Just finished loading up 40 rounds of .505 Gibbs ammunition. We leave in 24 days for the Dande Safari Area. I will be hunting two tuskless and a buffalo and my hunting companion will be hunting a tuskless and a leopard. Will be taking the Gibbs with two loads, one with 600 grain Woodleigh solids and one with 525 grain Barnes TSX. Also taking a Heym .500 NE double shooting Hornady DGS and DGX. Starting to check things off of the "to do" list, fill prescriptions, catch up on immunizations, and generally get excited. I really believe that the anticipation of and preparation for a hunt is a one of the more exciting aspects of going on a hunt. Sometimes we tend to fret and worry too much about the little things and forget to enjoy getting ready. It also surprises me that no matter how many trips to Africa one makes, each one seems to generate that same sense of excitement and anticipation.

To all that are headed over in the next several months, wishing you fair winds and fresh tracks . . . .

Hold Center.


Dutch

Good luck Mike! I look forward to reading about your successes in a month or so.

I know how you feel. I'm leaving the 26th of June, and spending the July 4th holiday over the pond... I'm ready! Good luck on your hunt!!!

Good luck!! Tell Buzz and the gang said "Howdy". Should be another great hunt for you w/Buzz---looking forward to the GREAT reports you do.

Hey Mike,
Don’t you think you should bring at least one heavy rifle with you for the big stuff?

I'm on the flight about 4 days behind you Mike. If you get some extra time drive down to the Omay south and visit with me and Martin (I'm sure a couple of day's of hard driving should get you there.)


When are you flying back?

Leaving one month from today with Bwanna to hunt Dande South for 2 Buff, hyena and chobe bushbuck, among other things. And, I will be celebrating a milestone birthday while I'm there!

This is probably a waste of time on my part, since as an experienced hunter you have probably already done this, but I heartily recommend cycling all your hand loads through your bolt rifle magazine before packing them up. Murphy's Law is still in effect.

The same holds true for your double rifle loads.

That having been said, I wish you the best of luck, good weather, good flights and good companionship!

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:

I really believe that the anticipation of and preparation for a hunt is a one of the more exciting aspects of going on a hunt. Sometimes we tend to fret and worry too much about the little things and forget to enjoy getting ready. It also surprises me that no matter how many trips to Africa one makes, each one seems to generate that same sense of excitement and anticipation.

Absolutely! This can make the safari spread out over months long before you step off the charter plane!

quote:

To all that are headed over in the next several months, wishing you fair winds and fresh tracks

My wish for you all as well, and only wish I were well enough, and young enough to be headed the same way!

Good luck Mike, and get in close and place her where she belongs, not that I have a doubt you will!

.................................................. ....................

Frank,

Our return flight is June 20. We leave Harare around 6:30 or 6:45 p.m. as I recall. We are back in Harare from camp sometime the afternoon of the 19th.

Xausa,

Did that this morning. Feed slick and smooth. I also detach my double barrels and drop all the double rounds into the chamber to ensure that the rounds seat all the way in the chamber. Never had an issue with factory ammo, but better safe than sorry.

Mac,

I wish you were headed over with us. I know that I would enjoy your company around the campfire.

I fly out of Bulawayo on the 19th so I'll just miss you.

Mike-
All the best. My trip to Dande is two years off.
Greet the gang for Sue, Joe and me. Looking forward to your report.

Mike - Sounds like a fun one! Good luck to ya.

It will be here in a hurry. I'm 60 days out, with much left to do.

MJines,
My best to you...and Good Luck!

I agree Mike...the planning and prep is a big part of the fun, and that time leading up to the hunt is always exciting.I am about 3 months out from my first trip to Moz, and I am really pumped about the trip. Lots of fun stuff through the summer to get ready.

I know you will have another grand adventure with the CM crew, and I would be lying if I said I wasn't a bit jealous! Enjoy...

Have a safe and successful hunt Mike...

Wow, that time of the year again! Have a super hunt. I'll get that past pad back to you some day soon. Bob

Have a great hunt, Mike! Need some cigars?

Thanks, I just ordered and received two boxes. I ordered a box of Montecristo #3's and a box of Macanudo Duke of Yorks. That should make for some wonderful conversation around the fire.

Mjines, are you hunting with Buzz?

That's the plan.

Mike;

Go get 'em !!!!! Can't wait to read your report!

Best regards, D. Nelson

Good luck, Mike. And send along my best regards to Buzz and the gang. We will all look forward to reading your hunt report on your return - remember, lots of pictures!

By the way, will you have Justin videotaping your adventure?

Timbersnake will in fact be there in all of his glory.

All the best for good hunting and good shooting, Mike.

Good luck good hunting and have a safe trip.
Bill

Wish you the best hunt Mike!!
I'll be maybe using your Cz which is a lott now btw to break with tradition and hunt DG,man that rifle shoots lights out

Mike, hope you have some more fun! Look forward to your report.

How's the shoulder doing Tim?