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Gras Hunting Ranch - Namibia
22 February 2007, 11:37
GLRodgersGras Hunting Ranch - Namibia
This is a report on our hunting trip to Namibia, Africa in August of 2006. A group of six (three hunters and three observers) spent 7 days hunting plains game at Gras Hunting Ranch.
I have have lived in Alaska for 26 years and have taken most of the big game animals Alaska has to offer. Moose, black bear, brown bear, and dall sheep some with gun and some with bow. I have hunted some of the most remote, God forsaken places you can imagine. I don’t give out recommendations lightly.
What a fantastic experience we had in Namibia. “The Gras Hunting Ranch is 145 miles (232km) south of Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. The hunting territories cover over 37500 hectares (92800 acres) of arid bush land with Savannah. It is known for its abundant wildlife and majestic views. Gras Hunting Ranch is considered to be one of the most beautiful game ranches in Namibia.†The lodge was built in 1906 and has been meticulously maintained. The accommodations are superb.
Our PH Errol Lambrechts is a first rate guide and will see to every detail of the hunt. Jannie Spangenberg the owner and his staff at Gras Hunting Ranch are experienced and provide a superior hunting experience.
info@zingelasafaris.comOver 6 days of hunting I took 7 very nice trophies. (I could have taken much more)
2 Springbok, one measured 16 ¾ in.
Kudu
Gemsbok, over 40 in.
Mt. Zebra, very large
Warthog
Blue Wildebeest
Daily rate:
$230.00 US for 2 X 1
$310.00 US 1 X 1
$120.00 US observer/non-hunting guest
Trophy fees are very reasonable.
Accommodations are fantastic.
Game was every where. From one high lookout by the Fish river we saw a mixed herd of planes game to numerous to count. Springbok, kudu, wildebeest, zebra, hartebeest and baboon all were feeding together along the river. It was like a scene out of Jurassic Park the movie. Even Jannie the guide and host of the ranch remarked “Wow, that’s a lot of animalsâ€. Everyone on the truck sat and watched in awe as the morning scene unfolded before us.
If you like to see lots of game and like to hunt “big open spaces†this is the spot for you. You can get some very nice long range shooting in Namibia or hunt the water holes from a blind.
Namibia is a thriving tourist destination with a stable government and has great hunting to boot. English is the official language. We give this outfit a 5 star rating.
If you ever get the chance to visit Africa I would recommend a hunt at Gras. Jannie, Errol, and the staff will make your stay comfortable and your hunt exciting and memorable. They are without a doubt “world classâ€.
Greg Rodgers
Eagle River, Alaska
GLRodgers
22 February 2007, 17:15
hikerbumNice report. Very nice Springbok, How long was the Gemsobk? It looks very long.
I hunted Gras in May 2005 and had a wonderful time. Errol and Jannie are first class guys. Very frinedly. The accomodations and food was fantastic. I had the exact same thought about it being like Jurasic Park. One day we were spotting and we noticed movement above the horizon in the distance. It turned out to be just the upper necks and heads of Giraffe. It reminded me of the scene in Jurasic Park where they are in the tree at night and all the long necks rise from the trees.
As i sit in my office I am looking at my very nice sprinbok and two wildebeests hanging around me.
I highly recommend Gras. They treat you right.
Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum
22 February 2007, 19:03
studdogNice report. Thanks
"shoot quick but take your time"
22 February 2007, 20:45
DrScottThat is great to hear - I leave May 11th for a week at Gras. This will be my first safari - the anticipation is almost too much.
Scott
22 February 2007, 22:07
TerryRNice report.
What rifle/caliber did you use and how long were the shots?
23 February 2007, 02:01
GLRodgersTerryR,
I used a 7mm mag. that I rented from Gras. It was the cal. I was use to. Most shots were 250yards+. One kill was 400yards late in the evening going away on a Kudu. I wanted to take my weapon but we were going through Germany and did some photo travel around Namibia after the hunt. Carting a weapon around was a problem.
GLRodgers
23 February 2007, 02:04
GLRodgersPS the gemsbok was 40 1/2 inch.
GLRodgers
23 February 2007, 19:29
Don LietzauHey Greg
Glad you enjoyed the trip. I know Cindy & I had a blast. Have hunted Gras and toured Namibia before and still would like to go back. Jannie and Errol and all the folks at Gras really make me feel like family. Glad I had the chance to do the trip with you. I know dad and Deloris are ready to go back. Dad is still talking about his "once in a life time" trip.I will see if I can round up a few of dad's photos and get them posted. Don Lietzau
Don Lietzau
1-907-688-6946
Don Lietzau's Outdoor Adventures
20508 Mark Circle,
Chugiak, Alaska 99567
23 February 2007, 22:02
hikerbumFeel Like family is the correct way of putting it. I got quite sick one day while there (stomach flu), but my buddy kept hunting. The next morning I felt much better, and spent some time kicking a ball around with Jannies son.
A truly delightful trip.
Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum
25 February 2007, 17:03
bwanamrmCongrats on a great hunt and some nice trophies... Namibia is a fun country to hunt!
On the plains of hesitation lie the bleached bones of ten thousand, who on the dawn of victory lay down their weary heads resting, and there resting, died.
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch...
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!
- Rudyard Kipling
Life grows grim without senseless indulgence.
02 March 2007, 18:07
OldcoyoteGreg
The excellent report is appreciated. I am headed there in July. Could you tell us a little about the shooting rests you used and would recommend? Sticks, bipod, etc. Were you able to take any shots sitting and/or prone?
Thank you
.............................................
06 March 2007, 23:12
Errol LambrechtsThanks for all the nice things that you had to say about us. It makes our job so much more worth while
08 March 2007, 20:35
Don LietzauErrol
Good to see your still alive. I trust your golf game is going well during the off season. Give my regards to Christine and the Gras Gang. Hope to get back and hunt with you soon but 2007 is Alaska year. Keep in touch.
Don Lietzau
1-907-688-6946
Don Lietzau's Outdoor Adventures
20508 Mark Circle,
Chugiak, Alaska 99567
16 March 2007, 08:18
KUDUBULLI have hunted gras 3 times and it keeps getting better and better. Jannie goes out of his way to make things just the way you need them. I am going again in June and taking my dad for his first safari there. I cant wait for some more of Anri's cooking! and a little hunting as well.
Ray
Ray Matthews
Matthews Outdoor Adventures
2808 Bainbridge Trail
Mansfield, Texas 76063
GLRodgers
17 March 2007, 11:32
GLRodgersI almost forgot the Kudu.....
GLRodgers
18 March 2007, 04:14
T.CarrThanks for the great report. Glad you had a great time. I will correct the photo tags in your last two posts..
Regards,
Terry
Msasi haogopi mwiba [A hunter is not afraid of thorns]
23 March 2007, 00:14
Use Enough GunWonderful report and great pictures!
26 March 2007, 04:21
juanpozziI know at least 20 hunters who hunted there all gave very good opinons.Among them Don Lietzau of worldtrek safaris who hunted with me here.Juan
www.huntinginargentina.com.ar FULL PROFESSIONAL MEMBER OF IPHA INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL HUNTERS ASOCIATION .
DSC PROFESSIONAL MEMBER
DRSS--SCI
NRA
IDPA
IPSC-FAT -argentine shooting federation cred number2-
27 March 2007, 20:21
Don LietzauJuan, what you been doing? I trust all is well with your family. One day you must come out and we shall hunt again together here in Alaska for Brown Bear. Looking forward to hunting again with you and "Willy" in Atgentina or maybe we can meet at Gras?
Best Regards my Friend
Don Lietzau
1-907-688-6946
Don Lietzau's Outdoor Adventures
20508 Mark Circle,
Chugiak, Alaska 99567
28 March 2007, 05:56
GeorgeInNePaWow, I logged on to start researching for a trip for 2008 and the first hunt report I find is for Gras. My wife and I had a great time there in 2003.
I can't believe it's been 4 years already!
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