Jim,

Good job! The spotted hyena is an often overlooked trophy and in my opinion one of the most difficult when hunted on purpose. They are very clever.

Mark

quote:

Originally posted by MARK H. YOUNG:
Jim,

Good job! The spotted hyena is an often overlooked trophy and in my opinion one of the most difficult when hunted on purpose. They are very clever.

Mark

When Laura and Johnny asked me what critters I was interested in and I gave them the 7 animal hit list with options, they said the Cookson's Wildebeest and Hyena would take some luck.

I was thrilled Johnny had a Cookson's left on quoto and it did turn out to be the most difficult stalk. That's the last story and it will be coming next.

They are gorgeous up close.

Frostbit,

As Mark pointed out Hyena can be difficult. Also well done on the Cookson's. Whilst you were here you should have also considered Kafue Lechwe which is also unique to Zambia?

look forward to the rest of the report.

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:
Frostbit,

As Mark pointed out Hyena can be difficult. Also well done on the Cookson's. Whilst you were here you should have also considered Kafue Lechwe which is also unique to Zambia?

look forward to the rest of the report.

Thanks Andrew,

Time just didn't allow it. We spent close to a month in Africa but it was split between a self tour of Namibia, ranch hunt in Namibia, and the real deal in the Luangwa.

Hind sight might dictate a different choice but I wouldn't have felt that way until I experienced all three parts of the "vacation".

Anybody serious about hunting real Africa should highly consider Zambia. Of course take that with a grain of salt from this lowly one time Bwana.

Jim

Bad Week for a Wildebeest

The silver copper colored Bull had fought for the right to pass on his genes many times before. Being the dominant male in the herd meant defending that position. He was a close match for his rival over the entire year but now he lost ground. It was the way of aging and the Wildebeest, although he didn’t understand it, the beast was about to learn that lesson. Kicked out of the herd by the stronger male, and being a herd animal his whole life, standing alone was not in his nature. He tried to solve that problem over the last week by joining a scattered group of Impala.

The small antelope did not care about their larger new found friend. He seemed to have better senses for danger. They began to look at him as the alarm bell. The Wildebeest Bull on the other hand remained confused by the Impala’s penchant to run a short distance from perceived danger and then stop.

Slap!! “Have I mentioned how much I hate Tsetse Flies”? The question from the Hunter brought only a smile and no verbal response from the PH. It was obvious the Professional found himself bothered by the biting insects as well. Why else would he have switched from shorts to long pants in the sweltering heat? The Hunter, used to the cool air of Alaska, now found himself in long sleeve shirts, long pants, gaiters over his socks, and hiking boots with two pair of socks. The heat was oppressive but the insects were worse. No form of commercial repellent seemed to work. Tsetse Flies are made of sterner stuff.

Madam sat on the upper seat of the safari cruiser and felt like a Queen. Lamec, Boston, Freddie, and Alpha picked the flies from her as they lit. Wonder if the hard candy she’d been distributing helped her garner the attention? “Warthog Madam”, Lamec pointed. They kept her entertained with their ability to see animals long before you could find them. She enjoyed their help. She asked about their children and wives, how many of each. They seemed to appreciate her interest and answered with pride.

This would be the second day of cruising the inland Mopani woodland in search of the herd of Cookson’s Wildebeest. Johnny had seen the herd before and knew it had two shootable Bulls but also knew if they saw the cruiser before anyone on the cruiser saw them the hunt was over for the day.

Found only in the Luangwa Valley, few Cookson’s are available on hunting quota and many times they are saved for the cat hunters with their longer booking. The Hunter felt fortunate there were two remaining on quota and that Johnny offered an attempt at one.

“Bwana, I’ve had clients come back five years in a row just to get one of these Wildebeest”, Johnny related. “They are hard to find and even harder to stalk. If they see, hear, or smell you they seem to run forever. There’s no catching up to them and there’s multiple eyes and ears in a herd”.

“Great”, the Hunter thought, “That’s the way hunting should be”. Up until now the huntsman had enjoyed incredible luck with shot opportunities and already had memories well worth the high price of an African Bush Safari. He already mentally planned how he would make it back for the next. What could he sell? He was warned of the African hunting addiction. He read as much and now he knew why.

They had driven close to fifty kilometers across bumpy tracks that shouldn’t be called roads. They crossed dry rivers with steep banks. The group made new trails through the scrub occasionally knocking down or driving over small trees in order to advance deeper into the hunting grounds.

“Hartebeest”, the Ph exclaimed and stopped the cruiser to watch the rare sight through binoculars. “That’s a rare sight here”. The truck started rolling again.

The air still held the smell of smoke from the many bush fires. Shame it didn’t bother the flies.

The cruiser stopped so hard the Hunter nearly hit the dash with his rifle barrel. He held the gun vertically between his legs the entire trip. One must be forever vigilant.

Johnny spoke in a hushed voice. He seemed the most tense the Hunter had seen during the trip. “Lone Bull” was his only statement. The pair slid from the truck as Lamec quietly dropped from up top. Madam climbed down the ladder steps.

The foursome again found itself slowly advancing into the woods on a stalk. The wind was perfect. Luck was holding.

The lone Wildebeest sensed danger before the Impala. He bolted before the group of four was even 300 yards away. The Impala scattered at the warning sign. “Damn”, the Ph muttered, “Come on”. He and the hunter headed out at a fast determined walk. Later the PH would concede he doubted at that moment they would see the Wildebeest again.

The group of four split into two groups of two. The PH and Hunter walked deliberately and steadily in the direction the Cookson’s departed towards. Three different 150 yard surges and the duo had reclaimed visual contact with the loner. The Impala stopped and the Wildebeest, wanting to continue running, tried to reconcile his need to flee danger with his need for a herd. He milled back and forth nervously. His long black fly swatting tail twitched from nerves. He looked straight at the duo.

The sticks went up. The distance had to be less than 200 yards but not much less. The .375 was sighted in for 100 yards making a 3 inch drop at 200. An acceptable shot. The hunter had killed game in Namibia at close to 300 yards with the same rifle.

The Hunter saw the Wildebeest but only parts of the animal through the dense cover. No clear shooting lane existed. The advancing darkness was also an enemy as light was retreating rapidly. Sunsets in Africa occur quickly not like those the Hunter knew from Alaska.

The animal stood broadside but milled back and forth nervously. The hunter found a one foot circular branch free shooting tunnel; unfortunately the Wildebeest stood a full body length away from it.

The PH whispered, “If you have any shot take it”. As much as the Hunter wanted to risk a branch deflection he resisted the urge. The Cookson’s moved slowly forward. As soon as his chest reached the branch free one foot circle the Hunter took the shot.

Thunk!! The bullet’s impact could be heard but the Wildebeest transformed himself into a rocket. The beautiful Silver striped beast disappeared grunting loudly with every step.

“You broke his leg”, the PH exclaimed. The hunter knew the shot hit lower than he would have liked given a clear shot but he felt confident he caught the bottom of the lungs.

Lamec was already advancing Madam trailed close behind. Lamec needed no instruction to do his job. The reunited foursome reached the site at which the Wildebeest stood when shot. Two small drops of blood were found.

The ground was like concrete. How could anyone read tracks on concrete. Lamec did not speak. He simply looked down and pointed with an index finger at invisible marks two feet apart. The Hunter looked down and saw nothing. The sun was fading. He felt fear the animal would be lost. Lamec continued.

Three hundred feet later a huge dead Cookson’s Wildebeest lay on its side. Not a drop of blood on it. The bullet had entered exactly where the Hunter thought. Johnny just looked at him for a minute smiling, “I know, Bwana f%^%ing lucky”, the Hunter muttered.

After an explosion of laughter Johnny started with an excited exclamation, “Do you realize how lucky you are? If he wasn’t hanging out with the Impala we would have never gotten near him. This animal is beautiful. Look at the copper hues on its hind quarter. He gorgeous. He’s a big old boy. They only live here in the Luangwa. You are very lucky”

Jim knew he was lucky. Nine animals in three days. The seven top ones on his wish list and two bonuses in the form of Hippos. But he felt even luckier with the fact he shared this trip with his wife and he was able to hunt with Johnny du Plooy. Jim felt that Johnny was everything you could ask for in a Professional Hunter. He was calm, patient, he treated his staff well, but most importantly he still had a passion for hunting.

With the bag complete Johnny turned that passion for hunting in Madam’s direction. He took Joyce on mock stalks of Crocodiles, Impala, Puku, and even some Buffalo. He gave her a taste of blown stalks and she experienced the challenge of placing a rifle on shooting sticks within range of prey. No shots were fired but Joyce now knows more intimately what hunting is about. Maybe the next trip she too will hunt. We hung Leopard and Lion baits for the Cat hunter that arrived in camp so we also enjoyed that experience. Damn Flies!

Yup!! I am Bwana Lucky!!

Left to right front row:
Boston (Game Scout), Lamec, Jim, Freddie

Back row
Johnny du Plooy, Alpha

Very nice wildebest and superlative writing Jim!!!!!! It's wonderful to have your hunt written down. I highly reccomend to all to take a journal with you to record your daily activity. As much as you think you'll never forget you will forget the little details that make a hunt the experience it is!!!

Brett

I can't read my own hand writing so a took a little dictaphone and recorded a little of the detail and emotions

I wrote these "stories" when I got back while the details were still vivid and playing back in my memory.

Jim,

Great pic of the wildebeest with the whole crew. For various reasons I think the Cookson's may be your best trophy of your safari.

Mark

quote:

Originally posted by MARK H. YOUNG:
Jim,

Great pic of the wildebeest with the whole crew. For various reasons I think the Cookson's may be your best trophy of your safari.

Mark

It's one of my favorite pictures. I love the way Boston is holding his record book looking off in the distance. Lamec and Johnny smiling. I truly believe Johnny thought we would never get in range of that bull.

They are a great crew to be with.

We would have needed a tripod but I wish Madam was in the picture.

Well done Frostbit,

Cookson's are not easy in Johnny's area and you did well to find a bull like that. Effing lucky indeed. Great safari and I much enjoyed your writing.

Frostbit,

Is that Stanley kneeling on your left in the Cookson's photo?

Dean

quote:

Originally posted by maki:
Frostbit,

Is that Stanley kneeling on your left in the Cookson's photo?

Dean

Boston looking away from camers. Lamec holding my hand. Freddie looking at camera no smile. Alpha with hands on Freddies shoulders. Johnny still laughing at my luck.

You are a master story teller!! Congrats on a great Luanga Valley hunt!
I do begrudge you the Cookson's !! Great!

Great story frostbit and I too am jealous of that beautiful Cooksons.

quote:

Originally posted by Tom In Tennessee:
You are a master story teller!

Thanks! I tried to make the report fun.

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:
Animals hunted:Buffalo, Crocodile, Impala, Puku, Bushbuck, Cookson’s Wildebeest, Hyena.
Animals taken: Buffalo, Crocodile, Impala, Puku, Bushbuck, Cookson’s Wildebeest, Hyena and Hippo x 2.

How can you shoot two hippos without hunting them?
Sorry, couldn't resist!!

That's a marvellous report! Thanks a lot for sharing.

This sure beats the hell out of that A12 stuff.
Bill O

quote:

Originally posted by Heavy Barrel:
This sure beats the hell out of that A12 stuff.
Bill O

But it's everywhere Bill

Too funny. There's a picture of a couple of wing cars like yours in that forum section. You ought to give everyone a treat and post a few pictures of your '62 Max Wedge Wagon on a thread down in the car forum below.
Oops!! Didn't realize you already posted pics of the Black Beauty


Thanks for the email. A person is never too old to hunt Africa. Go and do it. You deserve it!!

Jim,

Great story and pics. I think you left some of your good luck in camp. We left camp on 10/08, 9 days early. We harvested everything we set out for totaling 17 animals between my Dad and I. Have to get some pictures posted here one of these days. Just waned to say hello.

Brett

quote:

Originally posted by wrldhunter:
Jim,

Great story and pics. I think you left some of your good luck in camp. We left camp on 10/08, 9 days early. We harvested everything we set out for totaling 17 animals between my Dad and I. Have to get some pictures posted here one of these days. Just waned to say hello.

Brett

Ill put up one of your Leopard pics on this thread if you want. Did you see your Lion celebration link I put on Youtube. The link is in the beginning of this thread.

Congrats to you and tour Dad. So your Dad found a Cookson's? Outstanding.

Enjoyed meeting you two.

I saw the thread but did not look at it yet. Yes we did find a Cookson's, also a nice bull. He also took a monster puku our last day in camp. Should go top 10 SCI.

quote:

Originally posted by wrldhunter:
I saw the thread but did not look at it yet. Yes we did find a Cookson's, also a nice bull. He also took a monster puku our last day in camp. Should go top 10 SCI.

Let's show everyone your smiling face. Now you have to do your own hunt report. How did the couple do that came in the day we left?

Favorite Sunset shot.

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:

quote:

Originally posted by Heavy Barrel:
This sure beats the hell out of that A12 stuff.
Bill O

But it's everywhere Bill

Too funny. There's a picture of a couple of wing cars like yours in that forum section. You ought to give everyone a treat and post a few pictures of your '62 Max Wedge Wagon on a thread down in the car forum below.
Oops!! Didn't realize you already posted pics of the Black Beauty


Thanks for the email. A person is never too old to hunt Africa. Go and do it. You deserve it!!

Jim,I "assume" these are the wing cars you are refering to.One would probably finance a trip.

quote:

Originally posted by Heavy Barrel:

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:

quote:

Originally posted by Heavy Barrel:
This sure beats the hell out of that A12 stuff.
Bill O

But it's everywhere Bill

Too funny. There's a picture of a couple of wing cars like yours in that forum section. You ought to give everyone a treat and post a few pictures of your '62 Max Wedge Wagon on a thread down in the car forum below.
Oops!! Didn't realize you already posted pics of the Black Beauty


Thanks for the email. A person is never too old to hunt Africa. Go and do it. You deserve it!!

Jim,I "assume" these are the wing cars you are refering to.One would probably finance a trip.

Well, since you have one of those Orange cars with the bookshelf in the back you would know.

I'll take the time to get the hunt report done one of these days. The couple that came after you was hunting in Chanjuzi and was on day 9 of 21 when we left. He had not yet taken a lion or leopard but had taken buffalo and other plains game. They had lions on bait as well as leopards, all females. They had a male lion hit a bait one morning and sometime during the day a villager saw the lion tracks and burned the area scorching their bait. That lion did not return.

quote:

Originally posted by wrldhunter:
I'll take the time to get the hunt report done one of these days. The couple that came after you was hunting in Chanjuzi and was on day 9 of 21 when we left. He had not yet taken a lion or leopard but had taken buffalo and other plains game. They had lions on bait as well as leopards, all females. They had a male lion hit a bait one morning and sometime during the day a villager saw the lion tracks and burned the area scorching their bait. That lion did not return.

I can imagine Johnny's opinion on the burning. He was pretty verbal about it whenever we ran across a smoldering area. Did Abie have anymore hunts lined up or was he done after you guys?

Just got off the phone with Kathi Klimes and realized I never gave her the credit and thanks I should have in this report.

Although I technically did my own booking she helped with advice and over view of my itinerary. She also recommended "Rifle Permits" (Henry) be used in Jo-berg and everything went very smooth.

Thanks Kathi

Johnny was pretty upset about the burning. Abie had one last client coming in to hunt for the last lion on quota. He flew back to Lusaka with us and was happy to be able to spend time with the misses and kid.

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:

quote:

Originally posted by wrldhunter:
I'll take the time to get the hunt report done one of these days. The couple that came after you was hunting in Chanjuzi and was on day 9 of 21 when we left. He had not yet taken a lion or leopard but had taken buffalo and other plains game. They had lions on bait as well as leopards, all females. They had a male lion hit a bait one morning and sometime during the day a villager saw the lion tracks and burned the area scorching their bait. That lion did not return.

I can imagine Johnny's opinion on the burning. He was pretty verbal about it whenever we ran across a smoldering area. Did Abie have anymore hunts lined up or was he done after you guys?

Burn it all...it will make nice green graze for the goats and cattle for the lion to kill.....and the Buffalo and Ele's to find their way to your corn...

quote:

Originally posted by Tom In Tennessee:
Burn it all...it will make nice green graze for the goats and cattle for the lion to kill.....and the Buffalo and Ele's to find their way to your corn...

Good luck trying to explain that line of reasoning to Johnny or to a cat hunter that just had the last of his Hippo bait burned.

A very different hunt report Frostbite, but I enjoyed every word written!
Great trophies and pictures, and thanks for sharing.

I tried to make it a little different.

Thanks
Jim

quote:

Originally posted by Arild Iversen:
A very different hunt report Frostbite, but I enjoyed every word written!
Great trophies and pictures, and thanks for sharing.

quote:

Originally posted by wrldhunter:
Jim,

Great story and pics. I think you left some of your good luck in camp. We left camp on 10/08, 9 days early. We harvested everything we set out for totaling 17 animals between my Dad and I. Have to get some pictures posted here one of these days. Just waned to say hello.

Brett

Brett,

How about that hunt report and some pictures? I'd love to see your Dad's Cookson.

Great stories and pics. Cheers

For those that may be interested here are the four Barnes TSX bullets recovered during my hunt in Zambia. All the others were either not found or through and throughs.

From left to right...

Cape Buffalo - 299.6 grains
Cookson's Wildebeest - 299.8 grains
Bushbuck - 299.6 grains
Crocodile - 299.2 grains

Very nice report and trophes.


Hamdeni

Believe it or not....still wading through tens of thousands of photos taken during the trip. Decided I like this one quite a bit.

A really nice pic, should help keep you warm through your winter. I see Churchhill is posting temps of -20C maximum. Just for a comparison, we are a balmy 28C today.