Saturday morning I leave for the Save for buffalo/leopard. My 4th trip to Zim; all previous trips to Chewore North. Not worried about much except one plainsgame species that I've wounded on two separate trips. Some of you have pulled the trigger and it went "plop", no big deal. I have hit, what I thought solidly, once with a .375, another time with a .416 Rem and 2 or 3 days of tracking commenced forthwith each time. The second time we came up on them, the trackers said they smelled them, then I smelled them, then I got the weirdest damn feeling in my stomach, which I don't think I've had since I was kid, 'cause I didn't want a repeat of the first time - but it was. First time was too high in the shoulder after I had run flat-out for about 100 yards. Second time I heard the "whap", but the PH's .416 jammed for a follow up (and I was slammin' that bolt, believe you me). Specs of peetering out blood and two trophy fees willingly paid, I came home and read, in a Gray's Sporting Journal I think, how the San Bushmen's religion believe this animal was created first and has special powers. How many of you have guessed "eland" by this point? Now I'm a God-fearin' Christian man, but if we come across them, I'm seriously considering throwing my hat on the ground and spitting on it while I circle it 3 times before we go any further. All prayers, superstitions, and suggestions appreciated.

Those of you going over this season, good hunting. For those of you that need to stay around the house, I've been there and may you and your family be blessed. As for me, in my head, I'm already in Afrika baby.

Sounds like a great Safari about to happen.

I hear that the third time is the charm. Hope so...

regards,

Rich

Consult a witch doctor and take the curse away!

Eland can take a little extra killing. Whack em and stack em dude.

Jeff

Best of luck, don't dwell on the past errors, think of how this years Eland will look on your wall after getting him home. We can't get them all with the first shot all of the time.
Take lots of pic's and post quickly, we need fresh material to feed our disease.

You will get a great eland. There is no curse not shared by all who hunt. Be patient for a broadside shot, you know to where. Only one finger can be on the trigger at a time, so be prompt but patient. "Hold em' and squeezem'" as the PMI used to say. Then bring back your trophy to the beautiful Hill Country. We know you will.

I guess the Save is as good as any place on earth for those species. To wit:




Good hunting and looking forward to your report upon your return.

I've paid some trophy fees for things that never made it in the truck, it's not fun. I've never paid eland money though. Good luck to you. Save is definately on my list on "must do's" in Zim.

We all have been on top of our game, and we get humbled. A friend of mine wrote a hunting story, Humility is the Name of the Game. I have been humbled.
The best and make ths shot,

Mike

Good luck on your hunt! I hope all works out for you.

Will- fantastic trophies

Relax, go hunting and enjoy every day of it. Besides ,the odds are with you on this one.

Scott

Good luck on your Safari.and bring that Eland home.
I will be in the SAVE in August,so I will be waiting on your report.

Thanks for the kind words guys. I'll report when I get back.

Good luck, be safe, and have FUN! I'll be looking forward to reading all about it.

Jason

Eland for me, bang flop. Now Zebra are a different story, I've wounded two. Good luck on your safari. I won't be too far behind you. Leaving April 28th for Leopard/Sable in Zim.

Mike

Good luck on the eland.That is where my eland addiction took wing.

Bowhunr-Are you flinging sticks this trip or will you be hunting with rifle.

Have a safe and fun trip!

quote:

Originally posted by eyedoc:
Good luck on the eland.That is where my eland addiction took wing.

Bowhunr-Are you flinging sticks this trip or will you be hunting with rifle.

eyedoc,

It will be with a rifle. Despite my handle, I have not taken a bow on any of my African hunts.

Mike