14 December 2012, 07:37
Aaron NeilsonPakistan / Indus Safaris - December 2012
Outfitter: Indus Safaris - Pir Danish Ali (AR Member)Agent: Global Hunting Resources
Location: Pakistan - Sindh Province
Dates: December 2 - 9, 2012
Hunters: Aaron Neilson & Robert (Bobby) Davidson
Cameraman: Jeremiah Bennett
Species Hunted: Black Buck, Sindh Ibex, Blanford Urial
Weapons: Guns borrowed from outfitter - .270 Win / .300 Win
The plan for this hunt was made in early 2012, as over the previous year Danish and I had started communicating with eachother about his hunting operation in Pakistan. Frankly, my initial thoughts were of caution / concern - as one only needs to pay attention to local media reports as they pertain to SE Asia and the middle east. Having never been to this part of the world, much of what we see/hear is full of negativity, violence and conflict throughout the region. But my curiosity out-weighed what was at the time - serious concern, and the hunts were booked.
My good friend - Bobby Davidson was needing one final sheep species to complete his "World Slam", so convincing him to tag along was easy as pie. Although neither of us really knew what to expect, we sent our deposits - and broke the news to the families. We were of course met with resistence, but neither of us were detered - quite the opposite, we were excited about the up-coming trip. For me personally, I wanted the experience of hunting new territory, but at the same time, I was wanting to expand the hunting opportunities for clients/Global Hunting Resources. As is my normal mode of operation, I like to personally visit these places before making a committment to sell hunts to clients, and Danish assured me I would be overly impressed - he was RIGHT!!!
Prior to our Pakistan hunt, Danish decided to join me in Zimbabwe for an elephant/buff hunt with Nixon. But truthfully, it was a great chance for me to spend some time with, and get to know, the outfitter I would be spending time with - in a place that was totally foreign to me. If only I knew what I was really in for, and just how wonderful the trip would be - my prior concerns would have long since evaporated.
Upon arrival we were met by Danish's meet/greet guys at the Karachi airport, where we were instantly made to feel like royalty. They ushered us through customs, and immediately into the VIP waiting lounge as they gathered our gear/bags. Without guns in hand, it was a flawless process. Quickly Danish joined us, and led us outside - where we were again met by a royal salute from his personal armed guards, and full police protection. It certainly made us feel comfortable, but I would later learn that our concerns over safety were way over-blown. We left the airport with a full police escort, and driven to a beautiful part of town and Danish's private residence. (Accommodations were EXCELLENT)
My set-up upon arrival - not to shabby!!!
The plan was to stay at Danish's house that night, and head out to the hunting areas the following morning. That night Danish made us feel at home, told us stories of his family history in the country of Pakistan - and what we could expect for the next week.
Bobby, Danish and Jeremiah - hanging out in Danish's beautiful trophy room (very impressive)
Danish's trophy room is full of excellent trophies - including the species we were there to hunt!
Bobby was also keen to hunt a wild/free-ranging black buck, so the first day was dedicated to his first Pakistan trophy. We left Karachi early that morning (4am) and drove roughly 3 hrs to the area which Danish had arranged for Bobby to hunt the Black Buck. This was the first look at how much planning/detail Danish had put into our hunt. Little did we know, but Danish had the locals in the area - watching/following this particular trophy for the past two weeks. Upon our arrival we were met by the local guides who gave danish the full scoop on the Black Buck's location, recent habits - and they laid out the plan for the morning hunt.
Frankly and honestly, I really wasn't expecting this level of professionalism from what many of us think to be a 3rd world country. The head guide had literally lived with this particular ram, and knew everything he might do - probably before he decided to do it. The ram was an old loner, living back in some steep canyon country - and the guide led the way on foot, where he fully expected us to locate Bobby's trophy in short order. Sure enough, roughly a mile from the vehicle - we topped out on a rock outcropping, and down below us was the ram feeding in some heavy cover. It was already starting to get fairly warm, so rather than going in there after him, and risking the chance of spooking him, the guides organized a low-pressure "push", to try and drive the Black Buck out into the open and allowing Bobby a good shot. The plan worked like a charm, and Bobby had his prize.
From there we made our way to the Danish Ali family guest house - closer to the Ibex/Urial area. The plan was the same, get up early the next morning (3am) and take the 3 hr drive into the hills. Again, we were frankly blown away by the accommodations, the efficiency, and the friendly/hard-working nature of Danish and his staff. I'm here to tell you, nothing was left to chance.
Upon reaching the hills the following morning, we were met by the head game warden of the Sindh Province and his staff. I can't explain in words at how important they made us feel, and how much work/effort all of them had put into our hunt, long before our arrival. Sheep/Ibex were scouted out, spotters were scattered throughout the hills, all with radios, and directions were given as to where we needed to go, and who/where had located the best trophy.
The plan that morning was to focus first on the Blanford Urial, as the Ibex are known to be a more docile creature - thus they felt as though going after the Urial first was the best plan. Now I personally am NOT always a huge "trophy" hunter, especially when it comes to species I've never hunted before. I was more concerned with a good "hunt", and making sure we got it all on film, than I was about the exact trophy size, or shooting the biggest sheep on the mountain.
Immediately we were on a band of rams, and the decision was made that I would be the first shooter. Bobby insisted, as he wanted to get a good "feel" for what was there and what trophy size to expect, so of course I agreed
Although they were certainly WILD animals, it was clear that these sheep get little hunting pressure throughout the year. Only a handful of permits are given for Blanford Urials each year, and we were the first hunters of the season. Quickly Danish, myself and Jeremiah moved in on a band of rams that were just out of sight, down and below a nice rocky point that made for nice cover. As I topped the little ridge, it was plainly obvious to a green-horn Urial hunter - which ram was the biggest one. I laid out the legs on my bi-pod, made sure Jeremiah was on him, and fired the first shot at roughly 120 yards (down-hill). Instantly I knew I shot over him, and instantly I remember why? The .270 I was shooting was sighted in at 3" high at 100 yards, and I forgot to compensate for the down-hill angle, and the close distance. Urials are small little critters, not even the size of our Pronghorn/Antelope, and I simply shot right over his back!The rams all bolted to the left and out of sight. The three of us jumped up, ran back down and around the rock to our left, just as the rams were heading up the canyon to our left. The band had roughly 7-8 rams, but it wasn't hard to re-locate the biggest one, and as they started to top out at about 150 yards, I put the crosshair just on the bottom of his brisket, and sent one down range. Instantly my big ran hit the dirt, and the whooping/hollering from all the guides behind us began. WOW!! Just 1 hr on the mountain, and my first Pakistan trophy laid at my feet - what a thrill.
My Blanford Urial - 29", an exceptional trophy so I'm told!!!
Bobby was up next, but the guides decided this time we should try for the Ibex. Again, the organization and cooperation from two dozen guys that were on the mountain to help us, was simply un-believable!! Several groups of Ibex had been located, and they decided to organize a push - thus allowing us a chance to really look over all of the billies, and giving us a chance to locate the best one possible for my friend. The plan worked to some degree in that we were definitely able to locate what was a huge Sindh Ibex, but they didn't quite come close enough for a shot. Although 400 yards is not an extremely long distance, it is when you're using an un-familiar rifle, on an animal that isn't any bigger than were the Urials.
Frankly it was easy for me to determine trophy size of both the Ibex and Urials, so Danish and I devised a little different plan. This time, just Bobby, myself, Danish (so he could translate any needed info) and one guide (who really knows the terrain) would go in after the big Ibex we had spotted during the "drive". The spotters were sent out to re-locate the group while we had lunch, a pleasure that neither Bobby or I were accustom to on mountain hunts! Man were these guys GREAT!! Once they found em again, the plan was that basically I would guide Bobby to make sure he shoots the right one, the "guide" would maneuver us through the canyons so we wouldn't get into a canyon with no way out, and Danish would translate/help spot if needed. The plan worked perfectly, and we were able to get Bobby within 300 yards of the group of billies. The camera was rolling, I made sure Bobby was on the right ram, and a great shot was made. The second great trophy of Pakistan was on the ground for Bobby - in as many days!!!
Bobby's HUGE 46" Sindh Ibex - an exceptional trophy!!!!
Day 3, Danish and the game warden decided we should give a day's rest to out previous hunting spot, and visit another location where we would focus solely on another Urial Ram for Mr. Davidson. Again, and ahead of our arrival this new location had been scouted out, and hunt plans prepared. As we reached the top of the mountain, the guides/spotters we already out in their positions (what a pleasure) and quickly two good rams were located. Unfortunately the guides felt they were not in a stalkable position with the current wind conditions, so another "push" was in order. Like the previous day, it worked to a degree - but the rams just never stopped to give Bobby a good shot, and they got out of there before he had a chance to shoot.
So Danish organized a mountain top lunch, one like you would NOT normally expect on such a hunt - and we all relaxed for awhile as the spotters tried to re-locate the sheep. Again, and unfortunately for us they moved into some rougher country, so the guides devised one last push for the day, which again resulted in the sighting of the rams, but no shot opportunity.
Day 4, and this time the day's hunt would be in yet a 3rd area - and this time it was a go at my Sindh Ibex. And man let me tell ya, this place had a lot of these elusive critters bouncing throughout the hills! I asked our gracious host if he would please allow me to stalk the Ibex, rather than doing a "drive", and of course he obliged. Now look, not that there was anything wrong with the "drive" method that was obviously part of the normal plan of the local guides, but to me - the pursuit, the stalk, the "hunt", is what I love so much about hunting, and that's just how I wanted to do it.
As usual, and before we even reached the top of the hill, the guides/spotters already had a group of Ibex located for us. Again, I am NOT the most concerned guy in the world when it comes to exact trophy size, but I'm more concerned about the hunt, and that's exactly what we got. As we approached the top of the hill which was conveniently hiding our approach, just the guide, myself and Jeremiah moved forward - as Danish and the other guys stayed back just a bit. There in front of us at less than 100 yards, standing proudly on top of a cliff was a beautiful Sindh Ibex. I instantly thought this one would go 40" plus, the guide in broken english confirmed, and Jeremiah and I moved further forward so Icould get a shot. Same routine as always with a cameraman - I got down on the bi-pod, confirmed with Jeremiah that he was on him, and at the shot he dropped like a rock! This time I remembered to hold on the bottom of his brisket, and the beautiful Ibex of Pakistan's Sindh Province was mine.
My 40" Sindh Ibex
Day 5, and it was back after the Urial ram that had thus far eluded my hunting companion. Danish and his crew decided we should head back to the area where we hunted on day 2, as without any question - this place is loaded with Blanford Urials. Spotters were sent out, sheep were located, and the hunt was on. BUT, not before we were rudely interrupted by the most magnificent group of 8 big ibex billies who slowly paraded right in front of us for 20 minutes - all while Bobby, Danish and I drooled at at least 3 of them that were 44" - 46" each. What an incredible sight!!!!!!
Going into the last bit of the stalk for Bobby's ram, the sheep were totally out of sight, and none of us other than the spotters on the opposite hillside had yet to lay eyes on this group of 4 Urials. The problem with sheep, no matter where you hunt them is, they all have GREAT eye-sight. As we topped out to have a look, one of them instantly spotted us too, and the rush was on! Instantly I recognized one of them as WAY bigger than all of the rest, and I quickly was trying to tell Bobby which one he was, as they get a little freightened and started to move out. By the time Bobby identified the right one, he had no shot. So I snatched the shooting sticks out from under him, grabbed his arm, and we bolted about 20 feet to our right for a clear shot. Again I had to make sure he was seeing the right one, as his darn shooting sticks kept flying out from under his gun - and his ram was moving further away. Just as he got the sticks settled (don't ever bring on a hunt, MOSSBACK shooting sticks) the ram stopped for a split second, Bobby fired, but unfortunately he missed. Unfortunately the big ram was gone, and Bobby was very dissapointed. Tragically for him, and a guy who truly is the apitomy of trophy hunter, this ram was HUGE!!! Easily 32" - 33", wide flaring, with a beautiful bib - frankly it just wasn't meant to be.
We decided to head back to the truck for lunch and let the guys locate some more rams, while we enjoyed some time in the shade. We re-played the hunt over and over, and we all knew what an exceptional trophy that ram really was. All I can say is - Danish did a fabulous job instructing his guys to locate a really big ram for Bobby, and that's just what they did!
Anyway, it was time to focus on another ram and by mid-afternoon the hunt was on again. This time two good rams were located together, and knowing how stealthy we had to be thus not to alarm them, Danish insisted that just Bobby, Jeremiah and I would make the stalk, and he would be right behind us. The spotter was concealed behind a bush keeping an eye on them, but none of us had any idea how good the rams were? As we approached the spotter's position, he pointed, and I could just see the rams lying down - through the thick bush that he had been using to stay out of sight. Both rams were lying down, so I slowly pushed Bobby out past the bush, while I tried to ID the biggest one. This time he had the bi-pod on the gun, and as he got settled in, they both stood up. Clearly the one on the left was the bigger of the two - and as he turned broadside, the shot rang out. "You Missed", I hissed at him as they scampered to the left. "Which one, which one is he" Bobby frantically whispered! "He's still the one on the left" I said, and this time he shot was true!
Down he went and my long-time friend, client, and hunting companion of numerous hunts, completed what was to him a goal of a lifetime - his "World Slam" of sheep!!!! And what a ram he was, at almost 30" - this ram quickly evaporated any bad feelings about the morning's miss, and it was all hand shakes/smiles for Mr. Davidson.
Bobby's beautiful Blanford Urial - and the sheep than completed his life-long dream!
Hanging out with the NOT SO "wild" life!
Local snake charmer - man he's crazy!
Horse back riding - Pakistan style!
Hanging out with the local Taliban!
Its hard to describe the total experience that was our 2012 Pakistan hunting trip with Danish Ali - Indus Safaris, to the Sindh Province. The accommodations were fabulous, the food was out of this world (Danish hires chefs that cater/cook western food, specifically for the familiar taste of food we are accustom to) Daily/needed laundry service is available, anytime one needs it. We were made to feel welcome by all, we were catered to like royalty, and at no time did I ever for a second feel uncomfortable / unsafe! The people of Pakistan are kind, generous, and gracious to anyone they consider a guest of their beautiful country. Those who would believe otherwise, have simply not had the pleasure to personally experience such wonderful people, in a beautiful place like Pakistan. Like others, I too had un-certain thoughts about a country that is often shrouded in controversary. Having been there now myself, I will not only forever have a different opinion of the Pakistani people, and there country, but I will forever be an advocate for what a experience it truly is. Those who read this, if something like this was ever in your plans/dreams - you should go now! Its an experience you will never regret!!!!
To our host / outfitter Danish Ali & Indus Safaris - THANK YOU MY FRIEND, IT COULD NOT HAVE BEEN BETTER!!!
