We depart in 3 days for Zambia. I surprised my husband with a Buffalo hunt in honor of his 70th b-day (Sept 3). I also threw in a birthday present for myself and booked a Buffalo for me too…I turn 63 on Aug. 29th.

This all started last May with my trying to surprise him with a moose hunt. We had hunted moose & griz unsuccessfully in Alaska before. And we were going to be visiting friends there in late August. I thought it would be cheap and convenient to tie in another attempt. But after devious questioning on my part, like “someday wouldn’t you like try for moose and grizzly again?” He emphatically said, “No, I don’t want to wear hip boots and be cold. If I could only hunt one thing again in my life, it would be Cape Buffalo”. So much for cheap and convenient plans.

Some of you might recall my husband is gradually losing his vision. Time is not on our side, plus we aren’t getting any younger. Financially, I’m very nervous over the economy, and had actually told all of our friends we would not be hunting anything but mule deer in Texas this year. We’ve been married 41 years and are in good health right now except for his vision problems…which can only deteriorate.

Because we’ve hunted Botswana four times, Tanzania a couple of times, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe I wanted to go some place new. Although I was thinking bargain hunting, at the last minute I used my “womanly prerogative” making no sense at all financially…and booked to go to Zambia with John DuPlooy. My thanks and apologies to both Mark Young and Wendell Reich for their patience and help.

However, if blame is to be placed anywhere, Infinito Safaris is where I’ll put it. I couldn’t resist the “recession buster”. We’ve never hunted in South Africa before and there are some plains game there I wanted to hunt anyway. I thought we could tie a Buff hunt into a hunt with Infinito and it would be very economical. I really know better, but I can rationalize!!!

So I surprised my husband with the announcement of his birthday present, with just enough time for him to ready guns and gear…everything is planned…we’re off after a couple of buffalo to Zambia…LAX to London…London directly to Lusaka (I just love that part). Then we’ll head to RSA with Infinito for some plains game. Happy Birthday to us!!!

Keep good thoughts and your fingers crossed that the hunt goes well. I’ll post the results after we return early September.

And, thanks to all my AR friends who helped with logistics. I just love you guys!!!!

Good luck to both of you. What a wonderful gift! I have not been to Lusaka in 20+ years, but really enjoyed dinner at the Intercontinental Hotel. Best tomato soup I ever had...the chef added Gin for the finish! Met and talked with Wilbur Smith the same time. My entire family (5 of us) truly had the experience of a lifetime and took may fine trophies including a sable in the 43+ range. I hope you and your hubby have a great time.

good luck, good hunting,and happy birthday.
sounds like a great hunt.

D, happy birthday to you both... Have a terrific hunt...
Will be in the Selous chasing simba and I will toast you both D on the 29th and your hubby on the 3rd...


Mike

I was going to ask if you have any sisters...but maybe I'll just show my wife your post. Well done -- your husband is a blessed man. I hope you both have the time of your lives.

D, Best of luck to you and your husband and have a GREAT trip!!!!!

Very cool! Good luck!

My wife is getting a copy of this !!!
only married for 21 years so in 20 years I can expect the same.

Have a great time and dont forget the photos !

Happy Birthday to you both D, and good hunting on the Buff!
Cheers,
David

Best of luck to both of you -- I hope it is a most memorable hunt.

Here's the Texas equivalent of a champagne toast along with my best wishes for a wonderful trip.

Every man needs a wife like you, good luck.

He's lucky to have you. What a great wife!

Sincere best wishes for a memorable hunt.

Save some of the Infinito game for me. As you know, I'll be there right after ya'll leave.

And I really like your first name, but will never tell!

Waidmannsheil! And don't forget to write a report when you are back.

Happy birthday!!
What a wonderful gift for you both

D****n,

Have a great trip and I look forward to your report.

Thanks all for the good wishes…and just so you know…I’m not as saintly as it sounds re: my husband’s surprise hunt. Remember I get to hunt too…so there is definitely a selfish side involved. Fortunately my husband believes life is just too short not to keep hunting until it becomes impossible. And, I’ll keep us in the field as long as the money holds out!!

If you hear a “ching ching” it’s our nightly hoisting of the champagne glasses.

Best regards, Darin (horrible name for a woman)

That´s what I call a lass with class
Safe journey and good hunting

Darin, best of luck. I am back in the US now and understand you received my package. Best of luck and stay in touch.

Larry