My first Blesbok, I have taken. The first we stalked might be considered just a warm up. My PH, TJ Butcher spotted 3 on an open grassy plain. Parking the Toyota on a dirt track, we began our stalk towards them. They were about 300 yards out. There were however, 3 scrawny trees, without one leaf, directly in our line of advance. Walking one step at a time, single file, we advanced very slowly. Stopping and pausing frequently. We needed to gain 200 yards at least for a comfortable shot. Perhaps 50 yards in, a movement in the corner of my eye revealed that a big Warthog was trotting in our direction. About 10 yards off to our left. TJ had spotted him and was putting the sticks down, I already was moving to his side and getting ready to get on the sticks when I thought this is really it. Yep, it was, he never slowed down and vanished into the tall grass 15 yards in front of us. He never knew we were right there. Well, back to the Blesbok. We made it to another tree, whew, hot and thirsty work. A gain of about 100 yards. They were watching, just trying to decide what we were exactly. We need to gain another 100 yards, much more open to gain the final tree. TJ said he would try something different. I suspected what was coming. He raised the sticks over his head. Well , we certainly would appear to be a "new" creature, that's for sure. Both of us sport beards, so we had a good chance in my opinion, which I highly respect. He motioned to stick very close, I was closer to him than his shadow. I think that was what he meant anyway. We needed just 30 some odd yards to gain the "cover" of the tree. Well, the Blesbok had enough of watching us dance thru the open field and pushed the throttle to the firewall. Gone in 60 seconds. Never looked at my watch, but was a long time. No complaints though, it was exciting making the stalk, and I learned several things. I knew there would be more opportunities and more excitement. When we climbed into the truck we just keep talking how close the Warthog was, we almost had him. Next time for sure. Another great day with @KWALATA SAFARIS. There will be many more great days, to be sure.
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