Outfitter: McDonald Safaris

PH's: Alex McDonald Jr. / Jay Leyendecker

Location: Sabie Game Reserve (Southwest Mozambique)

Hunt: 18 - Day Lion / 2 Buffalo Safari

Dates: May 6 - 15, 2013 (was scheduled for May 6 - 23)

Equipment: Ruger M77 Hawkeye African - .416 Ruger, topped with a Trijicon 2.5 - 10 x 56mm Accu-point, using Hornady's Dangerous Game Series ammo (400 gr. DGX/DGS) Binos - Leica 10 x 42 Geovids

Some Facts: My 31st DG Safari, my 18th Lion hunting safari (as the hunting client) and my 2nd safari to Mozambique.


Mozambique was for me, a country that I had yet to take a Lion from. So, knowing some of the great lions that had been taken from this little corner of the world over the past few years - arranging the hunt was not a difficult decision. Alex had convinced me that May was an excellent time for cats, and I wasn't too upset about being the first lion hunter of the year either (they will do 3 maximum). I certainly knew success on Shumba was not guaranteed, but I felt confident this time I was finally gonna get my Mozambican Lion!

Our Hunting Party:

Aaron Neilson - Hunter

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Jeremiah Bennett - Cameraman

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Alex McDonald Jr. / Jay Leyendecker - PH's

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Arriving at the Sabie, I was very impressed with both the camp and the beauty of the area! Frankly, I wasn't exactly expecting it to look quite this good. Obviously the early season greenery helped, but a spectacular place the Sabie most certainly is.

Eating/dining area

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My tent

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Spectacular View I had each morning from my tent/porch

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Cant forget "Bang". Camp mascot!

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As I just mentioned - the views were AWESOME! A brief look - below.


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I was obviously here to hunt my favorite animal on the planet - but I was also very impressed with the numerous other game species throughout the area. In addition to Lion, I was scheduled to hunt 2 buffalo bulls. The area not only has alot of buff, but some BIG BULLS as well. In addition, the place is crawling with waterbuck, plenty of Kudu (passed a 56" - 57" bull???) as well as lots of hippos, impala, warthog, Zebra, LOADS of Leopard, and the elephants were JUST starting to move in from the west. A few pics below.


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THE HUNT:

Prior to arriving, Alex had suggested they do some pre-baiting for the Lion. As is sometimes done in places where allowed, I was of course all for it. So they started baiting about a week prior to our arrival, and the day I left - Alex emailed me with news. One of the baits had been hit, good mane hair was present, and they planned to put up a trail cam to see what was showing up.

So by the time we arrived, our PH's had two days/nights worth of trail cam pics (alot of them) thus it allowed us ample opportunity to look him over, as well as the girls he was obviously with. In fact, the morning we arrived they actually saw the Lion as they approached the bait site. So by now, Alex/Jay were both confident that he was a shooter - but wanted me to have a look as well. That night we gathered round, and look at easily over 100 trail cam pics of the lions. Not only did he look big/old, but no "lighties" were ever seen in the pics, etc. All looked good!


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Day 1 - That morning we prepared for the hunt, checked the rifle quickly - and got loaded up.


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First thing, we went straight to the bait. The lions weren't present, but they had obviously devoured the bait that night, so getting more meat in the tree was important. Again, we looked through a bunch of trail cam pics - same thing, all looked good to me.

Alex told me that we were out of bait, and needed more asap. So hippo hunters we had now become. I've shot alot of hippos, this was my 8th - but "bait" was the necessity. So yes, we "sniped" it from the bank, chopped it into pieces, and bee-lined for the bait site that afternoon to replace the Lion's buffet line.


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Day 2 - We again checked the bait that morning, and it too was again hit hard. Good hair was present, so we knew the male was still there, and the trail cam showed the same. We needed to get another piece of meat to put up, but needed to check other baits too - just in case (nothing).
For some reason that I cannot recall to be honest, it was actually late in the afternoon until we returned to add more meat to the tree. Since time was short in the day, Alex dropped Jeremiah and I off at the blind, built the day before. We were to fix up our shooting holes/filming holes, while they went to the bait to add more hippo.

The blind was 90 yards from the bait, but quite elevated above on a cliff - affording us a GREAT view. Jeremiah/I finished our task rather quickly, so we sat quietly in the blind - while watching the guys string more hippo in the tree. As the sun set, we started to see the lions gather about 150 yards behind the bait tree, but of course our 2 PH's were totally unaware. They had left us a radio, but were not hearing me as they were out of the truck, helping with the bait.

Finally I raised them on the radio, and told them to get up to the blind in a hurry - but it would take a few minutes, as they had to drive all the way back up/around the lake. Alex had not been with us in the blind for more than a few minutes, when I spotted the male - roughly 100 yards behind the bait. We obviously confirmed it was him, and watched as he turned directly to the bait - and quickly followed several of the females. Apparently they felt the danger was now gone, and in they came.

In less than 60 seconds the male was standing under the tree, facing directly at us. My heart was racing, but I needed him to turn slightly - so I waited for just a second. He then turned a bit, quartering broadside - to me, and that was all I needed. The 400 gr bullet slammed him on the shoulder, he quickly bolted to my right - but was down within 40-50 yards of the bait, and probably 5-7 seconds on his feet.

It all happened so fast, we hardly had time to discuss it. Jeremiah was filming the whole time, and the footage of the whole ordeal is incredible. He caught the male on film, from way behind the bait - and as he approached the bait as well. An 18-Day Lion Hunt, was now a 16-Day Buffalo hunt!!! Sometimes Diana shines upon you. When she does, take advantage. For me - the shortest lion hunt I've ever had.

He's easily the 2nd largest Lion I have ever shot! He's absolutely huge!


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Alot of hair on the back of his elbows too.

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Well, now what?? Ya, buffalo hunting is awesome - but the lion was the reason I came all the way to Moz. Honestly, it was a bit of a let-down, but knowing the quality/quantity of buffalo in the area - I got over it.

Day 3/4: We spent some time looking at buffalo, but mainly trying to find lone bulls, or bachelor groups (dagga boys) Man, but did we see a freakin monster! Twice in fact, but he was a herd bull - so we left him alone. He was easily 45" wide, good bosses, a real superb bull.

Day 5: We awoke to low clouds, and cool conditions. Perfect for hunting IMO, now we just needed to find a good bull. Again, luck was on our side this morning - as only 30 minutes out of camp we crossed a lone set of bull tracks, and the hunt was on. The bull was obviously not impressed with the conditions as he'd only gone about 1,000 yards and laid down. Approaching within 70 yards, the head tracker John, spotted him in the long grass. We got set up on the sticks, the bull noticed us - and stood perfectly for a shot.

Just a second before I take the first shot.

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He bolted to our right, and I slammed in another round. He was obviously hit hard, but I took him with the second shot and he piled nose first into the grass! A great morning hunt, and a very nice bull.


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It was still cool enough, and raining a bit, that we felt confident we could find more bulls. So after dropping the bull off at camp, off we went. Again, it wasn't long and we were again following a small group of bulls. This time however, they were all a little young - but we got some great footage/pics (see below).

I could have easily shot any of the 4 bulls in this group!!!


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Days 6 - 8: Lots more of the same, plenty of buffalo - but still looking for the right one (mature enough). We did however get some great footage/pics of close up action. Its always good fun getting close to buffalo.

He's good - but not quite fully hard!

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This bull too was very close, not just not quite there!!!

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This one - he's gonna be a giant!!! He was easily 20% larger (body size) than all the other buffalo bulls. But as you can see, he's still soft.

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Day 9: May 14th - my Birthday (41)
We got into the river valley early that morning, and immediately picked up some fresh tracks. The buffalo would generally come into the valley floor for water, then back up the mountains to hang out at the top, for the day.

Alex and Jay, just before we starting to track this morning.

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As the small group worked their way up the valley, they cut off to the right using a game trail that was leading us to the top. We figured they'd be just up ahead, looking for a fairly flat place to lay for the day.

Jay was taking the lead on this hunt. Here we are on the tracks!

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Just as we suspected, once we reach the top - it was only a few minutes and we were on the buffalo. We had caught them before they had laid down, so we slowly moved in to have a look. It only took a minute for Jay to pick out a good one, and I agreed!

So I quickly got on the sticks, as Jay watched through his binos. The bull took a step forward, presenting a straight/head-on shot at about 80 yards. The .416 Ruger smashed him low in the chest, and he went only 30 yards - down in less than 10 seconds. I did put another in him from 30 feet, but frankly un-necessary.

My birthday bull - was heading for the salt!!!!


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Jay and I with our tremendous - 42" Mozambique buffalo!!!!

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The crew! Trackers, Jeremiah and I.

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We took the next 1.5 days to finish our filming duties, share some stories and close out with sundowners at the lake. I was very impressed with the experience/knowledge of both my PH's - especially considering their ages. Alex - 22, and Jay - 31.

Some additional photos:

After an hour hike up into the hills - beautiful place.

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Vetta and I. Man, this guy could really track - especially considering the long/green grass conditions.

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Fisherman on the Lake!

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Getting ready for a sundowner.

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Jeremiah capturing our last night on safari.

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The hunt was a pleasure from beginning to end, and my 13th Lion was heading for Colorado!!!! What more could a lion hunter ask for???

Just superb Aaron. That lion and two big buffs. Well done and thanks for sharing.

Congratulations on a great hunt, very well done. Love the pictures.

On your Ruger African I notice there is a second crossbolt, is this standard now? Haven't seen it on any of the .416 Ruger african models advertised.

Congrats on a great safari.
One question..how big is the Sabie area?

Great report and super trophies Aaron! Well done!

Congrats on a great safari with a superb lion and buffs Aaron.
Thanks for sharing

Torbjorn

Congrat's on a GREAT trip!!

Outstanding!!

quote:

Originally posted by d.unger:
Congratulations on a great hunt, very well done. Love the pictures.

On your Ruger African I notice there is a second crossbolt, is this standard now? Haven't seen it on any of the .416 Ruger african models advertised.

Sir, thank you!

I'm not sure what you are referring to - 2nd crossbolt??

quote:

Originally posted by Safari2:
Congrats on a great safari.
One question..how big is the Sabie area?

Thank you!

Roughly 80,000 acres.

Aaron,

As I said on the other thread that lion is a toad. I don't think I've ever seen one that large in body alive or dead.

Congrats!

Mark

quote:

Originally posted by MARK H. YOUNG:
Aaron,

As I said on the other thread that lion is a toad. I don't think I've ever seen one that large in body alive or dead.

Congrats!

Mark

Thank Mark!

Yep, I too was shocked at his "size". I have weighed two lions over the years, one at 489lbs, and one I shot in the Save Conservancy at 503lbs. I guarantee, this lion is bigger!

Sir, thank you!

I'm not sure what you are referring to - 2nd crossbolt??[/QUOTE]

Aaron, Ruger always had the crossbolt behind the recoil lug on the Afrifan model but on yours there is a second one in front of the trigger. I haven't seen that on any of the African models before, not even on the Ruger website.

Dont want to get off topic from your report, was just wondering if that is standard now.

Love your second Buff!

Dave

CONGRATES on another great lion! Look forward to watching the video.

Great pics and a nice hunt report. Looks like you had a good hunt.
Congratulations

Congrats Aaron, look forward to more pics and updates

Great report,man what awesome safari! Big congrats,Aaron

Excellent lion and a couple of hawg buffalo.

Nice report, fantastic photos!

Congrats!

quote:

Originally posted by d.unger:
Sir, thank you!

I'm not sure what you are referring to - 2nd crossbolt??

Aaron, Ruger always had the crossbolt behind the recoil lug on the Afrifan model but on yours there is a second one in front of the trigger. I haven't seen that on any of the African models before, not even on the Ruger website.

Dont want to get off topic from your report, was just wondering if that is standard now.

Love your second Buff!

Dave[/QUOTE]

Dave - I would be lying to ya if I said yes or no, as I am just not sure?? Sorry!

Beautiful lion and bulls. Thanks for a great report!

Very nice Aaron! Love the lion and the buff! Beautiful pics and a great narrative. Now, you know that the number 13 is unlucky, so you're going to have to shoot at least one more!

Thanks Aaron. I have really enjoyed sitting down on the back porch with a nice Herradura and Montecristo and reading and viewing this report. Fantastic animals and hunt. I am extremely jealous, but in a good way cause you are my friend. I couldn't be happier for you. Hope the other trips this year go as well.

What a great safari. Sounds like McDonald Safaris are top shelf and should be given very serious consideration. Congratulations on yet another trophy lion.

quote:

Originally posted by Use Enough Gun:
Very nice Aaron! Love the lion and the buff! Beautiful pics and a great narrative. Now, you know that the number 13 is unlucky, so you're going to have to shoot at least one more!

UEG - My thoughts exactly!!

quote:

Originally posted by Tim Herald:
Thanks Aaron. I have really enjoyed sitting down on the back porch with a nice Herradura and Montecristo and reading and viewing this report. Fantastic animals and hunt. I am extremely jealous, but in a good way cause you are my friend. I couldn't be happier for you. Hope the other trips this year go as well.

Thanks my friend!!!!

Nice Hippo! At first glance I thought it was picture of you on your first date :-)

great hunt, thanks for sharing. Diana did indeed smile on you.

Nice my friend!!! Very nice! What a beautiful area to hunt as well!

You da man...Aaron...you da man!

Superb lion and awesome bulls Aaron - congratulations!

Great hunt, Aaron, Congrats on the awesome sussess!

That lion is SIZE!! Congrats on a great hunt Aaron. Looks like there is plenty good buff in that area too. Cheers. Did you see much leopard sign there?

Great hunt and report. Good one Mozambique.

quote:

Originally posted by Thierry Labat:
That lion is SIZE!! Congrats on a great hunt Aaron. Looks like there is plenty good buff in that area too. Cheers. Did you see much leopard sign there?

Thanks my friend!

Ya, lots of Leopard - and big too! Not sure why I didn't try for one, they had one left on quota and we saw plenty of sign?

Nice report on a wonderful Safari!
Congratulations Aaron

Congratulations. Great trophies.
Enjoyed the report.

thanks for sharing! Looks like a great hunt!

Fantastic! Man that looks like sure enough Buffalo country!


.

Fantastic hunt and impressive trophies - well done!

Some seriously high quality trophies Aaron - Makorokoto! If that monster Lion is your second heaviest, what was your heaviest?

The lay of the land looks really beautiful.

So the male was obviously a pride holder? How did you know after 2 nights of photos that there were not "lighties" tucked away somewhere because they were too young or the bait was too far away? With the recent onus that has been placed on lion hunters, does 2 nights of trailcam photos that establish that you have a male lion with a pride of females at a bait adequately exclude the risk of cubs? Where is Lane on this?


BTW, that's an awesome lion and I would have blown a hole in it as well....

Congrats on what sounds like an outstanding hunt.