Oz Buff '07

[Don Thomas]

Okay, gang. We've been talking about it... who's ready to do it? I'll be taking two groups of 3-4 experienced hunters back to Melville Island in late June-early July 2007 for more buffalo adventures with my old friend Bill Baker. In my opinion, this is one of the premier dangerous game bowhunts in the world. I will be happy to provide all details including photos, references etc. I am not a booking agent -- just going back because I love the area. Drop me a line and let me know who is ready, or at least interested. Cheers, Don

[hood_lum]

I would be interested in some info. I'm looking for a great hunt for 2007. I already have an idea of what it will cost and that is not an issue. I'm more interested in making sure this would be the right hunt for me. If it works out and sounds like a go then I would hope that we could get together and meet sometime when I'm back home. My mom and dad live around the Billings area and my aunt lives south of Missoula on the river near Clinton. I grew up around the Red Lodge area and now live in Nebraska.(Long Story) My grandmother used to live in Lewistown and I have spent many a summer around that area. It would truly be an honor to share a camp with you.

Adam Ott
Lincoln NE

[Don Thomas]

Adam -- I returned some info by private message. I'll be over there late June -- mid-July next year. Wish I was going sooner, but I have committments in Africa and Alaska this year. Melville is an incredible experience in one of the most remote wilderness areas I've found... and it's full of buffalo. At this point, 11 bowhunters have hunted there and all have killed bulls, some with more drama than others. Feel free to get back to me after you review the info I sent you. Don

[Steve H.]

Ok, Don, you can e-mail me the info too.  I may have an "on my own" or "with an Ozzie friend" thing in the works but it is just a possibility at this point.

Know anyone that needs my second kidney (O+) and will you take it out so I can pay for the trip?

Also, the ipe shafts you used, what is your source?

[Don Thomas]

Steve -- I'll e-mail you the info. Is the FS email address corect? The kidney won't be neccessary, but if you aren't doing anything with your left (small) testicle we could put it in hock. Don

[Mike Orton]

Don,

I'm a no-body (in comparison to the big names around this forum), fairly new to the Trad Gang but been hunting for 35 years.  I'd like to see what the details amount to in this hunt you're proposing....Buff is on my short list....anything is possible at this point.

Mike Orton

[Steve H.]

That one will work Don.

[Jesse Minish]

I'm interested in getting information on the trip. My dad & I have been wanting to go on a trip like this and would like to get some more details.

[Don Thomas]

Jesse and Mike -- Feel free to drop me a line at [email protected] (I am a sponsor so I can do this.) I can send you a whole lot of nuts and bolts info. Don

[Jack Shanks]

Don, I know we talked about it last year but I had a couple of other hunts scheduled already. Now that I've been bitten by the sheep bug everything else seems to be put on the back burner for me. Maybe in a couple of years and a few more Mountains climbed I'll come to my senses.

[Mark U]

Dang.  Is the price of these hunts getting so bad we have to barter off the family jewels???

Steverino, remember that your margin of error is greatly reduced when the only survivor is the last grape on the family tree.  You could suddenly find yourself the bald Avon lady, or even selling cookies as a tall girl scout.  

Both of wich, by the way, would be more profitable in the long run.

[Don Thomas]

Undeerstood, Jack. Physically, the Melville hunt is intermediate. I have put in some long days hiking under tropical conditions, but you don't have to if you don't want to. It's certainly no sheep hunt. Get that one out of the way while you're young (like me)... Don

[LBR]

I love to read these threads, and at the same time it's killing me.  I'd planned on already having my cape tanned by now, but due to an accident (put me out of work) I don't know when I'll get to go for my buff.  I do still fully intend to go though!  At least it gives me more time to research and practice........

Chad

[Ben Maher]

Hey Don..
Just wondering if you could send me some of the info re the buff with bill.
I wouldn't have as far to travel [ i'm in melbourne] but am seriously keen if all planned out o.k.
thanks for any assistance
cheers
ben

[Bryan Burkhardt]

Don,

I just got off from the phone with Dale Karch a few hours ago and he couldn't stop talking about what a great hunt he and Denny Sturgis had with Bill on this hunt.  They just got back a couple of days ago and both of them took two great bulls each.  The conversation got me pumped and I would appreciate some info if it's convenient for you to pass it along.  I will be going to Australia a couple of times next year on business so I might be able to make it work.

Thanks,

Bryan

[Dsturgisjr]

Still trying to get caught up on things since our return. I've been on some great hunts over the years, but this one is my all time favorite! We hiked for miles and miles, saw tons of game and had many, many stalks. Bill is truly the "Fred Bear" of Austrailia and his wife, Linda, is a peach. I learned more about stalking from Bill than I thought possible. Every aspect of the trip went smoothly. I have to return soon. I'll start another thread with some pics with help from my son.

[BUFF]

Please send me the info

[Don Thomas]

Folks -- Lori and I just got back from a month in Africa, which is why I am way behind on my correspondence. Any of you who wanted info on the Melville hunt can drop me a PM or just email me at [email protected]. I was delighted -- but hardly surprised -- that Denny and Dale had a great time. I'm sure they will agree with me that there is no hunt quite like this one. And to be honest, I'm looking forward to working out with my camera and fly rod as much with my bow when I return next year. Don