I believe it was in the middle of the year 2000 when we were in zambia. It was along the river, the northernmost camp. Our PH was stewart finlay cooper, perhaps the best PH we have ever been with. It was a lion/buff hunt for 18 days. We shot killed buff. hippo and numerous other smallere animals in baiting for the lion. Our area was quite large, demanding trips of 50k or more just checking the furthest baits. The night music provided by the lions zebra and hippos had provided music to sleep by. But on to the most memorable part. Puku abounded in the area . for those who have not seen them they are a small impala sized antelope with a soft orangish brwon hide that is very soft to the touch. Normally they are quite tame and will allow you to drive or even walk up very close to them. The horns remind one of reedbok.
In any case we were seeing them by the 100's. even having the opportunity to take pictures of a baby at arms length. There was however, one old male. He had acquired quite a harem and was quite protective of them. this old guy would lead his harem into the thick grass whenever we would pass. He was a magnificent old guy with horns much larger than anything we had seen. But every time we would approach, we and his harem would disappear. This was just unheard of with puku.
On this hunt my luggage was lets say misplaced. I was left to do the entire hunt with a 470 double and one box of ammo, procured in joberg. Now this was hardly the perfect rifle to hunt for this wise of antelope that wouldn't let up come within 200 yds.
It took 3 full days of sneaking around and hunting for an antelope, that normally could be taken within 15 minutes. Every time we would try to close the distance, he and his harem would disappear into the tall grass.
finally he made a mistake. He stopped to stare at us. Granted it was still 200 yds, but this was the first time he had stopped. Now came my moment of glory. a 200 yd shot offhand, without sticks on a little antelope, with a 470 double and open sights. He disappeared with the recoil of the shot, but i thought it had been good. We look for a short time and found him with this large hole through the chest.
Perhaps this story is a bit long, but he has remained one of my most honored opponents. The 17" horns on his head have held a place of honor in the game room, and his memory will live forever. It doesn't take a huge dangerous beast, sometimes it just takes one smarter than we are.

Thanks for this , this is what hunting is all about. The essence....Butch

Yes a very good story - thanks.

Very nice story, thanks for sharing. Would it be possible to post a photo?

Most Excellent!!!!

Enjoyed this, thanks!

Butch,

It's not always the glamour game that we remember most. Nice story.

Mark

Good story.
In 2000 in Namibia we had hide and seek with Steinbok. The first one just evaporated and we gave up. The second one would be available one second and hidden the next. Finally after three hide and seeks I got him with my trusty 06.
Like you say....the little ones are sometimes way harder than the big or dangerous ones. I value him the same as any of the rest of what I have been fortunate to take. Of course all the girls and kids say, "Awww...he is so Cute!"