Author Topic: First (I hope) African Safari (Read 5668 times)

tallcooljuan · « **on:** September 16, 2018, 02:35:16 PM »

Something I've dreamed of for decades. Bokamoso Safaris in Botswana made sure it was beyond my wildest dreams.

Ridgerunner · « **Reply #1 on:** September 16, 2018, 05:17:03 PM »

That’s a BIG kudu. Let’s hear more.

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Alchase · « **Reply #2 on:** September 16, 2018, 05:53:44 PM »

Amazing animal!

tallcooljuan · « **Reply #3 on:** September 17, 2018, 12:21:22 PM »

This concession is 148,000 acres and is as fair chase as it gets. We saw dozens of Kudu every day, but no way could I judge them. Just like with elk or mule deer, you may see a lot of animals but the big ones get big for a reason. These plains animals are constantly moving through thick brush. I was warned that I may never see a clean shot and that I'd probably have to shoot through some brush.
This bull was sneaking through brush and surrounded by cows. My PH said, "you'll never see another bull like this. If he clears the cows before he's gone, take the shot." He cleared the last cow a moment before I would not see him and I hit him broadside with a 230gr .338 Win Mag. When the scope settled I managed to see the bull leap and kick. All of these antelope are remarkably tough. He ran at least a hundred yards like I'd missed.
The Wildebeest took three perfect shots to go down.

hunterofelk · « **Reply #4 on:** September 17, 2018, 07:00:13 PM »

That is an exceptional kudu. Closest thing to elk I hunted over there.

redi · « **Reply #5 on:** September 17, 2018, 08:07:14 PM »

Great animals congrats. Someday I hope to make that hunt.

carpsniperg2 · « **Reply #6 on:** September 17, 2018, 08:12:44 PM »

stud kudu bull

elkoholic1 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 19, 2018, 04:07:15 PM »

LabChamp · « **Reply #8 on:** September 19, 2018, 04:14:58 PM »

Giant kudu congratulations

huntindoc · « **Reply #9 on:** October 14, 2018, 02:37:53 PM »

Just how big is that Kudu?

washingtonmuley · « **Reply #10 on:** October 14, 2018, 05:31:32 PM »

Congratulations!!

dmv9 · « **Reply #11 on:** October 15, 2018, 09:34:52 AM »

Congrats. What happens to the meat?

Machias · « **Reply #12 on:** October 17, 2018, 12:26:55 PM »

Bucket list!!!

hunterofelk · « **Reply #13 on:** October 17, 2018, 12:36:47 PM »

Not sure about all of Africa, but in Namibia where I safaried, the landowner owns the animal and you pay a trophy fee to keep whatever is a trophy to you. The government also requires a hunting license. The meat is sold to processors who make a dried jerky type product and sell it in the city. My host had a freezer full of all types of meat to serve for dinner and we ate biltong(jerky) for snacks.

pianoman9701 · « **Reply #14 on:** October 17, 2018, 01:45:26 PM »

Wow, those are awesome trophies! Congratulations.

MountainWalk · « **Reply #15 on:** October 17, 2018, 01:50:07 PM »

Have read in many places that your average wildebeest is one of the toughest animals on the continent.

Bob33 · « **Reply #16 on:** October 17, 2018, 01:59:15 PM »

Africa is a magical place. I never had an interest in going until someone talked me into doing so about ten years ago. I've been back twice since and have another trip planned for next summer.

rasbo · « **Reply #17 on:** October 17, 2018, 02:45:11 PM »

Funny I've never wanted to go to Africa, but I've loved all the stories about hunts far back as a child. Congrats on an awesome hunt

RJW · « **Reply #18 on:** October 18, 2018, 07:55:37 AM »

What did that Kudu measure if I might ask>

Bushcraft · « **Reply #19 on:** October 26, 2018, 04:27:59 PM »

I've had the privilege of visiting the trophy rooms of some of the most renowned international hunters on the planet (in fact, a new one to me just last night).

You sir, have taken an absolutely stellar Kudu. Congrats!

wheels · « **Reply #20 on:** October 26, 2018, 06:15:36 PM »

awesome kudo is dream animal

Rob · « **Reply #21 on:** November 12, 2018, 01:26:42 PM »

Three curled kudu is a proper trophy! Well done!

Any other animals taken besides those 2?

washingtonmuley · « **Reply #22 on:** November 16, 2018, 08:25:40 AM »

Very Nice!! I made my first trip to Africa last August and can't wait to go back.

Iamyourhuckleberry · « **Reply #23 on:** November 21, 2018, 05:11:21 PM »

tallcooljuan, yours is an exceptional Kudu! Congratulations on your successful hunts!

In my opinion, there is no place on the planet quite like Africa, if you're a hunter. The number of opportunities per safaris cannot be matched elsewhere. To see it, be there surrounded by it, and to experience all the sights and sounds associated with such an amazing place does nothing other than toss a person over the top! I have heard many times, "Once Africa gets into your blood, you'll be back.' I can attest, this statement is TRUE! I have been to the Dark Continent many times. I cannot wait to get back! Every trip (and every day) presents a new challenge and new opportunities.

Would love to hear more of your stories.

tallcooljuan · « **Reply #24 on:** November 25, 2018, 10:50:56 AM »

I fell in love with the Gemsbok. Graceful and beautiful to just watch. I didn't take one and it haunts me.
Besides the Kudu and Wildebeest we took an Impala, Zebra, and Red Hartebeest. We stalked several Hartebeest over a day and a half. My PH was at his wit's end and giving up on our latest long stalk when he looked up and saw a bull and two cows. Hartebeest bulls and cows look the same and you have to spot testicles to know the difference for sure. He wasted no time in putting me on the sticks. The shot was too far for my comfort. It's much harder to shoot standing than I would have thought- and I practiced for weeks before going.
The first shot was a miss. My PH said I hit some brush. He was being polite and generous. When the bull cleared some more brush and the cows he gave me the go-ahead. Perfect hit this time. 220yds. A chip shot for laying prone or sitting with low sticks, but I had a hard time with safari sticks.

Iamyourhuckleberry · « **Reply #25 on:** November 25, 2018, 07:15:55 PM »

Shooting from sticks is definitely something a person should practice prior to Africa. Thanks for your post. It helped me reminisce.

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