This safari was designed to upgrade a few species I had taken in the past and to try again for one particular one I had failed on.

The first 5 days were spent on the Mkuze Game Reserve that holds some fantastic nyala and our main goal was to try for a very big one as I had already taken a 27" on a previous safari. Of course the weather conspired against us so instead of us having very dry condition that would be normal for August we had rain and monsoon winds. Even with the bad weather we did see alot of nyala regardless and I could have shot a couple that might make 28" but I passed. The evening of day 4 we found a monster of 30" plus feeding in the a fairly open area. We make the perfect stalk and I get set up on the sticks. The nyala is a 200-225 yards and broadside in grass about half way up his body. Like a rookie I aim at the middle of what I can see which includes the mane on his back that he is displaying to a lesser bull and promptly put a 200 gr. Nosler right over his back. Deflated is not the word but that is hunting for you. If I had aimed at the top of the graas he would be in the salt.

BTW I highly recommend a hunt on Mkuze. It is the wildest place I've been in RSA and the nyala are big and plentiful. The terrain varies from jungle like low country to sparsely forested hills. Both rhino species, elephant, leopard, red duiker, suni, wildebeest , zebra, baboon, warthog, impala, kudu are all present as well as the nyala.

This beautiful rhino was taken while we were at Mkuze after 5 days of tracking. The client a very experienced Spaniard described the hunt as equally as thrilling as forest elephants in Cameroon and far more challenging than savannah elephants.


This is my Sadie with a very good Vaal rhebok we took in the mountains of the Karoo. The wind was blowing a gale but we manage to pull it off. These little buggers are unique to RSA only and can be very difficult. This was the animal I had failed on earlier.


This the common southern greater kudu has given me fits. I've killed four different varieties of kudu and never had an opportunity at a real nice Southern greater kudu but this one is a beaut. I'm very happy with him. We took this one on a property in the Northern province where Garry has the sole hunting rights and hadn't been commercially hunted until this year. The place obviously managed very well for quality and not quanity. Dig the deep curls on this one.


I've until this safari never got one of these bush duikers to stand still long enough for a shot but this guy hesitated just a second too long. He also turns out to be an excellent trophy. We got this one on Bonwa Phala that is Garry's home base.


I shot a blesbok ten years ago and was never very happy with it. This one although not a monster is a good one and I'm pleased with him.


Although I've killed quite a few impala for leopard baits I've never shot a nice one for the wall. This one is pushing 24" and again was what I was looking for. He also came from Bonwa Phala.


I'll write up the Scotland hunt seperately but I thought you folks might like to see what you can expect in a highland stag. Very interesting hunt.

I failed on the waterbuck and once again I was looking for a monster and actually found it. Failing light though and not enough days comspired against us and the big waterbuck will be for next time.

Garry Kelly as always was a hoot to hunt with and his trophy judging skill are just spooking. I highly recommend him and his whole outfit.

For those interest I used a custom FN Mauser in 300 WM. Topped with a 3.5x10 Leupold. My handload was topped with a 200 gr. Nosler at about 2900 fps.

We used BA for our flight and once again they were excellent. I really don't want to fly with anyone else to Africa.

The End!

Great trip Mark!

Semper Fi

Will

Great hunt and great photo's! Going for a Stag myself in December.....

Congrats Mark

Looking forward to the Scotland report

Very nice hill stag. Looking forward to the report.

As always, Mark, you make me want to be on every hunt.... That Rhino is especially tantalizing!!!!! Great photos and report.

Regards, D. Nelson

so onto the important questions - how was the scotch in scotland??

Butch,

The Scotch was particularly good. The tour guide at the lodge was J&B or at least his family was and he introduced me to a couple things you might like.

Mark

Mark,
I don't know which one has the most trophy class Sadie or the Vaal Rhebok. They are both beauties. That Impala must have been brother to the one Eileen and I brought home. Great hunt and thanks for taking the time to post. Also thanks for leaving that 30" Nyala for some of us to dream about. Having recently seen Nyala males puff up and display I can understand how it may have contributed to you missing.
Robert

Great story and pictures! Congrats!
Did you see many red duikers and sunis in Mkuze Game Reserve? How many days do you recon to have a fair chance of getting those two in this area? I know they can be difficult, but they might be the main goal of my next hunt..

Mark, Great report and nice trophies.

To all interested the Scottish portion of our trip is now written up on Hunt Reports Rest of the World.

Mark,
Congrats on some very nice trophies! I am still hunting for my Vaal Rhebok, too... they can be extremely difficult to hunt in their mountain terrain!