Recent content by Mike Wachtel

I hunted Ozondjahe in Namibia, near Otjiwarongo, in July-August 2022. Their high ground had a magnificent view of the plateau. I took leopard, Eland, Gemsbok, Impala, Zebra and Damara dik-dik...but gazed in the distance at Buffalo country. If I get back to Africa, it will be for Buffalo with...

Thanks guys! I can always find help on this site. Mike.

I've watched hundreds of youtube videos of African hunts, and Vaughan Vosloo stands at the very top for quality. I'd consider having my second safari filmed; My first was so fantastic; Leopard, Eland, Impala, Gemsbok, Zebra and Damara Dik-dik. I googled and don't see a site for Vaughan, only his...

Fantastic mount Charlie! My taxidermist expects hides and capes from the tannery in April, should have my cat and other mounts this summer. I'll always remember how helpful you were to me prior to my first, hopefully not last, safari in 2022. several phone conversations. Thanks again; the...

I'd like to see photos also. Looking at my cat's skull from July '22, all of it's canines are cracked past the gum line, an old cat, and it weighed 120 lbs. From Namibia south of the Waterberg Plateau. It was measured at 7'6". I can only offer congrats to anyone who takes a 200 lb. leopard. Mike.

After talking with my taxidermist, I think we can get a tanned cape, and save 10 months tanning time. Thanks so much for the generous offer. As Velo Dog said, this is a great community site with great people!

My taxidermist is CXXXXXXXXX I'll contact him to give him a heads-up. Thanks!

WOW, what an offer! I'll be in touch if I decide to go for it.

I have some interest. I'd maybe suggest that our taxidermists discuss its suitability?

16 months later, the capes finally were up in line for processing at the tannery in Michigan this week, (my Iowa taxidermist trusts them with all his tanning). Bad news on the eland; significant, disqualifying for me and my taxidermist, hair slippage on the face. So either go with a Euro mount...

The cape, salted at camp in Namibia in August '22, with 5 other trophies, went through D&P in Otjiwarongo, then two brokers, arrived at my Iowa taxidermist in a folded hard block. My guy uses a tannery in Michigan. They recently emailed photos of severe slippage on the face...I decided to have...

I was well pleased with the Courtney Selous with the ripple sole for my '22 Namibia safari. Now they are everyday boots on my Iowa 80a. Except in rain or snow; they are not waterproof. I would consider the tyre sole if purchasing again, for better grip on sandy rocky footing hunting Damara...

Thanks so much for a the great info!

I just keep thinking back to the Ruark "Use Enough Gun" quote that makes the .416 attractive. The extra weight sounds like a good idea. So open up a standard R8 to accommodate the big .416, or go with the Selous and deal with the expanded channel for a .22 Hornet?

A Ruger 77 in .22 Hornet is one of the rifles I would sell to finance a Blaser...but I love it as a farm gun, and would like it as my "everyday at home" caliber, propped up in the dining room waiting for those 'stinkin groundhogs, coons, and possums.