Trad Gang
Main Boards => The Dark Continent => Topic started by: acolobowhunter on August 29, 2018, 03:39:22 PM
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Wow what a hunt. I can't say enough good things about Makalaan Safaris. Antonie and Melinda were great hosts and the hunting was super.
I harvested:
Zebra, Impala, Kudu, Gemsbuck, Wildbeest and Worthog. Still had time for 3 days of seeing some of the game parks. Took a lot of photos and ate the wildgame every meal. It was the trip of a life time. If anyone has thought about going to Namibia, I would highly recommend Makalaan Safaris.
When I get more time, I will have to ask for some help to post some photos.
Just wanted to thank everyone here for their assistance with all my questions. I will also send the Shot Placement books back. FYI - 4 of the 6 animals I took were heart shots. Antonie kept telling me that I could shoot a little higher and still be OK, however these shots were perfect. So, now all the dumb animals are gone, the rest of you will have to hunt the smart ones. ha
Thanks ALL!!!! Will ask for help when I get time to post photos. Maybe I need to send them to someone and let them post for me?
Gene
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Congratulations Gene! Sounds like a fantastic hunt. I can't wait to see the photos, sorry I am no help with posting them.
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Wow, that’s a dream list...congrats!
You have to give more details than this this though...
BTW, I’ve yet to see a dumb zebra..
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Glad to see you back, and happy you had a good hunt. Look forward to hearing the details.
Murray
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Had a wonderful hunt. All the bags arrived without any problem. Took two bags with a bow and dozen arrows in each bag. The flight to Namibia was LOOOONG. Was suppose to go from Denver to JFK, then to Joburg then Windhoek Namibia. Well flight from Denver to JFK got canceled. Had to go from Denver to LA then clear back to JFK and on to Joburg.
First day of hunt -
Had nice Eland bull come in, but I hadn't planned of shooting one, so let him pass. Got to save something for next time I guess. Next some Zebra came in. I was told do not shoot the stallion. When the stallion dies, his subordant will then become fertile and take over the herd. However he will kill the foals of the previous stallion. So I shot a nice "dry" mare. Usually we wait for an hour before tracking. My tracker took off after 10 minutes, but told me to stay. He came back about 10 minutes later with his head down. I was feeling poor about the shot. Might have been a little low in the shoulder. He walks up and says "DEAD", then smiles. After loading and transporting Zebra to camp, I went back to hunt again. Next some nice Impala came in and I got a shot off at a nice bull. I saw him run off to about 100 yards into the trees with arrow out both sides. That shot was also a little low and I was worried again. Tracker took off and came back in a few minutes - "DEAD" and another smile. Wow, two animals in the first day. I have photos of all this, if I can get some help loading them???? Help? Day 2 coming soon
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Thought I would mention, I was shooting a 70 lb takedown recurve. Have been shooting it for probably 25 years now. Also using Gold Tip shafts with 100 gr. brass inserts and 200 gr. Rocky Mountain Cuttroats single bevel heads. This is my first experience with these heads and I was really impressed. Got them from Rock Mountain Speciality shop and they touch them up to razor sharpness. I had plenty of bow power and great arrow setup for all the animals I shot.
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Looking forward to the pictures! I knew you would love it.
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Welcome back, and congratulations on a great time. Hopefully you will be able to post pictures. Nice shooting, and I am sure that Antonie was very pleased to not have to do any long tracking. I passed on an a pair of Eland bulls at midday after taking a cow, and they told me that I passed on the chance of a lifetime as they just don't usually do that. Never saw them again, but the cow had big old long horns and I was happy enough...but had the same reaction: ya gotta leave something for next time.
Which of the game meat did you find to your best liking: I ate quite a bit of gemsbok while there, but I think that eland was probably the best, while admittedly enjoying all of it
Planning next trip yet?
Steve
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We ate wild game every meal - like you said, a lot of gemsbuck and kudu. Really I loved it all. My wife is very picky about what she eats, but she also loved it all.
Day 2 - A nice herd of Kudu came in with one really nice bull. As I was looking them over from the pit blind, my tracker gave me the thumbs up again and whispered "Nice bull". I took my time and waited for a good broadside shot. I was so excited to be looking as such a nice animal this close. I placed an arrow on the string and began a slow draw, when the tip of my bow touched the top of the blind, which was metal. The animals spooked and jumped about 10 feet and stool looking around. What a stupid mistake by me, but I was really excited and didn't notice the clearance problem. I was shoot a 62" bow and I stand 6' 2". The Kudu settled down and stepped back closer. I checked the bow clearance and then bend down some for more clearance. I came to full draw and looked at the top of the shoulder. I don't remember the string release, but saw the arrow strike. The it was like a bomb went off and animals ran every where. I turned and my tracker "Donutas" said "Good Shot". I felt the shot was a little low and expressed my opinion. He shoot his head and said again "Good Shot". We waited about 10 minutes and he took off tracking. My wife and I got out of the blind and walked out to where the Kudu was standing and saw blood everywhere. Donutas was only gone about 10 minutes and came walking back with both halfs of my arrow. He walked up and said "DEAD" and got a big smile on his face. We went out and took photos then had him taken to camp. Antonie (owner) again said, Gene you can shoot a little higher, BUT that was a perfect shot. It turned out to be another heart shot. Antonie had us get back in the blind. We had lunch, but I couldn't hardly eat anything. I was still wired from the experience. I had to settle down quickly as several Gemsbuck came in. Again, Donutas whispered "Nice Bull" and gave me the thumbs up. Wow, I was going to get two shots in one day, both at great bulls. Again I waited for a perfect broadside shot, then let the arrow go. Donutas told me "Good Shot" again. However just like the last shot, I felt I was a little low. Ten minutes later, Donutas was out of the blind and tracking the Gemsbuck. My wife and I got out of the blind and I was really worried about the low shot. Donutas came walking back and said "DEAD" and smiled. We shook hands and he said both were great shots. As it worked out, the arrows were actually going up hill through the animals, as we were that low in the blind. Antonie arrived and we took more photos and hauled the Gemsbuck back to camp. That was enough for me that day. I just couldn't take more excitement. I watched as the skinners did their job and they showed my the heart with a nice cut through the middle of it. I was on a roll! What a day - I couldn't imagine a better day of an old bowhunter like me. In fact I had 3 beers that night before supper.
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Well, you can not have a better day 2 than that, and I sure hope that you get those pictures posted. Was this from the grass covered pit blind? If so then this is a remarkable deja vu as my first animal there was the best kudu seen of the trip and I managed to muff the shot (but fortunately overcame my jitters and took a replacement later on)
looking forward to more stuff AND PICTURES
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If you will email me the pictures a couple at a time. I will post them here for you.
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Day 1 was from the Middle blind. Day 2 was from the bunker pit blind. I will double check my journal on what blinds I hunted from. I kept a daily journal. Think my "tracker" thought I was crazy, as when animals would walk off, I would grab the book and make a note of what animals, how many and what time, and date. Each day took probably 6-8 pages of journal. However, I have learned that a person will forget some items and it is always good to write things down. It is fun to re-read after a few months or years. Feels like you are reliving it again. Also helps when I write for magazines.
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Sent you a PM Mike - need your email address to send photos. I have 6 photos of the animals that I got.
Thanks for your help!
Gene
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Nothing unusual about a diary, that I can think of. I have a diary for each of my trips, and I bet they detail every animal in and out with descriptions and times for days on end. I described meals, weather, birds, and my own thoughts for hours and days. It all blends together so quickly that it is hard to remember even from one day to the next. It is a more personal record than the trophies and the photos. Just remember how many months you prepared and thought about little else: that little book holds a record of all those moments that went by so quickly. BTW,unless you have a household full of mounts, consider shoulder mounts for as many of your animals as you can afford. You won't be sorry. I am delighted with my mounts, and I would be happy to hook you up with my taxidermist but he is in New Jersey.
Steve
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Day 3 - hunted from the "Old Homestead" elevated blind today. Lots of animals came in throughout the day. I took so many photos and video. My wife also was taking photos and the click on her shutter spooked a few animals, but they returned. Donatus was still burning Zebra dung to cover our scent. Had some Kudu cows come in and water, then left when some Warthogs arrived. Also had a jackel come in, but pigs would not let him close to the water. I had an arrow ready to shoot him, but he stood at about 50 yards out. About an hour later some Wildbeets cows came in from the right side of the blind and watered and left. Was a slow period of about 1/2 hr before a nice Gemsbuck came in from directly in front of the blind. I sure would have liked to shoot another one as they are so beautiful, but just took photos. Shortly after lunch a group of 5 Kudu bulls came in. They had been standing out in the brush for a while pushing each other around. It was quite a site to see that many nice Kudu bulls in front of me. If I hadn't already shot one, I would have had a hard time picking which one to shoot as all were good bulls. After they left a garffi came in. It was really fun to watch him spread his legs and get low enough for water. After each drink, he would get his legs back under him and stand licking his lips. I really wanted to laugh at times. He was there for 30 minutes. At one point I looked to my left and behind the blind and there was a larger one about 50 yards out just watching. Late that afternoon a nice Blue Wildbeest came in. He was all alone and had no problem walking right into water. I looked behind me and Donatus (tracker) had a smile on his face and was giving me the thumbs up and whispering "Nice Bull". I got an arrow on the string and checked for clearance on my bow limbs. Everything was good. Looked at my wife and said, "I going to shoot him", she smiled and nodded. I took time to focus on a spot then drew my bow. After sitting for a while, I usually have a little strain on the shoulders drawing the 70 lbs. Not this time, the string came back with ease. I locked on to a spot in the middle of the shoulder and released. The shaft diappeared and he was bucking across the open ground. Reminded my of my rodeo days on a bare back horse. I watch as he entered the heavy brush and picked a spot for tracking. Within 10 minutes Donatus was out on the track. He picked up my arrow about 10 yards from where the animal stood when shot. He continued into the brush. My wife and I climbed down from the blind and waited. I walked out and saw a really good blood trail. Again, I was afraid that the shot was a little low, but had faith. Donatus returned within 5 minutes with "DEAD" and another smile. He had called Antonie and reported the kill. We walked into the brush about 30 yards and there he was. Donatus had already positioned him for photos. Antonie arrived and we took photos. It was just nearly dusk and some of the photos were a little dark. I have to compliment Antonie as every camera we handed him, he knew how to operate. Think he took at least 15 - 20 photos on each camera. Repositioning the animal and moving to different angles. We loaded the Gnu and headed for camp. Again I watch the skinners do their job. They take the hide off faster than I can get undressed for bed. They opened the animal and we checked where the arrow went. Again, right thru the heart. Wow, 3 days and 5 animals shot. Antonie told me that I still had 5 more days to hunt but only needed a Warthog, unless I decided to shoot something else. He suggested taking a few days off and visiting a couple of the National Parks on Safari. I agreed, as we had already planned of this. After traveling this far, I really wanted to spend some time seeing the country. So for the next 3 days, we traveled and spend some great time with our hosts. They had already reserved lodging for us in a huge wall tent ( this is a 5 star tent) with beautiful bedding and bath. We also boarded a bid double decker boat and went up river to watch the Water Buffalo, Hippo's and Crocks. Had a wonderful and a great supper by the river that evening. I might mention we were camped within 30 yards of the river. That night I awoke to a sound and sat up and listened. I thought it was my wife snoring, but it was the hippo's in the river. I had to smile, then rolled over for a good nights sleep.
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(https://i.imgur.com/cR8p1xb.jpg)
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(https://i.imgur.com/r0ZcI8T.jpg)
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(https://i.imgur.com/9un1aTD.jpg)
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(https://i.imgur.com/2x8VgnF.jpg)
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Beautiful animals!
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I have to thank Mike Yancey for downloading the photos for me. There are a couple more to come yet. Should be a Gemsbuck and Warthog. It was a fun trip. Never pass up a chance to hunt Africa. Wish I had done is sooner.
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All great critters. I have hunted 4 times in South Africa. I would love to make it to Namibia one of these days!!!
Congrats on all your critters!
Bisch
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
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You did very good Sir
Great hunt, congrats.
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Thanks for the pictures Gene (and Mike). Keep the stories coming. I love to hear them. I kept a.journal when I went to Africa, and still enjoy going through them.
Murray
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(https://i.imgur.com/e6HovQJ.jpg)
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(https://i.imgur.com/SzarZoz.jpg)
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Awesome!
:archer2:
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People just don't realize how much fun a hunt like this is. Gene knows now!
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WOW, congrats!!!!!
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Congrats Gene, very fine animals and professional accuracy. Hat off!
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Congratulations !!!!!! Excellent shooting. Well Done.
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ps; I LOVE hunting Africa - I used to say it was the best money a bowhunter could spend - seeing this thread shows the opportunity is still there.
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After shooting 5 animals in 3 days, we took a few days off. Antonie and his wife (owners of Makalaan Safari's) took us to northern Namibia to one of the national parks. We spent a couple days and one really great night. We were right on the river and could hear the hippo's grunting all night in the water. Had a boat ride the next morning. It was a double decker pontoon boat and they cooked our breakfast on the boat as we traveled up river. We saw so many animals and had a really great time. Next we sent to Etosha Park and spent some time. Again saw a lot of animals. Was worried at one point as an elephant approached the vehicle. The day before, someone had an elephant sit on their vehicle. It was a great day in the parks. I also enjoyed seeing how people live over there. People walking for miles with jugs to get water. Most in the country live in communital housing (grass huts). They all seem happy and clean. We returned to Makalaan Safari's and continued hunting. I only needed a Warthog, and waited for a couple days to get a good one. Saw lots of hogs, but nothing I wanted to shoot. Took lots of pictures and videos of animals. Then finally I had a good one come in and the tracker gave the thumbs up and I shot him.
What a great trip, if you are thinking about going, don't put it off. You will never regret going. I am currently working on getting rugs, heads and caps back to the US.
Thanks to all that helped me before and after this hunt. It is great to have people that you can ask advice and get help from.
Gene
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Yes Mike, I know now what you have been taking about - Africa is a blast to hunt. I should have never waited so long.
After we returned from visiting the parks in Namibia, I went back to hunting. The night before, I was visiting with Antonie (owner) and he showed me a nice Roberts recurve bow that he has. He needed a bow string and I just happened to have an extra. I got it strung up and the brace height set for him. Now, he only had 3 junk arrows, so I gave him 6 of mine that I had made up for the hunt. We went out to his practice sand pit to test the bow. He really shot good and the arrows seemed to fit him well. I also gave him some of my broadheads to try. He has always wanted to shoot something with his bow, and now he is set up.
Antonie told me that morning that he would let me shoot for "free", another Gemsbuck cow, Wildbeest cow or another Zebra at a very reduced cost. I told him I would think about it.
It was windy this morning and got in the blind about 9:00 am. Again the tracker was burning Zebra dung for a cover scent. Wow, this really works. Wonder what elk at home would think of this. ha Antonie also gave me the OK to shoot some Guinea for some flytyng feathers, so I loaded a judo point.
11:30 some Gemsbuck cows came in and I got an arrow ready, but the wind gave us away. After lunch we moved to another blind, which was just about 100 yards away, but was facing the opposite direction. I really only needed a Warthog to finish up my hunt. At 4:00 two Warthogs came in - one a big male. The tracker gave me the thumbs up. At first I only had a butt shot, but got an arrow ready. Finally he stepped up broadside and I let fly. The arrow looked a little forward from where I wanted it (in the front shoulder). The blood really flew as he took off. The tracker only waited about 10 minutes and went to look. He found my arrow completly covered with blood about 25 - 30 yards away. He wasn't gone long and told me the arrow had cut his throat and there was a really good blood trail. We loaded up the pig and took it back to the house for skinning. Antonie asked if I wanted to eat some Warthog, but I passed. He said the skinners and trackers plus their families would really have feast that night as they loved Warthog. In about 10 minutes the meat was gone. ha
It was a teriffic hunt with some great people. I am having the Zebra, Wildbeest and Impala rugged. Will also have europian head mounts done on them. Will have the Kudu and Gemsbuck shoulder mounted.
It was a great time. I can't imagine how much money I have spent over the years chasing elk here in Colorado and going to Texas every winter to chase javelina. I should have invested that money in more Africa hunts.
Thanks everyone for the help in the preparation for this hunt and all the advice. Also thanks again Mike for posting my photos. I feel like this is one big family here. Now working on a slide / video presentation on an electronic photo screen. Something I can watch while it is snowing out this winter. "Life is about creating memories - and this was a great one for my wife and me"!
Gene
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Very true on the cost verses the bang compared to Africa. I tell guys that I love to go to Texas and hunt javelina but by the time you get there, buy a license and pay a trespass fee or hunt fee you could have been well on your way to Africa.
I love how the outfitters in Africa appreciate real hunters. Once they get to know you and learn your ethics your like family. My outfitter called and talked to me for two hours last week after giving me some time after my wife Lisa passed away. He was truly upset and we set up a meeting this December when he will be here in the states to visit and talk about happier times.
Gene you will never regret a minute or one dime that you spent taking your wife with you on that trip. The trip that Lisa and I had will live on in me for the rest of my life. Even though I have a two week trip booked for next year it just wont be the same now that she is gone. Love every minute of every day with your wife!
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Everything you said it true. I am truly sorry for your loss Mike. I have also been blessed with a good wife that enjoys my hunting trips IF I take her along. We have been married 47 years, soon to be 48. Wouldn't know what to do without her.
If your ever in the Colorado area, let me know. I live about 40 miles north of Denver.
Gene
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I am currently working on getting a Broker in Denver to receive my animals. This has been a trial. I have gotten some quotes from a couple different brokers and the price is so far apart I can't believe it. One will do everything for about $215. The other wants over $850. I can't believe the prices. By the time I get taxiderimy done in Namibia and over here, I could go on another hunt! ha
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Congrats on a wonderful and successful hunt sir! Africa is definitely something that gets in your blood and even after returning, you can't fully get it out! (even after 4 trips and working on scheduling #5 :o )
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Thanks for sharing Gene. Thats a trip that I have been thinking about lately. If I missed it I apologize, but what bow are you shooting? thanks again for an inspirational story....
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For over 25 years now, I have been shooting a Stumbo bow. Steve Stumbo made it for me. He is the person that designed the Double Bull pop up blind. Every bind has a small tag inside with his name on it. He used to live in Ft. Collins, Colo. but moved and I don't know where he is now.
My bow is 70 lbs and was shooting 650 gr goldtip 75-95 shafts with 100 gr. brass inserts and 200 gr. Rocky Mountain Cuttroats single bevel broadheads. This was the first time using the Cuttroats and I was really impressed with them. I year ago I was only shooting 450 gr arrows and decided to increase the weight. Took some time to get used to the extra weight, but I will never go back to lighter arrows. My bow was much quieter and more efficient. Never had to take a shot over 20 yards anyway. Most were 11 - 15 yards.
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Wonderful harvests...congrats!
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Wow what a trip you had. we are on a count down for our trip the S.A. 11 months
Thank you for sharing
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Where are you going? If I can be of any help let me know. Have you booked your flights yet? If not, I highly recommend Travel Express from Hamilton Mt. Lori Guinn is the owner. Think she only charged me $75. to do all the flight bookings, motel reservations, etc. She monitored the flights up to the day I left. My flight was cancelled from Denver to JFK at the last minute. She got my flight changed and rebooked. I didn't know anything about it, but she took care of everything. I still made it to JFK in time for my flight to SA. She also booked all the luggage straight through to Namibia which was great as I didn't have to clear customs with my luggage, only my carry on bag.
I can give you more info if you want - just send me a note.
Gene
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Finally got a nice photo / video program put together and backed it up with traditional African music from my Namibia bow hunt. Will always bring back good memories.
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That is a great idea!!!
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I have shown my hunt program to many people and groups and all have enjoyed it. Wish I would have done this on my many other hunts. Found a gentlemen to switch the folder from MOV to DVD and burned it on a disc. Now we can just pop it into the DVD player and watch on a large screen TV. The traditional African music really added to the presentation.
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Well taxidermist is done and everything has been sent to the shipping agent. I just paid that bill, so all my animals should be heading to the USA sometime next week. I am excited to get them. However, it will still be some time on the Kudu and Gemsbuck, as I am taking them to a taxidermist in Wyo. for the shoulder mounts. Everything else is Europian mounts and rugs.
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This is awesome. Gene is one of the best bowhunters in know. Dang sure one of the best shots I have ever had the pleasure of shooting with. Happy for you my friend.
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Thanks Randy - sometimes a guy just gets lucky with shots and hunting. Had a great time in Namibia. Have a couple friends that are going with the same outfitter this summer (African winter). Hope they do just as good. Just got my hides and horns back. Also took the capes of the Kudu and Gemsbuck to Cheyenne for shoulder mounts. This might be the last of the mounts. Think the wife is going to put a stop to it. The basement is full!!!
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I'm so glad you had such a good hunt. I've read all your stories, and it makes me happy to hear of fellow hunters success. Putting.music to the.videos was a really good move.
Murray
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Adding traditional African music sure adds to the video / photo program. I couldn't understand what the words were on some of the songs, so I sent a copy to my outfitter. He and his wife both speak African as a first language and I wanted him to tell me what the song was about. Even he didn't know, as it was bushman language. He said that he would check with them and let me know. A lot of drums in the songs as well.
Thanks for the compliment on the stories. I have had several published in TradArchersWorld of various hunts, including many trips hunting javelina in Texas to some caribou, grizzly and moose hunts in British Columbia. Think I also sent in a story of my mountain lion hunts. I always keep journals of my hunts so I can get the stories straight. It is fun to re-read the journals after a few years. There are always items that I had forgotten about.
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Another photo added