All just a quick fly by to share the results of my recent hunt in Namibia. Myself, my Dad, another friend and his father and another friend hunted for 7 days with Holstein Hunting in Namibia. A great time was had by all, we had a couple of issues with some unexpected fuel surcharges, but other than that the hunt was great. Quality of the animals was superb and all had a good time and can't wait to return to Africa to hunt again.

Accomodations at Holstein were great, only downside is the water pressure for the showers was a little lacking, but a hot shower is a hot shower. The quality of the safari vehicles and phs was great.

Animals hunted by me were Kudu, Gemsbok, Eland, Mt Zebra and Blesbok. I hunted with a custom built 375 H&H built for me by my Uncle. The rifle was topped with a 1.1x4x24 Kahles Helia C. I carried 270 Grain Barnes X bullets loaded behind 68 grains of Varget. Rifle and bullets performed flawlessly. I recovered 2 bullets and both looked like they had come from an advertisment on bullet performance.

Other hunting equipment that was used and invaluable - Russell PH boots, LL Bean ripstop shirts, Churchill gloves, Leica binoculars. All the rest of the stuff I carried, Laser range finder, etc. will stay home on the next trip. I also found I took too much in the way of clothes, next trip will be camp clothes - sweats and shorts, 2 hunting shirts, 2 pants and the clothes that I travelled in.

I flew a combination of KLM and Air France using FF Miles. The travel was long, but since the flight was Business class not overly burdensome.

Gracy Travel took care of us in Joburg with the Afton House. I arrived Joburg at 10 pm and had rifles and was through customs/SAPS in 20 minutes. Namibia was a breeze 15 minutes and away we went. Return travel Air France was not as nice as KLM, primarily due to KLM flying the 747 vs the Air France Air Bus 340. Layover in CDG was ok as the lounge had hot showers and a place for a nap. My Bags made the US, my rifle did not, it showed up 2 days later. A couple of piece of mind things I did prior to leaving, I had my homeowners policy include a firearms provision against loss, damage or theft, I got 25k in coverage for $10 per month. I also got the supplemental medical evac insurance for $150, made my wife and mother happy.

Anyway onto the hunting. The quality of animals we hunted was great, I will post the pictures in order of game taken. The only tropy I was not real happy with was the Eland, he is too young imo, he scored 34 3/4", 35 1/4" with 12" bases, nice score but was too young, needless to say I was a little disappointed and as a result I am not sure I will mount the trophy. The other animals Mt Zebra old stallion running in a bachelor herd. Gemsbok old Bull, scored 36" with 7 1/4" bases. Kudu very old bull estimated 13 years or so, scored 52.5, 53.5 with 11.5" bases, he was on his last legs and most likely would not have made it out of the season. I am most proud of that trophy. Blesbok went 16.5" with 6.25" bases, nice trophy.

Anyway enough of that, the pictures are posted below.

Great looking animals PD! Congrats on a successful hunt.

Congrats on a great hunt! That must have meant a lot shooting the rifle your uncle built for you!

Bob

Great looking trophies. Glad that you had a great hunt.

Namibiahunter

Bob
You are right it is cool hunting with a firearm that my uncle built. He has built several rifles for me - the 375, a .338-06, and a 6.5x284. He is quite the talent and I have learned a fair amount from him regarding firearms, optics, etc.
The 375 in question is below.

Glad you had a good hunt. As you know, I took my whole family to Holstein in '02. Gunther is second to none in trying to accomodate his guests.

Did you get to meet Bianca (hottest girl on the whole planet)? Who was your PH? What family members are with Gunther now?

As yo can see, I have tons of questions, as I have not kept up with Gunther for a couple of years.

Bianca I met a couple of years ago at the Houston SCI show. She was not there. I hunted with Gunther Jr, Gunther and Eric. I also hunted with another PH Gunther had brought in Gert Van der Waalt(I think that is correct). I will have to fill you in on the details.

Thanks for the info. Glad glad to hear Eric is back on the farm.

Congratulations! Thanks for sharing! See ya in Dallas next year?

Congratulations! That kudu is a great trophy in my book.

Congratulations as well. Great looking rifle!

All great animals!

Onya mate!!

Even that Eland has massive looking bases, despite being a young bull...

Thanks Blair, the Eland actually scored well, but as I said I was not real happy with shooting such a young bull. You can bet, I won't make that mistake again.

The stock on the rifle is outstanding. Did your uncle make the stock too?

my Uncle did all the fit and finish to include checkering on the rifle.

quote:

Originally posted by Phoenixdawg:
Thanks Blair, the Eland actually scored well, but as I said I was not real happy with shooting such a young bull. You can bet, I won't make that mistake again.

PD,

Keep the skull plate and horns, he's still a nice head, despite being young.

Congratulations on a great hunt mate.

Nice Report thanks for Shareing

Seloushunter

Welcome back Phoenix. Looks like you too had a blast in Namibia. My trip was as good as one can expect. Bagged 2 gemsbuck, 2 red heartebeest, 1 springbuck, 1 kudu, 1 mountain zebra, 1 warthog. Haven't posted my pictures yet . What have you decided on taxidermy? also what does a rifle like yours cost

PD,

I enjoyed the beautiful photos!

Beautiful quality animals IMO...

A beautiful 375 h&h rifle built by your uncle indeed!!!

You had a BEAUTIFUL time my friend and a job well done!

Any details on the hunt when you have some time I'd be interested? i.e., avg shot-distances and stalks...if you care too..

Aloha,

Ro

I LOVE that zebra - he's a beaut! Glad to here you had a wonderful time and look forward to a more detailed report!

PS - what's the deal with the fuel surcharges?

Beautiful rifle.