Some of you may remember the debacle of my Namibia hunt in 2008. http://forums.accuratereloadin...=731107049#731107049

I decided to try once more and on a whim, booked with Dave and Nikki in early April this year.

June 4-12, 2013
Outfitter: Leopard's Valley Safari's, Dave and Nikki Davenport
PH: Craig Done
Rifle: Pre-64 Model 70, 300 H&H, with 180 gr. Nosler handloads and Bausch and Lomb 1.75-6X

Craig picked me up in Port Elizabeth and we made the 2.5 hour drive to Leopard's Valley, picking up Derek, the one-eyed tracker, along the way.

Got into camp and settled, then went out and sighted the rifle in. No issues. After a great dinner, I got a good night's sleep and we were up the next morning. Headed out to the lower plains where 36 year old Craig took me (53) on a forced march across a rocky plain and through dry riverbeds. Then, in the afternoon, we drove into the mountains and climbed goat paths, then Kudu paths, then no paths, to places that would give a billy goat Vertigo!!

I found out later that this is part of their assessment of the client, to see their level of fitness and how to tailor the hunt to them. It seems I passed, as the action continued all week. First day we had sighted some Kudu in the mountains, but no shootable bulls. On the way back down, we surprised a troop of baboons and I managed to get rifle out and shoot a slowly trotting mature male off the sticks at 271 yards. Made for a great end to my first day. My son specifically requested a baboon skull from this trip, so that job was done. Actually had two more chances at baboon during the week, but didn't connect on them.

Next day, we were back down on the plains hunting Blesbok. A hard, hard day due to the swirling winds and we spent a lot of time stalking a particular nice bull. The rocks are about the size of your fist and litter the ground, making walking difficult and walking fast almost impossible.

Finally, at the end of the day, we got a good position, with the wind toward us and the sun at our backs. Dropped the buck with one shot at 240 yards.

Next day, we headed to a neighboring property to hunt impala. This was another all day hunt in that we were hunting a deep valley with heavy vegetation, making it necessary for us to climb the hills and glass for them. If we saw a likely critter, we tried to make the stalk but they were in the rut and constantly on the move. Finally, near the end of the day, far across the valley, we saw a couple of rams chasing a ewe, and she actually brought them about 600 yards through the bush for a shot at 230 yards. For safety I had been going on an empty chamber, but was sure that I'd loaded the rifle for the shot - "CLICK!!". Luckily, he stood broadside long enough for me to chamber a round and make the shot. Fury, the hunting dachshund, tracked the 40 yards to the kill. Yes, they use dachshunds as tracking dogs here, and they are comical, but extremely brave little animals. He was also very protective of "his" kill. Didn't give me a problem but was extremely upset when any of the staff came near. lol

There are no good warthog on the property, so Dave arranged for me to go to a neighboring property to hunt them. This property has dangerous game and is required to have 8' fences - the only high fence area I hunted.

We were stalking along with the game scout from the property and came around a bend in the river. Suddenly, the game scout started backing up - fast!!! Here's the reason why:



We were about 30 yards away when we first saw him. We backed up 10 and got some great pics. He's a grumpy old male on the property and while he was in this attitude, we were OK. But when he turned to face us head on, we knew it was time to beat a quiet and hasty retreat and a wide detour!

We walked another couple miles of riverbed and saw a lot warthog, until finally we saw a shootable hog. He was about 200 yards away and, admittedly, I rushed the shot and the followup. Both clean misses, as declared by the game scout.

Craig said I just had to let it go. Not 10 minutes later, we looked across the river and saw a better hog! I got on the sticks and shot him DRT at 130 yards. As he shook my hand, Craig said "That one wasn't your warthog. This was your warthog!!"



After taking the hog back to the skinning shed, Craig and I went for a drive to see some petrified dinosaur footprints and on the way back, spotted an elephant back. We tracked the spoor and suddenly came up on a herd of about 8, with young. We were 40 yards away, on foot and unarmed. Pucker factor = 9.9!! Luckily, we had the wind in our favor, and we got some great pics before quietly leaving.



At the fire that night, as we related the day's adventure, Dave said "None of the trees in Africa have thorns going up them, but they all have them climbing back down!"

So, by my fourth day, I had 4 animals in the salt. Now, the tough one, Kudu.

it rained overnight so we took the morning off to go to Graaf-Reinet to drop some kids clothes I'd brought to an orphanage there. It's really a foster home for kids with "difficult" families. Mostly alcohol abuse. Most of the kids have Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. They're supposed to stay there 3 months or so until the situation improves at home. One 13 year old girl I talked to said she had been there 6 years, and it was better than home.

That afternoon, we hunted the plains for Kudu but had no luck. Craig said that he really didn't like hunting the plains for them, and at the fire that night, Dave asked me if I was up to doing the mountain hunt. Next morning, we headed for the mountains, and Craig took me waaaay up. We finally spotted a great Kudu bull about 800 yards and 2 valleys away. The only way to get him would be to stalk quietly around the valley to get to the next ridge and hope we were close enough for a shot. As he led the way, the going got steeper and steeper until finally I told Craig it was just getting too hairy for me. So we climbed down to the valley (I hate going down the mountain worse than going up!) and made it to the next ridge. We were about 340 yards from the bull and he was on about a 60 deg. angle, so given that my rifle is sighted for 300 yards, we decided I should aim for center chest. The shot felt good - the best I'd made all week, and we heard the solid "thunk" of the bullet. The bull came barreling down the mountain, favoring his leg, and I missed another running shot, before he was into the heavy scrub.

We sat down to have some lunch and let him stiffen up, before crossing the valley and Craig went up to the place he was shot. He suggested I wait at the bottom as there was no sense us both going all the way up. Craig tracked the spoor and blood trail down the mountain to me. There was good blood, but not great blood.

We continued to track the bull with Derek, and Craig put Fury on the track to see if he could bay the bull. The bull broke out about 200 yards from us and went hell-bent-for-leather across the valley and around a ridge. We continued to track him the rest of the day and finally marked the spot at dark.

Next day, we were out at dawn and tracked the bull again. We'd hoped the cold night had caused him to really stiffen up. We were wrong, and he busted out again about 400 yards away and into the thick brush. We spent the rest of the day tracking and even used several trackers to try a beat to an ambush Craig and I set up. No joy. We ended up tracking him over 6000 yards and we never "lost" him, we just couldn't pin him down. We were still finding good spoor and blood trail but he just wasn't hit hard enough.

I wasn't happy, as I was leaving the next day, but Craig gave me props for sticking with a long and difficult track. It was my mess, and I wanted to clean it up. They may possibly find the dead Kudu, in which case I'll still get my horns. Craig, Fury and Derek did yeoman's work in trying to reel in the Kudu. It was incredible the distance they tracked it by spoor and occasional blood trail

I think I know what went wrong. I'd been having trouble with my sling-swivels loosening, so I cranked the one in the fore-end right down. While resting at one point, I noticed that the swivel screw went all the way through the fore-end and was putting upward pressure on the barrel. I think it was just enough to raise the shot so that he got hit in the hump, instead of the vitals.

A shitty lesson and one I won't make again. But all in all, this was an amazing hunt. It was everything I'd ever hoped for in an African hunt, and has virtually erased the bad memories of my hunt in Namibia 5 years ago.

In the end, I was dog-tired and bone-sore. I had banged up knees and arms, and I was scratched all to hell by the thorns. I probably walked 50 of the toughest miles I've ever done in my life. And, except for losing the Kudu, I enjoyed every minute of it. I've never had such a good time in my life!!!

Craig is an awesome PH, he gave me a difficult hunt that tested me to the limits.

Dave and Nikki are fabulous hosts and I'd recommend them to anyone. The food, the company and the accommodations were all top-notch!!! There are high fences bordering the property in three part (none on Dave's property) but they were in a very wide "V" and virtually invisible (one running along the top of the mountain - if you can get up there to see it, go ahead and complain about high fence ) This is truly an open-range hunt.

I told Dave I'd be proud if he listed me as a reference. The hunt was worth every bit of time, money and effort!!

http://www.leopardsvalley.co.za/

To round out the trip, I had a 10 hour layover in Frankfurt on the way there, so I took the train from the airport and wandered around downtown. Had a fabulous steak (Argentine beef) and a couple of good German beer. Lotsa pretty wimmen.

At the end of the hunt, Craig drove me back to Port Elizabeth where I had a nice hotel on the beach. Went down and had a quick dip in the cold Indian Ocean, just to say I did. That night, Craig and his very pretty girlfriend Jennifer picked me up and we hit a sushi bar, then a cigar bar and drank scotch, smoked cigars and watched the waves roll in.

Next morning, I flew to Joberg, landed at 10 am and was picked up by Laurence from Bushveld Safaris http://www.bushsafaris.co.za/ who gave me a private tour of Joberg and surrounding area. We visited monuments to the Dutch settlers and to the anti-Apartheid movement, including Nelson Mandela's house in Soweto. The country has a diverse and interesting history.

Unfortunately, I got food poisoning at an airport restaurant (Muggs and Bean) and spent my whole way home weak with nausea and diarrhea. I've vowed never to eat food in an African airport restaurant again (my stepson got food poisoning at the Windhoek airport).

I've also vowed never to fly through London Heathrow again, after they did everything but strip-search me, though I was obviously very ill. Meanwhile, they were running Muzzies in full burka's through like they were royalty.

Most excellent safari and thoroughly enjoyed your hunt report and very beautiful pictures

You worked your tail off that's for sure...Well done

Thanks for the report. Sorry about the kudu

Thanks for the Report.We thoroughly enjoyed having you with us. Looking forward to implementing all our campfire plans for the future.

I'll spend some time with Dave And Leopards Valley Safaris in mid-September. I certainly look forward to it, particularly after your report.

I really enjoyed your report and trophies but it's a shame that you have to end it with insulting the hosts religion and how their women cover them self JUST LIKE HOW Mary mother of Jesus does.

Hamdeni

quote:

Originally posted by WannabeBwana:
To round out the trip, I had a 10 hour layover in Frankfurt on the way there, so I took the train from the airport and wandered around downtown. Had a fabulous steak (Argentine beef) and a couple of good German beer. Lotsa pretty wimmen.

At the end of the hunt, Craig drove me back to Port Elizabeth where I had a nice hotel on the beach. Went down and had a quick dip in the cold Indian Ocean, just to say I did. That night, Craig and his very pretty girlfriend Jennifer picked me up and we hit a sushi bar, then a cigar bar and drank scotch, smoked cigars and watched the waves roll in.

Next morning, I flew to Joberg, landed at 10 am and was picked up by Laurence from Bushveld Safaris http://www.bushsafaris.co.za/ who gave me a private tour of Joberg and surrounding area. We visited monuments to the Dutch settlers and to the anti-Apartheid movement, including Nelson Mandela's house in Soweto. The country has a diverse and interesting history.

Unfortunately, I got food poisoning at an airport restaurant (Muggs and Bean) and spent my whole way home weak with nausea and diarrhea. I've vowed never to eat food in an African airport restaurant again (my stepson got food poisoning at the Windhoek airport).

I've also vowed never to fly through London Heathrow again, after they did everything but strip-search me, though I was obviously very ill. Meanwhile, they were running Muzzies in full burka's through like they were royalty.

Glad this hunt was much better than your last one. Sorry about the kudu. It does give you a good reason to go back again.

Excellent report, very nice animals.

quote:

Originally posted by hamdeni:
I really enjoyed your report and trophies but it's a shame that you have to end it with insulting the hosts religion and how their women cover them self JUST LIKE HOW Mary mother of Jesus does.

Hamdeni

quote:

Originally posted by WannabeBwana:
To round out the trip, I had a 10 hour layover in Frankfurt on the way there, so I took the train from the airport and wandered around downtown. Had a fabulous steak (Argentine beef) and a couple of good German beer. Lotsa pretty wimmen.

At the end of the hunt, Craig drove me back to Port Elizabeth where I had a nice hotel on the beach. Went down and had a quick dip in the cold Indian Ocean, just to say I did. That night, Craig and his very pretty girlfriend Jennifer picked me up and we hit a sushi bar, then a cigar bar and drank scotch, smoked cigars and watched the waves roll in.

Next morning, I flew to Joberg, landed at 10 am and was picked up by Laurence from Bushveld Safaris http://www.bushsafaris.co.za/ who gave me a private tour of Joberg and surrounding area. We visited monuments to the Dutch settlers and to the anti-Apartheid movement, including Nelson Mandela's house in Soweto. The country has a diverse and interesting history.

Unfortunately, I got food poisoning at an airport restaurant (Muggs and Bean) and spent my whole way home weak with nausea and diarrhea. I've vowed never to eat food in an African airport restaurant again (my stepson got food poisoning at the Windhoek airport).

I've also vowed never to fly through London Heathrow again, after they did everything but strip-search me, though I was obviously very ill. Meanwhile, they were running Muzzies in full burka's through like they were royalty.

good hunt report,but that last comment was in very poor taste

I agree, no place to say things like that. After all, this is a hunting forum. I'm pretty sure there is plenty of hunters from all around the world with different backgrounds and religions on AR.
Let's not forget that we as hunters are, I hope better then that.

Well, I dunno how poor a taste it was. How many middle aged Anglo hunters do you know of that are terrorists....that blow airplanes up......that blow themselves up while killing innocent people?

OTOH, that happens daily with Muslims.

Facts are facts, and if you don't like the fact that Muslims comprise the largest number and groups of terrorists in the world, your solution is what........ignore reality?

I'm sure the vast majority of Muslims condemn such activities, but that doesn't change reality.

Not a religious thing at all, but I think anyone who wears voluminous, loose clothing and/or hides their face should be extensively searched. Do you think I could get away with trying to get on a plane with an overlarge sweatsuit and a bandana over my face?

Seriously, we need to be respectful of all religions, but we need to be realists as well.

great news for this one.

did you use a booking agent?

what was your itinary this time?

all the best.

Phil

quote:

Originally posted by medved:
great news for this one.

did you use a booking agent?

what was your itinary this time?

all the best.

Phil

Hi Phil

Both Hamdeni and WannaBeBwanna both contacted me right here on AR using the PM function.
We then continued to iron out all the details via e-mail.

My e-mail is attached to my signature line also
If you are near Toronto 31Jan-2Feb ill be at the African hunts Events.
best regards
Dave

Good honest report and some fine trophies and photographs.

Bad luck on the Kudu and they are tough beasts and will more likely recover from the wound.

quote:

Originally posted by leopards valley safaris:

quote:

Originally posted by medved:
great news for this one.

did you use a booking agent?

what was your itinary this time?

all the best.

Phil

Hi Phil

Both Hamdeni and WannaBeBwanna both contacted me right here on AR using the PM function.
We then continued to iron out all the details via e-mail.

My e-mail is attached to my signature line also
If you are near Toronto 31Jan-2Feb ill be at the African hunts Events.
best regards
Dave

Dave,

ill PM you but wont be around that time in Toronto weather is so mild over here that we re not traveling where is the cold lol ...

Commenting again but just love that Wartie

Great report. Thanks for sharing. My condolences on the Kudu.


.

Thanks for the report and pics.

I hope you can follow up with another post telling us they found your kudu. Good luck, and congrats.

Dave offered a reward to the local farm workers if anyone stumbled across it, but no joy.

On the plus side, Dave and Nikki are going to be in Toronto next weekend for the Safari show, so we're going to catch up a bit!!