08 April 2007, 00:58
LeopardtrackMemorable moments and un-expected Plesures?
The goal and highlight of my recent Zimbabwe hunt was killing a Leopard, after dreaming about it since grade school. After doing so on the 5th night, I ran out of money several day's later, after taking a few plains game animals, leaving me 9 days being almost flat broke!
What I didn't anticipate was that I really enjoyed observing my brother-in-law Anthony take his game animals...the pressure was off me, and I enjoyed so much really watching the trackers work, asking the many questions I asked, and shooting the odd Dassie or Baboon.
Several afternoons, I stalked the Koppies, all alone, while they were out hunting the afternoon hunt. I slowly crept about the Koppies with a 22mag and killed dozens of Dassies which were gladly eaten by the trackers at night. I enjoyed this part of the safari so much, since I really slowed down, and took it all in. I watched the sunset, noticed the tracks, flowers, and things that I definetly would have never noticed, had I not run out of money!
I enjoyed the solitude, the easier pace, and looking back, I consider these quiet moments a major part of the whole experience. I went to Zim with a game shooping list, and returned home with a different perspective on what it's all about.
How about you, any unexpected moments??
08 April 2007, 01:03
David HulmeThat is cool Wolfgar. I think it's very important to slow down and take it all in at times. Makes one appreciate how insignificant we are in the grand scheme of things. Thanks for that
08 April 2007, 01:15
MARK H. YOUNGWolfgar,
That's why it is called the Safari "Experience". It's nearly impossible to explain to someone until they have been on safari how much more there is to safari than just the hunting. Glad you got it. It's not to be duplicated anywhere else.
Mark
08 April 2007, 05:41
elkfitterIf I may ask.
What's a Dassie?
And a Koppie?
Sorry to ask so many dumb questios.
08 April 2007, 05:54
David Hulmeelkfitter
A dassie is a rock rabbit and a koppie or kopje is a hill. Incidentally, a dassie is the closest relative an elephant has..
08 April 2007, 05:58
LeopardtrackDassie is a a word (which language, I don't know) for a Hyrax, which to me looks like a huge pet guinea pig.
Koppies are piles of rocks or boulders. They could get quite huge.
08 April 2007, 11:14
doccashNot trying to be smart,but I think that I would be nervous/scared walking about Africa with a .22mag. However, that does sound enjoyable. doccash
08 April 2007, 18:57
LeopardtrackDoc,
Funny you said that, since the thought did cross my mind that a Leopard might be looking for a Dassie on my Koppie too!!