Todd

I have done it both ways and the stalking close is great fun. with a nice double rifle

The open field at 100 yds was a nice side shot with open sites again with a double rifle.

one stayed in place after taking a step the other we tracked for about 1 mile before he met his end in a clump of brush so thick you could not see through and the finishing shots were with 2 yards.

The up close and personal is preferred over the long shot, however the long shot is what is offered that what you take on day 8 of a 10 days safari.

No qualms doing it that way.

quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:
If they have an open sighted rifle now it is because they are trying to be like those that showed them how its done.

Quite true. I would not have considered using an open sighted big bore rifle if it wasn't for seeing them used on TV and the like, and I doubt if I would have taken up hunting if it wasn't for my brother.
43" Buff taken with Stu Taylor about 10 yrs ago;

quote:

Originally posted by ozhunter:

quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:
If they have an open sighted rifle now it is because they are trying to be like those that showed them how its done.

Quite true. I would not have considered using an open sighted big bore rifle if it wasn't for seeing them used on TV and the like, and I doubt if I would have taken up hunting if it wasn't for my brother.
43" Buff taken with Stu Taylor about 10 yrs ago;

Me too Adam. Buff taken with open sighted big bore 7 years ago: Yes Jorge, I'm wearing a big watch!!

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:


If you hunt long enough, you will find that you have to accept whatever the hunt gives you.



The secret is to achieve what YOU want from the hunt.

100% have to agree, I also voted both.

I dont agree with wilfully endangering my life or that of my clients or my reputation. If you want to do a quick follow up and invoke a charge on DG, then Im not the outfit you want to be hunting with. Im just not reckless with my life or that of my crew.

Hunt the way you want, but MS is going to get eaten one day. Just my opinion

quote:

Originally posted by ozhunter:

quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:
If they have an open sighted rifle now it is because they are trying to be like those that showed them how its done.

Quite true. I would not have considered using an open sighted big bore rifle if it wasn't for seeing them used on TV and the like, and I doubt if I would have taken up hunting if it wasn't for my brother.
43" Buff taken with Stu Taylor about 10 yrs ago;

That is when you first started using it after how many hunts? If I am not mistaken your standard weapon was a scoped Stey Mannlicher.

quote:

Originally posted by Todd Williams:

quote:

Originally posted by ozhunter:

quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:
If they have an open sighted rifle now it is because they are trying to be like those that showed them how its done.

Quite true. I would not have considered using an open sighted big bore rifle if it wasn't for seeing them used on TV and the like, and I doubt if I would have taken up hunting if it wasn't for my brother.
43" Buff taken with Stu Taylor about 10 yrs ago;

Me too Adam. Buff taken with open sighted big bore 7 years ago: Yes Jorge, I'm wearing a big watch!!

I would say that is your first trophy taken with an open sight rifle.How about all the Safaris you did before that? All sniped!

Always happy to snipe a Hyena, Leopard or similar with a scoped rifle.
Absolutely no qualms using a scoped rifle but hunting with an open sighted big bore is quite fun.

Nice trophies Todd & Oz. Part of the reason I love this place is because I get to live vicariously through y'alls adventures. I sure hope to whack a buffalo someday with a double, but we all know a scoped rifle increases your chances.

Odds are pretty good that I'll never get to Africa; I cannot afford it, and don't see that changing.

Reading about guys that are making multiple trips to Africa, and telling people this is the right way, that's not etc... it's a bit much actually.

I'd say if you got the cash to go to Africa many times. Good for you. Make the most of it.

I have always had mixed feelings about topics like this that really have no resolution,just opinions. I have to admit that in all my hunts the least interesting I had were for Buffalo and as a result I only killed one cow and it was nothing outstanding in either the hunt ,nor the animal. Shot at 30 yards with a 375H&H one shot and the cow literally reared up and fell dead literally with all four feet straight up. I have killed Elephants and Leopards and a great amount of plains game. I acheive the same pleasure from all. It's the word 'danger' that confuses me. The question to me is 'do you equate danger with fear' or what is the feeling you get from hunting 'dangerous' game. I, personally, get no satisfaction from being scared. I really have never understood this emotion some people have. I know some on these forums fly and even off aircraft carriers and seem to like it. I woud imagine some race cars and enjoy that also. So the question to me is 'what ,exactly,is it that you enjoy about fear'. I feel exactly the same satisfaction when I take a Kudu at 100 yards as I do an Elephant at 20 feet. Since I obviously don't have the same feeling it will never be resolved for me I suppose.

quote:

Originally posted by zimbabwe:
I have always had mixed feelings about topics like this that really have no resolution,just opinions. I have to admit that in all my hunts the least interesting I had were for Buffalo and as a result I only killed one cow and it was nothing outstanding in either the hunt ,nor the animal. Shot at 30 yards with a 375H&H one shot and the cow literally reared up and fell dead literally with all four feet straight up. I have killed Elephants and Leopards and a great amount of plains game. I acheive the same pleasure from all. It's the word 'danger' that confuses me. The question to me is 'do you equate danger with fear' or what is the feeling you get from hunting 'dangerous' game. I, personally, get no satisfaction from being scared. I really have never understood this emotion some people have. I know some on these forums fly and even off aircraft carriers and seem to like it. I woud imagine some race cars and enjoy that also. So the question to me is 'what ,exactly,is it that you enjoy about fear'. I feel exactly the same satisfaction when I take a Kudu at 100 yards as I do an Elephant at 20 feet. Since I obviously don't have the same feeling it will never be resolved for me I suppose.

Hello Zim,

Now you've brought the thread discussion back to the original purpose! "Danger", or lack thereof. Remember, I started this thread as a continuation of the discussions brought about by the two previous threads on the subject, namely, the first being the thread generated by the release of the new Mark Sullivan DVD, followed by Saeed's thread asking if danger is the reason we hunt DG for the sake of "danger" itself. This thread was not started as a lecture on how you must go about your safari, which it turned into to some extent, unfortunately. Per Demonical's statement, go back and re-read from the middle of the first page, I tried to re-direct this thread away from making judgements about should it be done per Video A or per Video B. The point was to discuss whether or not Video B, which by all accounts is much more exciting, is more DANGEROUS than the Video A method of buffalo hunting. Specifically, in the same manner that Cal Pappas put objective data into the Sullivan discussion with his review of the first 10 videos, I attempted to put some objective data into the "danger" discussion by posting two videos of different techniques so that we can all objectively SEE what we are discussing without simply speaking in terms of perception.

You mentioned flying off aircraft carriers which I also did and have stated so in trying to put some perspective to the subject at hand. I have to admit, I am struggling to find the exact statements to apply to the subject of "danger". I'm going to attempt to once more.

"Danger" and being "scared" is NOT the issue in chasing DG animals (or agressive flying of aircraft) that makes these pursuits so appealing to some. It may very well be the issue that turns some men OFF from these pursuits, but it is NOT what drives others to do it. Simply stated, these pursuits provide an incredible level of excitement in their own right. Go back to that video I posted of the F-16s and F-15s flying low and fast in Saeed's "danger" thread. It's not that the exercise is "dangerous", it's that going fast and low is just one hell of a ride!! Excessively stimulating to the senses. For me, hunting DG up close and personal, perhaps with an open sighted big bore (the open sight vs optic isn't really a part of the equation for me), I find that same excitement and level of stimulation. Adventure as Lionhunter once put it. And according to the poll numbers with Video B now very close to "Both", it appears many others agree, while being a bit hesitant to comment here.

The fact that "danger" is involved at all, is beside the point and really doesn't cross my mind other than to pay attention so as not to let the guard down and do something stupid. The comparison of the two videos, A and B, where offered to show that in Video B, while certainly more exciting, really isn't exposing oneself or the hunting party to more "danger". That's the point of this exercise, although it got side tracked early on. Now, Sullivan walking up to a wounded buffalo, straight on, with the purpose of picking a fight and inciting a charge, I don't see how anyone can say that isn't dangerous. We can debate the ethics of it all day, but it's a dangerous activity because even though the charge is expected and being controlled to some extent, all contingencies cannot be accounted for. A simple misfire or hangfire will result in him being freight-trained. Michae458 had such a misfire last year with an elephant bearing down on him. IIRC, once he got home, he tested the remainder of the box of primers and had a couple more misfires. Said it was the first time it ever happened to him. So, yeah, I'd say the Sullivan practice IS exposing oneself to danger, and unnecessarily so. I do not however, not for one moment, believe the way we hunted in Video B ramped up the danger level at all. Yes, there was a follow up, but we were prepared to handle it. For that matter, the old cow in Video A could have had some life left in her, jumped up, taken us by surprise and given us a run for the money just as well.

So yeah, I like exciting activities. Sometimes those activities are a bit dangerous. Like riding motorcycles. But I don't ride down the road thinking to myself, "self, this is so fun because it's dangerous, and because it's dangerous, I'm having such a great time, enjoying all this danger and stuff"! No, I ride down the road taking in the scenery, experiencing the changes in temperature when going through a depression or when the sun goes behind a cloud (something you don't experience in a car), enjoying the smells of the countryside, the wind in my face and occasionaly, the bugs in my teeth!! I'm also aware that other drivers as well as the possibility of hitting a deer or armadillo (TX ya know) could really ruin my day, but that fact doesn't SCARE me away from enjoying the experience. Riding and controlling the machine is just fun!

No, I do not believe DG hunting is centered around "danger" for the sake of "danger" itself. It's centered around the excitement of the pursuit. The fact that POTENTIAL danger exists, makes you pay attention to detail and proceed with heightened awareness, but it isn't SCARY. Maybe it is for some but I'd suggest that is due to an overactive imagination. For example, on my first buffalo hunt, my wife was along for the trip. All she had heard was "black death". The first day, she refused to get out of the truck for fear of being trampled. Once she saw how skittish buff really are, and the fact that they prefer to run, just like any other prey animal, she loosened up and started tagging along. By the third day, she was the one who actually first spotted the animals on top of that little mountain where we ultimately found them. She was never in "danger" although we shot that buff at 30 yards or so and in thick cover.

Edited to add: Regarding the "danger" aspect; some ride the roller coaster because it's fun, exciting, and exhilarating!! Some don't ride the roller coaster because all they can think of is "what happens if something breaks and it departs the rail way up high while going really, really fast and maybe even upside down!?" The first guy here enjoys the experience, while knowing danger is present but under control, and therefore enjoys the ride! The second guy probably still sleeps with the light on at night!

quote:

Originally posted by zimbabwe:
I have always had mixed feelings about topics like this that really have no resolution,just opinions. I have to admit that in all my hunts the least interesting I had were for Buffalo and as a result I only killed one cow and it was nothing outstanding in either the hunt ,nor the animal. Shot at 30 yards with a 375H&H one shot and the cow literally reared up and fell dead literally with all four feet straight up. I have killed Elephants and Leopards and a great amount of plains game. I acheive the same pleasure from all. It's the word 'danger' that confuses me. The question to me is 'do you equate danger with fear' or what is the feeling you get from hunting 'dangerous' game. I, personally, get no satisfaction from being scared. I really have never understood this emotion some people have. I know some on these forums fly and even off aircraft carriers and seem to like it. I woud imagine some race cars and enjoy that also. So the question to me is 'what ,exactly,is it that you enjoy about fear'. I feel exactly the same satisfaction when I take a Kudu at 100 yards as I do an Elephant at 20 feet. Since I obviously don't have the same feeling it will never be resolved for me I suppose.

I think you are quite correct! You don't get it! I doubt you ever will if you feel the same emotion when shooting a kudu at 100 yds that you do confronting an elephant at 20 yds, knowing that if you botch the shot you or someone else in the party my be killed.

Doing this requires a forced calm under stress. Far more people are likely to botch a shot on that elephant than they are on that kudu at 100 yds, and the results of a botched shot on the ele can yield far more dire outcome than that on the kudu. One looses a trophy fee, the other may loose a life. Only a person totally devoid of natural human emotion would find these two things the same.

All the things you mention are sports for people who are risk takers. In case of hunting dangerous game, close in, it is overcoming a human tendency to be fearful in a dangerous situation and make yourself shrug off the natural fear and take care of business under very stressful conditions.

In the case of the racing you list it is not the fear but as in hunting dangerous game, it is acquiring the skill to do it and to be able to not feel fear, because of faith in your skill to bring it to a successful end and WIN!

..................................................................................... puzzling!

Buff taken with my iron sighted .458 Lott taken by me 12 years ago.

Another buff taken by me with that same iron sighted .458 lott also 12 years ago.

Buff taken by me with an iron sighted .470 9 years ago

Tuskless cow taken by me also 9 years ago with the same iron sighted .470


Shootaway could you please inform the reading audience when your first Dg hunt was conducted? And then please extend apologies for your misstatement of fact above because it is you who are the copy cat on the iron sighted thing here my friend.

My first Safari and all the others have been open sight.Was that your first Safari? If it was then good for you, you did it the right way.I like to see hunters doing it right from the beginning.If you did all your hunts or most this way then there is hope for you,surestrike! BTW,which double was that-the Searcy?

MacD37-

Great reply to Zimbawe's comments, which I, for one, find quite incongruous! Yes, he does NOT get it. Not even close to getting it.

The ability to remain calm under stress is an ability to see clearly, understand the criticality of the situation and choose a course of action that will resolve the incident in totality. Jet fighter pilots have that ability, SpecOps guys have it, race car drivers have it, Michael458 has it, Todd Williams has it, you clearly have it and I know through a lifetime of critical incident management experience that I have it. Only so much of this skill set can be taught/learned. Most of it has to exist in the psychological make-up of the individual. Well said, my friend.

Todd, your roller coaster analogy is actually spot on. I was going to mention it as a more common example than flying jets or jumping out of perfectly good airplanes while in flight.

I have no idea WTF difference iron sights v. optics have to do with the discussion? But then I believe it was the idiot from the north who broached that topic, so no further explanation is needed.

In approximately 8 weeks this poor eyed, overweight, old man will be leaving on another Elephant hunt. I will walk as far and as long as my over-abused body will allow and will be using a 500NE DR wearing a red-dot optic. I intend to get as close as possible to my bull before taking the shot. The anticipation of the adventure, excitement and rush have begun!

Surestrike,

Dang man, talking about an ugly hunter!!! Whew!!! ...

quote:

Originally posted by LionHunter:
MacD37-

Great reply to Zimbawe's comments, which I, for one, find quite incongruous! Yes, he does NOT get it. Not even close to getting it.

The ability to remain calm under stress is an ability to see clearly, understand the criticality of the situation and choose a course of action that will resolve the incident in totality. Jet fighter pilots have that ability, SpecOps guys have it, race car drivers have it, Michael458 has it, Todd Williams has it, you clearly have it and I know through a lifetime of critical incident management experience that I have it. Only so much of this skill set can be taught/learned. Most of it has to exist in the psychological make-up of the individual. Well said, my friend.

Todd, your roller coaster analogy is actually spot on. I was going to mention it as a more common example than flying jets or jumping out of perfectly good airplanes while in flight.

I have no idea WTF difference iron sights v. optics have to do with the discussion? But then I believe it was the idiot from the north who broached that topic, so no further explanation is needed.

In approximately 8 weeks this poor eyed, overweight, old man will be leaving on another Elephant hunt. I will walk as far and as long as my over-abused body will allow and will be using a 500NE DR wearing a red-dot optic. I intend to get as close as possible to my bull before taking the shot. The anticipation of the adventure, excitement and rush have begun!

I wont lose sleep waiting for your report-that is for sure!

Surestrike,you look like you probably stand a chance against the bull in a charge without your rifle.

Todd,

Next time you want to give us an example of sniping at buffalo, please give us a proper sniping shot.

Anything less than 300 yards does not count!

quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:
My first Safari and all the others have been open sight.Was that your first Safari? If it was then good for you, you did it the right way.I like to see hunters doing it right from the beginning.If you did all your hunts or most this way then there is hope for you,surestrike! BTW,which double was that-the Searcy?

My first and every DG safari that I've ever done have been conducted with iron sighted big bore rifles except one. And that was my last in which my Searcy busted a main action spring and was left unusable the day before I left. So I grabbed my latest iron sighted .458 Lott built by Brockman to replace my double and it decided to quit firing upon sighting in in Africa!

So I shot my last buff to date with my scope sighted .375H&H the one and only DG species I've ever used a scoped rifle on. And that was not for lack of trying.

To answer your question the double pictured above was my old field grade Searcy. In 2005 I traded up to a PH grade with fancy wood. The new rifle was the one that busted the action spring the day before my hunt. Go figure!

In any case, shootaway, you made a very bold and very incorrect statement regarding iron sighted use and how folks were copying you. You need to rectify that statement so that you don't look like such a braggart and a blow hard it is the only right thing to do. You owe many folks here who have much deeper hunting and shooting experience than yourself an apology.

Time to man up shootaway.

quote:

Originally posted by Todd Williams:
Surestrike,

Dang man, talking about an ugly hunter!!! Whew!!! ...

Todd,

I was runner up for the centerfold of GQ Africa, hunting addition three years running. You must be mistaken!

surestrike,you need to have your next hunt filmed so we can see how you hunt.

quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:
surestrike,you need to have your next hunt filmed so we can see how you hunt.

I'm afraid that you are horribly mistaken, I have no need or reason to gain your approval shootaway. If you were to watch some of my numerous hunts on film you'd notice that I hunt in much the same manner as yourself only without the constant need for direction, hand holding, overbearing guidance and coddling by my PH.

If you were to take all of your field shooting and then all of your almost worthless range time and then all of your hunting with iron sighted big bores and multiply them by 10 you still wouldn't be close the amount of quality meaningful experience in field that I have with those type weapons. You are a rank beginner compared to myself, and I compared to many here on AR. Which is why I find your braggadocios comments to be misplaced and in bad taste given the present company of our fellow AR members.

So I guess you are not going to man up and apologize for your inaccurate and overblown statement?

I am truly shocked at your level of hubris sir!

quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:
surestrike,you need to have your next hunt filmed so we can see how you hunt.

And subject himself to the drivel and criticism that some people want to write just because it isn't how they would do it ?

Why would you bother.


Surestrike
Good reply to both posts above.

"I was runner up for the centerfold of GQ Africa, hunting addition three years running."

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
Todd,

Next time you want to give us an example of sniping at buffalo, please give us a proper sniping shot.

Anything less than 300 yards does not count!

Saeed,

Can I use a super duper, wiz-bang, coffin magazined, bipod mounted, 100 power Nightforce, laser computed aim point, gyro stabilized, half track mounted, Ackley Improved BMG to pull off said shot? If so, I'm in!!


Surestrike,

How can I enter that GQ Mr. Africa contest? Maybe I can get Aaron to enter as well. That way I'm assured of beating at least one guy!


Hey Nigel,

It hasn't been all that bad. We had one uncivil, tape measure driven, non-hunter shooter to deal with but he didn't generate much traction. I've enjoyed the discussion and banter. Hell, even shootaway behaved himself for the most part. I really enjoyed Andy#3's 80 year old dad putting the smack down on that buff with his 500NE! That was some good stuff IMO. Thanks for participating guys!

quote:

Originally posted by leopards valley safaris:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:


If you hunt long enough, you will find that you have to accept whatever the hunt gives you.



The secret is to achieve what YOU want from the hunt.

100% have to agree, I also voted both.

I dont agree with wilfully endangering my life or that of my clients or my reputation. If you want to do a quick follow up and invoke a charge on DG, then Im not the outfit you want to be hunting with. Im just not reckless with my life or that of my crew.

Hunt the way you want, but MS is going to get eaten one day. Just my opinion

IMO - MS WANTS to get eaten some day. However, probably not the worst way to go out.

Surestrike - Are you sure you didn't club those poor buffs to death You appear to be a fairly sturdy individual and I can almost believe the runner up gig

I'd like to be able to hunt with open irons, but generally have to use a scope. Some of us just dont have the eyes for it in our advancing ages, even at 50 yards its tough for me. I would have to aim "center of mass" at anything longer and hope for the best.

quote:

How can I enter that GQ Mr. Africa contest? Maybe I can get Aaron to enter as well. That way I'm assured of beating at least one guy

Todd,

It's easy just post some pictures of yourself in your super sexy, macho, safari mankini here on AR and let the masses decide whether you qualify or not.

Here are some runners up from last year. Obviously as you can see, it's for world class competitors only!

quote:

Originally posted by surestrike:

quote:

How can I enter that GQ Mr. Africa contest? Maybe I can get Aaron to enter as well. That way I'm assured of beating at least one guy

Todd,

It's easy just post some pictures of yourself in your super sexy, macho, safari mankini here on AR and let the masses decide whether you qualify or not.

Here are some runners up from last year. Obviously as you can see, it's for world class competitors only!

Some stiff competition to be sure! I don't know. Maybe I should just defer to Buzz and his outfit!

Cheers buddy!

PS: I'm pretty sure I'd enjoy hunting with you one day SureStrike.

Todd, Thank you for the kind words about dad's safari. And Malek too. You can imagine I'm pretty proud of him. But that's nothing new. He's a retired Colonel air force fighter pilot, was a bush pilot in Alaska in the 1960's, has hunted the world over and still loves to chase chukar over his pointers here in Idaho. No flies on him! I'm going to include two more clips here.....another up close shot on another buff and just to prove he can "snipe" too, his 305 yd shot on his sable, off the sticks. His PH nicknamed him "Colonel One Shot" on this hunt! Andy #3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3IzhK5Pd0Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ki0OVgqFFUU

quote:

PS: I'm pretty sure I'd enjoy hunting with you one day SureStrike.

We'll have to make a plan some day!

quote:

Originally posted by LionHunter:
MacD37-

Great reply to Zimbawe's comments, which I, for one, find quite incongruous! Yes, he does NOT get it. Not even close to getting it.

The ability to remain calm under stress is an ability to see clearly, understand the criticality of the situation and choose a course of action that will resolve the incident in totality. Jet fighter pilots have that ability, SpecOps guys have it, race car drivers have it, Michael458 has it, Todd Williams has it, you clearly have it and I know through a lifetime of critical incident management experience that I have it. Only so much of this skill set can be taught/learned. Most of it has to exist in the psychological make-up of the individual. Well said, my friend.

Todd, your roller coaster analogy is actually spot on. I was going to mention it as a more common example than flying jets or jumping out of perfectly good airplanes while in flight.

I have no idea WTF difference iron sights v. optics have to do with the discussion? But then I believe it was the idiot from the north who broached that topic, so no further explanation is needed.

In approximately 8 weeks this poor eyed, overweight, old man will be leaving on another Elephant hunt. I will walk as far and as long as my over-abused body will allow and will be using a 500NE DR wearing a red-dot optic. I intend to get as close as possible to my bull before taking the shot. The anticipation of the adventure, excitement and rush have begun!

Mike,

I hope you and your son in law have a great safari. I'm glad to see that my old 500NE, now your 500NE, is going to be used the way it was meant to be used and not end up as a range novelty. Can you post some pictures of it with the optics mounted? I'm seriously thinking of mounting a Trijicon RMR on my new VC. My eyes are NOT what they used to be either and they are getting worse all the time. I'm going to try a set of those prescription glasses with the small but extra bifocal lens mounted in the upper left corner of the right lens (right eye dominate) to see if that works. If not, it's time for optics for me as well.

quote:

Originally posted by Andy#3:
Todd, Thank you for the kind words about dad's safari. And Malek too. You can imagine I'm pretty proud of him. But that's nothing new. He's a retired Colonel air force fighter pilot , was a bush pilot in Alaska in the 1960's, has hunted the world over and still loves to chase chukar over his pointers here in Idaho. No flies on him! I'm going to include two more clips here.....another up close shot on another buff and just to prove he can "snipe" too, his 305 yd shot on his sable, off the sticks. His PH nicknamed him "Colonel One Shot" on this hunt! Andy #3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3IzhK5Pd0Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ki0OVgqFFUU

Oh hell, we won't hold the fact he had no FORMAL FLIGHT TRAINING against him! (Former Navy guy you know)

Who was your dad hunting with Andy? I notice the posting says Makuti but I don't recognize the PH. Was it CMS or Du Ploy (I think that's who had the other 50% of quota in Makuti for 2011).

Good shooting again by your dad. I really am impressed by his handling of the 500NE at 80 years old. Makuti can be tough physically as well with the hills and mountains. Thanks for posting the vids!

quote:

Originally posted by Todd Williams:

quote:

Originally posted by LionHunter:
MacD37-

Great reply to Zimbawe's comments, which I, for one, find quite incongruous! Yes, he does NOT get it. Not even close to getting it.

The ability to remain calm under stress is an ability to see clearly, understand the criticality of the situation and choose a course of action that will resolve the incident in totality. Jet fighter pilots have that ability, SpecOps guys have it, race car drivers have it, Michael458 has it, Todd Williams has it, you clearly have it and I know through a lifetime of critical incident management experience that I have it. Only so much of this skill set can be taught/learned. Most of it has to exist in the psychological make-up of the individual. Well said, my friend.

Todd, your roller coaster analogy is actually spot on. I was going to mention it as a more common example than flying jets or jumping out of perfectly good airplanes while in flight.

I have no idea WTF difference iron sights v. optics have to do with the discussion? But then I believe it was the idiot from the north who broached that topic, so no further explanation is needed.

In approximately 8 weeks this poor eyed, overweight, old man will be leaving on another Elephant hunt. I will walk as far and as long as my over-abused body will allow and will be using a 500NE DR wearing a red-dot optic. I intend to get as close as possible to my bull before taking the shot. The anticipation of the adventure, excitement and rush have begun!

Mike,

I hope you and your son in law have a great safari. I'm glad to see that my old 500NE, now your 500NE, is going to be used the way it was meant to be used and not end up as a range novelty. Can you post some pictures of it with the optics mounted? I'm seriously thinking of mounting a Trijicon RMR on my new VC. My eyes are NOT what they used to be either and they are getting worse all the time. I'm going to try a set of those prescription glasses with the small but extra bifocal lens mounted in the upper left corner of the right lens (right eye dominate) to see if that works. If not, it's time for optics for me as well.

It sucks to have to wear glasses now......just when I am beginning to get everything else together, well except for the rest of my body which is going to shit also

I think these are the two guys that were on TAA last week??? Kinda.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

quote:

Originally posted by surestrike:

quote:

How can I enter that GQ Mr. Africa contest? Maybe I can get Aaron to enter as well. That way I'm assured of beating at least one guy

Todd,

It's easy just post some pictures of yourself in your super sexy, macho, safari mankini here on AR and let the masses decide whether you qualify or not.

Here are some runners up from last year. Obviously as you can see, it's for world class competitors only!

Since I don't own a "fine double rifle" guess my Buffalo hunting days are over. Since this is the "have to" way to hunt according to some here maybe I'll just stick to Dik Dik and Steenbuck.

Shoot and I had a 30 day Buff hunt booked in Moz but sent my PH a cancellation notice since I was going to bring a bolt gun with a scope. Hope he understands, told him to blame it on the AR elites.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

Todd & Full Roar,

The red-dots are incredible, which is why they have been used so successfully for the past 10+ years by our Marines and soldiers in the sand pits. For old and/or failing eyesight they will extend your ability to hunt for many more years. I first used one over 30 years ago on a Colt tactical carbine (Aimpoint) and realized they were the quickest target acquisition device available for personal firearms. They have helped me take trophies in africa on both large bore handguns and rifles, including both Buff and Ele.

As to the rest of the body, well when you pile 50 years of abuse on it, like I have done, you can't expect everything to keep working like it did when you were 20. Serious injuries in my late 40s began the decline. I actually consider myself lucky to be as functional as I am, considering everything I've asked of my body over the years. Play hard, pay the price. I wouldn't have had it any other way.

surestrike - Don't worry about the idiot from the north; nobody else does.

Lionhunter,quit dreaming up excuses.It is never too late to get in shape and become a good hunter.
Just take one step at a time and remember this-it is all in the mind.
You need 1-good nutrient rich food
2-to get out and breath fresh air(force yourself)
3-dont worry too much about everything
4-have fun
5-its as simple as that
6-I forgot-avoid too much recoil(very important)

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Sellers:
Since I don't own a "fine double rifle" guess my Buffalo hunting days are over. Since this is the "have to" way to hunt according to some here maybe I'll just stick to Dik Dik and Steenbuck.

Shoot and I had a 30 day Buff hunt booked in Moz but sent my PH a cancellation notice since I was going to bring a bolt gun with a scope. Hope he understands, told him to blame it on the AR elites.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

I am afraid we are in the same boat, Larry.

But at lreast we have the consolation of not scaring the PH as soon as we unpack our rifles.

You know, two of the complaints I keep hearing from PHs are the ones concerning a client bringing a large bore rifle he is scared of shooting accurately.

And a client bringing a double he cannot shoot accurately.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Sellers:
Since I don't own a "fine double rifle" guess my Buffalo hunting days are over. Since this is the "have to" way to hunt according to some here maybe I'll just stick to Dik Dik and Steenbuck.

Shoot and I had a 30 day Buff hunt booked in Moz but sent my PH a cancellation notice since I was going to bring a bolt gun with a scope. Hope he understands, told him to blame it on the AR elites.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

I am afraid we are in the same boat, Larry.

But at lreast we have the consolation of not scaring the PH as soon as we unpack our rifles.

You know, two of the complaints I keep hearing from PHs are the ones concerning a client bringing a large bore rifle he is scared of shooting accurately.

And a client bringing a double he cannot shoot accurately.

Saeed,

The number one complaint I've heard from PH's is that the client brings a Walter.

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Sellers:
Since I don't own a "fine double rifle" guess my Buffalo hunting days are over. Since this is the "have to" way to hunt according to some here maybe I'll just stick to Dik Dik and Steenbuck.

Shoot and I had a 30 day Buff hunt booked in Moz but sent my PH a cancellation notice since I was going to bring a bolt gun with a scope. Hope he understands, told him to blame it on the AR elites.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

Larry

This thread is about preferences. If you prefer to hunt with a stick some WD-40 and silly putty you are free to do so. Nobody here is suggesting that you must hunt with a double. We are discussing our passions not our necessities.

But thanks for noticing my "elite" status it's about time I started getting the recognition I deserve.