SUMMARY

Outfitter:Hunting Adventures
Contact: Jim Hackiewicz
Web Site: Hunting Adventures

PH: Arnold Lottering

Dates: June 6 – 15, 2008

Locations: Limpopo Province near the town of Swartwater in north central South Africa near the Botswana border about 90 miles from Ellisras. A two day side trip to a second concession was made to the Waterberg Mountains highveld near Vaalwater.

Animals Taken: kudu, impala, warthog, gemsbok, Burchell’s zebra, and waterbuck,

Other Game Seen: eland, red hartebeest, ostrich, reedbuck, giraffe, steenbok, duiker, black backed jackal.

Travel: South African Airlines (Dulles - Johannesburg)
Booked via Kathi Klimes at Wild Travel, (708) 425-3552

Rifles: Whitworth .375H&H and Husqvarna .30-06.

Optics: Leupold VXIII 2.5x 8x36 scopes, Zeiss Conquest 8X30 binoculars

Ammo: 375 H&H - 74 gr RL15, Win WLR primers, 270 gr Barnes TSX
.30-06 - 55 gr H4350, CCI 200 primers, 165 gr Barnes TSX

Malaria Prophylaxis: Even though this is a low risk malaria area, my physician, who had spent six months in Limpopo, insisted on prophylaxis and prescribed Larium (Mefloquine.) No problems or side effects experienced.

BACKGROUND

Three years ago while hunting in Idaho I met an outfitter who had made two trips to Africa and was intrigued by his stories and trophies. The following year as I was looking for a 35 Whelen, a local gun shop employee described his latest hunting trip to Africa. In this conversation, one thought firmly planted in my mind was that the cost of a plains game safari is less than an outfitted elk hunt in Colorado.

To verify this, (and it can be true if air fare and trophy preparation and shipping are not included) I began to look at outfitter web sites to see exactly what such a “safari†would be and what costs, equipment, and arrangements were required. The more I looked, the more interested I became. I read books and articles on African hunting and joined the Accurate Reloading, 24 Hour Campfire, and Nitro Express forums. In short, I was hooked!

Over the next 18 months I recruited my youngest brother to come along, read more than two dozen books on Africa, firearms, animals, etc., and collected files and reference materials from the internet and hunting forums. I collected data on outfitters, animals available, and costs and developed a comparison spreadsheet. This was used to select the countries and areas and develop a short list of outfitters. The AR African forums were used to research outfitter references and client experiences.

One of the first books I read was a practical how-to book for a first time safari. This was Jim Hackiewicz’s "Africa the First Time" available from Amazon.com. This little book answered a great number of a first timer’s questions on packing, what to expect, preparation, currency exchange, travel, etc. and was a great help in getting past any initial concerns about the great adventure.

I narrowed down my travel and trophy preferences to plains game and South Africa or Namibia, consulted the bank account, and developed a short-list of 5 outfitters, who are well known regular contributors to the major internet forums. Jim Hackiewicz (JJHack) was one of those on the short list and was the first contact I made. My discussions with Jim, his responsiveness, willingness to share information, the practical approach and suggestions included in his book, and his location in the US for future contact convinced me that his operation would be a great choice.

I contacted my brother to finalize dates and arrangements and found that he had to cancel out of the trip. So … in mid November I booked an early June 2008 hunt with Jim in his new location, near Swartwater in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The hunt would be conducted in the first year of this new operation and location.

The hunting area is a 100 year old South African farm consisting of about 10 square miles of land. A good portion of the area is not easily accessible by road and the brush is very thick. According to Jim, animals on the farm had not been hunted, except for occasional meat hunts, for almost 80 years so trophies were abundant and of high quality. Additionally, I was scheduled for the middle of the kudu rut and the first quarter of the moon. As far as I could tell, the hunt conditions were as close to perfect as possible.

The next step was travel arrangements. This proved to be more difficult than expected as seat availability was limited even though this was seven months before the desired travel date. Kathi Kilmes of Wild travel was very helpful and made all arrangements and later changes (resulting in better rates) that were required. In addition, she was great to talk with and her suggestions based on personal experience were all helpful.

Over the next six months, I collected all required (and some not required) gear, read everything I could find on hunting in Africa, and haunted the forums absorbing information and making plans. This included a couple of trips to the doctor for inoculations, medications, and an extracted promise to return for a complete physical with pictures upon my return. I also managed to have trigger jobs done on the two rifles that would be used, developed new loads using the recommended TSX bullets, and make numerous trips to the range. Practice included shooting from the bench, sticks, and field positions. In total, between 150 and 200 rounds from each rifle were fired as well as an equal number from other rifles including a 458 Win Mag … to be used for a future buff hunt.

THE TRIP OVER

I think that I have less anxiety than most about international travel since I spent almost 12 years flying all over the world while in the military. However, this travel had not included Africa and did not involve importing firearms and ammunition. Additionally, I had some concern, based mostly on a lack of knowledge, about dealing with bureaucrats in third world countries.

These concerns proved to be non existent in reality since Jim’s support services included permit processing, greeting and guidance at the airport, and transportation to the hunting location. In short, all I had to do was fill out the forms in March and enjoy the ride in June. There was no hassle, stress, or concern on arrival or departure. Those concerned about international travel and third world country bureaucrats can be reassured in that with the process managed by Hunting Adventures there was no problem at all on arrival in South Africa. In fact, the wait, hassle, and security in the U.S. were bigger headaches than anything I experienced in Johannesburg.

I departed from Dulles airport outside of Washington, DC on June 5. The lines and security screening was lengthy – worse than any I have seen in the past three to four years. The time from arrival to the gate was almost an hour and a half.

The flight over on South African Airways was non eventful. The staff was pleasant, food was good, and I was able to sleep thanks to a dose of Ambien taken just after dinner. I also took and used a Therm-a-Rest inflatable pad for the seat as it was, as described on the forums, very hard and uncomfortable without additional cushioning.

On arrival, I was greeted by an escort and led to the baggage claim area and through immigration. As I was being escorted to the South African Police Service (SAPS) firearms desk, I was met by Jamien (pronounced Yahmeen) Lezaar, the driver, hostess, and Jim’s right-hand person who was to drive me and others to the camp. We made arrangements to meet at the SAPS desk in a few minutes and she went to corral two other hunters and an observer and photographer scheduled for the trip.

Processing through the SAPS process took less than 10 minutes. All required paperwork had been processed and approved months previously and completed permits were available as soon as I identified myself and showed my passport. I was required to open the gun case so the clerk could compare the serial numbers on the rifles to the permit. Once checked, I was given the completed permit with instructions to keep it with the guns and have it available when departing. She then wished me a nice stay in South Africa and I was free to go.

Within ten minutes the four of us were loaded into a new 12 passenger van and on the road in rush hour on the way to Limpopo. The trip to the Jakaalsfontein Farm where we would be hunting was a four hour drive north from Johannesburg. On the way, we stopped at a “bottle store†for those requiring any special adult beverages in addition to those provided in camp. Later we stopped at a local pub, the Shawmu, in Ellisras for dinner. The menu was varied and provided an opportunity for a “build your own†basket so we were able to try a variety of the local sausages and specialties.

We arrived at the farm about 10:00 PM, were introduced to the staff and PHs, and moved into the recently remodeled farm house. I was assigned Arnold Lottering as PH. Arnold is a local hunter from Ellisras and was the most experienced of the PHs. In addition, he is a very nice person, extremely knowledgeable of local flora and fauna, and can spot and track game like no one I have ever seen.

After introductions, and discussion of plans and schedules for the first day’s hunt, we retired to the campfire for a late sundowner (stiff drink) and afterwards off to bed about 11:30 PM.

THE CAMP

As mentioned, the camp is based on a 100 year old brick farm house. It has been remodeled to make a most comfortable hunting lodge and work continues to improve the facilities. The main house consists of an entry area and five large bedrooms, most with private, ensuite facilities with safe running water, flush toilets, and hot showers.


Lodge and Patio

Across from the lodge is a converted tractor barn that has been refinished in wood and brick into a large pleasant dining area with attached kitchen. Off to the side is an open bar area covered by a thatched roof, a large patio and campfire ring, and a traditional braai (barbeque) for outdoor cooking. There is also a nice tiled pool off the patio; however, with nighttime temperatures in the upper 30s and lower 40s it got no use!


Dining Room


Fire Pit and Bar

Daily maid and laundry service were provided. With the exception of occasional water pressure caused cold water shock in the shower (being reengineered for correction while we were there) there were no problems of any kind experienced during the stay. For a first year, newly opened facility, the quarters, service, and stay were above expectations.

The facilities were very comfortable, the people were especially nice, and the food was very good! Jamein’s mother, Anita, served as cook. She received rave reviews from all for the wonderful meals prepared from game, fresh vegetables, and herbs from her garden.

THE HUNT

The daily routine consisted of reveille at 6:00 AM, breakfast of hot or cold cereals, toast, fruit, etc, tea and coffee at 6:30 and off to hunt at 7:00 each morning. The morning hunt usually ended around noon when all returned to camp for a hot lunch and discussion of the morning and plans for the afternoon. After a few minutes to check gear or perform other chores, we departed between 1:30 and 2:00 PM to hunt until dark at a little after 6:00 PM. Dinner, another large hot meal, usually game, local specialties, or a braai, was late at 8:00 PM or so allowing hunters time to load game, deliver it to the skinning facility, and clean up before dinner.

After dinner, time was available to socialize, write up notes, and prepare for the next day. As the party broke up, the generator was turned off and we were usually in bed by 10:30 PM. The evenings were often the highlight of the day with new experiences, learning the Afrikaans language, listening to hunters’ tales, sharing photos, and making new friends.

Day 1: Saturday
The day started early and we left as soon as all had breakfast to check the sights on rifles. Neither of the points of impact of my rifles had changed and we were soon on the road to the first hunting area. This was a large tract covered by fairly thick brush and knee high grass. We initially drove the area until animals were sighted then dismounted and tried to identify and stalk a good animal. We saw several impala herds but were unable to either find a good ram or get close enough for a shot in the thick brush and wait-a-bit thorns.


Farm Hunting Area

After and hour or so we set off on foot to explore the area. After hiking through the area for three hours we were unable to find a good shot. So, the PH and I moved to an open area on one side of the thick brush and the driver walked through the center of the brush to flush any animals. We were able to hear a herd of blue wildebeest moving away but were unable to see or find them.


Thick Brush

After lunch, we drove to another section of the farm. This was a much more open area containing a fair sized water pan surrounded by mixed brush and knee high grasslands. We were able to spot more game here seeing warthog, duiker, and several kudu cows. In the late afternoon about 5:15 PM, we spotted a small herd of impala and Arnold whispered “that’s a good ram.†I carefully and quietly set up for the shot.


Warthogs at Pan

As I moved the rifle to set up for the shot, the herd spooked a bit and started back into the brush. I lost the ram for a second in the movement then spotted him alone a few yards from the ewes. I quickly got him in the crosshairs and squeezed the trigger on the Whitworth 375 H&H for the 50 yard shot. I was taken by surprise when the round fired and knew it was a good shot. The ram turned and ran about 20 yards before sliding to a stop in short grass. My first African trophy was down and soon to be “in the salt!â€


Impala Ram

When we reached the downed ram, we found that the shot had been in an almost the perfect left shoulder “high heart-lung†position and there was very little cape damage despite the large caliber. I guess all of us are lucky sometime.

After pictures we only had a few minutes to retrieve the bakkie (truck) and load the ram before dark. We drove to the skinning shed, unloaded the ram with instructions for capeing, and returned to the lodge to see what success others had had and dinner. On the drive back we saw a couple of kudu bulls not yet shooters, a nice steenbok, and a black backed jackal.

Day 2: Sunday
All were up early and out in the field by 7:15 AM. We stayed out all morning and saw only a few warthogs, mostly sows and piglets, and one herd of about 40 impala. Nothing seen was worth a serious look. The PH was puzzled about the few animals seen.

After lunch, we went to another section of the farm. As in the morning, nothing seemed to be moving. At about 5:00 PM we saw a huge eland bull too far away for a stalk. A few minutes later we found three gemsbok and started a stalk. In just a few minutes they took off and we were skunked. We called it quits for the day and returned to the lodge.

Day 3: Monday
I woke up a full hour too early due to trouble adjusting to the time difference. There had been a big change in the weather overnight. It was now cloudy, cold, and very windy. The incoming front may have been a big contributor to the lack of animal movement the day before.

If anything, we saw even fewer animals during the morning than we had seen the prior day. About 9:30 we saw one young kudu bull too small to consider. He was browsing in the open and we had a good view of him for several minutes. I was surprised at how long legged he was and how frail he seemed to be for such a large animal.

We drove around half of the farm and at 10:00 AM we found a herd of 8 to 10 blesbok. These were interesting to view but were not on my menu so we continued to search for animals until noon when we returned to the camp. Throughout the morning, the wind remained high and gusty estimated at 20 – 25 mph. My thoughts were that, just like whitetail deer, the animals were bedded down since all their senses were being compromised by the wind, noise, and brush movement.

After lunch we drove to a neighboring farm to hunt a new area. Again we saw nothing. At this point, I was becoming a little concerned. We were not quite half way through the hunt and so far I only had one nice impala.

At about 4:30, the wind died down and things began to look up. The first animal seen was a good steenbok; however, I was holding out for larger game and passed up the opportunity. It was a good decision as just a few minutes later the brush came alive.

The next animal passed up was a good duiker. Then we saw kudu cows and calves, waterbuck, and a shooter kudu bull. Arnold, the PH, was excited when it was spotted and said he was 55 inches or better. The big bull was accompanied by a cow and younger bull and I was not able to get a shot since one or the other was always between us and the big bull. The group moved off into the thick brush and was gone … If it wasn’t for bad luck, I would have had no luck at all!

About 20 minutes later we spotted a lone gemsbok bull out in the open standing facing us. He was too far away for a shot and did not seem interested in moving closer. Since we could not stalk him without revealing our presence, we stayed hidden in the bush and waited until we had to call off the hunt at dark. The gemsbok never moved a step and the day’s hunt was over.

The PH was starting to feel badly that I was having such a difficult time. Of course I was disappointed but we had seen new animals and new country and, hopefully, the weather would improve the next morning and our luck would change.

Day 4: Tuesday
We returned to the area we had hunted the night before. The weather was still cold but not as overcast and the wind had died down. We saw a large herd of impala including rams roaring and fighting over ewes. One ram was a shooter and I considered taking him; however, once again I was looking for bigger game and did not want to blow the chance at a more highly desired trophy.

At mid morning, we loaded up in the bakkie and drove the farm roads looking for animals. In a few minutes, the tracker spotted a herd of gemsbok. We dismounted and began a stalk. After we had moved about 150 yards, the PH set the sticks. The animals moved to our left. We moved left behind some brush and a little closer. Arnold reset the sticks and I set up for a shot.

At this point I said “I don’t know what I am looking at.†With several animals and tall grass I couldn’t tell which end of the animal I was seeing. Heads or tails?

Then the gemsbok moved and I saw the same picture I had seen the night before – a gemsbok standing with its black and white face looking at us about 150 yards away presenting a head on shot to be taken low in the chest. I lowered the crosshairs until I saw daylight then moved it back up a little more than a quarter of the body and squeezed off a shot. A much larger number of animals than I had initially seen took off in all directions at the shot.

Arnold asked if I had shot him in the shoulder. I said “no, I shot him low in the chest.†We hurried forward and could not find a drop of blood. After a long two hour search, we found marks in the brush where the bullet had grazed one branch and broken a second.

It was then immediately clear that the bull had not been facing us. He was standing broadside to us with his head and neck turned hard to his left. So … I had shot right in front of his brisket and missed him completely! As badly as I felt with the miss, at least I was not guilty of wounding and losing an animal. What a downer – I was really bummed!

After a late lunch, we drove back to where we had seen the big kudu bull about 3:00 PM. During the late afternoon, we spotted a large number of animals including waterbuck, impala, small warthog, and eland. Minutes before dark we spotted a huge old blue eland bull in the thick brush 300 yards away. It was too far away and too dark for a shot or a stalk. So … once more, the bad luck continues.

Day 5: Wednesday
This morning, the other hunters had driven to another concession to hunt a new area. Arnold and I had the whole 10 square mile farm to ourselves. We began the day driving farm roads looking for tracks and animals. After an hour or so we spotted a herd of eland and began a long stalk. After a half hour we lost the animals in the thick brush.

The day was even colder than the preceding two mornings but thankfully there was little wind. We decided to go back to the open area where I had taken the impala ram the first afternoon. Hopefully, the day would warm up and the animals would be on the move. It did warm up nicely and about 11:00 AM a pair of impala came out of the brush into the open. Both were shooters and one was very good and better than the ram I had taken the first day.

I slowly mounted the rifle and positioned myself for a shot. As the ram stood about 45 yards away with his head lowered, I shot at the hump on its back at the junction of the spine and shoulders. He dropped instantly. The bullet traveled the length of the spine and exited just below the base of the tail. When we recovered the animal the entry was less that a quarter of an inch from dead center of the spine. After all … I had to prove to the PH that I could still shoot after missing that gemsbok!


Second Impala Ram

It was a very nice ram of between 22 and 23 inches. He will pair nicely with the first ram on either side of the doorway of my home office/trophy room. After taking a few pictures, we moved the ram into the shade and left him while we continued to hunt. At 11:30 AM we called the driver to bring the bakkie; however, the radio was dead and he could not be reached. The PH left to retrieve the truck and I continued to scan the area. At 12:45 a kudu bull appeared. His horn tips were still to the rear so he was young and not a shooter. I took several good pictures with a digital camera then watched. He faded into the brush and disappeared as he heard the bakkie approaching. It was amazing that such a large animal could disappear so quickly in just a little brush.


Young Kudu Bull

We loaded the ram into the bakkie, dropped it off at the skinning shed, and returned to the lodge for lunch. At 2:30 PM we loaded up again and drove to the area where we had seen the big kudu, gemsbok, and eland. We searched the area for 45 minutes or so looking for animals and tracks. Arnold spotted a herd of gemsbok so we dismounted and started a stalk. After one or two sightings, they winded us and ran off. Then, almost immediately, the tracker spotted a very good waterbuck so we turned our attention to him.

In just a few minutes we found a good opportunity for a shot and Arnold set the sticks. Just as I found the buck in the scope he whirled and disappeared into thick brush. We searched for another 20 minutes with no luck, then drove back to the open area we had hunted previously and unloaded. In just a short time, we spotted waterbuck cows and calves.

The wind was light but swirling and I held little hope that we would find anything before being winded. Luckily, within half an hour, it settled down to a soft breeze blowing into our faces. For a long while we saw nothing but the waterbuck, a duiker, and a steenbok. This was very strange since the previous afternoon we had seen more than 50 animals in the area.

At 5:40 PM a really good gemsbok walked out into a clearing. Arnold glassed him and said he was very good, probably the same bull we had seen earlier, and I should get ready for a shot. I waited until he was broadside to us at less than 80 yards, set the crosshairs on the front leg one third of the way up the body and took the shot. The bull took off at a dead run. Then, Arnold said he had heard the bull go down. I chambered another round and we went to find him.

When we reached the point of impact there was not a drop of blood, only deep hoof prints in the sandy soil. Not again! But, I told myself, this time I was sure of a good shot and a good hit.

Tracking the hoof prints in the sand, Arnold followed the bull for about 120 yards. We searched the area where he thought he had heard the animal go down and found it just before dark at the base of a small tree. The shot had been just an inch or two high and missed the top of the heart. With only a double lung shot, the gemsbok still had enough stamina to run full speed for more than 100 yards!


Gemsbok Bull

Arnold was excited and kept saying what a good animal it was. Its coloring was very bright and the horns were 35 and 35 1/2 inches – very good for a bull from this area. There were two partly healed wounds on the bull’s shoulder and flank and Arnold speculated that he was an older, defeated herd bull that had been driven away by a younger animal. That would explain why he was alone and not part of a herd. I was ecstatic with the beautiful animal since gemsbok was high on my priority list.

We called the driver on the radio to bring the bakkie then quickly cleaned up the area and took a few pictures using the flash since it was now after dark. When the truck arrived, we loaded the gemsbok, drove back to camp, and unloaded him at the skinning shed. Arnold asked for the tail for a fly whisk and I was very pleased to present it to him. Hopefully, the drought was now broken and we would have more success the next two days.

At dinner, Jim announced that the next day we would make a trip to the Waterberg Mountains about 150 miles away near Vaalwater for a hunt in the highveld. After dinner all packed for the trip and prepared to leave by 6:00 AM the next morning.

Day 6: Thursday
Reveille was at 5:00 AM. After a cup of tea and piece of toast, all pitched in to load the bakkies, pick up the drivers and skinners, and get away before 6:00 AM. On the way we made a stop in Ellisras to pick up supplies then drove on to Vaalwater. We arrived at Olifanthoek Fontein (Elephant Corner Farm) about 10:00 AM, where we were greeted by the owner and his wife, Nico and Annatjie Breet, and their two tame warthogs. We unloaded the bakkies, moved gear to the assigned chalets and prepared to hunt this much more open high country area.


Highveld

Within 15 minutes of staring the hunt we spotted the first herds of zebra and red hartebeest. Since there was much less brush, the animals were much easier to spot from a distance. Another short drive and we found more zebra, a large herd of gemsbok, giraffe, and waterbuck. This was more like it - there were animals everywhere! Plus, it was much warmer mid day than it had been on the previous three days so the animals were moving out into the open.


Gemsbok Herd

About an hour after we started, we spotted and stalked a decent waterbuck but he spooked, bolted and was lost in brush. As we were returning to the bakkie, Arnold spotted zebra moving from our left to right about 120 yards away. When they disappeared behind a brush line, we moved to our right to a spot where a break in the brush would allow a shot. He set the sticks and I prepared for a shot but the zebra were moving past the break too rapidly to single out an animal. Towards the end of the herd, a large zebra stopped in the opening and I took a shot aiming for the triangle of stripes on its right shoulder. Just as I fired, the zebra started to move again so the point of impact was about 18 inches behind the point of aim.

At the shot, the zebra went down. I chambered another round, made sure the safety was on and the muzzle was pointed in a safe direction, and we started running to the downed animal. We had gone about half the distance when it got up and tried to run after the herd. It only made about 35 yards before it went down for good. It was a very big, very nice, herd stallion with the coat in top condition and a great mane. Only one small scar and a torn lip were noted. It will make a beautiful rug.


Zebra Stallion

We were able to drive the bakkie up next to the zebra. After pictures, Arnold bolted an electric winch onto the outside seating frame and hot wired it to the truck battery. In just a few minutes, the 600 pound plus animal was aboard; we were back in the hunting seats; and on the road looking for additional game.

After just a few minutes on the road, Arnold spotted a very good waterbuck almost in full view at the edge of a group of small trees and heavy brush. We stopped and got set up for a shot. Even with all the activity and movement at the truck the animal did not move! He stayed facing us with his head raised for a better view. One shot low in the chest and he was down on the spot!

Talk about excited! Two great animals in less than 30 minutes! Arnold was very excited and hurried back to the bakkie to pick up his measuring tape. The waterbuck was over 28 ½ inches on the left horn making it eligible for the Rowland Ward record book. The tip of the right horn was broken off but it was to me a magnificent trophy with great character.


Waterbuck

Again, we took pictures, loaded the waterbuck and set off once more. Within ten minutes we spotted two kudu, one a shooter with deep curls. We stopped, moved off of the road into brush shadows, and set up for a shot. I had a good sight picture, controlled my breath for the long shot, slowly squeezed the trigger ... and was more than surprised when the trigger broke.

There was only a loud click - Damn!!! I had failed to chamber a round after making the rifle safe while taking pictures of the waterbuck. All I could do was laugh, shake my head, and swear!

In any case, with two of the desired trophies in the truck and several more seen, it had been a great morning. We drove back to the camp, dropped off the animals for skinning, and cleaned up for lunch.

AT 2:30 PM we left for the afternoon hunt and drove parts of the 180,000 acre hunting area until dark. During this time we saw ten or so kudu and made one long stalk on very steep hills in an area where a 60 inch kudu had been reported but with no success. Several of the kudu sighted were scared away by the noise of the bakkie. The driver could not handle the clutch and four wheel drive shifts required in the steep terrain. At close to last light, we made a stalk on the largest warthog seen so far but could not locate it in the hills and brush.

We then returned to camp for sundowners, a very welcomed campfire since it cooled down significantly when the sun set, and a very well prepared braai including T-bone steaks and local sausages. Everyone was in high spirits from the day’s successes and good weather and the evening was one of the highlights of the trip.

It was very cold at night in the mountains and the comforter and extra blanket on the bed were both used. There would be little difficulty in staying awake the next morning since it was close to freezing during the night and rolling out of the bed the next morning with no heat in the room was a real eye opener.

Day 7: Friday
Due to a limited number of vehicles on the trip and the need for one of the hunters to drive to another farm to look for a desired trophy, Arnold and I spent the morning sharing a bakkie with another hunter and his PH. As luck would have it, one of his desired trophies, red hartebeest, was seen shortly after we started. He shot and wounded an animal and we had to wait for a follow-up shot, pictures, then loading of the bull. Shortly afterward a herd of blesbok, his second desired animal, was spotted. Again we waited for a shot, a wounded animal, follow-up, pictures, and loading of the carcass.

We drove the farm roads for another hour or so seeing kudu cows and young bulls and small warthog. Then the second PH announced that we were to go back at 10:30 for brunch. I started to object when we were interrupted by his cell phone. The farm’s trackers had located an impala ram that the other hunter had wounded the day before. We drove to their location and the hunter tried a follow-up shot, wounded the impala a second time, and his PH finally killed the animal with a knife through the spine just behind the skull. We loaded the ram and set off back to camp for lunch.

A few minutes later we spotted a good sized warthog in an open area off to our right. The driver stopped the bakkie behind a clump of brush and we positioned ourselves and prepared to take him. Arnold glassed him, determined he was not huge but good, and found a clear shooting lane through the brush. I made the shot and the .375 anchored him on the spot. One loud squeal, then quiet.

When we reached the boar, we found that he had one nice tusk but the left tusk was broken off to half the size of the right. The 270 grain TSX had made a caliber sized entry hole and a grapefruit sized exit wound on the boar’s left side and lower back. This one then will then become a skull mount and I still had time to find a big one for a shoulder mount.


Warthog

Arnold and I left immediately after lunch at 1:00 PM and searched the open areas and brush stands for kudu. After two hours we had seen few animals and no bull kudu. After discussion, we decided to drive back to the steep, rocky slopes where we had hiked and seen kudu the previous afternoon.

Within five minutes of arrival we saw kudu cows, impala, and a small kudu bull. After another 15 or 20 minutes of searching, Arnold spotted a group of three kudu bulls in a thick stand of brush and small trees. We quickly left the bakkie and moved closer to see if one was a mature bull. One of the animals left the cover and moved into an adjacent stand of small trees as we were moving forward. We continued about 35 more yards and Arnold set the sticks, asked “Can you see him?†Then he said, “He’s a good bull. Shoot him!â€

I had picked up the target right away in the scope but could not see his belly line for the brush and tall grass. Choosing a spot at less than center-of-mass on his shoulder I settled the crosshairs and fired – all in less than three seconds. The bull dropped like a rock, kicked once, and was still!

The shot was perfectly on line with the front leg but about four inches high. It had hit the spine where it drops at the neck. While not the perfect high heart-lung shot I was striving for, it was perfectly effective and I really appreciated the good luck and result. At 3:30 PM on the last day of the hunt I had my kudu!

The bull was an older animal with 46 – 47 inch horns, good mass, good curls, ivory tips and a nice beard. While not the 55 inch monster we had seen, it had all the attributes I desired plus it will fit in a room with eight foot ceilings.


Kudu Bull

We cleaned up the area, arranged the kudu, took photos and loaded the animal into the truck. By 4:30 PM we had unloaded the bull at the skinning shed and were enjoying a cold drink on the patio. By 6:00 PM all had returned, the trucks were loaded including skins, skulls, and horns, and we were on our way back to Jakaalsfontein and “home.†We stopped on the return at the Shawmu pub in Ellissras for dinner and arrived back at camp about 10:30 PM.

Day 8: Saturday
Since I had collected all of the trophies I had wished for and a record book waterbuck in addition, the morning was to be spent taking photographs and, if the opportunity presented, a better warthog. At noon, we called it quits and returned to the lodge for lunch without a hog. I never would have thought that warthog would be the most difficult animal to find.

After lunch, we relaxed, settled obligations and paid trophy fees, and began to pack up for departure. I said my farewells to Arnold as he was anxious to get back to his family in Ellisras. This was the most difficult part of the hunt for me. In my view we had gone from strangers communicating awkwardly in second languages to friends during the week’s hunt. I look forward to seeing and hunting with Arnold again.

Dinner was a special event with Jamien’s children in attendance, candles, linens, wine, and a special meal. Afterwards the socializing around the campfire was more subdued than on previous nights and I retired early to clean and organize gear and finish packing.


Last Sunset at Camp

THE RETURN HOME

I was up early before 6:00 AM but still dog tired as I did not sleep well during the night. I cleaned up and made sure all was packed away for the trip. In packing I left several items including a jacket, boots, candies, knives, and leather gloves as gifts for the staff.

After a quick breakfast, we loaded the van and drove to the skinning shed where we met with Mike Smith of Capricorn Taxidermy who would be doing the dip and pack on our trophies. As soon as we had completed the necessary paperwork and forms, we set off for Johannesburg. Not long after we left the farm, we passed the biggest warthog seen on the trip on the side of the rod standing and grinning at us. Oh well … maybe next time!

On the way back we stopped at a large curio shop in Vaalwater, picked up gifts and souvenirs, and packed these into luggage and carry on bags for the flight. We arrived at O. R. Tambo Airport at 3:00 PM and checked in for the 6:00 PM departure.

Airport check-in was a zoo with numerous unauthorized porters and helpers all vying for our attention, money, and luggage. It was almost a full time job to fend them off and keep the luggage secured. No direction signs were displayed so finding the right section and entry lanes was a bit of a problem. Clearing firearms for departure was also difficult due to a very small office stacked with gun cases and no bench or table to work on. Everyone was down on their knees trying to open and lock cases and read serial numbers.

Finally, all was completed. We were through passport control with no issues and into the main departure area which is a large duty free shopping mall. There were many shops with both luxury and high end local merchandise of all kinds offering a pleasant way to spend the next two hours and separate us from our remaining dollars.

At the gate, we had to go through a second security screening. Then at 5:30 PM we boarded the plane. The trip back required a stop in Dakar, Senegal where the plane was cleaned, re-supplied, and I believe refueled, then on to Dulles arriving at 6:30 AM the next morning. The trip seemed more difficult than the trip over and I slept little during the night.

Baggage claim, immigration, and customs at Dulles were worse than those in Johannesburg. The gun cases were delivered after all other baggage had been emptied onto the carousel. Then there was a long line and delay at immigration, and finally the gun cases required opening and inspection and a lengthy entry of data into a DHS computer system. In all it took more than an hour and a half to go through the process and get out of the airport to my car. Then I drove the almost sixty miles home in the Washington DC morning rush hour traffic. I finally arrived home at 10:00 AM or 4:00 PM South African time – a 30 hour door to door trip.

This hunt was over. Now I have the trophies to look forward to and can begin planning a return to include Cape Buffalo, eland, bushbuck, and a big warthog in 2010.

LESSONS LEARNED

Two rifles were not required. Since I never knew what animals would appear next, the .375 H&H was always used. The .30-06 fired one shot the first day at the range.

Sixty rounds of ammo is not required. I took seven animals with nine shots including one at the range. Extra ammo can be left with the PH or not be brought to save weight.

Two pair of boots or boots and good walking shoes was a good idea. An extra pair of socks is a good idea. I lost one sock in the laundry for 3 days and having only two pair was awkward.

A lightweight outer jacket and a fleece sweater are better than a heavy field jacket. This selection was perfect and I was able to leave the fleece for a staff member to use during his winter.

The broad brimmed Tilley hat was one of the most useful items taken. The brim helped seeing into the brush in bright sunlight and avoiding sunburn.

A small pocket sized digital camera was used much more than a larger, better camera that was available only after an animal was down and the bakkie called.

A small daypack was perfect for hanging on the gun rack in the bakkie and kept everything needed close at hand.

Excess gear including sheath knife, ear muffs, GPS, range finder, personal electronics, etc. were not required and there was little time to use them. The same is true for books. I took two and only read a small part of one on the plane flights.

A small electric lantern would have been useful at night after the generator was turned off. A headlamp and candles will work but not as well.

Spending time learning a little of the local language is very helpful “in breaking the ice†with the staff and fun as well.

CONCLUSION

When I booked the hunt with Jim Hackiewicz he told me that I would not be disappointed. He was absolutely correct. When I arrived in Johannesburg, Jamein told me that I would see more game in the next week than I had ever seen before. She was absolutely correct.

The entire trip was more than I expected and had hoped for. The camps and lodges were very comfortable and the food and game served was delicious. By being able to hunt several locations we saw different scenery and animals resulting in variety and continued interest. And, as enjoyable as the hunting itself, the staff and people we met were very nice, entertaining, and went out of their way to ensure that we had the most successful and enjoyable experience possible.

I wish Jim, Jamien, and all of the Hunting Adventures staff the very best in their new location and operation. I highly recommend them and my PH, Arnold, to all interested in a plains game safari with an organization dedicated to and successful in providing a top-notch African safari experience.

Very nice report, love that waterbuck!

Great report, thank you for sharing it.

Great report. Well outlined, chronological and interesting. Spelling was refreshing.

Good job and congratulations on your hunt.

Trophyman

Glad you had a good hunt. Great trophies.Congratulations!!!!

Great report! I love that waterbuck, he's a beauty.

Beautiful animals and a thorough report. Congrats.

Edwins report is typically classy and is no surprise to me how well done it is. Here are some more photo's from this hunt period from another hunter. Also a few general interest photo's.




My New Cruiser with the self loading design!

Another view with cable running over the top of the cab






My right hand "Man" at camp, Jamien

Taken with my trail cam, I had 360 photo's this year with the trail cam but this was the most unusual. The reflection of this moth is spooky!

Another great season using some new properties, and some old faithfulls. If you're thinking about hunting Africa set something up with me soon, the airfare is not getting cheaper, and the best spots are getting booked now. I will only take 12 people to hunt Matossie in 2009, the rest will be at my other locations. Just as nice but not the camp pictured above.

quote:

Then I drove the almost sixty miles home in the Washington DC morning rush hour traffic.

I bet that took about two hours.

That's a terrific report.........and a great waterbuck as a few blokes have said.

excellent report

quote:

...and prescribed Larium (Mefloquine.) No problems or side effects experienced.

Actually this was just a Larium induced halucination....

....you have not left yet!

Great hunt report and congrats on a great hunt!

Bob

quote:

Originally posted by Bob in TX:

quote:

...and prescribed Larium (Mefloquine.) No problems or side effects experienced.

Actually this was just a Larium induced halucination....

....you have not left yet!

Great hunt report and congrats on a great hunt!

Bob

WONDERFUL! I get to do it all over again.

Thanks Bob and all for the positive comments. I'm glad you have enjoyed the report. I will be going back. My wife is already resigned to that fact. She just said "earn the money first and update your will."

On second thought ... how should I interpret that last bit about the will?

Fantastic story/write up..You must be a author(if not,should consider it!)..Glad you had a Great Hunt!

Great Report and Photos.

Good report, congrats on some fine trophies.
LDK

Great report!

I like the recap notes/thoughts at the end. It is always interesting to see what others think after they have been. I learn more each time I go!

TJB