Black Rhino Hunt in RSA

[Mooseman]

I think since the 60's there was no legal hunting for the Black Rhino. Since then the populations have recoverd to the point that CITES has allowed some 5 from RSA and 5 from Namibia to be hunted.
My friend Riaan (PH) from South Africa (RSA) has guided one of the first Black Rhino hunts this week and emaild me the story and a picture.

Hallo Michael,

It was nice to hear from you again!

Please pardon my late reply. The rhino kept us busy!
I'll write up the whole story during the next few
days, and will forward a copy to you. In short: the
client wounded the rhino on Monday afternoon. Distance
about 20 paces. Before the shot he gave very clear
instructions that no one was allowed to shoot any back
up shots.

The wound, with a .416 500gr solid, was 2" above the
right nostril, passing underneath the horns and brain.
It knocked the rhino down, but he jumped up the moment
he hit the ground, spun around and disappeared into
the thick stuff. No blood at all. The terrain is
covered in thick trampled dry grass, making tracking
virtually impossible. Darkness came before we could
find anything.

Searched the whole Tuesday. Found 3 tracks and one
drop of blood about four miles from where the shot was
taken. Found 2 more fresh tracks about two miles from
there again, but in a different direction. Despite a
massive search, nothing more was found on Tuesday.

Searched the whole of Wednesday, brought in additional
people to assist. Just before last light we bumped
into a rhino - in very thick brush. Rhino charges one
of the unarmed guys (Rudi) in the group. Rudi runs,
with the rhino in a dedicated pursuit. Rudi, the rhino
and us 4 PH's are in a direct line. The rhino nicks
Rudi in the butt, he shouts that we must shoot, and
takes a 90 degree right. We get and almost clear shot
at the rhino, with Rudi a few yards of to the right.
In the split second Jacques fires his .470 twice, I
get 2 shots in with my .404, Freddie & Kallie each
fire 1 shot from their respective .375's. Of the 6
shots, 5 hit the rhino, and to the amazement of all
present none hits Rudi.

The second last shot, a solid from Freddie's .375
breaks the rhinos left hip, and as hind leg gives away
his right shoulder is exposed. My final shot is high
on the shoulder, breaking the spine. The rhino goes
down for good. Jacques put two more .470's thru the
heart for good measure. Everyone is very relieved -
and slightly shaken.

I'll follow up during the next few days.

Speak to you soon.


Greetings from Africa
Riaan Niemand
Toro Afrika Safaris
+27 82 4411 089

[Thunderstix]

Wow! My sphincter is still tight after reading that!

[bsa30-06]

Holy crap what a beast , i dont think i'll hunt any of those without a rocket launcher.He dont look to mean laying there on the ground but i sure wouldn't want him chasing me.

[massntrash]

if you like that check out jim shockeys video on hippo hunting...hardcore footage his guide shoots a charging hippo at like 10 yards

[Marc]

So is this the same Rhino that they wounded the first night?

[Mooseman]

So is this the same Rhino that they wounded the first night?

I sure hope so. To go around and just put down Black Rhino's like coyote's would be an expensive job. I know when they (PH's) have to shoot a cape buff. even in self defence, they have to pay for it.

[Marc]

Okie this might be a silly question but what is a PH?

[Kirby]

PH proffesional hunter, same as what we call a guide.

Kirby

[Steeleco]

Shot in the head and still ran 6 miles minimum, I'll pass thanks. Excellent story non the less

[Islandeer]

Wow,rhino's are studly!!