Okay. Links will have to do. Since we use a .net server, there might be a bug that we have to fix to make the dynamic photos embed proerly in the PHP pages of the forum. We're working on it.
Sheldon, welcome back. Great trophies and photos. The background of the Springbok pic is great with all the wild flowers in bloom. Unfortunately, now that Carmello has come back to this forum, when he sees the Gemsbok photo he'll probably accuse you of taking it at night with a spot light since, according to him, most all P.H.s are unethical and encourage such behavior. Seriously though, I'm glad you had a safe, successful trip. Who were you hunting with, if you don't mind my asking?
Unfortunately, we all aren't as gifted as the "Magnificient Carmelo". Everyone should be good at at least one thing, and you have the art of being a total asshole perfected. Congrats.
That reads like a facetious comment from someone that considers themselves much "smarter" on the subject, particularly given that you say you are an IT guy. So, aren't you doing pretty much the exact same thing that you are accusing others of? (ie. spurious negative comments to stifle your "conversations" on the 45/70)
Has Sheldon done something to you that we are not aware of, or do you just like being a jackass?
Posts: 7123 | Location: The Rock (southern V.I.) | Registered: 27 February 2001
WOW Sheldon that Gemsbok looks awesome,it seems you had a great trip. Give us a hunting tale ,what rifle and ammo,etc. Hunters rule the earth! Regards Ben (Rug)
Posts: 590 | Location: Georgia pine country | Registered: 21 October 2003
I used to try and keep up on all the technology stuff myself. Now I have many smart people working FOR me, so that I don't have to keep up with all this stuff personally. Having a bunch of smart people working for me also helps me afford to go to places like Africa in the first place. I'm planning a return trip this August, and off to Australia for Buff in the fall. I love those smart IT guys. No worries.
Yup. Vaughan Fulton. He took the snaps of the kills, so he gets credit for composition. Thanks Vaughan.
The Springbok was an even 16.5 inches on both sides. I really don't know what that means, but Vaughan said it was big. <shrug> My client, Chris Farris of SWFA www.riflescopes.com shot one that was 16 on one side and 16.25 on the other or something like that. Apparently they both were "exceptional".
Canuck. I think I might have to look up the word facetious in my dictionary. Those big words are a killer.
Both of the Springboks you mention are outstanding! Besides the length of yours, the mass is exceptional, and I'm not being facetious . What are your over all thoughts of Vaughn's operation? Did you hunt for Kudu?
I have some better pictures than that. I think Vaughan estimated it at about 150. He was as surprised as I was to see that many in a bunch. It was cows and calves, although we did see a massive bull earlier in the day in an area a mile or so away. I have a picture of it but it's not crystal clear. you can certainly see the muscular frame well enough though. I'll post it if anyone is interested. We saw three nice bulls on I think the second day, but his quota was full and I couldn't shoot one. I think he is going to use that picture to try and get his quota increased. I think he is only allowed two or three per year on his concession. You'll have to ask him for sure.
Quote: The Springbok was an even 16.5 inches on both sides. I really don't know what that means, but Vaughan said it was big. <shrug>
Your spring buck is a dandy for sure, and seems you may have a Rowland ward there. This info is from the ultimate field guide for african mamals, it is a great piece of software.
Afrikaans Springbok Tswana Tshephe R.W. Min 14" Max 19⅜" S.C.I Min 30" Max 50⅞" Measurement Method 1
Description A distinctive, medium-sized antelope. Brown upper parts and white under parts separated by a chocolate brown stripe along the flanks. The face is white with a red-brown stripe running through the eyes to the corner of the mouth and a brown patch just above and between the eyes at the base of the horns. The rump is white as is the thin tail which has tuft of dark hair at the tip. From the rump to about half way up the back there is a crest of long white hair, usually folded out of sight into a narrow pouch along the middle of the back, flared open during display. The crest covers glands that give off a pleasant, honey-like smell. The ears are long, narrow and pointed. Both sexes bear horns which are lyre-shaped and ridged in the lower two-thirds and smooth where the tips curve inwards and back. Average total length 1,5m, tail 25cm, shoulder height males 75cm, females 60cm; weight males 41kg, females 37kg.
Visible Male/Female Differences Mature males are slightly bigger than females, their horns are distinctly thicker, and they have thicker necks. Females usually have one pair, occasionally two pairs, of mammae between their hind legs
Diet Grazes in summer and browses more in winter and when veld is dry. Eats grasses, forbs, bushes, seeds, pods, fruits and flowers, and digs for roots and bulbs. Springbuck can eat plants that are unpalatable and even toxic to other species. Wild melons and cucumbers are eaten for their water content, and soil for minerals.
Reproduction Single young are born at any time of year after a gestation of 24 weeks. Fawns begin to graze at two weeks and are weaned at two months. Females first mate (often with more than one male) as early as 7 months; males are sexually mature at 16 months. Lambs cannot match an adult's speed until they are a month old. For the first two days they lie tightly in the cover of bushes or grass clumps. Males do not secure territory and mate until at least 2-5 years old. Lifespan 10 years.
Sheldon: Beautiful animals, looks like you had a great time. I would be interested in any information you could share about the hunt (PH, area, length of hunt, etc.). I'm considering Namibia for my first hunt and am trying to get all the information I can. Thanks, Gary Thomsen
Sheldon, those are some great trophies and pictures! Congratulations on a successful hunt. Looks like Vaughan can shoot a picture. I'll be sure to give him a good workout in June too. Can't wait to follow in your footsteps.
Posts: 3308 | Location: Southern NM USA | Registered: 01 October 2002
I think that eland must have known you were done. Probably never would have shown his hind end like that other wise. Fantastic gemsbok and photos. What were you shooting ?
Very strange, perhaps someone else can help? 
