26 October 2012, 21:59
larrys01Kalahari Hunting Safaris, Namibia Dave H
I'm posting this for my friend and Neighbor Dave H.Namibia, Dave Hieidiman Hunt Report Sept 2012
Outfitter; Kalahari Hunting Safaris, Namibia
PH’s Deon Van Wyk, Johan Kotze & Hendrik Kotze
Transportation; Travel with Guns, Steve Turner
Rifle; Winchester Model 70, 300 Winchester Magnum
Ammo; Federal Power-Shok 180 gr. SP
Dates; 06 Sept to 20 Sept 2012
My Flight was from Detroit to Windhoek via Frankfurt. All went well arriving in
Windhoek @ 6:30 AM. I was met at the airport by Hendrik from Kalahari
Hunting Safaris. We proceeded from the airport to the southern Namibia to
Begin my hunt. Arriving in camp later that afternoon, I was shown to my quarters to get unpacked and settled in. We then went out and checked the zero on my rifle.
As there was a few hours of daylight left we went out to see part of the hunting area. The vastness of the Kalahari is breathtaking. You would
Have to see it to understand it. Then back to camp for a sundowner and my first African Meal. It was delicious as were all the ones yet to come. All meals are prepared over wood coals and some of the finest dinning I have ever had.
Day 1. 06 Sept.
Mid morning a Red Hartebeest presented itself, and the Model 70 came up and he dropped to the shot.
Thinking then that this was a good day’s work, I was surprised a couple hours later when I took my first Gemsbok.
And even more so later when my first Springbok dropped to the shot.
Day 2. 07 Sept
Breakfast and a beautiful African sunrise and off for another day of hunting in the Kalahari.
Today the Model 70 accounted for two more Gemsbok and two more Springbok.
We observed many more animals, but no shots were presented except for the four animals we got.
Back to camp.
and another great evening.
Day 3. 08 Sept
A repeat of Day 2 with two more Gemsbok and two more Springbok being in the bag.
Day 4. 09 Sept
I suggested we have an easy day, so I was taken around the Farm to see the various operations that take place. Kalahari Hunting Safaris has access to over 65000 acres and about every species of Plains Game in Namibia. I was amazed at the size of the operation. This area is all Low Fence which allows the Game Animals to roam freely, while keeping the livestock in. Another great day.
Day 5. 10 Sept
Moved the hunt to a different area, where the terrain changed from flat dessert to Rocky Hills. Here I was able to take a Blesbok around mid-morning.
Next on the list was an Ostrich. We spotted a few but were unable to get in position for a shot. I had all but given up for the day, when late in the afternoon we happened to come across two Males which took off running, but one stopped to look back at about 200 yards. The Model 70 came up and he dropped to the shot.
Another Day I won’t soon forget.
Day 6. 11 Sept
Back on the Kalahari again. This was quite a windy day which made for some difficult shots. After several misses I was able to harvest only one Springbok.
These are hard enough to hit on a good day. Add a 20 to 30 mph wind at 200 + yards makes it interesting to say the least. That night we went out for Spring Hares.
Shooting by Spotlight was a new experience for me. Amazed at how the Trackers can identify the animals at night just by looking at the eyes glowing in the dark. I did manage to get four.
Day 7. 12 Sept
I was treated to some Wing Shooting at Doves that morning. I admit not doing very well at this. However I did manage to get a couple. ”.More sightseeing after that. Then back to camp to rest up and enjoy the evening.
I will point out here the African Sky at night is a remarkable sight. It must be seen to believe. Also the quietness of the night is something else to be experienced.
Day 8. 13 Sept
After breakfast I bid farewell to the folks at camp and started the drive to the Khomas Hochland for the rest of my hunt. With a photo stop at the Tropic of Capricorn.
”. I watched as the terrain changed from the Dessert to rolling hills and into more Rocky Hills with mountains on the horizon. The roads are gravel, but twice as wide as the roads here and well maintained. In about six hours of traveling I think we met four other vehicles.
I arrived at the new camp around 8:00 and again was shown to my comfortable quarters. I unpacked and enjoyed another excellent meal. Then off to bed and wonder what tomorrow would have in store.
Day 9. 14 Sept
Breakfast and then off to the hunt. The terrain here is very hilly and although very scenic it did make for some hard riding. A back on the high seat would have been a welcome addition here. Actually my only complaint. We seen several species of plains game, but were not presented with any shots. I thought this is going to hard to get anything here. However shortly after thinking that, Johan stopped and pointed out a Hartman’s Zebra standing at close to 250 yards out. I had a hard time lining up the shot, but all went well and he was down.
It took most of what daylight was left to get him loaded and then back to camp for another very pleasant evening and excellent meal.
Day 10. 15 Sept
Driving around again many animals were seen but no shots were taken until later in the afternoon a nice Warthog presented a shot at around 200 yards.
Day 11. 16 Sept
We drove around all morning observing various animals, but no shots were taken. We ended up at a large waterhole and set up to watch what might show up. I seen several Kudu Cows, several Warthogs and even a couple of Giraffe were seen. Got some nice pictures here.
Then back to camp.
Day 12. 17 Sept
The next animal on my want list was a Kudu, so off we went to find one.
We had observed several the day before, but nothing in the trophy class. I was hoping today I would find a mature Bull. Around mid morning we spotted a group that contained at least one Bull, but not a real trophy. We kept glassing them as they grazed away from us. Then a larger Bull appeared. Johan said he was a good one and to see if he would present a shot. They kept moving away and the range was approaching 350 + yards. He finally presented a shot at close to 400 yards. I had practiced this shot at home, but on level ground. Not uphill. I got in position as best I could and settled in for the shot. I held a little higher than I should have, but when the shot broke he dropped. I found out when we got there I had hit him on the spine. A bit of luck there I admit.
It took most of the afternoon to get him on the truck. Let’s call it a day I said and back to camp we went.
Day 13. 18 Sept
The last animal on my list was a Black Wildebeest, so off we go to find one. Again we spent most of the day looking. I had a couple chances to take a Blue Wildebeest, but really wanted a Black one. We seen some, but no trophy Bulls. I had all but given up when we came across another small herd that held a good Bull. We started the stalk to get in position. Here I learned that anything in Africa that grows has a Thorn, Sticker or something that will get you. The Herd was actually moving toward us, so I got in position in case a shot might be possible. They approached within range but a young Bull was in the way and a shot was not presented. Then the old Bull stopped and the young one kept moving. I had my shot and took it. He dropped to the shot.
and I had filled my want list.
Day 14. 19 Sept
Sadly it was time to start the long journey home. We loaded up the trophies and headed for Windhoek. Our 1st stop was at the tannery to drop off the trophy’s I had taken. This is quite a large operation and provides jobs for a lot of people. It is a very professional operation and I felt my trophies were in good hands.
If you have the opportunity to visit this place it will be worth your time to do so. Very impressive. Then to a guest house where I would spend the night. After getting settled in it was off to Joe’s Beer Shack. A must see place in Windhoek for a couple drinks and another excellent meal. Then back to the guest house for the night.
Final Day. 20 Sept
Some shopping at the huge craft area. Lunch and goodbyes to all and then to the Airport for the long trip home. This is where things started going wrong. The plane was two hours late taking off for some unknown reason causing me to miss my connecting flight in Frankfurt. So I was put on a flight to New York.
There I run into personnel that had no idea what to do about my Rifle which caused me to miss my flight to Detroit so I ended up in Minneapolis. By then I had had enough, and having a son that lives in ST. Paul I had him come and get me.
Conclusion; this was the adventure of a lifetime for me. I would recommend this hunt to anyone weather it is your first trip to Africa or your next one. I have two pieces of advice to share.
# 1, Practice with your Rifle, especially the longer shots.
# 2. Don’t do like I did and wait until you are 77 years old to do this.
I had stated this would be a onetime thing only. I may have to retract that statement.
Kalahari Hunting Safaris went the extra mile to make my hunt enjoyable. And I appreciate the effort as my hunt was a huge success.
Dave H
Dictated to Larrys01 for posting.
