You have picked a good caliber to hunt with, and here is a bit of practical advice.

No matter what animal you are hunting, no matter which way he is standing. Pick a point in the middle of his chest, and aim for that point.

Even if you have to shoot it in the tail.

This has worked for me for many years.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
You have picked a good caliber to hunt with, and here is a bit of practical advice.

No matter what animal you are hunting, no matter which way he is standing. Pick a point in the middle of his chest, and aim for that point.

Even if you have to shoot it in the tail.

This has worked for me for many years.

Very good advice.

Shoot 'em. If required shoot 'em again.

The journey getting there will be as great as when you finally set foot in the hunting ground. Well done mate, hope you enjoy it!

Thanks guys. I really appreciate the encouragement. Yes I have lost about 4 kilos! The shooting practice is still progressing ....

I have dropped the velocity to standard 416 Rigby levels. You can see more info on the Big Bore forum.

cheers.

Here is a photo of my ammo slip & belt I got custom made by Les Matheson. Thanks to Ozhunter for the lead.

I have not got it in my hands yet. This if for he 416Rigby. I am having 2 made for each caliber. The other pair will be for the 9.3X62.

I thought the bottom corners are a bit sharp and may dig into my groin or thigh & so I have asked Les to round them off a bit.

Booked my tickets and paid for them!

I cannot believe the change in emotions once the tickets were confirmed. From a dream it is now a reality!

81 days to go.

Update

I have been having a crazy 2 months and it does not seem to stop.

I almost pulled out of the trip and then it was back on again. Then more work and a new contract means I have to delay it.

So the whole trip has been moved to 2015. I have been able to move my tickets - just need to get dates confirmed.

I need to finalise all new arrangements with the outfitter when he returns from a family holiday.

All my other plans were in place. Got my vaccinations done.

Thanks to everyone for all the encouragement - definitely 2015. I might move it forward a bit to get some bird shooting in SA end Aug.

Thanks to Andrew McLaren for offering to help with a salvaged local hunt.

My 416 Rigby is ready to go. Here is the final group with 3 different bullets at 50 meters off sticks

That's a real bummer Naki having to delay your safari, I was looking forward to a hunt report and plenty of photo's. Who knows, I may get there myself in the next year, or maybe two

Sorry to hear that Ashok

Thanks guys.

The situation is so crazy ..... changing each day.

i heard from the outfitter that next 2015 rates are going up big time in Zim! Govt fees and trophy fees are going up by around 50% or so for Buffalo hunt & so it affects Daily rates as well.

So I might still go on the 19th. I'll be confirming it in the next few days.

quote:

Originally posted by Nakihunter:
Thanks guys.

The situation is so crazy ..... changing each day.

i heard from the outfitter that next 2015 rates are going up big time in Zim! Govt fees and trophy fees are going up by around 50% or so for Buffalo hunt & so it affects Daily rates as well.

So I might still go on the 19th. I'll be confirming it in the next few days.

Just go now Naki. There will always be issues that come up. I'm sure you will not regret it.

You can catch up with work, when you return...

quote:

Originally posted by Jason P:

Just go now Naki. There will always be issues that come up. I'm sure you will not regret it.

You can catch up with work, when you return...

Exactly, there is really no good time to "get away from it all". For my hunt I made the decision to go on July 31, and hunt starts on Sept. 12. For me at least making plans years in advance doesn't work as something always comes up. Best is to make plans and leave as soon as it is practical.

Hoping it all works out for you Naki

Go NOW, its not going to get any cheaper or easier in 2015!

When faced with this dilemma I ask myself the question 'when I'm on my deathbed would I rather remember Africa or wish I had time for another meeting ?' Time and the tide wait for no man.

I have tried everything to make this happen. With a heavy heart I have had to pull the plug.

Plan B is still on. I will use my tickets to do a 12 days trip (+ 3 days air travel) of South Africa & Botswana. I hope to do some hunting of birds, small game & may be a wart hog.

Life goes on.

Naki,

I am confused. I thought the issue was lack of time from to the post you made below:

quote:

...I almost pulled out of the trip and then it was back on again. Then more work and a new contract means I have to delay it.

But, now you are still going to Africa. Why not carry on the original plan then if you are still taking time off?

quote:

Originally posted by Nakihunter:
I have tried everything to make this happen. With a heavy heart I have had to pull the plug.

Plan B is still on. I will use my tickets to do a 12 days trip (+ 3 days air travel) of South Africa & Botswana. I hope to do some hunting of birds, small game & may be a wart hog.

Life goes on.

If you have 12 days to spend shooting birds and small stuff (warthog is also considered small stuff) most Buffalo hunts (DG) are offered on a 7 - 10 day basis.

It is a bit involved.

I confirmed a few business deals & I booked the flights on 1st July. All set to pay the outfitter when the business customers held back. Then a new one swamped me for time - emergency. Yesterday he messaged - he is holding back.

So nothing is going to happen for a month or two. But I cannot bank on that to pay for the trip.

So I am just using the tickets.

May be another time. All plans are in place. More time to save up .....

Saeed said it right. To simplify, aim for the exit hole. I could care less about the entrance. It may not exit, but if it ends up in the off shoulder, you're good.

Good luck.

quote:

Originally posted by Nakihunter:
It is a bit involved.

I confirmed a few business deals & I booked the flights on 1st July. All set to pay the outfitter when the business customers held back. Then a new one swamped me for time - emergency. Yesterday he messaged - he is holding back.

So nothing is going to happen for a month or two. But I cannot bank on that to pay for the trip.

So I am just using the tickets.

May be another time. All plans are in place. More time to save up .....

Sucks but not the end of the world.

I bet things will bounce back you and you will be back on the trail of some buffs.

If you are going to Maun get in touch with Jason at Kanana - maybe if there are some free slots you can go shoot some Wildbeeste on cull at Kanana.

Mike