Hunt Dates: 3/24 – 3/31

Location: RSA - Limpopo region

Weapon of choice: Browning A-Bolt 338 wm

Ammo: Hornady 225gr Heavy Mag

Weather: Dry, lows mid 50s, highs low 90s

Terrain: Mostly flat, high grass with lots of foliage

Airline: Delta (booked myself online$1,201.00)

Flight path: Grand Rapids, Michigan to Atlanta then to Joburg with a fuel stop in Dakar

I will add more details after the photos




I shot this Blesbok at about 150 yards. We were crawling on all fours thru tall grass to get close. It has 6 ¾” bases with one horn 16 7/8’ and the other 17 ¼” (unofficial). When we got back to camp the other hunters said guess what we got? I said a black mamba (just guessing). They said no a puff adder. I was thinking about snakes when we were crawling through all that grass. Oh, BTW, I did carry my own gun even while on all fours.


We spotted some Impala and when I figured out which one to shoot, I squeezed the trigger and it jumped and kept going. That shook the confidence that I had when we sighted our rifles in. We tracked it for hours, but finally got it. Frackie is on the left and Jonas in the middle. It has 21 ½” x 22” horns.


While tracking the first Impala, we came around some trees and Hans said there is your animal shoot it. I did and it dropped. We walked up to it and discovered it was not the wounded animal. The blood trail lead to this one, but no holes in it and the trail kept going. It has 23 ¾” x 24” horns.


We saw some Blue Wildebeest and got within about 60 yards. Hans said to take the one looking straight at us. I planned to hit him between the eyes, but was a little low. He dropped and was groaning, so we thought we had him. When we got closer he got up and was slightly quartering away when I shot and dropped him. He was done this time. The horns were about a 25” spread.


I was told that I might not get a warthog, due to all the rain they had. There was a lot of tall grass and the hogs weren’t coming to the water holes. This was the only mature male I saw and shot him at about 180 yards. We just got lucky to see him before he was back in more tall grass. Hans (PH) on the left.


This Kudu was the last animal I shot. It was just under 100 yards. I shot and he dropped. When we got to him his leg was still moving and Hans said put one behind his ears. I shot just below the ears and his eye balls popped out. They shoved them back in and we took pics. 48" horns.

More details:

When I first posted on AR looking for outfitters for my first hunt, I received many responses – thank you. This web site has a lot of valuable info. Some of the responses were from members offering hunts. I will say they were all professional and I hope to hunt with some of them in the future.

There were two other hunters in the camp when I was there. A father and son from Washington state (good guys). I met them at The Afton House and that is where we were picked up by the outfitter. It was about a four hour drive to the camp. When we arrived we got settled and then sighted in our rifles. With a PH spotting, I shot twice with a tight group, but was two inches off. I made an adjustment and was told to shoot the lower right black square (1”). I shot and I asked how I did. He said you did good. I looked and my bullet was in the black square. That helped my confidence for the moment.

One of the biggest disappointments with the hunt was after I shot my Blesbok. I told them I was not sure if I would have it mounted. They thought I was crazy if I didn’t get it mounted. I told them I was considering it, but didn’t plan to have any mounted unless it was really big. They said that one is really big. From that point on I heard comments like “good enough for pictures”. Meaning if you are not going to have it mounted you don’t need big trophy’s. The Blesbok was the first animal I shot. The rest of the animals were nice, but nothing special. Don’t get me wrong, I was happy with all of them. I just didn’t like the comments, “good enough for pics”.

The food was excellent, although I ate Kudu three times the first three days (not at every meal). It was prepared differently every time. Pieter says he uses the choice parts of some of the animals for camp meals and sells the rest. He also has some cattle and we ate that at one meal, which was a surprise to me when we had all the game meat.

The room was excellent and the shower was large with good water pressure and no shortage of hot water. Laundry was done daily. They had a basket in the room and you would put your dirty clothes in it in the morning and when you returned from hunting they were on the bed folded nicely.

Pieter has several concessions. I hunted three of them and one seemed small to me and one seemed very large. The small one is where I shot my warthog. Although the fence was no where in sight when I shot the warthog, I did seem to sense it. All concessions were fenced, which I knew about before I booked. They advertise as having 100,000 acres, so I assumed all the areas would be huge. The concessions I hunted were close to the camp, so no long rides. The vehicles were all in excellent condition.

Nice trip. Looks to me like you got some very good critters, all of which should look good in a trophy room. Congratulations.

Congratulations on the wonderful trophies. I hunted with Cruser in '07 and had the time of my life, all the PHs were the best and fun to be around.

When are you going back?

Looks like a great trip. Congrats.

Nothing wrong with that blesbok man. It was your first animal you shot in AFRICA. A lot of people don't even have the gumption to go there. Well done.

I had a similar experience with a frontal shot on Wildebeast I hit too low. I beleive their sternum and ribs is shaped like the bow of the Titanic. Next time under the chin.

Looks like you had a great hunt and the Impala tracking would have been the real deal.


Thanks for shareing. Now the big question, when are you going back ?

338zmag, congrats on your hunt! We hunted with Cruiser Safaris last July. Me, my son,My best friend, and his son. We took 30 trophies in 10 days. Hans was my buddy's son's ph. we had the chance to go to town with Hans, late in the trip. Hellava nice fellow. Our trip was perfect from beginning to end. If I had a chance to go back to Africa, for more plains game, it would be with Cruiser. Bob, Pieter, and all the phs are great.

Mad Dog

Those are pretty good trophies. I hunted with then in 06 and will be back with then June 11-22. I hope you told Pieter about the “good enough for pictures” comment. That comment would certainly impacted their tips.

One thing we did was move every animal except the Wildebeest so we could get better pictures. They used a machete to clear the grass around him.

I don't plan to go back for at least two years, but I do plan to go back. However, that plane ride is enough to make me hesitate.

The PH's at Cruiser are some nice guys. I got along well with Hans, but one problem, he didn't like to hunt in the heat of the day. It did get hot which didn't bother me cause I like the heat. He would park the truck in the shade and lay back for an hour or so. I walked around and took pictures of the scenery. I got some good pics of those trees with all those thorns on them, which I seemed to snag all the time. I didn't tell Pieter, but Hans didn't get the tip I am sure he was expecting.

I didn't say anything about the "good enough for pictures" comment because I believe it came from Pieter. When I shot the Blesbok it dropped out of sight in tall grass. It didn't take long and we found it and when we did Hans said it was a monster and that Pieter probably wouldn't be happy because we got such a big one. That is why my next hunt will be with a different outfitter. None of that deterred me from having a great time, but I'll try someone else next trip.

I see you sported your awesome "Africa Hat" for some of the pictures. I had my own for my trip, and I think it adds a lot to the pics. That blesbok IS a really good one, so is that 2nd impala. Congrats on your first trip!

Wonderful trophies! Congratulations on a successful hunt. I like the hat as well.

Greetings,

Interesting post. It's good you enjoyed your first Africa trip. I too hunted with Cruiser in 2008 - I enjoyed every minute and I hunted with Hans as well.

I personally enjoyed not hunting in the middle of the day - too warm for me and I never wanted to feel "rushed" and most of the animals are not visible or moving either.

I ate Kudu sausage at least three times in the 10 days I was there - but, I liked that and made it known I was happy eating something I could not get in the USA. I also ate Eland fillet too, now that was something special in my opinion.

I would guess, based on my observations of Peiter, the mention of "good enough for photos" remark was a joke. Peiter likes to fool around. I think Hans likes to do the same thing - Hans knows those concessions like the back of his hand.

Africa is huge - probably a good thing for you to try other places - I know I am going to.

Adios

Sport Fulton, you posted my same thoughts after reading the report. I know Pieter is quite the jokester, as is Hans. I just wonder if they were joking. I'm sure there was no harm or sarcasm intended. But I agree, you should check out other places. Africa is indeed a big place.

Mad Dog

Over 4 hunts I have only hunted during the middle of the day once and that was tracking a wounded zebra. I believe that taking a break during the heat of the day is standard operating procedure in Africa.
Never-the-less, congratulations on a great hunt and fine trophies.

TerryR,
I would have had no problem taking a break during the middle of the day if that was the normal procedure. However, Pieter told Hans that we should hunt and that animals do move during the day. We did see a nice Kudu during that time of day but it didn't hang around long and Hans didn't want to stalk it. We went for the shade. Hans told me he didn't agree with Pieter (even though we saw a nice Kudu), but Pieter was the boss, so rather than stay at the camp and relax, I had a tracker, driver and PH all laid out on the truck with me standing around waiting for them to finish their nap. We were about 15 minutes or less from the camp, so if we were going to take a break, that is where I would have preferred it.

One day I told Hans to tell Pieter that I wanted to clean my gun after lunch and take a few test shots. That was so Hans could have his break and I didn't have to stand around waiting for them. Unfortunately another hunter wounded an animal and Pieter wanted Hans to do some things to help them while I was busy with my gun. The nap thing was an issue, but not a major issue or I would have talked to Pieter about it. It was still a good hunt and I am happy with all the animals I shot.

I agree with the others, if the "photo" comment came from Pieter, it was meant as a joke. It has been my experience that most hunting crews take a mid-day break so there was nothing unusual about that. I think it is accepted that workers to get a lunch hour in most industries.

Congratulations!

Brett

Great report!
You sure got some fine trophies and I'm sure you'll enjoy them whether you mount them or not!

On my last trip to RSA we hunted most of the day, which I like. When I've put in the money for a trip like this, I want to hunt as much as possible. Even though the animals might reduce their movement and lay down during the heat of the day, the chances are bigger than in camp.. We actually took a couple of animals in the middle of the day.

RSIMMONS,
We did take a lunch break at camp (at least an hour). Their nap came after that. Otherwise it would not have been an issue.

Very nice. Thanks for the report and the pictures.

338zmag,
I gotcha now. That would not have sat well with me either. They didn't do that last time I was there and will hear about it if they try it with me this time.

Very nice. How was Delta? That stop for fuel in Dakar makes a long trip that much longer. I understand why they do it but by that point in the trip I just want out.

Nice animals. It looks like you had a great hunt. Planning to go back yet?

Where in the Limpopo were you? I just returned from the Alldays area in early April. I'm planning to go back July/Aug. 2010.

Oh, Delta just announces a non-stop from Atlanta to Jo'burg starting in June.

Good hunting.

Mike Smith,
In Atlanta, we taxied out to the runway twice and then switched planes. It was a four hour delay. I was going to Africa, so nothing short of not getting there was going to bother me. I have flown delta many times in the states and have had no major problems with them. If Africa was closer I would go sooner, but I don't want to take the flight for awhile. The fuel stop is a pain, but it sounds like they are going to have direct flights soon. I will always fly Delta over SAA.

PBens,
I saw your report and all I can say is WOW! You got some monsters. I believe I was somewhere near Ellisras. It was a four hour drive from Afton Guest House to the camp. I loved the weather while I was there. When I go back (probably two years) it will be no later than mid May. Next trip won't be a package deal. I will pay the daily rate and trophy fees.

quote:

Originally posted by 338zmag:
Mike Smith,
In Atlanta, we taxied out to the runway twice and then switched planes. It was a four hour delay. I was going to Africa, so nothing short of not getting there was going to bother me. I have flown delta many times in the states and have had no major problems with them. If Africa was closer I would go sooner, but I don't want to take the flight for awhile. The fuel stop is a pain, but it sounds like they are going to have direct flights soon. I will always fly Delta over SAA.

PBens,
I saw your report and all I can say is WOW! You got some monsters. I believe I was somewhere near Ellisras. It was a four hour drive from Afton Guest House to the camp. I loved the weather while I was there. When I go back (probably two years) it will be no later than mid May. Next trip won't be a package deal. I will pay the daily rate and trophy fees.

I believe Delta is starting 777s non stop in June.

Another option would be to hunt Namibia and fly to Germany in one 6 hour leg and then to Windhoek in another 10 hour leg. That is the route I'm taking.

Very interesting report. Africa is a learning experience, of course.

Some of it is "when in Rome" but some of it is not.

The trick is figuring out the difference.

Which only comes with experience - and congrats to you for getting some.

I think you killed some very good animals. (But bear in mind that I wouldn't know a good blesbok from a spavined nag!) Still, I do know impala and warthog, and I would say that your "mistaken" impala and your warthog are particularly good specimens.

Congratulations!

338zmag,

Congratulations on a whole number of things:

First, on the places I see the blood was cleand off the trophies - your shot placement deserves special mention!

Second, on getting some nice honestly earned trophies.

Third, for choosing a decent hunting outfitter like Cruiser Safaris.

Fourth, for actually making it to Africa!

Fifth, ......? I can go on for some more, but that will detract from the important ones!

Congratulations again for getting to enjoy yourself in Africa and some good shooting.

May I here place on record my desire to be considered as the Hunting Outfitter for your next African Safari?

In good hunting.

Andrew McLaren

Andrew,
You are an honorable man. After the generous offer you made for some lucky hunter, I can say you are a man I would be happy to meet and hunt with. I would definitely consider you for a hunt.

Ain't nothing wrong with any of those trophies! Blesbok is very nice. Impala are beautiful and that is a very nice warthog. Mounting trophies are up to you and are expensive. You can put it towards another hunt or just get European mounts. Don't worry about measurements. They are yours! Most people who see you trophies wouldn't know the difference between a 17 inch blesbok and a 10 inch blesbok.

Sir,

I'm glad to see you had a great hunt and congrats on the animals taken.

You are right about your complaints, do not make excuses for it.

Remember to drop me a line as well when you are looking for a hunt in two years time, I put it on record here that you will have NO complaints.
Cheers

Congrats on your first trip and nice animals. I did my first safari with Cruiser. I mainly hunted with Pieter, but had the pleasure to hunt with Hans one afternoon. I really enjoyed it, as he didn't need a tracker and was very good.

I was not there and will not pass judgement, but I agree with the others that feel the "pictures" coment was a joke. I felt as if Pieter went above and beyond to get me the best animals available. He had me pass 20 kudu in the 50" range as he knew it was #1 on my list and he wanted me to shoot something "better" in his words. He made a mistake call on the gemsbok he told me to shoot, and it turned out to be a cow after we had passed quite a few good bulls. He felt so bad about it, he gave me a BIG blue wildebeest at no charge as it was near the end of the hunt.(so now I have to kill a big oryx bull this year with KarlS!).

Again, be proud of your animals and congrats!

I too have hunted with Peiter, little Pieter, and Hans. Had a great trip. Those guys can dish it out, but they can also take it, too. We had lots of fun at night and everybody hunted hard for me all day long. If Hans would have wanted to stop in the heat of the day...I simply would have asked him to take a break in a blind next to a water hold...no need to stop hunting to beat the heat. (Actually the midday in August was some of the best because the animals were up and either going to or from water and very predictable.)

Charl,
You are one of the outfitters that sent me a PM after my first post. Since then I have read numerous posts about your operation and can say that you have always been on my list of outfitters I would like to hunt with.

Tim Herald,
I had Kudu #1 on my list of animals I was interested in also. I told them I was hoping to get one 50" or better. Mine was 48", but I was still happy with it. The horns are shaped just the way I wanted them.

The Blesbok was the animal I was least familiar with. When I shot it I had no idea if it was a good animal or not. However it turned out to be the best as far as trophy's go. It is the only one I will have mounted. I plan to hunt Africa more in the future, so I can always have trophy's mounted later. The photos are special enough for me.

Your Kudu is a beauty - no matter inches...

BTW...we had to drive 2.5 hours to Waterburg Mountains to get into kudu