This is from the Dec newsletter I received from Coenraad Vermaak Safaris. I know it was for a marked bull, but having tracked and photographed black rhino in the Save, this is pretty neat nevertheless.

"Andrew Borrok returned to South Africa in October this year for a unique safari! CVS was offered the unique opportunity and privilege to hunt a Black Rhino in one of Africas premier Black Rhino conservation areas. The renowned Pilanesberg National Park!

This was to be the first ever legally conducted sport hunt for a Black Rhino within the boundaries of a National Park, and one of three Black Rhino to be hunted this year since 1978! In essence this was a historical moment for Black Rhino conservation, CVS, Andrew Borrok and everyone else involved! This hunt was not conducted in a small area, and it was not for a specific animal, we had a choice of 4 old bulls in the Park that the game department had been monitoring for many years. Pilanesberg Natinal Park has one of the healthiest natural Balck Rhino populations in Africa! Hunters do pay for the conservation and preservation of Africas wildlife, this was a prefect example!

The revenue earned by the Park would be put straight back into the Parks Black Rhino conservation effort! Pilanesberg is famous for its Black Rhino work, every aspect of it! Black Rhino are feisty, half the size of the White Rhino but as the saying goes, dynamite comes in small packages! All the CVS PH’s and trackers have scampered up trees numerous times every year since 1997as a result of surprising a Black Rhino in thick bush! Andrew and James checked the 458 with great anticipation of the adventure that lay ahead! With the assistance of Parks game scouts we were taken to a valley often frequented by an old Black Rhino bull. Fresh tracks were located and the hunitng party consisting of Andrew, James Quin, Hans Vermaak, Craig Glutz and a Park scout set off! It was critical to be deathly quiet as Black Rhino, like their cousins have excellent hearing.

Tracking Black Rhino though thick bush is always exciting, none of them could believe that for the first time in their lives they were on the track of a Black Rhino to hunt it! It felt like a dream! Suddenly the scout spotted movement ahead of them, it was tough to see, all that they could make out was a mass of grey, soon they could determine that the Rhino was walking directly away from them, 50 yards away! James checked the wind which was starting to play games, it was hot and the wind was swirling through the valley and with time it was only going to become more erratic! The hunters had to move fast, James decided to move in quickly! James crept forward scanning the bush, suddenly he heard a soft crunch to their left.

The Rhino suddenly appeared in a tiny clearing, he was getting ready for his rest during the heat of the day! Suddenly he disappeared completely from view, he lay down, this was not good! James motioned the team forward, the click of a twig underfoot sparked the Rhino into action, even though the hunters were 50 yards out! He sprung up and surveyed the area, with his head held high spinning from left to right! James put up the sticks and in an instant the 458 boomed – the Rhino went down instantly! The team took off towards the Rhino, he wasn’t moving but Andrew put in one more insurance shot just in case and also to ensure that death came quickly to this magnificent old bull, the second shot wasn’t necessary! Andrews first shot had done it all! Everyone just stood in silence amazed at what had been done – what Andrew had achieved! They were privileged, happy and sad, all at the same time, emotions which are difficult to describe! This was a moment that Andrew or anyone else on that historic hunt will never forget!

This was a giant step for the future of hunting and a perfect example of stainable utilization which is what we as trophy hunts are all about! We congratulate Andrew on his magnificient Black Rhino and thank him for allowing CVS the unique opportunity of arranging this historic safari for him. We also thank the North West Parks board for their assistance and support prior to, during and after this momentous hunt!"

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Andrew, James Quin, Hans Vermaak, Craig Glutz and a Park scout set off

This wasn't a hunting party it was an infantry assault. Why are all these guys going?

That is where I saw my first wild African elephants at 30yds passing in front of the vehicle..

Mike

Pilanesberg was almost magical for us. Our first Afrcian elephant got to within 6ft of the truck,we were within 30ft of lions mating.
ANd while racing back to the lodge( where we the only three guests) late for a five star dinner, we rounded a corner only to find a Black Rhino calf in the middle of the road. Our driver was stunned at this, but reved the engine and tooted the horn. He wanted mama to come out and greet us but she did not show.

Dulcinea

What was the Trophy Fee????

I don't believe this is true. I think this is "urban" legend material......

quote:

Originally posted by Berger:
I don't believe this is true. I think this is "urban" legend material......

Send me your email and I'll fwd you the newsletter. CVS is a reputable outfitter in SA, they would certainly not make this up then send it out to all their clients and prospects. Email below.

Pilanesberg is a great place to hunt. 155,000 acres and plenty of game. They have a cull quota each year and CVS often puts hunters in Pilanesberg looking for SCI trophy animals.

There are both white and black rhino in good numbers, along with lion and elephant. The cost to hunt any of the big five at Pilanesberg is high. The guy pictured with the black Rhino has taken many top ranked SCI trophys at Pilanesberg.

Hunting is not difficult and for the big five they know which of the older animals to take and where they can be found.

You wont find much better than CVS and they are especially good with families.