My son Doug and I spent a lot of time together hunting when he was a kid, but as his own life evolved through high school and college sports, then marriage and a career as a professional U.S. Soldier, our time afield together decreased dramatically. He went to Afghanistan in 2001 and earned a CIB. Then he was off to Iraq and on July 20th, 2003, we nearly lost him. He came home with a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, and plenty of new scars ("assholes and zippers"). He is now assigned to an Honor Guard unit (The "Old Guard") in Washington D.C.



We were able to make an African hunt happen. He got two weeks of leave and my beautiful and understanding daughter-in-law loaned him back to me. Some P.H. friends of mine; Nimrod Safaris, Sohrada Safaris, and Gauss Hunting in Namibia provided him with some outstanding hunting while I got to sit back and watch my son enjoy his first African hunt.





A 38" bull gemsbok taken with Pieter Stofberg of Nimrod Safaris



Nice duiker also taken with Nimrod Safaris



Zebra taken with Nimrod Safaris



Hartebeeste taken with Sohrada Safaris



12 1/2" warthog taken on Hagen Eggert's ranch, Gauss Hunting



50 1/2 " kudu taken on Hagen Eggert's ranch, Gauss Hunting



36" (1700 pound) eland taken on Hartmut Freyer's ranch, Gauss Hunting



Doug used an old Savage 110 LH in .338 Win Mag on all these trophies. This rifle was purchased a couple years ago from our very own George S.



Bottom line is appreciate the time you have together with your loved ones. "Ain't never seen a U-Haul Trailer hitched to a funeral hearse, so go hunting when you can".

Matt,

I bet you guys had a great time, spend all the time together you can.

One heck of an eland, great hunt. You have a fine son and you are no doubt a great Dad.

Might I say that those are great trophies.

Another comment is that these young men, well most of them are young, that have been fired in the crucible of that hell over there are going to make a fine cadre of leaders when their time arrives. Their sense of duty and honor serve, and will continue to serve us, our nation with excellence. They all deserve our heartfelt gratitude.

Matt

I can not tell how much it touched me to see the pictures of you and your son in Africa. Hunt with him every chance you get. The old guard are the best of the best the duty they perform is courageous and a honor to all of us who have need of their service.
Doyle Hufstedler II