I thought I'd share a bit about my first African hunt, done in K4 in the Selous, Nov.4 to Nov.10. I booked the hunt through Mark Young/Adam Clements.

PH: Scott Kendall. 30, Zim. trained and experienced, first year in Tanz. His family farm, part of one of the big conservancies around Hwange, was stolen in 2002 and Scott's still trying to get his life back together. He's thinking of settling in Tanz. I'll be keeping in touch with him in case I can work out another hunt with him. Excellent all around hunter.

Animals Hunted: Buffalo, wart hog, hartebeest, wildebeest, impala

On license but not hunted: Zebra (and Lord did they know they weren't on the menu, cheeky pains in the butt)

Animals Taken: Wart hog, impala, Buffalo, wildebeest

Wounded and Lost: Hartebeest (more on that later)

Animals seen: Hippo, croc, gennet, civet, honey badger, hyena, elephant, hartebeest, water buck, wart hog, reed buck, zebra, duiker, baboons, colobus monkey, vervet monkey, buffalo, impala, mongoose, eland, bush buck. We estimate that we saw ~1900 game animals (excluding primates and varmits) during our stay.

The Hunt

The trip got off to a rocky start at the airport in Calgary, though I didn't know it at the time. Checked in with a newbie, there was a bit of confusion as to who was to notifiy Heathrow about a gun coming through. Turns out no one did even though the supervisor I asked said all was good. In the end I got separated from my rifle in London and it arrived in camp half way through the hunt. The good news is that I was able to borrow Scott's Dakota in .416 Rigby, rather a better gun than my CZ 550 in .375 H&H. The bad news is that it has iron sights and that he didn't want to sell it for some reason. Including what I fired through Scott's gun, I've now shot ~60 rounds of centre fire with open sights in my life, <20 in the last 17 years. Anyway, I didn't shoot well when we sighted the rifle and my confidence and shooting didn't really recover for the entire trip.

Day -1: My dad, along as an observer sprains his ankle when he doesn't see a step by the pool at the Sea Cliff Hotel. He can't get in on a stalk with us until the last day. Still manages to have a good time and is kind of glad he couldn't do much walking in the heat.

Day 1: The hunting started with a clean miss on a Hartebeest at ~100m. Later in the morning, having worked a buffalo herd for a couple hours, we decided there were no shooters in the group, but that the wart hog who'd been hanging around would do. One shot through the heart and right lung with a 400 gr. A-Frame as he quartered towards us and I'd managed to kill the first wild wart hog I'd ever seen. We estimated he was about 9", with thick bases. At the end of the safari, when doing the paper work with the GS, he said it was the best hog he'd seen taken that year and the only old one. I can't say if he's right, but we didn't see a longer one until the last day, and he had young, thin tuskes. At dusk we got up to the best bull we saw on the trip, ~39". The cover was too sparse and the light fading too fast for us to get more than a fleating shooting chance. I declined the shot, and would have done the same had I been carrying a scoped rifle.

Day 2: The day of the Hartebeest. I didn't take a fine enough bead and slipped a bullet either between the lungs and spine or just over the spine, and through the oof shoulder blade. He dropped to the shot and then we started making dumb mistakes. He got up and got away with a friend and we ended up trailing from 11 am to 4 pm when he got too deep into another concession for us to follow having walked ~10 km in a L shaped course. Of course we didn't follow the L in straight lines. The Hartebeest was staggering at the time, and so were we, having set off without water. The walk back turned into a bit of a drama. The beer at camp tasted particularily good.

Day 3: I missed a buffalo! I was holding for a high shoulder shot to clear some intervenig brush and either didn't take a fine enough bead again, or clipped a bit of brush. I believe the latter. This was the low point of the safari for me. I almost puked thinking that I'd wounded a buff. Fortunately, we were able to catch up to this buff several times over the course of the day and confirm that he was not leaking and was happily grazing away. We couldn't arrange another shot. At dusk we got to see the future of the Selous buffalo herd. Three soft bossed bulls, 38"-41". I lined up the big one for practice, but had no intention of shooting. I hope no one else does until he is old and hard, but fear some poser will, then have his taxidermist make him a boss. I went to bed feeling pure and virtous. Things were looking up. As it turned out, this was the last time we'd get into shooting position on buff in the afternoon. The moon was getting brighter and we were no longer getting cloud at night. The buff stopped moving until dusk.

Day 4: My rifle was to arrive that afternoon, and we had decided to save the impala until then. However, a decent ram left himself in a vulnerable spot and we were able to get to ~100m. One shot with the Rigby through the heart and right lung as he quartered towards us and he was down. My rifle arrived. It was shooting 1" low, fixed that but shot poorly.

Day 5: The Big Day. Decided it was time to get a buff. in the salt and would shoot the first hard boss bull that got unlucky. Cut some tracks in the truck, decided they were what we were looking for, but from ~ midnight. Since they more or less parallelled the track, we thought we'd drive a bit before getting out and following on foot. Drove 50m and bumped the herd. Waited 10 mins for them to settle down and headed out on foot. Went 150m and saw a hard bossed bull. 50m more to get in position and I shot hime as he quartered towards us at 130m with a 300 gr TBBC out of the .375. I pulled it left and hit him in the liver. Fatal and debilitating, but hardly the shot I had in mind. He slowly turned and stood with his head down and his butt towards us. I went for the spine, missiing by 2". The Hornady solid ran the length of the buff's body parallel to the spine, just below and left of it before exiting the neck, breaking a piece off a verabrae as it did so. The bull started to collapse, caught himself and staggered 3 steps to the right, standing broadside behind some brush. At this stage Scott let off 2 shots and I sent 1 more through the bush. Only 1 of the 3 shots landed, one of Scott's .416's. I was about to shoot again when the bull fell over. One more insurance shot from 10' and it was over. Scott and I had talked about when he would shoot. I had instructed him to shoot earlier than he normally would because I had little confidence in my own shooting. As it turned out, his shots were unnecessary, but completely in line with my instructions to him that if in doubt he should shoot. Bull was small bodied and ~35". The smallest hard bossed bull we'd seen and I had passed on bigger ones. No matter, I really like him. He is my first and I think he's handsome.

Hunted back to camp, dropped off the bull and had lunch in camp for the only time. The impala fillet was excellent.

Got on to a herd of wildebeest with a good bull (~25"). Unfortunately is was like hunting in a game park, with zebra, hartebeest, impala and a single young wart hog all managing to get in the way. This is why you use a PH, I would never have even gotten close on my own with all the other animals milling about. Scott knew enough about the animals to know when to hide, when to crawl, when to run and when to let the other beasts see us so they'g bugger off without spooking the wildebeest. Because the bull managed to keep trees, termite mounds and other animals in the way, we had to get set up 3 times over the course of 2 hrs. When the shot finally presented itself, I went for the double lung shot instead of the prefered heart/lung shot. There were too many animals about too risk a bit of a deflection off a shoulder bone as the bullet passed through. The bull didn't fall to the shot, but staggered around in a slow circle. I then got off the only really good shot of the trip, slipping a bullet between 2 trees, through the right lung and heart before coming to rest at the base of the neck. The bull dropped at the shot, greatly simplify the tracking. The last shot was totally unneeded, but good policy I think. It was also the last shot of the safari. Because I didn't want a zebra, or to pay the bribe ($90 US) for the Hartebeest episode to disappear, the only thing left on the permit were the second buff and another wildebeest that was on the permit for reasons unknown. We simply never did catch up with a better buff or wildebeest.

Day 6: In AM, took off after an interesting set of tracks, a small group with big feet and no calves with them. Lost this set of tracks in what looked like a stock yard. Tracks and turds all over. Trackers figured 5 or 6 herds of buff had used the water hole that night and we took up the wrong set in the end. Broke a spring on the truck. Fixed with a block of wood cut from a tree and a bit of rope salvaged from an old leopard bait. The other wheel showed it had recieved the same treatment. After lunch, took a detour to the game post to pick up a needed piece of paper9 ammended hunting permit). Because Licky Abdullah owns the rights to K4, R1 and M1, and there were no clients in R1 or M1 at the time, we were able to hunt almost up to the game post. This was the only day we didn't get into shooting position on a buff.

Day 7: Finally caught up with another big bull, as he crossed into another consession, behind a screen of brush. No shot offerred and of course we couldn't follow. Dad finally got to come on a buffalo stalk. Lots of fun, a couple good pictures, but no big bull. Would have taken the twin of mine that was in the herd if he had thrown himself in front of the gun so dad could be in on one, but it didn't happen. At lunch I was awoken by a bull elephant feeding 37 steps to my right. Completely forgot about the camera in my pocket.

Finnishing Thoughts:

This safari was originally planned for K2, not K4 and the plan was changed just as the whole SH/PVT/ etc thing was starting to blow up, so I think its worth saying a bit about why I think my last minute change worked out well for me. When I booked this "Buffalo Special", there was to be only 1 buff on the permit. Since I understand that these hunts are really fillers between longer hunts, I understand why people would want to save their buffalo quota for the much more expensive safaris. Seems fair to me. I also realized that I was going towards the end of the season and that another bull might be available. I mentioned from the start that I was interested in a second buff if possible. About 2 weeks before the hunt Mark called me up and said he had a second buff available if I wanted to hunt in a concession across the river from the one I was booked in. The important part here, given the other fiasco, was that I was given the choice of doing the exact hunt I had contracted for, or making a relatively small change. I obviously took the 2nd buff. There were some issues with the camp and permits that I think were a result of the last minute change. Licky's people, especially his fixer Donald sorted them all out and delivered the hunt I had booked for. I think the contract, simple as it was, helped all parties involved. When something came up, we were on the same page from the start and didn't waste time debating. Between the gun and a permit date issue, I figure I lost 1 hr of hunting time in the early afternoon and my lunch time nap one day. Nothing of consquence at all.

Getting that 2nd buff on permit really helped make this a fun hunt even though I didn't use it. It took a lot of pressure off. The trophy fee for the first buff was embedded in the cost of the hunt, which creates a bit more pressure not to get skunked. Combine this with my tendancy to not want to pull the trigger and end the fun part of a hunt and there was some tension that the second tag eliminated. I was free to shoot the first hard bossed bull that came along and spend the rest of the time having fun trying to better it. Of course that wasn't how it worked out. We passed on better bulls than the one I got, and never did get a clear shot a big bull. Well, that's why its called hunting and not shooping. I had a great time.

Mark had told me before booking that at the start of Nov. K2/K4 would be overrun with game. That was certainly true. It really did look like a game park in there at times. The short rains had failed and there were only a few water holes available, maybe that added to the concentration of game.

There are way too many hippos in the area. The ground for 1-2 kms on either side of the river is stripped bare. There are rumours of a government hippo cull. I'd hope they'd put a hippo on every license first with an extra one or two for bait on a 21 day license.

In Tanzania, the rule of law seems to be a quaint foreign notion that provides opportunities to make money, and opportunities for others to take your money. Scott was very impressed with Tanz coming from Zim. This made me depressed. If that's the best an African country can do, the continent will always be a hole. If there is a place you want to see and can, do it now because who knows how long it will last. On the other hand, other areas will surely open up if you can wait long enough.

Lots of lions calling, but didn't see one. Might have a tough time getting a mature one judging by what the trackers said about the tracks we saw. Big but young.

Didn't see a sable in K4. Trackers say you won't, better to try in R1

Saw lots of elephant, but only saw one shootable bull elephant in K4 (not that we were looking). Trackers say M1 a better choice.

Finally

I chose the Selous for my first safari because I wanted to get a buff, see some animals and get a slice of old time Africa. I got all that and more.

Dean

Dean,

I was very glad your guns late arrival did not tarnish the outcome of your safari. I also acknowledge you for not letting the hartebeest incident get swept under the carpet. I personally hate that stuff but it goes on all the time and hunters less scrupulous than yourself foster this behavior.

Mark

Great report maki, and congrats on a great adventure! Nice to see another Canuck enjoying Africa too.

Cheers,
Canuck

Very interesting, Maki ! We need some photos !!! (If you're ever in Lethbridge, drop by and I'll feed you a steak from some unlucky wild beast and we can talk Africa !!!

Sounds like you and your dad had a good time and that you had a great safari notwithstanding some bad luck . . .

Congratulations. Now let's see some photos!

The Selous is a very special place and it sounds as if you had a fantasic first hunt there. Congrats and I also look forward to your pictures.

Hey! Great report. Great rip! Congrats.

JPK

Thanks for sharing a great report. You surely had a great great hunt, some good days , some bad days, but that is what makes hunting great.
Post some photos please.

Even the bad days were fun and surely better than being back in the office! My father was the photographer and brought his digital camera. I'll post some pics when I get them.

Dean

I enjoyed reading your report and look forward to some pictures when you post them.

Must have been fun to go with your father.

most first time trips to africa are to be cherrished, cograts on a honest post . Hope to see some pics.

Dean

Thanks for your hunt report. Interesting and a good read.

I fully understand what you said about loosing confidence in one's shooting ability. This year on my Top End pig hunt for about a day I had no end of ffff ups. Missed a couple of easy pigs, let a couple get away because I left the safety on (I am not used to shooting from vehicles). Was sure the rifle must be out. Test shot it and no it was dead on. Then all of a sudden things started working again.

I agree with you, having a second buffalo on licence is great. Shoot one early on which is respectable and then hope for a big one. No pressure then, just fun!

Scott Kendal has great eyes, and like you said, he is a great stalker.

He is also a good shot in his own right.

Finally got the digital photos and the time to try posting some. Here goes.

The first wild wart hog I'd ever seen and about the best one we saw.



Dad and I with an impala, wish I had more on license. The cook was brilliant with this one.




Scott and I with a handsome little buffalo. Saw (and missed!) bigger, but I like him just the same.



Scott and I with the wildebeest he got me on to 3 times over the course of 2 hours stalking through a bloody game park. All manner of beasts, trees and termite mounds got in the way before a clear shot presented itself.



Got into shooting position on buff every day except one. Here we are pushing a herd after we were pretty sure there were no mature bulls in it. Wanted a picture or two and to be sure we really had seen everything in the herd.



Wish I was back there now, rains be damned.

Dean

quote:

Originally posted by scruffy:
Very interesting, Maki ! We need some photos !!! (If you're ever in Lethbridge, drop by and I'll feed you a steak from some unlucky wild beast and we can talk Africa !!!

I'll be sure to take you up on that. Perhaps we can plot a prank for me to play on Christie next June. My wife and I generally make it down to Lethbridge to see at least one hockey game a year. We were actually near there last week, hunting mule deer in WMU 128. We made some meat. The highlite was my wife getting her first game animal (a doe) since buying herself a rifle and deciding she wanted a deer last January.

All the best,
Dean

Excellent Report , Nice Pictures.

Well Done Maki

r.
seloushunter

Maki,

Great report and Pics. Thanks for sharing.
Your Nyasa was beautiful; they have to be the most handsome wildebeest! I am sure it was special going with your dad! Hugh

quote:

Originally posted by Hugh W:
Maki,

Great report and Pics. Thanks for sharing.
Your Nyasa was beautiful; they have to be the most handsome wildebeest! I am sure it was special going with your dad! Hugh

The wildebeest sure was beautiful, too beautiful to just take the skull. My wife is alergic to feathers and fur so the only trophies I was planning on bringing back were the skulls. Couldn't stand the idea of the wildebeest hide getting turned into scrap leather, so its coming home too. I'll find some one to give it to.

Dean

Maki,
Nice report. Nice animals. Kudude

Maki,

Nice trophes and nice report.


hamdeni

Excellent. Nice warthog.