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Sux you all talk about riding in the bed of the truck
Glad my PH puts us in the cab and the help in the bed
Maker of the Frankenstud Sling Keeper
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Only things in the back of the bakke were the two dogs....and they didn't like the cold! We (PH and I) were in the front seat where there was no wind!
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The hunter was in the front with the PH for a transit to an area, but once hunting, hunter and PH were in the back.
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The hunter was in the front with the PH for a transit to an area, but once hunting, hunter and PH were in the back. Either the hunter and PH or hunter and guide. Once hunting I was always in the back. When Ellice was with us she was in the back also. I also prefer the larger properties. Congratulations on your first trip. When is the next one scheduled?
DSC Life Member NRA Life Member
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Awesome - thanks for the pics and report. Nice animals!
Bob Enjoy life now -- it has an expiration date. ~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~
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