AFRICA 2012,now scratched from bucket list!

[Blainer]

I have spent the majority of my life hunting our beautiful province of B.C.
Lasy year,I made the decision to hunt stateside for Antelope and it was my 1st experiance with a guide outfitter.
http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/showthread.php?72884-Wyoming-2-buddies-with-a-rental-vehicle-camera-and-a-borrowed-gun!
The experiance went so well,I decided to put together a bucket list of hunts and animals that I would like to pursue.
The biggest expense on the list was a hunting safaris in AFRICA.
I started my research,spoke to many hunters,many from this site,and made my decision to pursue game in south Africa.
The deposit was made and the lengthy wait was all that was standing before myself and Africa.
I departed Vancouver on May12 for Amsterdam,with a short layover and then on to Paris.
I spent the day in Paris,absolutely great city,not my first visit,so I had some bearings and made the best of my day.
I then flew overnight to Johannesburg,10 hours,with another 4 hour layover before I caught my final flight to my destination, East London,South Africa.
40 hours later,I met my PH at the airport,and was thrilled to be entertained with hunting stories on the 2 hour drive to camp.
I had seen Impala and Kudu cows on the drive in and although tired,I was excited like a youngster at Christmas.
I specifically chose this outfitter as they hunt only fair chase,and have huge properties with many concessions available.
These pictures represent my sights at our first location,which we would spend 4 night.

1800's homestead
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/Holiday_005.jpg

my cabin
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/Holiday_026_2_.jpg

the vast property we would be hunting
farther than the eye can see(25,000+ acres)
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/Holiday_029.jpg

[91Jason91]

nice man thats awesome Im going there in 5 weeks. So pumped

[Caveman]

Three months away for me!!

[Blainer]

DAY #1
After a great dinner,Blesbok roast and all the trimmings,combined with wine and beer,it was early to bed.
I awoke early in aticipation of my first morning hunt.
The PH had indicated that alot of great Kudu had been harvested recently,and the rut was in full swing.
It would appear his biggest concern was shooting a good warthog.
We left after a quick breakfast and by 7:30 we were hunting.
We spotted a large waterbuck early in the hunt,a fine looking animal.
The PH wanted to gain some altitutude and glass the valley's,from this vantage point,we were able to spot Kudu & Impala.
This was literally miles from where we were glassing,and yet the PH thought he had seen a nice Kudu bull.
We drove to within a couple miles of the area that he wanted to concentrate on and hiked our way in quietly.
GAME ON!Big Kudu Bull,but he was on the move,we stalked and made an attempt to set up,but it was not meant to be.
After more hiking and glassing,it was back to lodge for lunch and a nap.
The afternoon hunt transpired virtually the same way,but this time the tracker and PH were yaking in Africana,apparently they could see 4 warthogs on the valley floor with 1 being a boar.
GAME ON.
We drove to within a mile of the area,worked our way quietly in single file thru the bush.
The last few hundred yards at a snails pace,and I could see the tracker had them pinpointed.We stalked to within 60 yards,the shooting sticks were positioned.
The warthogs had no idea of our presence,they were NOT so quietly feeding in front of us.
I was lined up on the sticks awaiting the boar to step out into a shooting lane,his final steps,Pow!,nailed him good.
He ran for 40 yards and piled up.
Not the greatest warthog,but my first warthog and my first animal down.
Great feeling,lot's of celebrating.
The afternoon also provided us with an opportunity to see Rhino,Kudu,Impala,Blesbok,Giraff at dusk and a Sable(stunning,14k on the harvest list).
All in all,a great days hunt.
Tomorow would be better!

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[Steeleco]

Wow Blaine you look like you really got your monies worth. I'm sure there's more to come yet RIGHT!!!!

[Blainer]

Day #2
Tonights dinner was Gemsbok roast,as it happens,a young Swedish lady hunting with her husband,put the smack on a female Gemsbok late that afternoon.
Now,let it be said,that a Gemsbok is my most sought after animal on this safaris and after visiting the hanging post to see this young lady's,I wanted one more.
It was not to be the case tomorow.The PH informed me that we would be hunting elsewhere and targeting Kudu and Springbok.The area we would be hunting has had problems recently with leopard kills and we were to keep eyes open for the predator.
We left early in the dark to make our way to other area.
It was a very rugged mountainous(hills to us)area.
The PH parked the vehicle and the plan was to hike the ridge tops and glass.
Shortly into the hike,I could hear almost like costant barking noises,I was to learn that it was being made by Baboons.They are very elusive,seldomly seen,but a green light was given to shoot and kill if an opportunity presented itself,they cause huge damage and the ranchers are not fond of them.
About 2miles in,we reached a ridge top and started glassing while using the bush as cover.The tracker spotted a good Kudu Bull with a cow at about a miles distance.
Again with the Africana,and the the tracker was off.
The plan was to have the tracker circle in from behind and with any luck,push the Kudu across and onto the opposing ridge.
In about the 30 minutes it took the tracker to reach the destination,the push was implimented.Ya gotta love it when a plan comes together!The kudu started on a run to the ridge across from us,I was set up on the sticks,distance 260 yards,the problem was they would not stop running.
The PH folded the sticks and we began running on our ridge parrallel to them.We stopped to set up twice,but I did not feel comfortable with the shot,so again we started running and this time we got ahead of them,quickly setting up and I focussed
on a small opening.The cow entered the opening at a slower pace,I put the crosshairs on her and when she dissappeared,I waited for the bull to enter the picture.Bingo,POW! "NAILED HIM","HIT HIM AGAIN",POW,"HE'S DOWN"
The PH guided the tracker in by 2 way radio from our ridgetop to the Kudu,I climbed down into the valley and up the otherside to meet the tracker and see my trophy,as the PH made his way back to the truck.
It seemed like forever before the PH returned with the vehicle to a close access point,but I quickly seen why,he had returned to the ranch and sought the services of 4 workers to haul the animal out.
These 4 arrived with a typicall bamboo pole used to strap and carry the animal out.
45" Kudu Bull,shot at 240 yards,very physically demanding but rewarding hunt.
to be cont...
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/Holiday_036.jpg

[Blainer]

Day #2 afternoon
After we managed to get the Kudu back to the skinning post,the tracker/skinner set in to work and the PH said,"saddle up,we are going to look for Springbok".
This is an altogether different hunt,very open plains,glassing from vehicle,and then putting together a stock.
That is virtually what transpired,we found Sringbok quite easily,the stock would not be so easy.
We parked a distance away and did our best to use what little bush there was for cover.
We closed the distance to 180 yards,I'm certain the Springbok knew we were there,and the PH said this is as close as we get.
Up with the sticks and I put a good shot on what turned out to be a much smaller bodied animal than I assumed,but a very good looking animal.
The Springbok is South Africa's national animal.
to be cont..

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/Holiday_044.jpg

[MEATEATER]

keep er comin :)

[BCRiverBoater]

Congrats on the kudu. It took me a few days to get mine then over a month to find it. lol So I did not get any field photos. Can't wait to see it for the first time when it comes back from the taxidermist.

Can't wait to see the rest of your photos.

[Caveman]

Our safari company is an hour out of Port Elizabeth, which is about 150 mi from East London. I'll be reading with interest. Congrats on the nice Kudu!

[Blainer]

Day 3,The day the star's aligned!
After a fine dinner of Kudu steaks on the bbq,my PH informed me that we would be trying,yet again,another area,and targeting Gemsbok.
I added Gemsbok to my package and it was my most sought after animal,but I have yet to see one.
I enjoyed my final wines under the most impressive blanket of stars with only one thing on my mind,GEMSBOK.
We appeared to be in no real rush come morning,and I would soon realize the new area was not far.
As we entered the property,we were met by another tracker/skinner/ranch hand that would travel with us.
He was familiar with this concession and he rode in the back with our tracker.
After about 8-10 miles,we heard that familiar tap on the roof,GAME ON?,not,he wanted to inform the PH that he thought it would be wise to walk the canal to the east.
So off we went,4 in single file using the bush as cover.
It was literally 600 yards when I seen my first Gemsbok,all I could see was horns above the bush line and moving quickly.
After a brief discussion in Africana,I was informed that it was a female,and indeed a good female.
Gemsbok seems to be the one animal that they harvest either sex.
The plan was to follow her direction and see what might transpire.
Her tracks led us to a big bowl,we snuck to the edge and glassed the area,nothing,we moved about 30 yards and tried the same,BINGO,there she stood and somehow found a partner,a fine Gemsbok Bull.
The sticks were placed,I set up,140 yards,and the PH made it clear we wanted the bull.
After what seemed like forever,but was actually only about 7-9 minutes,the bull stepped into the clear,POW!,"NAILED HIM","HIT HIM AGAIN","NO NO,WAIT","HE'S GOING DOWN",FLOP
Gemsbok down,37" bull.
The female tend to have longer horns,but not heavy,this bull was long and heavy
and I was thrilled.
The Gemsbok,along with other African game,have a much lower kill zone than animals from North America,I was told to shoot somewhat lower than we would typically shoot here.
I'm using the outfitters gun,Weatherby Vanguard,chambered in 30/06,with a Zeiss Victory scope and to date,it has performed flawlessly.

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/Holiday_046.jpg


http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/Holiday_050.jpg

[Blainer]

We had the pictures completed,the bull loaded and on the skinning pole before 11am.
The PH turned to me and said "are you ready?"Absolutely!
The decision was made to leave the skinner to do his work and we were off to seek a Blesbok.
These animals are typically a heard animal,but today after about a 35 min. drive,we spotted 1 lone buck feeding on the fringe of a opening.
The PH said,"let's make a play".
We walked for approx 50 yards,set up,160 yard shot,POW!
Blesbok down!
to be cont..

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/Holiday_051.jpg

[Blainer]

Day 3 cont..
We were back at camp in the early afternoon.
We had such success in the am,that I made the decision to take tomorow off hunting,instead opting for a photo safaris along with another fella on an all inclusive,lunch,ect.,deal.
That was the plan for tomorow,but today was not over.
After a quick nap,we were out on the original property in pursuit of an Impala.
We drove for about 15 miles,parked and started our hike/climb for about another 2+ miles.
When we reached the area that the PH wanted to concentrate on,we could not find any Impala.
Upon patiently glassing,we picked them up much closer to where the vehicle was parked and so we made the journey back.
The stock was on,we made it to within 90 yards of 4 female Impala's with 1 Ram.
I was set up on sticks and patiently waited for my opportunity.
The Ram gave a quartering broadside shot and I seized it,POW!.
Impala dancing everywhere.
We approached area that I shot,no Ram,WTF?
We all seen he was hit,after searching the area well,the tracker found 1 spot of blood.
We searched area diligently,we all agreed he was hit;what we thought was well.
After a good 45 min. of searching,the PH told the tracker to fetch the dogs from the truck.
I have yet to mention that all the PH's travel with their tracking dogs,in most cases,such as this,it's a small Jack Russel.
The PH took Zulu,the Jack Russel,to the only blood spot,the dog quickly started searching the immediate area,after about 5 minutes,he was off in a direction we had not anticipated,and I mean off quickly in pursuit.
We did our best to follow and listen,that's when we heard the dark barking loudly from about a mile away,the PH"He's got him".
We were off at a full run,we could tell the dog had the Ram on the move.
I was elated to hear the barking getting louder and stop moving.
I assume we tracked the dog/Impala for better than 2 miles,when we approached the Ram was on it's knee's using it's horns to keep the dog at bay.
The Ram was dispatched.
Exhausted,Sweaty,Thirsty.
I owe Zulu for my Ram.
The first shot entered low in the stomach,did not exit,now that's a 30/06 at 90 yards hitting a light skinned animal and no bone.WTF
We were at a loss,but none the less,Ram down.
to be cont...
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/Holiday_054.jpg

[BCHoyt]

one day... one day....

[Blainer]

Day 4
http://www.pumbagamereserve.co.za/
This was another great experience
What's set's these reserves apart from the one's back home is that the lions and leopards are not fed,they roam free and feed on the adundant wildlife.

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[Blainer]

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to be cont.....

[The Dude]

Geez Blainer, does your rifle barrel ever get a chance to cool? :D
Two things, B. First: Why didn't you take one of your guns? Too much hassle with airports and customs? And Secondly: Going to get the Taxi work done there, or ship it all home to Ray? :mrgreen: (Jeez, wouldn't wat your Taxi bill this year) Is it cheaper in SA than here?

[Blainer]

Geez Blainer, does your rifle barrel ever get a chance to cool? :D
Two things, B. First: Why didn't you take one of your guns? Too much hassle with airports and customs? And Secondly: Going to get the Taxi work done there, or ship it all home to Ray? :mrgreen: (Jeez, wouldn't wat your Taxi bill this year) Is it cheaper in SA than here?Exactly,far too much hassle.I flew thru 2 European countries to get there,as well as I spent 3 day's in Amsterdam on the way home.
The taxidermy work is considerably cheaper in South Africa,but with that said,I have opted to have the work done here.
Dipped,Packed,Crated in South Africa,then shipped.
I'm looking at 4 shoulder mounts and 3 Euro mounts,not certain that it will all happen at the same time.

[1/2 slam]

Very Nice....Do you think 1 trip to Africa is enough?:-) I thought so then I went. I'm going back July 13

[kennyj]

Wow, what an adventure. Thanks for sharing your story and photos. Really enjoying them.
kenny

[NoLimit99]

This thread caught my attention imediately as im so interested in going. I wanted to go this year or even may be next year but was wondering what the cost to you was for the trip and as well what other animals were you able to harvest that you couldn't on this trip due to what ever reasons.

[The Hermit]

Wow great trip Blainer!! I am well and truly jealous! :mrgreen: Congrats on some mighty fine animals!

[Blainer]

This thread caught my attention imediately as im so interested in going. I wanted to go this year or even may be next year but was wondering what the cost to you was for the trip and as well what other animals were you able to harvest that you couldn't on this trip due to what ever reasons.plenty of opportunity to harvest many animals.
I seen a Sable,$14,000 to harvest;a little rich for me,but lots of animals available
to be cont....

[Weatherby Fan]

Blainer great stories and pictures,and using a Weatherby rifle go figure !
Thanks for sharing
WF

[nature girl]

I really liked your animals and the story. So, thanks for sharing it with us.

[Brez]

Thanks for a great story and photos, Blainer.

[mike_b]

Wow Blainer, that must have been an awesome trip. Great pictures; thanks for sharing. I can totally see why something like this would be on a hunter's bucketlist; definately on mine now!!

[Blainer]

Day 5
Today we moved camp.
The outfitter I chose has 2 concessions and all clients get to experience both camps.
The drive was about 2 hours inland and the hunting area consisted of tall grass,open plains and rolling hills.
The game was different as well,consisting of: Blue&Black Wildebeest,Hatebeest,Impala,Blesbok,Giraff,Zebra & Cape Buffalo.
The camp was very rustic,very African,yet comfortable.
We arrived in time for a quick nap and an afternoon hunt.
Unfortunately extreme winds put a damper on 2 stocks for Wildebeest.We were easily winded and the winds kept the animals on the move.
The day was far from a loss,I had a great time,and was thrilled to try bbq Warthog for dinner and wash it down with plenty of African red wine.

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/Holiday_095.jpg

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[Blainer]

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/Holiday_113.jpg

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[Caveman]

Not a bad way to spend ones Birthday!

[scoutlt1]

Wow!
That looks like an amazing trip! Jealous!!

Thanks for the great story, pics, and info!

[Blainer]

Final days,6 & 7
We awoke to a chilly +2 c,but to me it felt like hunting.
The winds were extreme thru the night and I could feel and hear it against the thatched roof.
The morning hunt was again hampered by the winds.
In the afternoon,we watched a herd of Black Wilderbeest move up a ridge and feed close to a small pocket of timber.
This presented an opportunity,although a long hike was in order,we managed to trek around the backside,use the timber as cover,and sneak to within 70 yards of the herd.
The sticks were up,patience was on our side and when the right opportunity presented itself,POW!,WILDEBEEST DOWN!
I spent the last day in pursuit of a Blue Wildebeest,but it was not to be this trip.
This was an adventure of a lifetime with many a fond memory.
I hope you enjoyed the tale
Blaine
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/Holiday_108.jpg

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/Holiday_105.jpg

[blueboy]

"WOW " loved your stories please keep them coming, glad you had a great trip and a hunt of your life time congrads

[Blainer]

Not a bad way to spend ones Birthday!My best gift to myself yet.

[d6dan]

Great hunt blainer!. Good story and photos. Thanks for sharing your good fortunes with us :wink:.

[BiG Boar]

Thanks for taking us along on this incredible adventure! Great animals and story! It really makes me want to go back!!! Thanks for posting up the journal, great read.

What was the best moment, and what was the worst part of the trip?

[Blainer]

Thanks for taking us along on this incredible adventure! Great animals and story! It really makes me want to go back!!! Thanks for posting up the journal, great read.

What was the best moment, and what was the worst part of the trip?Wow,full of questions are you.
I wanted to make special mention of you for your advice and help.
The best advice was to keep a journal.
It made telling this tale so much easier.
Thanx Dave.
Best moment was seeing my first Gemsbok
Worst part of trip was the flight!!

[Islandbowhunter]

Inspiring! Thanks for sharing, this truly sounds like the hunting trip of a lifetime.

[REMINGTON JIM]

Absloutely AMAZING adventure ! :-D I am so jealous of you ! Congrats on all your trophys and the great stories to go with them - Pictures are excellent ! Good on you ! :mrgreen: RJ

[BCHunterFSJ]

Congratulations on a great hunt! Enjoyed the write-up and photos. I also keep a journal on all my hunts. I have my second trip to Africa booked for 2013. This one will be to Zambia, and the main quarry will be the Sable Antelope!

[Bow Walker]

Few people get to experience the adventures that you have been blessed to live through.

Africa. The "Dark Continent". Conjures many different scenes in the theatre of my mind.

Thanks for sharing with those of us that will never have the opportunity. I enjoyed it immensely.

[BCRiverBoater]

Great story and congrats on the fine trophies. I went this spring and am already wanting to go back. I need to pay for the first 10 trophies I took. haha Would like to save up for sable and leopard but I might die of old age before that happens.

[1/2 slam]

Once again well done. July 13 departure for me!

[Blainer]

Once again well done. July 13 departure for me!Thanks 1/2 slam.
Just around the corner for you.
It gives a fella something to look forward to over the next month and a bit.
What are you primarily targeting this trip?
and again Thanks for giving me some insight on Africa previous to my trip.
I look forward to your thread.

[RENO]

Very interesting info Blainer, thanks for sharing, your trip with everyone, must be very cool going to a different country and continent like Africa, and not only hunt but experience the lifestyle. I have always, been intrigued with two places for hunting, one is Africa watching Wild Kingdom,and the movies of Africa hunting Elephants and so on, seemed exciting as a kid as it does today, the other is hunting down under for Red Stag, would be great as well. On my bucket list as well!

[mud-dog27]

Some good looking animals, cant wait to see em when they come back from the taxidermist.

[1/2 slam]

Blainer

Kudu, Nyala, Bushbuck, Gemsbok, Mtn Reedbuck and Steenbok. I may go for a Klipspringer as well.

[BCRiverBoater]

Blainer

Kudu, Nyala, Bushbuck, Gemsbok, Mtn Reedbuck and Steenbol. I nay go for a Klipspringer as well.

Wow!!! Besides the gemsbok you are going after some of the hardest trophies in Africa to find. Good luck and can't wait to hear how you make out.

[cavebear]

wow thats about all i can say wow

[1/2 slam]

Wow!!! Besides the gemsbok you are going after some of the hardest trophies in Africa to find. Good luck and can't wait to hear how you make out.

I hunted Kudu, Nyala and Bushbuck last time. I got one of each. They are fun to hunt so I'd like another go at them. Apparently their new place has a lot of Steenbok. We saw good numbers of Mtn Reedbuck and Klipspringer last time. But who knows what'll happen this time. Should be fun.

[Hammerhead]

And I thought last seasons stone sheep hunt was the trip of a lifetime LOL. Great story and cant wait to see some of those trophies posted up. Congrats to you.

One Day
One day

HH

[Blainer]

Very Nice....Do you think 1 trip to Africa is enough?:-) I thought so then I went. I'm going back July 13Absolutely not!
I,like you,thought it would be.
I constantly reminisce about this trip and have started to compile a list of additional animals for a retun trip in my future.
But for now,I'm off to chase monster mulies.

[BCRiverBoater]

Absolutely not!
I,like you,thought it would be.
I constantly reminisce about this trip and have started to compile a list of additional animals for a retun trip in my future.
But for now,I'm off to chase monster mulies.

I agree. Just went this spring and already have a list of animals for a second trip. Want to hit Argentina first then back to South Africa when time and money permits.

[MOUNTAIN MAN - TOYOTA/ATV]

Good stories about all of your hunts. Beautiful land and scenery.

[craigo]

Pretty cool. Sounds like quite the experience.
My wife might not be to happy that ya just made the bucket list bigger!!

Congrats!

[Blainer]

Some of my mounts are completed:
Impala
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/mounts_001.jpg

Gemsbok/Springbok
http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/mounts1.jpg

Skull mounts,warthog,blesbok,wildebeest

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/mounts_003.jpg

waiting on Kudu shoulder mount.

[Hammerhead]

Some great looking trophys there. Congrats again
HH

[Ghillie]

Shit. Im gonna have to start saving! What outfitter did you go with Blainer? I didn't see it in the OP.

[Blainer]

Shit. Im gonna have to start saving! What outfitter did you go with Blainer? I didn't see it in the OP.Kubusi Safaris

[Getbent]

Hey Blaine,

just read this again...some great mounts you have there, awesome stuff!

Hope all is well...thanks to you and Nancy again for the blueberries...

Take Care,

Guy

[BiG Boar]

Wow! Thats an impressive oryx! I like it! Can't wait to see it in person. The other animals look great too.

[BCBear]

Beauty trip and nice trophies Blainer!

[Blainer]

Final mount home
Kudu

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/kudu_001.jpg

[BiG Boar]

Looking good. Pic seems a bit grainy. But that's light in a man cave I guess.

[hunter1947]

Wow you took down some real nice trohpies your story was very nice to read ,,pic are cool thanks for posting all ,big congrats on all.

[hunter1947]

Final mount home
Kudu

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/kudu_001.jpg


That mount of the kudu looks fantastic as for the WT what taxidermy did these mounts ???.

[Blainer]

That mount of the kudu looks fantastic as for the WT what taxidermy did these mounts ???.Ray Wiens did all the Africa work.
Ganders did the whitetail

[Stone Sheep Steve]

Love the mounts, Blainer........ but I see a different wall color in your future:-D. Maybe something that compliments your "natural wall coverings" a little more?

SSS

[decker9]

That there is one heck of an adventure Bliane!! Congrats on such beautiful animals, and the mounts, wow! Absolutely stunning! One day I will make it, first on the list is to build a house to fit my trophies tho!! Lol. Reading through your thread here, there is alot more people that travel to Africa then I would have imagined. Hopefully I will join the herd one day, thanks for taking the time to share your experience!! Cheers!!