This last Saturday I take my son out to Saltlake (near Tolwe) to look for his first impala. We decide our best chance is over a waterhole as the game by this time of season are very skittish in the veld.

After 3 hours of fidgeting in the hide a huge troop of baboons comes in to drink (I was VERY tempted to blow the troop leader away he was a monster) and behind them comes a small group of impala and among them is one very respectable ram. They are dodging in and out of the trees and Alastair can't get a clean shot at the ram. We wait some more and they then decide it is safe to drink. The one ram (smallish) is standing in a clearing facing right at 60m away and Alastair is about to drop the hammer on him when I whisper WAAAAAAAAIT!!!!!!! and the big one comes into the clearing and sticks his nose up the other one's arse. Alastair switches targets and lets rip with the 270. The impala rears up and swaps ends and makes a headlong dash into cover. Alastair says he's not too sure of the shot he thinks he aimed too low. BUT we bail out the hide and there he lies piled up in a bush shot clean through the heart. I've never seen a youngster so ecstatic. It was more fun than if I had done it myself. A respectable 21 and 1/2" but for him he was a real trophy. When I get the pictures I will try and post.

Cheers

pete

Very well done, Pete, please pass on I said so!

Having returned a week ago from my 1st African trip with my 16 year old son, I know what a pleasure it is to watch them make a successful hunt. Congratulations. Bob

Congrates to the young man and to a happy father!

Congratulations, Pete!

Tell Alastair well done for me.

"A respectable 21 and 1/2" but for him he was a real trophy."

Pete,

Based on your experiencing this hunt with your son, I would say that this Impala will be the best, most memorable trophy in your home! It's one that both of you will be proud of for a long time to come.

I'm happy for you. Thanks for sharing the story.

Sincerely,
-Bob F.

Tell Alistair Waidmannsheil for me.

Geluk Pete & Alistair!

The first (successful) hunt with one's Dad is always a very special event, and will remain a lasting memory for both of you. How old is Alistair now?

Pete: What a great story. Congratulations to you and Alastair. I loved hunting with my father and those were the best hunts (and times) of my life and I am sure the same is true for you and your son. Congratulations again. Show us some photos.

Alastair will be turning 18 this Xmas. He's hunted several springbok before in the Karroo but this was his first Bushveld hunt. Next year we do it on foot. Thanks all for the best wishes!

Cheers

pete