Have finally sort of recovered from the jet lag of an 18 hour return flight and reduced some pics to a reasonable size. Here are the fruits of my first hunt in Africa. These fellas are not the biggest, and may not even be good representative trophies of the species ... but I learned a lot and had a fine time. I'll forever be grateful for the opportunity and the wonderful company of Rick R!













The Gemsbock bull was harvested with a 350 gr Barnes X from a .416 Rigby at 2600 fps. It was literally numbed ... staggering 20-25 yards and then collapsing.

The others were taken with 286 gr Nosler Partitions from 9.3x62 CZ American at 2420 fps.

The old Kudu was hit a little high for this particular guy and he showed a heart, strength, courage, and will to live that I will never forget! Even though he is small at 48 1/2" he will be a treasured member of my collection.

Beautiful! When you get caught up, more details would be greatly appreciated --- any details. Thanks for sharing.

You should be proud of your hunt and your trophies. They are just fine. Nice pictures.

Nice stuff there. I like that photo of 2 trophies together (darn nice warthog, it appears).

Better than average pig and the others are very nice specimens as well.Next you have to start thinking about how to arrange that trophy room.And wouldn't it look dandy with a leopard on a limb added in,and maybe an Nyala,and a blesbok,and a red hartebeast......

eyedoc

I am proud of you for doing the Zebra on foot, and I am sure that you will never forget that hunt. Way to go!

Don't let Mike fool you, he took very nice animals in a sporting manner. None of them were ever a sure thing, they all could have gotten away if he'd not done his part.

The Kudu hadn't read the book "Perfect Shot" is the only reason he didn't go down from Mike's first shot.

We had a great time and I enjoyed both Mike's company and his wife's quiet tolerance of our antics.



Rick

Mike,

You got some excellent trophies, that's a bad wartie, wow! Loking forward to more detail! That's a real pretty wildebeest and your zebra has some nice markings.

Mike-

All nice animals, but what I really like is that whoever was doing the photography obviously put a little thought into it. Not your typical point & shoot "snapshot". The pics really show off you, the animals, and the surroundings. Very nicely done.

Now, when you wake up from that plane ride , let's have some more details!

You got some very nice trophies, a great time, good company, and fantastic scenery!!! I have not been in four years and the time is coming. Where and with who did you hunt? Please give us all the details like game, PH, accomodations, food, support staff, and would you do it again?
Best Wishes,
Jeff in Texas.

Excellent trophies, one and all! That warthog is excellent! Sounds like you had a great hunt and experienced South Africa's outstanding hospitality and super hunting opportunities. My guess is you will be back! Welcome to the club!

Very interesting striping on your zebra, I like it.

MStarling, Great pictures of great trophies!

Yeah, too bad that your kudu was only 48 1/2 inches...

Especially since he's 1/2" bigger than mine!!

You've got nothing to be ashamed of here for sure!

Congratulations.

Rick.

(originally from WV)

Mike:

Waidmannsheil! Congratulations on a very successful hunt! While that kudu may be a bit short on length it's got wonderful mass and shape and I'd be proud to have it on my wall. All of your trophies look great, and I'm looking forward to hearing more details of your hunt. I just got back as well and will post my sable picture and story in a separate thread.

Nice Kudu, mine from Namibia was 47". This was my first African also, but I hope not my last. [image]http://www.imagestation.com/album?id=4286699167[/image] Good Hunting!! Lee from Alaska

Looks like some great trophies from where I'm sitting, Mike! Congratulations sir, well done!

"and may not even be good representative trophies of the species.."

You must be kidding

VERY beatiful animals Sir
Thanks for the pictures
LG

Mike
Congratulations on your hunt. All are very nice trophys

I must say that the photograph of your W.H. and
Imapla is one of the most beautifully composed
pictures of game and landscape that I have seen
in a long time. Excellent!

James

mstarling,

Looks like you had a very productive safari. I really like the picture with the warthog and impala together. Great backdrop with the hill in the background.

Regards,

Mark

Beautiful trophies and pictures, congratulations. You know, of course, you're going back. It happens to just about everyone.

Mike: Congratulations!! The pictures are especially good. Where and who did you hunt with? The territory looks beautiful. I'm planning my first trip and will be thrilled with animals like yours.
Gary T.

Did you drive around specifically looking for the scenery, or was it just a stroke of luck? The wartie/impala pic is truly great!