I thought I'd take the chance to quickly share my father-in-law's experience this year on a Botswana lion hunt, as those hunts have been the topic of discussion here from time to time.

He hunted with Johan Calitz safaris and PH Terry Palmer. They were scheduled for 21 days in late may, for lion in one of the Chobe concessions, and then on to an Okavango camp for lechwe. Only two animals on license, I guess that's the way it goes in Botswana.

They hunted for two weeks straight, logging many miles in an effort to cut lion tracks - note no baiting. Over that time, they saw only a female or two and a pair of juvenile males. Nothing even tempted them. With time running out, the lion hunt was extended a couple of days to no avail. He was meeting friends in the Okavango camp, so that portion couldn't be abandoned in an effort to eventually find that lion of a lifetime. They did have a great time in the delta, and succeeded in collecting the lechwe.

He returned home not feeling down at all about the lion, and with tentative plans to return later in the year if Terry felt the chances were better after spending additional time in the concession with other clients. As you may know, only one license is offered for lion per concession, and once issued (and paid for), it’s yours. And of course, Johan graciously offered for him to return free of charge.

I don't know if the positive scouting report was ever received, but he packed up again in the beginning of September. The first couple days were more of the same, long hours scouring the roads for tracks. Their luck changed on day three when a good track was located. The lion, a large male, was spotted after not too long. After an additional half hour stalk, a shot presented itself. The lion was holed up in some cover and the shot was made just as he had had enough and was about to come for them. It didn't sound like he made it into a full on charge, but it did add some excitement having a big male squared up to you with his sights firmly set.

So that was it. I think he was on his way back home by day 4. My father-in-law was very pleased with his lion. It definitely bettered his Luangwa Valley lion from '03, and given the circumstances, I'm sure it felt good not to go home empty handed a second time.

I report this now, because photos have just recently been posted on Johans website. Go to the PHOTO GALLERY 06. His lion is just below Hollywood Marc Watts's photo.

Johan Calitz

Great lion, well earned. Thanks for sharing.

Really nice lion! Thank goodness for second chances!

I'd hate to have that old tom mad at me. Great cat.

Excellent!

Glad he got his Lion...

Regards,
Dave

Who ever said perseverance doesn't pay off...


Mike

Very nice. Well done!

Very nice lion

Now that's an outfitter, and a PH, worth thier combined weight in the finest of salt.

Very, very nice!