First Time Africa Safari

 
Join two models, two survivors, and a father & son as they immerse in the African experience for the very first time.
 
By Joe Byers
 
            “In June of 2002 I prayed to God that I could make a difference,” reflected John Unger as we sat by a campfire along the Limpopo River on the first evening of our safari. By August, I wished it hadn’t been such a big difference.” Less than a year after September 11, 2001 America still reeled from terrorists attacks when the Quecreek Mine disaster threatened to add greater tragedy to the American psyche.   Entombed for 77 hours in a dank, dark coal mine Unger and his colleagues seemed doomed.  With no knowledge of the miner’s fate, the world held its collective breath as rescue teams worked frantically employing techniques never tried before. Miraculously, on July 28th, the nine men were rescued to the cheers of America and the world. Forman Randy Fogle was the first to see daylight and despite health issues was credited with holding his team together in the face of certain death. The courage of the nine men was an inspiration to a nation hungry for heroes, the “difference” Unger spoke of. Fogle and Unger still mine today, yet have shunned the national spotlight.   Each shares a passion for hunting and adventure, a perfect match for an African safari.
            Professional model Rebecca Thyssen and TV Host Sheli Moore enthusiastically embraced the excitement of African travel and the inherent adventure of a Safari hunting camp.  Rounding out the group were Rick Toms and his newly college-graduated son, Brandon. Dad had considered an elk hunting trip as a graduation present, however, opted for Africa for the added adventure and hunting opportunities. Six first-timers Africa bound.
 
Ready, Fire, Aim
 
            In an era of information overload, sometimes the best analysis of a situation is to “just do it” especially with the guidance of a friend. I had taken 17 safaris and gently encouraged my six friends to do the same while helping with logistics, travel tips, and moral support. 
            “You certainly have a diverse group,” said Professional Hunter and Hunting Legends Safari manager Phillip Mostert at dinner, the night of our arrival in Johannesburg. “The hunt will be engaging and I believe we have enough activities for the non-hunters as well.”
            The safari would take place on the 50,000 Fahad Game Reserve in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, a property owned by the Prince of State of Saudi Arabia. The ranch was formerly hunted by many heads of state including the Bush’s- former United States Presidents. Bordering Botswana, the tract included 14 miles of Limpopo riverbank a section limited to bowhunting and very entertaining game drives. 
            The trophy quality of the ranch promised to be outstanding and we would be one of the first commercial groups to hunt there.   As one might expect, if its game was managed for prime ministers and presidents, it should meet our needs.
 
To the Hunt-
 
            With great excitement, three safari cruisers left camp at sunrise on August 15th, Phillip with the miners, PH Harold with Rebecca and I, and PH David with the Toms family and Sheli. Unfortunately, my wife has asthma and the cold air kept her in camp. 
            Whether by design or just circumstance, no one fired a shot the first day and everyone passed up average-size trophies and got a great workout through extensive stalks in the African bush. That evening, the campfire was a- buzz with wild and exuberant tales of animals seen, stalks that almost worked, and the overall amazement of the African safari experience. 
            On almost any safari, the first day is like a job interview. Although never admitted, I suspect our respective PH’s assessed our stalking abilities, stamina, and overall hunting skills in order to make the remainder of the safari comfortable and successful. 
            “The size of the property, that many acres was amazing,” said Rick Toms that first day. “The roads go to the horizon. You can hardly imagine how big it is.”
            Since the Toms family wanted to hunt together and stalking animals as a team was more of a challenge, their PH switched tactics and built a blind near a waterhole on the second day, a decision that would lead to unbelievable memories for any hunter, much less a first-timer. 
            Concealed by a wall of thorns, Brent had a mature kudu bull walk  and stand within 20 yards for long minutes, yet the concealment was too thick to shoot.   Waiting breathlessly, his heart nearly beat from his chest. “We never moved an inch, hardly blinked an eye,” dad remembers vividly. “I guess it eventually smelled us and left, but an hour later another bull approached to 100 yards and Brent made that shot. To see an animal that big. Wow.  We are used to whitetail deer and you can hardly believe how big something like that is. Later a warthog came in so close we could hear it snorting and grunting.”   
            “Taking that kudu in front of my dad was a real thrill,” said Brent summarizing the day. “Having to wait until another kudu came was the most exciting. I thought for sure it was gone, but another one came along. I never shot an animal that big. The body size is just crazy.”
No Gun, No Problem
            Non-hunting first timers may wonder if they’ll be stuck in camp when they accompany hunters on safari, yet Rebecca and Sheli made sure that they were totally immersed in the action. During the first two days, each woman accompanied hunters and spent the day afield. 
            Rebecca showed her mettle when she became separated during a tracking session. In the thick bush and flat terrain, getting lost takes only a moment and while PH and hunter tracked intently, someone noticed, “Where’s Rebecca?” Ironically, we returned to the cruiser an hour later to find the Florida native glassing for game. “Like I tell my daughter at the Mall,” she said. “If we get lost stay put and we’ll find you. When no one came I worked my way back in the direction we came, found the road and then the truck,” she said confidently. 
            Sheli’s time with the miners was upbeat as well. “The excitement is the thrill of the chase and not knowing what animal you will come across,” she said. “You see something moving and all of a sudden, holy tomalley, this gi-normous animal appears. It’s so exciting.”
            On day three and thereafter, the gals rode four-wheelers, visited a lion camp, shopped, fished, and did more game watching. Sheli demonstrated her bravado when a boating mishap threw her into the hull, breaking her glasses. She blew off what could have been a serious accident and joked about it at campfire that evening. 
            In fact the campfires were one of the highlights of the safari for Rebecca. “I loved the camp fire talks,  the camaraderie that our group shared, and the extra things like shooting clay pigeons and the night drive made it more fun. I was surprised that there wasn’t more chest beating and guy things,” she said. “When Randy and John weren’t getting anything, everyone encouraged them. We were like real people, real friends.”        
 
Slow Start, Fast Finish
            By the end of the third day, Unger hadn’t fired a shot and Fogle had wounded an animal with no retrieval. For the first time, a sense of disappointment crept into the camp. “We are seeing a lot of animals, but Phillip is particular,” Fogle said. “He wants us to shoot good animals and says we’re just in a dry spell. In his words, “The next thing you know you are done in two minutes.’” 
            Toward the end of the safari, Rick Toms took a 57-inch kudu, I took a 56-incher along with other trophies and success stories kept the camp humming. Just as Phillip had predicted, the miners’ luck turned and they had fantastic days, each taking great animals. 
            “I’m not a big rusher,” said Unger reflecting on the pace of the safari. “I like to watch things and see how they’re done. It started slower than I planned, but it came out totally awesome. I try to be good at what I do, to get a feel for it, and it works out. We planned on hunting every day and we hunted every day. This was a trip of a lifetime.”
            “The weather and just being In Africa was something I never thought I would enjoy, but I enjoyed it immensely,” Fogle said. “We could hunt whatever suited us the best, waterholes, spot and stalk, locate by vehicle. And being able to shoot so many species is unbelievable for someone who hunts deer or turkey. At home, you pull the trigger one time and you’re done. Here, things change from minute to minute and you never know what you will see…maybe eight to ten species in a day.” 
 
Fulfilling Expectations
 
            Unger and Fogle were of one mind when it came to their next safari. Ironically, Unger had worked overtime throughout the year to save for the trip and tucked his stash away so well that he couldn’t find it. “I guess I’ll have a good start on next year,” he laughed.
            “We’d practice shooting from sticks and practice standing up (next time),” the men said in unison. “Although each shot well with borrowed rifles, hunters (As with fishers and golfers) like the feel of their own equipment because a  trusted rifle adds a cornerstone of confidence, especially in new situations. 
            African safari companies do their best to prepare newcomers for the safari experience with questionnaires, check lists, and travel suggestions, yet the total newness of the experience can be overwhelming.
            “I didn’t really have expectations aside from what I know from movies and magazines”, said Sheli at the end of the adventure. “I purposely didn’t come with expectations, but was ready to absorb what came my way.  I didn’t know what to expect and it was all thrilling. It didn’t matter how tired I was I couldn’t wait to get out there. There will be time to sleep when I get home,” she said.
            Even as a non-hunter, Sheli thrilled to the chase, “Anybody who hadn’t been there, it’s just get out there and listen to the quietness and the sounds of the animals. The stars; the sky was spectacular. In terms of animals, if you are on safari, it’s a blast. Like a box of chocolates, you never knew what you would get, one of the most thrilling parts.”       
            While the hunters enjoyed their final day afield, the gals headed for Pilansburg for a Big Five game drive through the national park and a bit of recreation at Sun City. The ability to vary safari activities for hunters and non-hunters helped make this adventure spectacular for all. In seven days, six safari newbie’s, became seasoned veterans… and can’t wait until the next time.   
Sidebar:        Twenty-five Tips for First Timers
 
            PHPhillip Mostert’s professional experience spans 17 years across southern Africa. With our quotas full, he, the Toms boys and I brainstormed tips for the first-timer:
            1.        Pack light. Clothes are laundered daily. Two changes of hunting gear are sufficient.
            2.        Bring your regular hunting clothes so you can hunt comfortably, but leave the orange at home.
            3.        Camo is great. Travel in street clothes but hunt in camouflage or earth tone colors. Cabela’s and Bass Pro are great sources. 
            4.        Forget snake boots since you may walk for hours each day. “We’ve never had a client bitten in 18 years,” Mostert said.
            5          Bring a small daypack to carry a camera and hunting gear.
            6          Leather working gloves are great. Every bush has a thorn.
            7          Scent elimination sprays aren’t a bad idea, just not in carry-on.
            8          Favorite snacks or energy bars are OK, but don’t buy food. You’ll eat well on safari.
            9          Take safari questionnaires seriously, especially for foods, allergies, and physical limitations in preparation for your visit.
            10       Use a rifle import service like Hunters Connect. 
            11       Bring high quality binoculars, cameras and sunglasses. Bowhunters, bring a rangefinder and an extra battery.
            12       Use  a .30 caliber rifle or larger. The 30-06 is OK, but use 220-grain bullets. The .300 Winchester Magnum is ideal for plains game.
            13       Bring your own tools: Allen wrenches a barrel snake, ear, and eye protection. 
            14       Study a shot-placement book for the animals you seek.
            15       Be careful of multi-animal packages. Keep an open mind about animals and don’t get locked into specific species beforehand. 
            16       Learn the animals. Use the internet for identification and information.
            17       Study taxidermy at a Cabela’s or Bass Pro. Pre-safari, plan how you want animals mounted and where they will go in your home.
            18       Plan to spend more. Take at least $2,000 extra.
            19       Get in shape. Walking is great exercise.
            20       Take all of your prescribed medications. Make sure you have sufficient quantities and take original prescription bottles.
            21       Buy a quality gun or bow case. It will last a lifetime.
            22       Check your rifles to the destination so you don’t handle them midway. The fewer stops the better.
            23       Bring camp shoes and a warm jacket with a hood for vehicle travel. 
            24       Zero your rifle at 100 yards, but practice at 50, 100, 200 & 300 yards.
            25       Finally, understand that a two-on-one hunt means you must take turns hunting. Consider going with your own PH.
           
Author’s Note: For information on the Fahad Game Reserve, contact www.huntinglegends.com            

All The Right Stuff

All The Right Stuff- 
 
Mossberg’s 100 ATR is short on frills, yet brutal where it counts. Is this rifle so cool and functional that a 16-year-old kid could take it to Africa and slam a world record?   You better believe it!
 
By Joe Byers
 
Africa…a giant kudu bull…and just 16 years old. Can you imagine the excitement for young Jase Willems as he began his first big game stalk? In nearly a year of anxious anticipation, this was the moment he’d waited for and as my grandson quietly slide a round into the chamber of his 100 ATR, I bumped his fist and wished him good luck.                              
            A glimpse of reflection from the kudu’s horn showed a deep curl, the first indication of a trophy animal. Most places, a 50-inch bull (150-class whitetail) is a trophy, yet on this place bulls in the 180 whitetail class were seen frequently. Grabbing the sticks, PH Ronnie Webster led the way, characteristically kicking the dirt to test the wind. Jase had traveled for three days for an African animal. Would his first kudu stalk prove successful?
            Jase and his PH sneaked and tiptoed for several hundred yards, never actually seeing the bull and its cows, the essence of cat-and-mouse in dense bush. With visibility less than 50 yards, tracking is the key and when the spore turned deep and far apart, Ronnie read that the animals had spooked. “Welcome to the grey ghost of Africa,” he said to his youthful client whose beaming smile showed the thrill of the chase despite the outcome.
 
 
A Gift to a Grandson
 
            At 16, my grandfather took me on a four month trip to Alaska, one of the most influential elements of my youth and I swore if I ever had grandkids, I’d take them to Alaska. I took Jesse Willems (Now 20) fishing trip on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, his brother Justin (18) to Petersburg, and considered a different part of Alaska for Jase in 2010. The two older lads loved to fish, yet Jase had a passion for hunting and Africa seemed the perfect opportunity to build a bond with my grand “dude” go hunting, and avoid missing school. 
            We booked a safari at the Fahad Game Reserve, a 50,000 acre ranch owned by the Prince of State of Saudi Arabia. The billionaire uses the property to host international royalty (including both Bush US Presidents) a few weeks of the year. As you can imagine, the property holds world class game and incredible facilities. 
            Jase and I left JFK and flew to Frankfurt Germany where we cruised around town and, with his parent’s permission, Jase bought his first legal beer, a significant ego blow to his two older brothers. Back on the plane in late afternoon, we arrived in Johannesburg early the next morning where Phillip Mostert greeted us. 
            Our party of eight members arrived on different dates, so Jase and I zoomed off to Kanai, a Big-Five resort that is transforming from eco-tourism to a hunting operation. We spent the next day, listening to lions roar, a very cool sensation, and observing African game with “The Perfect Shot” by our side.
            When we arrived at Fahad Game Reserve, one of the Professional Hunters and his wife approached as I unpacked my gear. “I’ve been hearing a lot about your rifle,” said Freddie Oosterhuis.  I’m not sure how he knew of the ATR, but their eyes widened as I slid the stainless rifle out of its case. “That’s a gorgeous rifle,” said Freddie as he worked the action and then handed the piece to his wife. The two had seen many mega-buck firearms in their time, and were truly impressed… and why not. Most folks don’t buy a firearm for its looks, but the stainless, fluted barrel, solid action, black synthetic stock, and topped with a Zeiss Scope all but made them drool. 
            Nest stop was the shooting range where each hunter tests the affect of 16,000 miles of vibration in the cargo hold of a jumbo jet. I had taken careful precautions setting up the rifle and my work paid handsomely as the first shot was just an inch from dead center. The next two holes touched and heads began nodding and eyes lifting at the accuracy of the ATR. Three rounds and a few clicks of elevation and it was ready for game at almost any range. Look out kudu!                
 
Safari Luck- Preparation Meets Hard Work
            I received the rifle just a week before the safari and quickly went about the sighting-in process selecting a Zeiss Conquest Scope for its value and fantastic optics. My good friend Victor Gavin helped me set up the rifle using his in-house stand-up shooting bench, designed for heavy recoiling African rifles. I was on a small target at 100 yards in three shots and numbers 5-7 were nearly m.o.a. from the standing position. Talk about out-of-the-box accuracy!
            The 100 ATR is so modestly priced I was embarrassed to tell my friend how little it cost, yet the features were everything you ‘d expect from a Mossberg. The ATR has everything you need in a great hunting rifle and you have exciting options to choose from. My rifle featured a stainless fluted barrel that absolutely jumps out at you. Its 22-inch length is sufficient to fully burn modern powders, yet short enough to feel sporty. I chose a black synthetic stock, yet you can also opt for Mossy Oak’s Brush pattern or a mahogany finish that you will swear is natural wood. Last spring, I saw a prototype of the ATR in .308 with the wood finish and was immediately impressed.
Caliber selection is easy with the ATR since it is chambered in the most popular calibers. The long-action model comes in the time honored .270 Winchester and 30-06 Springfield and don’t let the “long” seem problematic. These rifles feature a top loading magazine and Jase and I loaded and unloaded the rifle countless times without a hint of a problem. I’d like to say that we worked the action for a quick second shot… yet we never needed one. 
The short-action models come in .308 and .243, again popular calibers especially if you choose Hornady’s Superformance ammunition which make a .308 act like a 30-06 and a 30-06 play like a .300 Winchester Magnum. 
Many rifle manufacturers speak to “out of the box accuracy” and the 100 ATR has that number down pat. When mounting the Zeiss scope, I needed just three rounds for adjustments on the 100 yard target. Shot #4 was a bit high and numbers 5-7 were just beyond m.o.a. from a standing rest. Shots #6 & 7 touched. I believe that three elements account for this incredible accuracy. First the free floated barrel assures that moisture and stock pressure won’t affect the harmonics of the barrel. Secondly, the Lightening Bolt Action (LBA) trigger has not felt creep or travel. Although it can be adjusted down to just two pound, the 3-pound pressure was ideal for accurate shooting, especially for a teen-age shooter. Finally, button barrel rifling has long been considered the most accurate form of production and completes this accuracy trilogy. The deeply recessed muzzle crown will help maintain your accuracy, just remember to run your cleaning rod from the breech to protect this critical “exit.”
Other elements of the rifle include an all steel machined receiver, a side lever safety that allows you to load and unload the rifle “on-safe,” factory installed Weaver style scope bases and integrated swivel studs for quick release sling swivels. The recoil pad helps hold the rifle firmly on the shoulder and works incredibly well. I had four teen-agers shoot the rifle in a practice session before the safari and you’d think they were shooting a .22, even with Hornady’s Superformance ammo. 
Incidentally, “tweens” can enjoy the ATR as well in the Bantam Short Action model with a 20” barrel model that weights just 6.5 pounds. Especially in .243, this rifle is the perfect follow-up to a .22 or other entry level firearm. My grandsons seem to be part redwood and their long limbs made the standard ATR the perfect fit. 
For the afternoon, we watched a waterhole, with surprising results. Ordinarily, animals stream to the water as afternoon wanes, yet only a few pigs came to drink. We welcomed a big gemsbok, yet saw none, while two other hunters saw huge gemsbok but had already taken that species. That seemed to be our luck on the first two days of the safari- right place wrong time.
One afternoon was particularly frustrating. The wind is usually predictable in the Limpopo region, yet a low pressure system had the air currents opposite of their normal flow.   Adapting to the new circumstance, we built a blind from thick thorn bush using several threes for the major part of our concealment. This would have been the perfect blind for a whitetail, mule deer, or pronghorn antelope back home, yet we encountered on complication that North American hunters don’t face- detection from above. 
I watched Jase’s face light up like some mega-pixel wide screen as he saw three giraffes drink at a nearby waterhole. The tall rather graceful animals look like a train wreck when drinking, forced to wobble their long legs to the side and dip way down to drink. However, as exciting as these tall beast can be to watch, they can be a menace to a hunter. After sucking up 50 gallons of water apiece, they began to move away without alarm until one stilted creature moved our way. The towering beast would pass within 15 yards of the blind which had no protection from above. We did our best to hold still, yet its savvy satellite eyes detected something awry. 
Giraffes are usually a good omen at a waterhole. They are very wary and won’t drink if danger is present. This often acts as an “all clear” sign to other animals and they approach with their guard down. Now, just the opposite was true. The closest giraffe soon exhaled deeply alerting his buddies- “Hey dudes… there’s something fishy over here,” and for the next 20 minutes of prime time, the giraffe’s stared, exhaled, approached and retreated, and otherwise kept creatures great and small at bay. 
Finally, I stepped from the blind and ran toward the beasts, drastic measures but seemingly our only option. After a quick glance, they turned and ran, their tall necks finally disappearing in the distance.
By day three of the hunt, we hadn’t fired a shot and seemed to always be in the wrong spot. Although frustrating, I knew that valleys can lead to peaks and our big chance should be on the horizon. The Fahad Game Reserve has 14 miles of riverfront and we decided to hunt the more open river bottoms, a strategy that landed Jase a trophy impala with an exciting stalk and a great shot.  
Preparation is also a great way to change luck and we planned to abandon the usual lunch-in-camp routine and eat in the bush, giving us additional hunting time. Jase shot his impala about 9:30 and we were anxious to watch the approach to a waterhole that our Trophy Cam had shown lots of activity- nearly 1,000 photos in a day and half. 
We reached the blind around 10:30 and settled in for the day. By noon our bad luck seemed to continue as a troop of baboons came to drink. Although the critters are fun to watch, they are very wary and the slightest move or sound can alert them resulting in alarm barking that can be heard for a mile. 
Around 12:30 two waterbuck cows came to drink and the monkeys slowly moved away, their thirst quenched.
“There’s a cow and a bull,” whispered Jase who could see a larger opening than Ronnie or I. “It’s a waterbuck, I think.” Despite less than a week in Africa, I was quite surprised at how well my grandson could identify game, even at great distances. As the bull stepped into a small opening, Ronnie confirmed it was a waterbuck bull, but couldn’t gage its size. The animal stood motionless for long minutes, then turned and disappeared, taking the cow with it.
Waterbuck are a premium animal in Africa often fetching the highest trophy fee of any animal except sable. They are not quite as glamorous as the kudu, but a mature bull makes an excellent trophy. Despite the bull’s appearance, I hoped a kudu or gemsbok would approach.
Fifteen minutes later the bull and cow returned, this time determined to drink. As the bull stepped into the open for the first time, Ronnie’s body language seemed to portray pocket aces. I don’t want to tell you what to shoot, but that’s a fantastic trophy, he whispered. As the animal entered a shooting lane of my sight, I nearly gasped. What a monster.
All the while, Jase had the 100 ATR settled on the Trigger Sticks, seemingly keeping his cool. “If you shoot this bull, you won’t be able to take a kudu,” I whispered, calculating the trophy fee number in my head.  “Do you want to shoot?”
Jase nodded so fast he nearly shook loose his braces and his cheek went immediately for the stock. Next to him lay a copy of “The Perfect Shot” and he had been studying the shot placement of various animals. The Zeiss reticule settled and Jase squeezed the trigger.
At the report of the rifle, the bull burst across the water and disappeared in the dense brush. We tried not to get excited until recovery, yet we were very excited about the prospect. Fifty yards away, we found the tell-tall hoof marks of a running animal and Jase soon came upon the trophy, uttering those wonderful words… “There he is.” 
Any thoughts of ground shrinkage went quickly away. WOW! What a beast. After radioing for help, it took four men just to drag the beast that was 200 pound heavier than average with horns in the (200+ whitetail range). 
Suddenly, all that “wrong time and place” stuff was a distant memory. Whether in Africa or the local deer woods, luck plays a part and the best way to change it is maximize your time on the hunt, be patient, and make sure you have the best equipment. We did all three and it paid off super big time. 
 
Sidebar: Safari Gear Standouts
            100 ATR -     What can I say… two shots, two trophies. www.mossberg.com
            Bushnell Trophy Cam-     We found this camera to be incredibly easy to use and carry while the photos were phenomenal. www.bushnell.com
            Hornady Superformance-           Jase used the 150-GR Superformance            ammo and the GMX bullet. Recovering the bullet under the hide of the far        shoulder the round penetrated two feet of muscle and vitals and          mushroomed perfectly. Despite the hot load, felt recoil was not an issue.            www.horandy.com
             Primos Trigger Stick- This is such a cool device, you want to just keep           popping it up. My Professional Hunter loved it so much, I gave it as a tip. In     addition to an incredible rifle rest, it doubles as a camera tripod.    www.primos.com
            Under Armour Capture- Scent elimination is just as important in Africa as in            the USA and Jase loved his UA outfit for its fit, comfort, and function. For         me, how cool to be the envy of every young person I met? Great stuff!    www.underarmour.com
            Zeiss Conquest Scope- My Zeiss Conquest is nearly 20 years old and as          bright as ever despite numerous bumpy, dusty trips to Africa. For a mid-        range             price, Zeiss makes a fantastic scope. www.zeiss.com
           
           
 
           

Stalking Lions with a Bow

Bowhunting Kalahari Lions- The King of Stalks

 

Simba travels at the speed of life… or death.  Join three New York archers put their life on the line and stalk in for the kill. 

 

By Joe Byers

 

            “Lions don’t maim or maul, they kill,” said Professional Hunter Phillip Mostert, looking each of his three clients directly in the eyes.  “If we are successfully charged one of you or I will die, there’s no doubt about it,” he continued in dead earnest.  If we have to kill the lion with a rifle on a charge your tag is filled and the hunt is over.  That happened to the last client and he was very disappointed, yet a lion can cover 100 yards in six bounds.  One swipe or bite and you are dead.  I don’t mean to scare you but you must understand how treacherous this hunt will be.  Probably, it’s the most dangerous thing you’ll ever do.”

            Despite this “pep talk,” the two plumbers and a retired fireman from New York stayed the course and were somewhat encouraged by Mostert’s next statement.  “On the positive side, male lions are the alpha predator.  Usually they avoid humans or ignore us as if they are impervious to danger.  Especially for archers, this works in our favor.”

            Mostert had intentionally saved this message for the first morning of the hunt to ensure that each man got a good night’s sleep and was physically and mentally ready for the challenge ahead.  “Enjoy your breakfast,” he said with the broad smile and robust sense of humor that marked his personality.  “Trackers are searching the property for fresh sign.  With luck they’ll cut a track in a couple of hours.”

            At noon, with no good news from the field, the PH opted for a drive through the ranch so that the hunters could get a feel for the terrain and perhaps have a chance to see a few of the many breeding prides roaming among the ranches 75,000 acres.   As the sun set on the vast and unforgiving landscape, the trio experienced the trepidation a hunter experiences when darkness descends on a land where virtually every creature is designed to rip, tear, impale, crush, or sting and where the terms “hunter” and “hunted” are often interchangeable. 

 

Fresh Tracks- Big Ones

 

            A party of three lion hunters was unprecedented for Mostert, yet all were good friends and wanted to share as much of a common experience as possible.  Ironically, each was an African virgin, that is not hunted even an impala previously.  Steve had been the first to book the hunt and was given the first shooting opportunity.  Early the next day, trackers reported a large fresh male lion track and electric anticipation shot through the entire group.  Boarding a safari vehicle, hunters, PH and trackers set out for the track.  Ordinarily, loud boisterous voices would accompany such a venture, yet the danger and three “elephant guns” on board helped punctuate the seriousness of the quest. 

            Traveling in the soft sand was very quiet allowing the entire party to follow the spore at a distance.  A tracker led the group, followed by a PH, the hunter, cameraman, and another PH.  A third rifle always accompanied the rest of the group to assure a wily cat did not circle and attack from the rear.  “We jumped the cat five or six time,” remembers Vinnie Barranco.  “I got a glimpse of it once through the thick bush, but this cat wanted no part of us.” 

            The stalk began in mid morning and lasted well into the afternoon when the quarry finally tired and sought hydration.  Six hours into the stalk, the king of beasts sneaked to a water hole, drank and then climbed on to the low branch of a tree.  Dogged by human pursuers, the big male lion acted like a Western puma choosing to avoid its antagonist through elevation. 

            Cats miss no movement, yet Mostert led his client 24 yards from the tree, until he finally had an open shot.  Taking careful aim, Steve unleashed the 70# Mathews, sending the Muzzy 4-blade broadhead through both shoulders.  Instantly the lion roared and ripped at the tree allowing Steve to nock a second arrow and release.  This one also penetrated the rib cage and in moments, the giant cat fell to the sand.  Despite the incredible stamina of a lion, one well place arrow generated extreme lethality and hunter and PH were exceedingly happy.

 

Day 3- Trackers in early Dawn

 

            “I was supposed to go next,” remembers Barranco, “but my buddy Tom really wanted to be next.  The trackers were out in the dark searching for fresh sign and I relinquished my position at breakfast that day.  Tommy was very nervous since he had only hunted about five years and I thought it best for him.  I planned to stay as long as it took.  Some days, no fresh tracks are found, yet our luck held and we got a call shortly after breakfast that spore had been located.  Once again we all headed out together to the point of the track and then Tom, Phillip, and a tracker got down to business.” 

            This track worked similar to the other and the cat was approached several times, only to bolt and run.  After nearly four hours, the trail led into a dense patch of thorn where the big cat had holed up.  Was it waiting for an ambush allowing its prey to walk into a trap or just hiding, hoping that the humans would pass by?

            Lions have keen senses, yet not superior to those of a native bushman tracker who’s survival has depending upon tracking prowess for a million years.  Whispering the location in Afrikaans to Phillip, the PH motioned his hunter to move carefully and nonchalantly around the bush until he could see a clear shooting lane, all the while gripping his .375 for a lifesaving shot if needed. 

            Tom is athletic and in great shape, allowing him to manifest hours and months of practice for a perfect shot, catching the cat through both lungs as its lair of thorns imprisoned the beast in its final seconds.   

            After numerous photographs and a mild celebration, the group loaded up the big cat and headed back for a late lunch.  Ironically, the celebration was in mid stride when a call came in that another big cat had been located. 

            Taking two lions in two days was unprecedented for the safari company and the prospect of encountering a third was most tempting.  However, Mostert recommended waiting until morning when everyone had a fresh start.  A PH actually slept by the spore to assure the lion could be located at daylight.  

 

Three Lions for Three Hunters in Three Days???

 

            So far the group had been incredibly lucky.  Not only had they located trophy animals, but were able to track and shoot them successfully without the need for rifle back-up.  However, as Vinnie Barranco was about to learn, the next cat would not cut and run.

            Usually each day began with a leisurely, American-style breakfast, yet this day coffee and toast was the ticket so the hunters could be in the bush by dawn.  “Getting to the area of the big tracks, we found fresh spore and got off the truck a couple of times, but those turned out to be immature animals,” Vinnie remembers.  “Apparently the big cat had mingled with them overnight and we needed to cut his lone track.” 

            Traveling slowly, searching the sand for fresh pugs, Tommy sighted a lion in the bush about 350 yards away.  Stopping the vehicle, Phillip glassed the cat and quickly took action.  “That’s a huge male,” he whispered.  “We’re going to go a bit farther to get the wind in our favor.”

            Phillip organized the hunting party stressing again that everyone must walk in a straight line, should he have to shoot.  Not far from the vehicle, Phillip hand signaled to stop.  The cat wasn’t running away.   Instead, it walking directly toward them.  As pulses raced and stomachs churned, tension filled the air, the big tom approached to 125 yards and stopped. 

            “If it charges and I have to shoot that fills your tag, Phillip whispered, making sure that his client knew the score.  For long seconds predator and predator locked eyes.  Not exactly eyeball to eyeball, yet a blink was inevitable.

            Phillip motioned to follow and stepped forward at a, slow and steady pace stopping again at 75 yards.  “The lion will not run,” whispered Phillip, “Let’s just keep the pace until we are in range.”

            At 45 yards, Vinnie whispered, “He’s within range,” but Phillip maintained the stalk, hearts pounding with each step.  At 35 yards, Vinnie came to full draw and stepped with his arrow anchored waiting for the right moment.  The lion had its head down, ears back, and its tail whipping back and forth like a house cat about to pounce.  Still, the men advanced.

            At 30 yards, Vinnie’ arms began to tremble and he had to let down.  Death was just two bounds away and hunter and hunter had crossed the threshold of no return.  Five steps closer the lion, blinked and turned slightly to the left.  In an instant, Vinnie drew and released, catching the beast with a frontal chest shot.  “It must have jumped five feet in the air, roared and grabbed at the arrow,” he remembers.  “I knocked and shot again, putting a second arrow into its chest and it was done.”

            Moments of caution to assure the animal had expired led to an emotional release and back slapping celebration.  “I think I was more scared after the shot than before,” remembers Vinnie, as the adrenalin subsided and the reality of the hunt set in.   The lion weighed 420 pounds and the natives would consume every ounce, believing it gives special powers to those who eat it. 

 

            Finally, Phillip Mostert is a career Professional Hunter who has guided clients for the Big Five animals in numerous African countries, yet had never experienced such incredible success.  Vinnie could barely believe their good fortune.  “It was the experience of a lifetime and I’m so glad I didn’t wait for another year” he said.  “The lion I took was beyond my imagination and I would recommend this hunt to anyone.” 

 

Author’s note:  For information about hunting lions and plains game in Africa contact Phillip Mostert by e-mail at phillip@huntinglengends.com or on the web at www.huntinglegends.com

 

Sidebar:                                Fair Chase or Faux Pau

 

            Lion hunting is a world class adventure and a free-roaming, fully fair-chase hunt costs $50,000 or more.  Like elephants, some of the best results come from land bordering national parks, bringing fair chase close to the line.  Most South African game ranchers don’t want lions on their property because a pride can easily consume $250,000.00 of game in a single year, quickly putting a safari company out of business. 

            So-called “canned hunts” occur when lions are raised and released on small properties where they are hunted after two weeks in the wild, a practice that has become illegal under South African law.  Ironically, these put-and-take hunts are often more dangerous than free roaming safaris since cats have no fear of humans and seek “revenge” on their previous captors.  One breeder reported that 50% of his females charged the hunter at first sight.

            The three hunters in this article were unanimous about the “fairness” of their chase.  The ranch was a massive expanse where they only saw a fence on entrance.  They hunted on foot using native trackers as has been done for thousands of years.  All shot Mathews bows, used Muzzy 4-blade heads, and Full Metal Jacket arrows for added weight, basically whitetail set-ups, and nothing that would provide an unfair edge.  Finally, this ranch has been credited by Cabela’s as the best Big 5 operator in South Africa.   

           

Lee and Tiffany Lakosky Interview

 

Lee and Tiffany Interview- In preparation for a recent article, “Young and in love… With Hunting” the popular TV and hunting duo, shared the following comments beginning with, a tweet. Tiffany- We need to be planting our food plots, but the forecast is for rain. We have about 600 acres and more than a hundred food plots this year. we had 92 last year, but Lee said, ‘Let’s get eight more an put them in.’ He’s his own worst enemy. We also just picked up 450 additional acres. Why do you believe your couple show has been so well received? Lee, I don’t know exactly why we have so many people come up and say, it looks like you are having fun, and made hunting fun. Yea, Isn’t that why we all hunt? We just do what we do. We started to do the show, we told the guys at Scent-Lok we’ll do the show but not with an agenda. Like reality, we have a good time and go hunting together. We told the guys at Scent-Lok that it was going to be kind of a reality show but not with an agenda. It’s what we do we have a good time and go hunting togther. The thing that surprised is been the huge number of young girls and every single appearance. So many women have come up to us and said We have been married for 21 years and it seems and never even thought of hunting, it looks like you are having a good time, I think I’ll try it. That has been so phenomenal for us. Not something we tried to do promote, husband and wife or couples hunting, it just what we do and it’s been great to see. Not something we tried to do with an agenda. Tiffany- I think one thing I have noticed when we are in line, we are relatable, we are married, we like to hunt and now they have something in common because for a long time there weren’t many hunting couples on TV. One thing about us, I am not perfect. I am just a mess half the time because I have a million things going on. In our household, I’m the biggest joke ever because I have no sense of direction whatever and I feel that a lot of people who are watching can identify. They think, ‘Oh my gosh, my wife is a mess too and I can’t believe it,’ but ultimately they enjoy being out there and I kind of laugh at it and the patience we have. I think that’s relatable with people in their relationships. Lee- We started from the very beginning we were going to show misses; all the stuff because tiffany had never hunted before. We were not going to come off as professional hunters that never miss, make a mistake; hey we are just people like anyone else. Hey there are a lot of hunters out there better than me, better than Tiffany and we honestly never wanted to set up as a great hunter not at all; I’m just like you guys. I think that struck a chord with people too. In seminars people ask how does it feel to be celebrity? Celebrity??? What are you talking about, I’m just a redneck from Iowa. I think a lot of that has come through. We don’t edit out the misses and act like a professional hunter or better than anybody else. I’m just another redneck out there hunting. Tiffany: We never set out to be a TV show; I mean really it’s the biggest joke ever, really for either of us don’t like the lime life. It’s amazing that either of us has a show because neither of us actually liked to film anything. It’s lucky that we have a reality show like we do or we would be in big trouble, we never set out to do this. Lee was a chemical engineer and I was a flight attendant and it just fell into place, it has gotten bigger, we have adjusted our lives to fill in the space. Lee: We never set out to do, it kind of fell in our lives. Neither one of us likes to be in the limelight or wants to have any kind of ego or have people recognize us. We are kind of private people and would rather not have any of that. We over the hunting part and myself, I have loved whitetails since I was three years old, but as far as people knowing who we are or things like that and have people stand in line is so flattering but not trying is what we are out to do.

Do people recognize you when you are separate? Tiffany Yes, sometimes. We may be at an odd place and if we are in regular clothes, someone will come up to us. How did you know it was us. I’m in a hat and sunglasses. How about your family, have they helped you? Tiffany: It’s funny you asked that because we just got a black lab puppy, 13 weeks old. Just recently we have been able to have a puppy and take care of one. My mom moved down a few years ago when stuff began getting really big. We were gone all the time and we had no one here to help us because we were both from Minnesota. Then we moved my brother down and he takes care of our appearances, our logo stuff and our website. Now I have that part of my family. Lee has five sisters and they can’t all come down. My family has been an enormous support and don’t think we could do the things we do without their help. My mom basically takes care of everything at home since we travel so extensively. Lees family is supportive, also. They are like, ’Will you be home for thanksgiving? Lee when was the last time we were home for thanksgiving—eight years ago. Every year they ask. It’s kind of funny. Lee: When we first moved here we bought a property and built a hunting cabin. When I decided to quit my job as an engineer I wasn’t happy. This isn’t what I want to do, but never dreamed to do a TV show. I just couldn’t hunt as much as I wanted and I walked in and quit. I used to write some for “Deer and Deer Hunting” and “North American Whitetail.” I didn’t know what I was going to do, but if I moved to Iowa I might be able to get a job in the industry. At least I could be living in Iowa where I can hunt after work and on weekends. Tiffany was a flight attendant and could work from anywhere. Three weeks after we were married, I walked in and quit my job and I asked her if she wanted to move to Iowa. ‘Sure,’ that was her personality, most wives would probably kill you. ‘Sure that sounds fun’ and was thrilled that I quit because I was getting crabbier and crabbier as we went along because it just wasn’t what I wanted to do. We had filmed each other for fun, we were hug fans of hunting and the TV shows because my whole life revolved around hunting. Tiffany: We just enjoyed doing it. Dating, he’d ask if I wanted to go shed hunting. I don’t know what that is, but sure. That sounds great. Anything we ever did was around hunting and the outdoors. It’s what brought us together. Today we still film each other and do it about half the time. She films me or film her. She never hunted when we met, not for the first two years. We would just shoot for fun. When we moved down here we had nobody, knew nobody. We never planned on doing a show. We had filmed a few hunts and David Blanton was good enough to put them on monster bucks. We never got paid, never asked for money, never wanted any money, just thrilled that someone wanted to use it. We were such a huge fan of monster bucks that when the video would hit the stores, it was like Christmas day for me. I was so thrilled. Never asked a dime from anybody… just a hobby. Lee: I quit on October first and Tiffany had a flight. On the 14th of October, the folks from Scent-Lok called and said we saw you guy on video and if we do another TV show, would you be interested. I’ll have to talk to tiffany. The timing was right, but I wasn’t going to do something pushing products and that kind of stuff. I just knew what I wanted to see since I’m such a huge fan of hunting shows. If you let us do it the way we want to- not an infomercial. Let us have fun and do it reality style. We did the first show and sent it to Scent-Lok, and they thought no one will like it. I said well lets’ give it a shot and two years later it was number one on the outdoor channel.

South Dakota Indian Reservations

Go Native for Whitetails
By Joe Byers

 

 

 
 
 
Indian Reservations have their own seasons and bag limits above and beyond state regulations. I hunted the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota and discovered a “new world” of opportunity. Our group of 10 took five bucks, several real trophy bucks. Here’s the low down on a little known hunting opportunity.
 
Stepping into the river bottom was like whitetail heaven! Still-hunting into the wind I walked a deer trail that looked like an interstate highway. Hooves had worn the vegetation down to the dirt and rubs and scrapes were everywhere. This was the first morning of a three-day hunt in central South Dakota, just north of the Lake Oahe, and instantly I had regrets. My vision of the “rez,” as it’s called locally, was wide open spaces and long shots at moving deer. Instead, I was sneaking through dense cover where the average shot was barely 50 yards. I hadn’t brought my scent elimination or buck lure juice and I really needed both.   This may sound crazy, but I wanted to trade my rifle for a bow and a tree stand. These trails were crazy hot! 
 
Success on the Open Prairie
While I stalked the thick stuff, Neil Davies was on the open prairie where he and a friend were making small drives through plum thickets. Davies is the Marketing Director for Hornady Manufacturing and put his new Superformance ammo to good use, taking a dandy buck with a good rest and a 425 yards shot.  
 
 
Neil’s deer was the only one taken our first day, yet Conservation Officer Mike Kennedy got us fired up about his big mule deer find. After checking our licenses, he pulled a 207-inch muley rack from his truck and our eyeballs nearly fell out. We each posed with the monster rack including Kennedy as Toby Shaw shielded the Reservation name with his arm. Don’t worry, Toby, I won’t tell.
 
 
My Turn to Shoot
 
Our group saw more deer activity along the edge of the prairie than in the river bottoms, so the next day I took a stand on a high bluff overlooking a number of trails. Just before dark, a 100-class 2 ½ year old buck fed into the open. Although this wasn’t the trophy I was after, it would make great table fare and my Mossberg 4×4 in 30-06 (and Superformance) dropped the animal in its tracks.          
My tag filled, I purchased a small game license and planned to bag a limit of pheasants (3) the next day. My group of three guys showed how very diverse and flexible a reservation hunt can be. Ben Payton  had an “any deer” tag allowing a mule deer or whitetail, Bob Swanson had a whitetail license, and today, I’d carry a shotgun for pheasants. 
 
 
New Fashioned Deer Drive
 
We began a walking drive just after sun-up and immediately got action. The plan was for me to beat the plum thickets and push deer onto the prairie for my buddies. Somehow, we got things reversed and I walked the skyline. Suddenly, I saw a deer burst over the horizon 300 yards away. Had this been Colorado, I would have sworn it was an elk.  
Sooo, we changed positions and just in time. Although the pheasants continued to run a mile ahead, honest, (well OK, half a mile ahead), Bob and Ben kept several hundred yards above and ahead of my position. As I entered one very thick patch of brush, the pheasant from hell began thrashing and I soon saw the wide rack of a big buck crashing up the ridge. I yelled as loud as I could, but my voice was swallowed up the prairie wind. Luckily, the buck broke into the open just as Bob and Ben were planning their next post. Ben took a quick shot through the brush with his R-25 while Bob got a shot in the open and dropped the big deer at mid-bound. 
What a celebration! By the time I arrived, Bob and Ben had practically high-fived their fingers off and for good reason. This was a 160-frame 5×5 buck with a “drop beam.” Apparently, the deer had injured its antler during the summer and  developed into a one-of-a-kind rack that most hunters would die for.
 
 
Great Times and More Tines
After dragging the beast a couple hundred yards, we loaded it into a truck and headed for a rendezvous with the rest of the gang. We met at a roadside spot adjacent to what we called the pheasant farm where seeing hundreds of pheasants in a field was common.  Like a tailgate party, we unpacked a cooler, made sandwiches, and relived the events of the morning. Half way through the frivolity, someone let it slip that there was another buck in the back of a rig. No way! Yes way! Lee Hetherington had taken a great buck in mid morning and in keeping with the great times afield, held the announcement for maximum mojo.
 
 
Overall, our camp took five bucks, including three deer 3 ½ years or older. As a percentage hunt, this may only be average, yet the diverse hunting conditions were fascinating.  I plan to return next year a little wiser and more selective. The Cheyenne River Reservation produces Boone & Crocket muleys and whitetails. Rule number one for a record book animal… hunt where the big ones live. 
 
Resources:   The Cheyenne River Reservation website is under construction (www.crstgfp.gov) but complete information can be obtained by calling (605) 964-7812. Why not double up? Use South Dakota tourism for travel information at www.travelsd.com and get licenses for deer, pheasants, waterfowl, etc at www.sdgfp.info        

 

Do I need a .375 Magnum for Planins Game?

 

Do I need a .375 Magnum rifle for plains game? 
 
Historically, Professional Hunters have carried the .375 and larger caliber rifles as stopping rifles. When your life is on the line there is no such thing as too much gun. However, for plains game like impala, kudu, and wildebeest is the heavy fire-power of an elephant gun needed or desired. No one article will ever settle this question, yet my experiences in August should prove informative. 
 
 
 
 
The 30-06 4X4 vs. Africa
 
The 30-06 is a great, all-around deer caliber, but can it handle Africa’s toughest antelope species? In the footprints of two US Presidents?
 
Every bend in an African road is a gateway to adventure. We had just set out along a dusty two-track when a black object in a small clearing of the dense bush caught our eyes. “Wildebeest, whispered PH Harold Prinsloo as we froze in our tracks. Just 80 yards away was one of Africa’s most challenging critters to take down. Every lion, leopard, jackal, hyena, and vulture salivates at the thought of this tasty morsel; no wonder it’s so tough.
 
 
Quietly chambering a round, I took a solid rest and centered the Zeiss red dot right on its heart, a lesson learned by careful study of a shot placement guide.    In an instant, the rifle cracked and the wildebeest dropped like a stone. Wow! Prinsloo, exclaimed, “I’ve seen a lot of wildebeest taken on safari but never one go down like that. Wound one and it can go for days, usually at least 100 yards with a heart shot,” he said excitedly.   As we carefully approached the trophy, I half expected to find a high shot, catching the spine, yet closer inspection showed the hit was low in the shoulder. Hornady’s new GMX ammunition had performed perfectly. 
 
 
This was the second sunrise of a week-long safari on one of the most unique properties in Africa. I had shunned a magnum caliber for the good ol’ 30-06 topped with a great scope and eagerly anticipated the encounters of the days ahead.
 
 
Hunting with the President
 
This safari began on the Fahad Game Reserve, 50,000 acres of game-rich bush along the Limpopo River which separates Botswana from South Africa. The ranch is owned by the Prince of State of Saudi Arabia and here-to-for only hunted by invited guests such as Presidents George Herbert and Walker Bush. With the world economy in a tail spin, the Prince chose to supplement ranch expenses by offering a limited number of hunts and I was fortunate enough to partake. 
 
 
The ranch has four lodges that accommodate from eight to eighty guests, and, as you might imagine, the largest lodge is used by the Prince to entertain heads of state and other dignitaries, from around the world. Our party consisted of eight members, Rick and Brandon (a father and son), Randy and John, two of the nine miners who survived 77 hours underground in July of 2002, and three women, my wife Vel,  her friend Rebecca, a model, and her friend Sheli who hosts a fishing TV show.  A diverse group that made for great fun. 
 
Excellent amenities, service and food prevailed, yet the quality and quantity of game quickly became the prime topic of every campfire. I passed up a trophy warthog, gemsbok and eland bull the first day, just to see what was out there, and my success on the wildebeest set the tone for a terrific week.
 
Kudu or Bust
 
By late August, rain hasn’t fallen for five months and the ground is parched and dusty dry. In this arid climate most animals drink daily and focus on the Limpopo River or dozens of waterholes scattered throughout the property. Posting near a water route is a good strategy and late morning of the third day, we built a small blind that overlooked several heavily used trails. Soon, two kudu bulls and a wildebeest passed by at 80 yards. “You want the one in the rear,” whispered Prinsloo excitedly.  
 
The trio disappeared behind a patch of thorn as I swallowed hard, hugged the stock and waited for my chance. Just as everything seemed perfect, Prinsloo whispered, “kudu cows to our right.” Glancing carefully, I saw three females with their keen noses and giant radar ears within steps of our scent stream.  They would alarm-bark at the first hint of our presence and the promising prospect seemed doomed to failure. Luckily, the bulls switched position such that the biggest trophy emerged first. 
 
 
The 4×4 has a wonderful trigger and the rifle reported without thought as the animal quartered toward me. Upon impact, the big bull burst into flight and offered a broadside shot at full speed just as it disappeared into the bush. 
 
We radioed for a native tracker and gave the animal some time. Ironically, with two shoulder pass-through hits, the 500-pound creature went 200 yards before cashing in. My intention was never to shoot at a running animal, but it was a testament to the performance and smooth bolt operation of the 4×4 that seemed to re-chamber on automatic pilot. The bull measured 56 inches, Gold Medal status with the Safari Club International and was my personal best. 
 
 
 
Chevy Super Sport
 
Chevrolet makes the Impala, Africa breeds im-paul’- a.   First timers get a lot of ribbing about pronouncing the animal like the car, but whatever you call it, this whitetail deer-size antelope in one of Africa’s great trophies. Our tracker spotted a good ram standing along the edge of a two track, half a mile away. Ducking inside the edge of the bush, we sneaked within 230 yards. Ordinarily shooting sticks are the order, yet I shot from the sitting position, (my favorite) and made a solid shoulder hit. 
 
 
With three animals in the bag, I had a fourth to go and debated whether to try for a specific animal or just see what opportunities arose. With three days to go, I’d see many more animals and have multiple shooting options. 
 
Traditional safari lure praises rifles in .375 magnum caliber, yet my experience demonstrated that the good ol’ 30-06 was up to the African challenge. I took four animals with five shots, the bonus round at the kudu which ran within sight. African animals are resilient and cling to life with a heritage of a prey species honed and magnified over millions of years. That’s a lot of savvy to overcome, yet the ’06 proved up to the challenge.
 
Author’s Note: For information on the Fahad Game Reserve call the USA office at (610) 863-8182 or check www.huntinglegends.com
 
 
 
 
 
Sidebar: Great Products Tested Tough
1.        Mossberg 4×4 in 30-06 caliber:  From its target crowned muzzle, to the matt finish, to the light box magazine, to the recoil-eating recoil pad, the 4×4 handled every challenge that poked its horns above the horizon.
 
2.        Zeiss Victory Varipoint 1.5-6×42 combined the precision of a standard reticle with a tiny red dot that made shot placement nearly instinctive. The optic presented incredible light transmission, with nearly see-in-the-dark capabilities.
 
3.        Hornady GMX Bullets and Ammo: The one 165-grain bullet retrieved mushroomed perfectly and maintained 95% of its original weight. These non-lead bullets may be the projectile of the future and showed great penetration and impact.
 
4.        Blackhawk Tactical Gear- Navy Seals swim with this boot, yet it handled the dust and grime of the dry season with aplomb. Comfortable as sneakers, lightweight, and tough as nails, they were ideal for stalking, even on frosty mornings. Warrior Wear pants and shirts made excellent safari clothing. 
 
5.        Under Armour- Both men and women used Under Armour products in a variety of layers from base to vests to windproof fleece. The insulation and compactness was amazing. We could pack for an entire safari in our carry-on.    
 
   

Quickie Safari

Three-Day Safari
 
Generally, hunters want at least a week on the ground or their safari will seem to be over before it starts. Once I had an accumulation of air-miles and flew to South Africa for just three days. Was it worth the travel time? You bet. I blunted a rhino, got charged by an elephant and took a great impala making it all worthwhile, in my opinion. I saw as many animals in one African day as in an entire season in North America. A plains game safari  is awesome and within the financial reach of every workingman.   An African plains game safari is the bargain basement deal of a lifetime. Outfitters in South Africa and Namibia offer a seven-day, fully guided safari (including trophy fees for three or four animals) for less than most North American hunts. Here’s the math:
 
 
 
               “Ball-Park” Costs for NA and African Hunting
Game                        Cost    # Animals   License             Travel          Success
Colorado Elk          $6,500             1                 $450           $400               50%
Alberta Deer          $4,500             1                 $118           $400               75%
Moose & Caribou $8,300             2                 $960           $650               75%
Stone Sheep       $25,000             1                 $400           $700               80%
Africa Safari         $4,600             4                    $0           $1500               90%             
                                                                                       
 
 
Aside from a great price, consider these advantages:

Weather-    Each day in June, July, and August (African winter) begins with a cold crisp morning, followed by a warm afternoon and a glorious sunset. Every day is like Indian summer in the fall. 

Bugs-          In three countries, I’ve yet to see a mosquito. Use repellent on pants for ticks.

Game-        You’ll see plenty of game plus interesting birds and non-game animals. Include a tour of a park and you can witness the big five, up close.

Camps-       Rustic, yet comfortable and clean. Your laundry will be washed and pressed every day so you can pack light. Meals are all you can eat and expertly prepared. Many are tented in the spirit of Hemingway.

Gear-          A 30-06 rifle and quality scope are ideal for plane’ game. Archers will do well with a 60# compound or recurve.

Travel-       Fly non-stop by Delta or SAA, or take the scenic route and see Europe for free. Frequent flier miles accumulate quickly. Get an airline credit card, change phone carriers and bargain for miles with telemarketers. Reduce the airfare and you can hunt two more animals.

Trophies-   African antelope such as kudu, impala, Nyala, gemsbok, and the feisty warthog are exciting game animals. Taxidermy is cheaper in Africa, even including shipping back home.

Timing-      A safari will not compete with your regular fall seasons. When fall arrives, your shooting skills will already be in top form.

Hunting Style-     Bowhunters usually watch waterholes from enclosed blinds or from tree stands. Animals usually visit in late morning and throughout the day. Rifle hunting is usually spot and stalk. You’ll glass plenty of game animals.


Welcome to my new website and blog


My last 57-inch kudu taken in South Africa

Please be patient with the development of my new website and come visit again. 

Vel and I are excited about the chance to share our adventurous spirit in print and in person.  As this blog evolves I hope to bring the adventure of the outdoors into the life of a wider audience.

I've been blessed with nearly 30 years as a professional outdoor communicator and  will use those many days afield ot help you fulfill your outdoor goals and dreams.

Regards

Joe Byers

Tel: 1 – 301 – 797 0926
Mobile: 1 – 301 – 964 0927
Email: mailto:joebyers@erols.com