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.
Topic: I'm Back - great hunt (Read 27010 times)
