The Accurate Reloading Forums THE ACCURATE RELOADING.COM FORUMS Hunting African Big Game Hunting Dogs in Safari CampGo | New | Find | Notify | Tools | Reply | |
| Dogs in Safari Camp | Login/Join |
| One of Us |
Some would say they have no part, but as most of you know, almost every safari camp has at least one dog around. The better ones assume their chores and duties of watch dog, family companion, hunting partner, tracker, camp jester and joker, client companion, and all around loyal and true friend with eager enthusiasm. In 6 trips I have yet to visit a camp that did not have at least one dog that fit the entire spectrum of the job description--perfectly. This year was no exception. While hunting with Johann Veldsman of Shona Adventures, Namibia, who posts here as "Shona", I met the appropriately named "Hunter", a young male hound who quickly became my friend. Whenever I was relaxing in camp Hunter sat near or on top of me. Or, if not me, then with my hunting partner Chuck. He'd visit my tent, make himself at home on my bunk, watch me shave, and sit on my lap at the fire. At least once a day he'd deliver a bone, feather, hoof or some other treasure to one of our tents. When it was time to go to work he ran himself to exhaustion working the blood spoor on a wounded kudu and later a zebra. By the next morning he was at the tent flap ready to do it all over again. When we drove out of camp headed to the airport, after waving goodby to Johann's family and staff, the last thing I saw was Hunter sitting by the road, watching our vehicle disappear. Hunter was hit in the face last week by a puff adder and did not make it. He is gone. Hunter, for the brief time you were assigned to Shona Hunting Adventures and the Veldsman family, you did your duty well. And for the brief time we were together, you enriched my safari more than I can say. God's speed my Friend............. 114-R10David | ||
|
One of Us |
| |||
|
one of us |
TWL, thanks for sharing a very sad story. Good dogs always leave us to soon.  Jim "Bwana Umfundi" NRA | |||
|
| One of Us |
Hunter had the heart of a lion, running out to bark at the cheetah and leopard that came near the lodge in the middle of the night on several occasions. He had the true nose of a hound, which he was, and the makings of an excellent blood tracker. As a 9-month old, he showed wonderful potential, amazing zeal, and great perseverance. As a joker and clown, he was untouchable, and if I ever get another half rotten antelope ear delivered to me, I may cry in his honor. Hunter had the soul of most great canine companions. As Mark Twain said “Heaven goes by favor; if it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go inâ€. While this isn't true of Johann, Vera, or Zoe, its certainly true for Hunter and me. I had thought to renew our acquaintance, Hunter. I will miss you. Chuck | |||
|
One of Us |
Thanks for the kind words guys. Last Sunday was a really bad day for us in camp the next morning was even worse. There was none of the usual chatter and laughing from the staff. Every one was just keeping to them self’s. I always joked that Hunter was not the most intelligent dog I've had but damm he was a good companion and he could track a wounded animal for hours. Every time I drive in to camp I expect to see him running up to the truck waging his tail and sniffing to see if we came back with something on the back. There is definitely a gap in camp and in our harts that will take some time to heal up. Johann Veldsman Shona Hunting Adventures www.facebook.com/shonahunting www.AfricanHuntingNamibia.com www.conservation-hunting.com Mobile: +264 81 128 3105 P.o. Box 564 Outjo Namibia Africa | |||
|
| One of Us |
Johann, you have my deepest sympathy. Dogs give what a lot of people do not, absolute love and loyalty. We can all learn a lot from them. Keep your chin up Mate.  | |||
|
| new member |
Great story... Hunter sounded like a one of a kind. My condolences... | |||
|
| one of us |
I've lost some great dogs over there too. Remember, forgivness is easier to get than permission. | |||
|
One of Us |
Well written and in a good cause.Dogs are some of the best things that can happen to humans. And, you are a man with a heart. Best- Locksley,R "Early in the morning, at break of day, in all the freshness and dawn of one's strength, to read a book - I call that vicious!"- Friedrich Nietzsche | |||
|
One of Us |
Amen. | |||
|
| one of us |
I have never seen a dog in Safari camp for whatever reason?????? The one thing I know about dogs and bad cows is that SOB will run to his master everytime a mean cow comes for him!  and thats funny, I don't kere who ya are!  Ray Atkinson Atkinson Hunting Adventures 10 Ward Lane, Filer, Idaho, 83328 208-731-4120 rayatkinsonhunting@gmail.com | |||
|
one of us |
The love of a good dog is something to see! More men have been killed for coming between a man and his wife, or his dog, than any other cause! The true love of either is amazingly human! ................R.I.P Hunter!  ....Mac >>>===(x)===> MacD37, ...and DUGABOY1 DRSS Charter member "If I die today, I've had a life well spent, for I've been to see the Elephant, and smelled the smoke of Africa!"~ME 1982 Hands of Old Elmer Keith  | |||
|
| One of Us |
You will be blessed, if you can find a human friend half as loyal to you as your dog! 465H&H | |||
|
one of us |
Johann: So sorry to hear of your pup's passing. How did Zoe and Vera take the loss? Hunter was a new addition since Dave and I hunted with you in 2007. Do you still have your shepherd? I agree that dogs in camp make things even more agreeable, especially while waiting for the kudu steaks and rifling through the cooler for more beers. We have four here at home, and rattlesnakes are a concern. Very best wishes, Bill Powell There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t. – John Green, author | |||
|
| one of us |
A very sad story illustrating that we should appreciate them when they are our companions. I have a older black lab who will be sorely missed when her time is up. Just no replacing a great dog. Dak | |||
|
| One of Us |
Thanks Bill It is the first time Zoe is faced with something like this and today again asked where Hunter is now. We still have the Shepherds, they've been with us now for 13 years. Thanks to everyone posting here for the support. It is amazing how people that loves to hunt also loves and respect animals. Regards Johann Veldsman Shona Hunting Adventures www.facebook.com/shonahunting www.AfricanHuntingNamibia.com www.conservation-hunting.com Mobile: +264 81 128 3105 P.o. Box 564 Outjo Namibia Africa | |||
|
| One of Us |
Two of man's potential companions and sources of comfort seem to be God and a dog. I've always thought that perhaps that's why they're spelled backwards of each other. I know what it is to lose a good dog. Our chocolate lab of 13 years had to be put down last Nov. It's still tough around the house without him. | |||
|
| new member |
I had to put my one Blue tick down earlier this month, Spot was only 11 months old but I have to admit that tears came to my eyes when shje lay her head down on the back of my "bakkie" after the injection. Bless her soul | |||
|
One of Us |
Johann, sorry to hear the news. What kind of dog was Hunter? Any pics? Karl Stumpfe Ndumo Hunting Safaris www.huntingsafaris.net karl@huntingsafaris.net P.O. Box 1667, Katima Mulilo, Namibia Cell: +264 81 1285 416 Fax: +264 61 254 328 Sat. phone: +88 163 166 9264 | |||
|
| One of Us |
Thanks Karl. He was a Bavarian Mountain Hound (BGS).   Johann Veldsman Shona Hunting Adventures www.facebook.com/shonahunting www.AfricanHuntingNamibia.com www.conservation-hunting.com Mobile: +264 81 128 3105 P.o. Box 564 Outjo Namibia Africa | |||
|
one of us |
Shona, You have my empathy for your loss. My good friend John Harris had an assortment of mutts to make us feel welcome when me and my family hunted with him in 2007. His dogs were a joy to be around and one big mean looking bull terrier even took up with my daughters and slept with them in the guest room of John's beautiful home. The dog was very protective and even treated me like an intruder when I entered their room in the mornings to get them up for the day. The love of and appreciation for dogs is one of the things I greatly admire in my African friends. I love dogs, especially hunting or working dogs such as herd, guard, attack or tracking dogs, but even mutts cheer my days. Few things are more relaxing than being with a loyal or well mannered dog while watching a fire and enjoying good conversation and drink. Perry R.I.P Jake 1/14/95-11/23/07 gone too soon dear friend. Dove season was not the same without you this year. I hope I am half the man you thought I was. | |||
|
one of us |
That was a well written tribute. I love dogs and feel for your loss. "There are worse memorials to a life well-lived than a pair of elephant tusks." Robert Ruark | |||
|
| new member |
Dear Johann, Vera, Zoe, Vellies, Clarissa, Tjokie, and other Shona friends, We are so sorry to hear about Hunter. He was a lovable hound. One of our fondest recollections was of Hunter shredding some toilet paper all over the front lawn--he was careful not to get any in the pool  It's tough to be a pet in Africa. Poor Felix, a tomcat we took a liking to at Deka River camp in Zim, was eaten by a python. Also, Jackie and Katie, good hunting dogs at Shi-Awala in S. Africa are no more. Our sympathy is with Johann and family. George & Candy Wood | |||
|
| One of Us |
very sorry for your loss. NRA LIFE MEMBER DU DIAMOND SPONSOR IN PERPETUITY DALLAS SAFARI CLUB LIFE MEMBER SCI FOUNDATION MEMBER | |||
|
| Powered by Social Strata |
 | Please Wait. Your request is being processed... |
|
Visit our on-line store for AR Memorabilia
