Trad Gang
Main Boards => The Dark Continent => Topic started by: Al Kidner on July 24, 2013, 06:37:00 PM
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Hi guys,
Well after years of dreaming about it I am finally off for a hunt in Africa, flying out Sunday our time.
I don't have a list of critters I wish to adorn my walls, more so I'd be happy with one good animal...everything else on top of that will be cream in my opinion.
So... The BHs are sharp, arrows packed. My recurve, optics and camera gear stowed.
Back on the 13 oth next month....until then guys, keep the breeze in your face.
ak.
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Best of luck to you Al, will be looking for the pics soon
:campfire:
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Good Luck!
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Mate, you'll have a ball!
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All the best and you will love it. We have just returned from Nam! Which outfitter are you going to?
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Go gettem Al! Looking forward to lots of pics. :campfire:
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Awesome! Looking forward to your recap when you return
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:campfire:
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Good luck! Africa is a really cool place. I am confident that you will be planning your second trip before you get home from this one!
Bisch
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I just got back on Saturday. You'll love it. Enjoy.
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:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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G'day guys... Just landed back home and had the trip of a lifetime ! Will post pics ASAP!
Missing the veld already...
ak.
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Awesome! Been waiting to hear how you went!
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Originally posted by Ben Kleinig:
Awesome! Been waiting to hear how you went!
Ditto
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Hi again Guys,
Well what can I say... other than my first hunt in Africa was something else! I am speachless on my time spent there, I really am.
For years I have always wanted to hunt Africa after reading so many books on the place, hunters who have been there and also watching many a DVD to get my fill of the place. Well let me say this for those that have never been and wish too... those books, DVD's and hunting stories in mags like TBM ...DON'T do the place the justice!!
I was asked along on this trip - a group of 4 rifle hunters were originally booked in - but one lad had to pull out for personal reasons. Being the only bow hunter out of 3 other rifle hunters raised some eyebrows when they asked where my bow was at Sydney airport... they were expecting to see a compound case. But alas... tis I, the recurve shooter in your company I replied!
We had a 6 days touring around Namimbia, seeing the sights and acting as the tourist. We stopped into a local Taxidermy place on the way to the Airport...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Longbow_lad/IMG_0209_zps2ff79ce2.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Longbow_lad/media/IMG_0209_zps2ff79ce2.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Longbow_lad/IMG_0211_zps21d8aad2.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Longbow_lad/media/IMG_0211_zps21d8aad2.jpg.html)
Here is me alongside an Elephant skull... I'm 6'2"
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Longbow_lad/IMG_0206_zpsee4adc36.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Longbow_lad/media/IMG_0206_zpsee4adc36.jpg.html)
And here is just a sample of the amount of animals these guys work with. Good only knows how they keep track of it all!!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Longbow_lad/IMG_0204_zpsecb36711.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Longbow_lad/media/IMG_0204_zpsecb36711.jpg.html)
More to come guys, still unpacking etc...
ak.
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Bloody awesome, mate!
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At the Taxidermy place there was all sorts of critters, large and small and some of which I did not know the names of...but I did spot this bad boy... a dream hunt right there.
Maybe in the future, but from all accounts, Buff hunts are going way up in price now. I'll just stick to our water buff in the mean time...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Longbow_lad/IMG_0208_zps0d9670ef.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Longbow_lad/media/IMG_0208_zps0d9670ef.jpg.html)
We had made plans to head east to the red sand dunes of Sossusvlei but our hire car broke down in a small town called Maltahohe.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Longbow_lad/IMG_6141_zps536164ce.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Longbow_lad/media/IMG_6141_zps536164ce.jpg.html)
Then due to African ways of, well just being Africa... our hire car was out of action and the company had no plans to get us one in any sort of a hurry. So a local man by the name of Dion elected to take us the remaining part of our journey.
Now to cut a long story short... this is what happens when you cross a yound Kudu bull and a Hilux travelling at 120 K/H...
Our first Kill!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Longbow_lad/IMG_0223_zps6e06e2af.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Longbow_lad/media/IMG_0223_zps6e06e2af.jpg.html)
With our second car a right off we thought it a great idea to crack a beer and simply smile! No one was hurt and thats the best part. We all put in to cover the excess of Dion's insurence bill so he was not out of pocket. We also paid for his dinner back in town and his drinks bill, also sending him home after the bar was shut with a case of beer under his wing.
Guess we should have taken more notice of the local road signs! Well, maybe Dion should have...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Longbow_lad/IMG_6062_zps9b54e9b2.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Longbow_lad/media/IMG_6062_zps9b54e9b2.jpg.html)
As a side note we could not have been treated better by the locals where we broke down. As soon as I spotted Dion I knew he was ex mil guy as we can pick each other out of the crowd for the habbits we have etc. After getting to know Dion over a few beers he told me he served 14 years in the SA Army and fought in the bush wars up north in Angola. Tough man, tough war and I tipped me hat to him.
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Pure adventure, and good people!
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One thing I could not get over was the amount of these fellas on just about every tree, bush and shrub! Made for hard stalking that is for sure...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Longbow_lad/IMG_0236_zps9c8a1532.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Longbow_lad/media/IMG_0236_zps9c8a1532.jpg.html)
And I enjoyed seeing these large birds nest. From all accounts not a good tree to hang around during the breeding season as Cobras like to hang about!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Longbow_lad/IMG_0242_zpsa94f04c2.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Longbow_lad/media/IMG_0242_zpsa94f04c2.jpg.html)
Then it was up to Etosha National Park for more of a look see at all the different African animals and also as a good prep to enable us to turn into how animals act etc.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Longbow_lad/IMG_0260_zps040fc89c.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Longbow_lad/media/IMG_0260_zps040fc89c.jpg.html)
That moring I got lucky and snapped this pic of one of these little guys...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Longbow_lad/IMG_6182_zpse93343ea.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Longbow_lad/media/IMG_6182_zpse93343ea.jpg.html)
More to come guys..
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:thumbsup: KEEP IT COMING, NEED TO SEE SOME BLOODY ARROWS
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Awesome! Following along... :campfire:
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Whilst in the Park we ran into a lots of these...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Longbow_lad/IMG_0314_zps786a8623.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Longbow_lad/media/IMG_0314_zps786a8623.jpg.html)
And a few of these too...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Longbow_lad/IMG_6304_zpsa158b8d0.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Longbow_lad/media/IMG_6304_zpsa158b8d0.jpg.html)
But after a week of doing the tourist thing we were all keen to sink our hunters teeth into some quality game animals and were ready to don our hunting boots and try our best at mixing things up with the smarts of the African game animals on offer.
Animals like these...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Longbow_lad/IMG_6159_zps7c2f1194.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Longbow_lad/media/IMG_6159_zps7c2f1194.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Longbow_lad/IMG_6219_zpsa2d5aeb0.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Longbow_lad/media/IMG_6219_zpsa2d5aeb0.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Longbow_lad/IMG_6237_zps7cba482d.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Longbow_lad/media/IMG_6237_zps7cba482d.jpg.html)
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Here is the link to the place we hunted. Outstanding come close to mind and fair chase as you'll ever get in Africa.
http://www.ekuja-hunting-namibia.com/
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We arrived at the hunting camp at about 2 pm in the arvo and after introductions with the owners and the PH on hand it was time to split up. I was paired up with a local tracker that has lived on the farm since he was 8 and we hit it off well and I hunted with Thomas for the whole 6 days of my hunt.
But before we headed off the PH wanted to see me shoot my recuve as he was undicided when it came to Trad gear as he had limited exposure to bowhunters hunting with Traditional gear.
To say I was nervous was an under statement! Never had I have been put under a shooting type test to see if my abilities would come up to par... but, it would seem I did OK as the PH was impressed with my shooting abilities out to 30m.
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That arvo we just sat in a blind to get the feel of how jittery these african animals really are. I had read and heard accounts of the abouve mentioned...but gee, these critters really are wired!
The next morning we set out again. As stated at the start of my thread... I was only after one good African animal for my first hunt, the rest would be cream on top. I just did not want to put myself under to much pressure as there is enough when hunting plains game in Africa without adding extra stress on one's self to fill his or list of 'required' animals.
About midday one of these fellas came into the water to drink and Thomas, in his roughly spanned english told me to shoot.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Longbow_lad/IMG_6701_zps7ec76172.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Longbow_lad/media/IMG_6701_zps7ec76172.jpg.html)
So I drew back, anchored and shot. Upon impact the wartie spun as the arrow zipped clean on through him and skidded further on into the bush. He turn and looked right into our blind and I watch blood pour out of his chest due a low lung shot. He then trotted off - in the gait how Warthogs do - stumbled once, stopped and trotted off again into the grass.
I looked at Thomas to gain his reaction... he shook his head. "Good shot, but no heart" he said....hmmm, OK I thought.
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We quickly and as quietly as we clould, exited the blind to take up the blood and spoor. We found good pools of blood and a rather easy blood trail to follow. But...Thomas was still not happy with the hit. He said a few times "He go long ways Bass"
And that he did...
Thomas in action, tracking my - what I thought was a well hit animal.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Longbow_lad/IMG_7233_zps0b3a5cd0.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Longbow_lad/media/IMG_7233_zps0b3a5cd0.jpg.html)
Dark soon was upon us and we had lost the blood trail well over 500m from the blind and still no dead Warthog. I had read how hard these African animals are but gee... this was one tough animal. I questioned all that would hear my prayers just how much blood can a Warthog hold pray tell?!
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The rest of the crew turned up with two tracking dogs and we further pushed on the track to try and locate my Warthog...but, sadly we came up empty handed and had made futher plans to hit the track again at first light.
With luck we may just find him. It was a cold, sombering ride back to camp that night...
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I know the feeling! It sucks! Tell the story, mate!
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The next morning after breakfast Thomas and I headed back onto the track again to see if we could come up with a dead Warthog. Sadly, after a few hours we ran outa blood and no animal found.
A real kick to the guts it was and I put it down as a learning curve on hunting in Africa. If your shot is not 100% on the spot, even if it's off by and inch as mine was, then make preperations for a long traking job.
We made a plan to walk our way back to the camp for lunch and to try our luck on any animals spot and stalk style.
This time I drew lucky...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Longbow_lad/IMG_0351_zps3af1d040.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Longbow_lad/media/IMG_0351_zps3af1d040.jpg.html)
After about an hours stalk, I shot this Steenbok bedded from 38 paces. A stalk, shot and hunt that'll live with me till the end of my days!
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Al Congrats & well done on the Steenbok esp hunted by W & S. It is such a common story with "Lost game" in Africa when the shot is not 100%. They are tough!!!
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Congrats and exceptional shot on such a small target.Beautiful steenbok. I agree that african game are tough!!
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That steenbok looks huge! Awesome stalking, awesome shooting! Sorry about the lost warty, but it happens.
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That is true Ben and as it is said...no one has ever hunted who has not lost an animal. Again it just hi lights how tough African animals are, even when hit well...if its not perfect then it just won't do.
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Here is a pic of me and my Tracker Thomas on a very chilly African morning... it was -2C just as the sun broke for the day...brrrrr!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Longbow_lad/IMG_0336_zps149e8fc6.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Longbow_lad/media/IMG_0336_zps149e8fc6.jpg.html)
This morning we opted to try our luck at a new blind and and wait to see if a good Gembok would come in as I've always wanted to hunt Gemsbok. We waited till lunch then just before we planned to move out this happened...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Longbow_lad/IMG_0381_zps69a93531.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Longbow_lad/media/IMG_0381_zps69a93531.jpg.html)
I hit this fella right in the sweet spot this time and my arrow blew through both shoulders. He took off at a run and was piled up about 60m from where I hit him...and... bled less than the first Hog that I hit and lost! Work that out?!
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With the 'Hero' pics taken it was back to the camp for a lunch time meal and maybe a little snoze.
That afternoon it was back to the same blind again in search of Gemsbok. But...alas, I could not pass up another Warthog...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Longbow_lad/IMG_0399_zpsa5fc710a.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Longbow_lad/media/IMG_0399_zpsa5fc710a.jpg.html)
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I would have liked to have hunted Kudu, Gemsbok and even a good blue wilderbest but due to only having 6 full days hunting and the quality of ethics on hand where we hunted not everything is a given and thats why I'll be returning in 2015. But longer this time!
Thanks guys for the kind comments. I am missing Africa already...
ak.
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Good stuff Al! :thumbsup: You have lived the dream of me and many others. Congratulations.
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Awesome pigs, mate! And good luck on your return! How did the other guys do (maybe PM me if it involves talking about their rifle hunts)? How were kudu numbers on the property?
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I will send you a PM tonight Ben
Cheers for the kind words guys...
Ak.
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That's a huge steenbok mate well done I can't wait to get back over there.
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Congrats on your African trip, Al!! It is a special place. Treads like yours always remind me just how special. Thanks for sharing your adventure.
Bill
Did you see many Eland?
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Yes Bill but I did not really feel the need to drop the string on one for a number of reasons. Partly due holding out for a ice Gemsbok or Kudu.
As for my Steenbok... The PH said he would go Gold Medal in the Namibian record books with 4 1/2 inch horns but he could have had 2 inch horns for all that it mattered as these guys are so hard to hunt on foot as they are way down the food change as even large eagles pray on them so stalking them is rather difficult.
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Al,
Looking good. Congrats on a successful hunt.
John Berger
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G'day John,
Was only thinking of you guys the other day. I trust all are well my far off friend and that your getting your fill of "Makers"..?
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Good for you, Al. Good hunting, and good shooting on your part. Glad to see you finally made it over there. I know you have been planning an African safari for a long time. The first one is always very special, but subsequent ones are wonderful too.
Allan
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Congratulations well done especially on the piggies they are really quick and tough as nails!!!! Glad you had a good time
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Thanks for taking us along on your great hunt..I know , we all wish we were with you.
Describe your setup, if you dont mind: bow,bow weight, arrow weight and broadhead..Thanks.
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G'day Ducan,
Firstly mate... Please tell me your not still in Iraq! Spent one to many days there myself.
The bow I used for this hunt was made by Mark Kimber of Huntsmanbows here in Aussie. Mark is an outstanding craftsmen and second to none when it comes to making bows in my opinion. I called this bow "Zulu" as it was made out of black and white ebony and African Blackwood....so I thought the name suited...as well as it was going to be my 'Africa bow'.
It's 62# at my 29" draw and shoots really well. I used Arrow dynamics Traditional carbon shafts with a brass insert as I like tapered arrows and these are the best on the market. Up front leading the way was a "Meathead" ...one of the TuffHead broadheads from Vintage archery.
Total arrow weight was 740gs... A tad over kill for Steenbok...but not for anything else in Africa!
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Thank you...I shoot basically the same setup. Very nice bow. Yes, I am still in Iraq, been working here on and off since 2005/ attached to Army CID/task force.
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Well you keep sharp when there Ducan...
I don't miss the place one little bit, well maybe a good Green Bean!
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Al, congrats mate .
We have chatted about Africa before , and it is just great to see such pics but Mates shouldn't be jealous so i'll shut up !
Great stuff bud, look forward to the next installment when you get back across to the dark continent.
Very cool.
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Thanks for the kind words brother... Pencil me in for the Sambar trip mate!
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:thumbsup: Glad to see you had a great trip Al. Africa, much like the Outback has that magnetism that keeps one wanting more. I rember my first African adventure, spent whole trip home figuring out how to get back there fast!
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Very true statement David as I am planning on heading back in 2015. I would have gone back next year but I'm off to BC to spot and stalk black bears during the rut... Another dream hunt!
ak.
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Good to see your stories and pics again Al! It's been awhile. I hope your life has returned to a sense of normalcy! Thanks for taking us along and congrats on the critters!!
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G'day Ryan,
Yes mate life has finally settled down for me after the ebbs and flows of it all and now I'm just making the most of what I have.
I'm lucky enough to be off to BC as mentioned above but one day mate I'd love to stalk the dark woods after elk with you mate!
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Sounds like a great plan! Good luck in BC! I look forward to the tales
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I missed this thread. Great stuff man.
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Still a great thread to view even after multiple times. Wait a little while and I shall again revisit.
Congrats and thank you for sharing.
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Thanks guys...
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Al congrats on your game taken and the write up was very good. I hope to get there one day but I wish to do a North American trip first.
I am also thinking of a Huntsman recurve, I gather you are happy with it?
Cheers mate.
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Hey Al, I am so happy for you mate.
You have spoken about doing this for some time and have turned your dream into a reality Well done!
Some great game taken there and enjoyed following along, all the best for your Bear hunt.
Cheers Mate
Paul
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Hey Al
Congrats on some fine shooting there.
I always enjoy reading your stuff as you are obviously a good shot, a good hunter and one classy aussie all around :)
Who are you hunting with in BC ? Jeff Lander ?
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G'day J,
Yes mate... Hunting with Jeff and from all accounts I'm in for a real good hunt. Thanks for the kind words also mate...
ak.
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Al congratulations on your hunt.The stories and pictures are great.
Sound like a great time was had by all.
Hope to make the trip some day
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Hey Dig long time no talk, is good to see you finally got there mate. Life is to short, glad you got to live part of the dream that keeps you alive.
Cheers Wayno