The Accurate Reloading Forums
On the Eve of Safari
11 October 2023, 03:45
Todd WilliamsOn the Eve of Safari
My oldest son and I are leaving tomorrow for my 12th safari, the 6th with CMS, and the 5th in the Dande Safari Area. I like going back to hunt with friends and folks I enjoy and trust. I also like Dande because it's a tough hunt where you earn each trophy animal. As was the case in 2019, we'll be with Alan Shearing again ... a PH I consider to be the epitome of a true gentleman. I'm looking forward to spending time with him and his team again.
My son planned on going with me in 2019 but had to cancel 2 days before departure due to a recurring stomach issue. I had to go without him, shooting both buffalo on license.

He's all set this time and we are packed / ready for adventure. This will be his 3rd trip to Africa but the first time in wild Africa.
I flew Emirates for the first time on that 2019 hunt and have decided that's the best way to get to Harare, thru Dubai, avoiding JoBurg. I had hoped to meet up with Saeed on the way back as he graciously invited us to stop by, but unfortunately, Emirates will only store the guns for a less than 24 hour layover and all options to stay an extra day and visit put us around 27 hours. He's currently in Tanzania on his yearly adventure so no option to visit on the front end this time. Maybe next year.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to getting back into the valley and chasing dugga boys again. Getting back to my preference for hunting with a double rifle as well. First time however with a "red dot" sight. The eyes just aren't what they used to be.
Hunt report to follow in a couple of weeks.
11 October 2023, 03:53
HannayGood luck, Todd! Looking forward to the hunt report.
Leopard, Hippo, Croc - Zambezi Valley, Zimbabwe, 2024 Reindeer & Geese, Iceland, 2023 Plains Game, Eastern Cape, 2023 Buff - Zambezi Valley, Zimbabwe, 2022 Muskox-Greenland, 2020 Roe buck and muntjac in England, 2019 Unkomaas Valley, RSA, 2019 Kaokoland, Namibia, 2017 Wild boar hunting in Sweden, 2016 Moose hunting in Sweden, 2014
How to post photos on AR 11 October 2023, 04:23
Chris LozanoBest of luck to you.
I agree Alan is the best
11 October 2023, 04:35
30.06kingTodd
Wishing you and your son the best for a great hunt and adventure. As you know, Alan will give it his all to ensure your hunt is the best it can be. When I next hunt there I also want to hunt again with Alan.
Go hard and good luck.
Hunting.... it's not everything, it's the only thing.
11 October 2023, 04:44
HasherAll the best to you and your son on this trip.
DRSS
Kreighoff 470 NE
Valmet 412 30/06 & 9.3x74R
11 October 2023, 04:51
FrostbitTodd,
So glad your son will make this trip with you. It will be a priceless memory for him.
Cheers
J&J
11 October 2023, 05:35
larryshoresGood luck brother .
Give Alan my regards .
11 October 2023, 06:15
HogbreathTodd, have a great time and enjoy the time, well spent, with your son!
Guns and hunting
11 October 2023, 06:39
OverlandBest of luck and have a fantastic hunt.
11 October 2023, 06:42
Lhook7Good luck, Todd! Please give Alan my best.
____________________________________________
"Build a man a fire, and he'll be warm for a day. Set a man on fire, and he'll be warm for the rest of his life." Terry Pratchett.
11 October 2023, 09:03
bcolyerBest of luck and good hunting.
11 October 2023, 16:37
bwanajaySafe travels and good hunting Todd!
11 October 2023, 17:53
K EvansGood luck, safe travels and I hope you see a Buffalo in Dande

Karl Evans
11 October 2023, 17:57
dogcatShoot straight!
Shoot a lot!
Hit a lot!
Have fun!
11 October 2023, 19:31
Aspen Hill AdventuresI bet you both have a great time. Looking forward to the hunt report.
~Ann
11 October 2023, 20:08
Frostbitquote:
Originally posted by K Evans:
Good luck, safe travels and I hope you see a Buffalo in Dande

11 October 2023, 20:10
EsskayGood shooting and all the best!
11 October 2023, 21:32
crbutlerGood luck and enjoy the down time!
11 October 2023, 22:14
MARK H. YOUNGHave a blast!
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https://www.facebook.com/pages...ures/627027353990716 11 October 2023, 22:34
DLSLooking forward to a nice report when you return home.
Safari Salama!
12 October 2023, 00:26
Michael RobinsonBest wishes and best of luck to you and your son both!
Mike
Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer.
12 October 2023, 23:27
the PomHunting with your son in the Valley on his first trip to wild Africa! What could be better? Your boy will tell his grandchildren about it.
12 October 2023, 23:58
MJinesGood luck Todd. Give my best to Alan and the rest of the team.
Mike
13 October 2023, 01:57
jjbullHope you and your son have a great safari, Todd.
I look forward to your report.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Give me the simple life; an AK-47, a good guard dog and a nymphomaniac who owns a liquor store.
13 October 2023, 06:38
SaeedHave a great time Todd.
Sorry we are unable to meet.
14 October 2023, 18:30
ledvmWishing you the best Todd. Glad to see father and son hunting together again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
J. Lane Easter, DVM
A born Texan has instilled in his system a mind-set of no retreat or no surrender. I wish everyone the world over had the dominating spirit that motivates Texans.ā Billy Clayton, Speaker of the Texas House
No state commands such fierce pride and loyalty. Lesser mortals are pitied for their misfortune in not being born in Texas.ā Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to Texas in May, 1991.
18 October 2023, 21:27
Crazy_farmerCan't wait to read the report!
19 October 2023, 02:10
Eland SlayerGood luck on your trip and please post a report when you return! I hope I can take my Dad to Africa at some point.
20 October 2023, 00:44
DesertRamquote:
Originally posted by Eland Slayer:
Good luck on your trip and please post a report when you return! I hope I can take my Dad to Africa at some point.
My first safari was to Namibia. I took my dad. Some of the best money I ever spent.
_____________________
A successful man is one who earns more money than his wife can spend.
22 October 2023, 13:35
The NorwegianTime for that report now Todd

Morten
The more I know, the less I wonder !
23 October 2023, 00:01
Todd WilliamsHey Morten,
Good to see you posting. Austin and I finished hunting this morning so we have 2 days of down time in camp before heading home. I'll work on it tomorrow.
23 October 2023, 01:34
LongwalkerAlan Shearing is the best PH I've met, you were in very good hands. Looking forward to your report!
27 October 2023, 09:47
DCS MemberTodd,
Iām sure it was a great hunt. Safe travels on the way back.
I meant to be DSC Member...bad typing skills.
Marcus Cady
DRSS