-------------------- In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities. In the expert's there are few...So the most difficult thing is always to keep your beginner's mind...This is also the real secret of the arts: always be a beginner. Shunryu Suzuki Posts: 9318 | From: tribes hill , new york | Registered: Jan 2008
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Yeah, Barry! Looking forward to chasing some hogs with you in September.
One thing that I forgot to mention about this hunt. Before I went on the hunt, I asked Allan what binocs he used and he strongly recommended a pair of 10x. I only have a pair of 6x32 and a pair 8x42 and I took the 6x to save carrying weight and space. Big mistake. Both Andy and Mick were using 10x42 binocs, and the difference in size was very small compared to the greatly improved detail when glassing across those big floodplains. I hope that nobody makes the same mistake that I did.
Posts: 3620 | From: Ada, Oklahoma | Registered: Jun 2007
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Either 8x or 10x would work well. I recommended 10x to Pat because that is what Andy and Mick were using. A REALLY top-notch pair of 8x binoculars works as well as a good, average pair of 10x binoculars in observing animals over some of those long distances. But unless you have the quality of a Leica, Swarovski, Zeiss or other premium binocular, the 10x will work better at distance. I like 8x and took my 8x30 Swarovskis last year. I will either take those again or switch to my 8x32 Leicas or my 10x32 Vortex Vipers. The Vipers have the same relatively small objective lenses but the higher magnification. The only problem with the Vortex (besides being slightly lower quality than the other two binoculars) is that with 10 power and a 32mm objective, they require more frequent adjustment of the focus. Light gathering isn't as good either, but the buffalo hunting doesn't require it. I have several outstanding pairs of 10x42 binoculars, but with all the walking I do in OZ, I would rather not deal with the extra weight and bulk since I have such nice 32mm binoculars available to me. There is a big difference between 6x and 8x when it comes to viewing. I relegate 6x binoculars to forested areas where distances are short, and they are nearly perfect for those conditions. Pat would have been much better with his 8x42 binoculars, and a pair of 10x42 is nearly perfect if weight and bulk are not a problem for you.
Allan
-------------------- TGMM Family of the Bow Posts: 3186 | From: Oklahoma | Registered: Mar 2008
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Well, Andy got done with his buffalo camp and sent me a couple of pictures that he took during our hunt. The first group is a pic of me stalking up on the hog that I shot, followed up by the shot of the hog that I previously posted. Then next group of pics are from the long stalk on a group of cows that I mentioned across the plain when the noisy grasses eventually got me busted. Looking at the pics, maybe I should have taken the opportunity that I had at that cow, but at the time it I was more interested in a larger bull. If I had a 10-15 yard shot I definitely would have taken it.
So we pick Pat up from the "middle of Know where" Mine Airstrip and by the time we get to camp I just remember thinking "Geezz this Guy's mind thinks just like mine!" Scary "just like mine" and I Like him already, strait up calls a Spade a Spade. I was going to have the 9 days off but Mick Asked if I would take Pat out for 4 days... "Um Yes you bet!" Pat told me he was prepared to go as hard and as far as it would take...Thats what I like to hear...So we did what we needed to, to get into Buffalo, earnt him the "toughest" Client of the year so far! The only problem was that he is the most Unlucky so called Irishman I know... We found the Buff alright .. plenty of them... But Mother Nature worked us over... Properly! time and time again. Never the less we had a great hunt, And i look forward to catching up again buddy.
All the Trad Guys this year really put in the right preparation for a Big game hunt. All the Set-ups were well thought out and put together. Pats Morrison is the heaviest Trad Set-up we have ever had. So for that alone I tip my Hat to Craig Moy, Brian Lum, Patrick Kelly, Allan DeVore And Doug Burns.
Here's Pat Hooked Up...Remember the Cast that got you that Fish.....Had some Character
Whats that you got there
Pleasure to have hunted with you Pat and I look forward to putting some miles on the boots again one day.
-------------------- There is more to the Hunt.. then the Horns
**TGMM Family of the Bow**
Andy Ivy Posts: 4118 | From: African in Australia | Registered: Feb 2006
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Thanks alot, Andy. I thought we were on the same page too. I look forward to getting after some game with you some time in the future.
That cast had character all right, lol. I forgot about that. That was my luckiest moment of the trip.
Posts: 3620 | From: Ada, Oklahoma | Registered: Jun 2007
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I am sure that you two are very amused, remeniscing about that cast, but the view from here appears to be of Pat struggling with a diving Rapala that snagged on a sunken log, or the weighted body of the last client.
Killdeer
-------------------- Long, long afterward, in an oak I found the arrow, still unbroke; And the song, from beginning to end, I found again in the heart of a friend.
~Longfellow
TGMM Family Of The Bow Posts: 15029 | From: Fibber McGee's Closet, VA | Registered: Mar 2003
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Well, there could be bodies down there if the crocs didn't get em. It's dangerous not to compliment Mick on his cooking.
Posts: 3620 | From: Ada, Oklahoma | Registered: Jun 2007
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Still want the story of the all-star cast. You get Andy's pants on the backswing?
I caught a German Shepherd learning to flyfish. Killdeer
-------------------- Long, long afterward, in an oak I found the arrow, still unbroke; And the song, from beginning to end, I found again in the heart of a friend.
~Longfellow
TGMM Family Of The Bow Posts: 15029 | From: Fibber McGee's Closet, VA | Registered: Mar 2003
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