- (August 2019)
- It is the time of year when the reports start being filed here on AH and it has been a pleasure to read them and I am sure more are in the oven. I thought I would start my own.
I tend to encourage people to share their stories and I found it very interesting this year to have members contacting me about their upcoming hunts which just happened to be at the same Outfitters I would be going to. Since the only one mentioned publicly thus far was Marius, I found that very interesting.
The members contacting me were strongly encouraging me to share my report before they would be leaving for their safari. Since my excursion is actually going to be four weeks long and would in fact be overlapping some of the solicitors own trips, I said I would try to at least share an update. (If the internet allowed).
billc started a thread about "who's going where this year" and my reply was:
A few more things are settled, thankfully since there are only 9 days left until departure:- A new twist was thrown into the mix a few weeks back when my companions bailed on me. So, I will be going the trip alone. I did invite Eric, but he apparently has a life.
- New boots, broken in nicely.
- Global Rescue package in place.
- The rifle is ready and I have actually had to clean dust off of it since I sighted it in.
- Bow has new cables and strings. I shot it so much that the cable was starting to have strands break down. Final tune before departure. But it's grouping like it should at 70 yards. Arrows touching.
I hope to get MUCH closer to everything.
-
- For those of you who recall the 375H&H penetration test into 4x6 treated wood.
- Here is the one for the bow.
- Only taking one weapon case. The im3300 Storm case with the foam rearranged to allow the bow and the rifle to fit into it. I'll remove the sight and the stabilizer and put it back together in RSA. I have zero concerns as it has worked well on several test runs here.
- Ammunition is weighed and in the pelican container with the locks on ready to go. 100 of the 375H&H with the 250 TTSX at the front end.
- I have lodges located and marked in Google and the GPS for some of the guys around PE that may get to share my company.
- Gun Storage in arranged. Thank you for your kind direction Jaco http://www.africahunting.com/members/jaco-strauss.5935/. (You are owed a shot or two of Jameson at SCI)
- Applications for firearms export are in hand long ago.
- British Airways is aware of the fire power they are transporting. This was much more entertainment than it needed to be.
- I got some great news the other day that will make the London to Joburg flight more interesting.
- Layover in London, basically scoped out. Certainly the return trip when I have 11 hours to check out the country side. Richmond Park (https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/richmond-park) was kindly suggested by Tom - UKHUNTER http://www.africahunting.com/members/ukhunter.10352/ to allow me to hunt some Red Stag on the Queens private Royal estate. (Big White Gun)
- My friends in the Northern Cape are excited to have me visit again.
- It will be great to see the Karoo again and have a night over on my way to KMG Safaris. http://www.africahunting.com/members/kmg-hunting-safaris.2602/
- Timing is everything in this business. In trying to fill that last week I was making inquiries about various schedules and who was around. I discovered Outfitters are very busy people and many choices were unavailable at this late stage. It was finally determined that 5 or 6 days on the ground in Niassa province were in order.
- Another flight was booked; JNB to Lichinga. Thank you to Elaine at Supreme Travel in Harrismith, RSA for the last minute arrangements.
- I applied for my VISA to get into Mozambique. Pre approval is suggested to cut down on delays upon arrival. 10 Business days is an interesting measuring stick and I can tell you Africa time was officially exported to Washington DC.. Like Hank noted in his report regarding perception of distance, that people have a funny perception of "close". I discovered it is much the same with "10 days". You see the Consular services folks are only open a few hours a day and they do not work on Fridays. When I called for an update at the ten business day mark, I was informed in the most luxurious Southern African accent, "that you must be patient sir" . Apparently it takes two business days to open a courier package and log it in. The courier arrived with my package three weeks later and I have the VISA in hand inside my passport.
- Upon return to South Africa I will get to spend one day hunting with Pieter http://www.africahunting.com/members/paw-print.7037/ before I leave.
- I ordered a Cat Quiver Mini, after reading suggestions on AH (Thanks). It looks like it will work well in the walk and stalk category. I await the delivery by UPS. Should be here today.
- New custom ear plugs are on the way. Somehow the last set must have decided to stay in RSA.
- My Ghillie suit(s) have been ordered. SA Ghillie will deliver them to KMG Safaris for me. I'll be able to test them out on Bushbuck and maybe the Egyptian Goose. The true test will come with the Bow hunted Vallie!
- I ordered two, just in case. A Stalker and a Half body.
- One last purchase to make sure I have back up camera in my pocket. Again from some good suggestions from AH members. DMC ZS50
Attachments
Last edited:
Just game meat for you this trip
Have a great time and enjoy the trip.
