First (I hope) African Safari

[tallcooljuan]

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

[Ridgerunner]

That’s a BIG kudu.  Let’s hear more.


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[Alchase]

Amazing animal!

[tallcooljuan]

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]

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

[redi]

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

[carpsniperg2]

stud kudu bull

[elkoholic1]

 

[LabChamp]

Giant kudu congratulations

[huntindoc]

Just how big is that Kudu?

[washingtonmuley]

Congratulations!!

[dmv9]

Congrats. What happens to the meat?

[Machias]

Bucket list!!!

[hunterofelk]

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]

Wow, those are awesome trophies! Congratulations.