Finally my first elephant hunt is booked

03 February 2005, 02:50

Will be going to Botswana with Chris Collins to hunt big tuskers (he took one over 100 lbs. a few years back) as well as leopard, and plains game. Particularly lechwe in the Okavango Delta.

My new to me 1908 H&H Dominion .500/.465 will show me how its done as I know it has been there before. Had to put it off until 2007 but that just gives me more time to build up the excitement, as if I needed any more time.

CFA

03 February 2005, 02:57

T.Carr

Congratulations, two years will fly by in no time.

Regards,

Terry

03 February 2005, 03:05

Steve

CFA,

It was great to listen to your plans at SCI. Elephant/leopard in Botswana, H&H double, tented safari. I'm VERY envious.

Remember to take notes and put a copy under the recoil pad of that rifle. You and it both deserve to have your stories remembered.

-Steve

03 February 2005, 03:06

vapodog

03 February 2005, 03:16

JudgeG

CFA:

I'll make you a bet. Between now and when you finally get in the plane to leave, you will not spend one whole hour without thinking what it's going to be like, raising that beautiful .500/.465 (which I have had the pleasure of holding), and making the shot of a lifetime.

You'll try to visualize what it's like to follow the tracks, the thickness of the brush, the angle of the elephant, will he be alone or with a bunch of others. You'll ponder on how close you'll be... 10 yards or 20. Will it be a brain shot or one in the heart... You'll lie in your bed as you try to go to sleep, wondering if you'll hear the rumble of his gut, the flapping of his ears and the crunching bark and leaves in his mouth..

And the damned thing about it, within 20 minutes after you take your elephant, you'll be wondering the same thing about the next elephant hunt that you'll have already promised your P.H. that you'll be going back for.

Savor every moment of the anticipation, planning and practice. It is almost as fun as the actual moment of truth.

I've only done it once, but I'm obligated to do it again in 2006 and 2007. There is nothing in the world that even comes close... except maybe a buffalo or two, or a lion, or a leopard, of course. You're already toast fellow. Your life will rotate around that beautiful H&H and elphants from now on!

Here is something to study in the meantime:

03 February 2005, 03:31

CFA

Thanks guys. Steve that was fun talking to you and your wife, great that she knew about Holland rifles.

Judge you paint a great word picture, now I will have more trouble sleeping.

CFA

03 February 2005, 03:41

JudgeG

CFA:

I'm lucky enough to have a periodic excuse to visit Kerrville. Sometimes I fly through Austin instead of San Antonio. Next time I'm out that way, I'll bring my Westley Richards and we can breed a couple of baby doubles... maybe a .303 Royal Grade and a .500 W-R drop lock or something will come out of it.

03 February 2005, 03:43

D. Nelson

Congratulations!!! I took my first elephant in Botswana last year and the Judge put it precisely as it is. I booked my next elephant hunt for 2006!! You'll be hooked! I know I am.
D. Nelson

03 February 2005, 03:44

Steve

Put me at the top of the list for pick of the litter...

03 February 2005, 03:58

CFA

Judge

Sounds like an interestng match, we know the genetics are there. Scotch is on me, maybe David will let us come down and shoot some rocks.

CFA

05 February 2005, 02:41

bwanamrm

Congratulations, Fred and all the best on your hunt! You've plenty of time to prpare for it. Let me know if you need a Texas gunbearer!!!!!

Russell

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.

05 February 2005, 02:49

ErikD

CFA,

Sounds great! I met Chris Collins a couple of weeks ago here in Oslo. Seemed like a very nice guy, and we talked for quite a while. Say hello to him from the Norwegian who drove down to his country in a TD5! He'll understand.

05 February 2005, 09:33

CFA

quote:
Originally posted by bwanamrm:
Congratulations, Fred and all the best on your hunt! You've plenty of time to prpare for it. Let me know if you need a Texas gunbearer!!!!!

Russell

I just hope I can shoot my ele as well as you did. I hope to have my H&H singing before I go it already is grouping well. I noticed you have some great hunts lined up, good luck. I too am looking forward to not hunting at night for leopards that keep decent hours.

Fred

05 February 2005, 09:41

CFA

quote:
Originally posted by ErikD:
CFA,

Sounds great! I met Chris Collins a couple of weeks ago here in Oslo. Seemed like a very nice guy, and we talked for quite a while. Say hello to him from the Norwegian who drove down to his country in a TD5! He'll understand.

I really liked talking to Chris and know he has a great track record. His method of a moblie tented safari, going where the game is appealed to me. I was introduced to him by Bev Wunderlich of J/B Safaris in Reno and decided he was the one to help find a big ele and leopard.

Fred