77th Birthday, and Planning Ahead

[Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS]

February 27, 2020: I am 77 years old today. I am, most fortunately, in very good health for a septuagenarian. I walk several miles every day, I work out frequently, and I still hunt hard (for ducks and deer mostly). I have been to Africa only twice, once to SA, near Hoedspruit, and once to Zimbabwe, hunting the Kazuma area near the Matetsi concessions. I have taken two buffalo, a kudu, and an assortment of other plains game. I would like to think there's another buffalo hunt in my future.

But here's the thing: I love being in an area where there are lions, elephants, leopards, and other mega-fauna about. I want to sit by a campfire again and listen to lions. That's important to me. I'd like to hunt another old buffalo bull, but I don't care a thing about a taxidermy mount this time. (No more room in my little hunting cabin/man cave) so a scrubby looking animal with half a horn broken off would be fine. I like old and gnarly. I'd like to shoot some plains game for camp meat. I love eating venison of all sorts, but again, not interested in heads this time. (I might get tempted by a zebra run, though.)

As I said, I'd really like to do another buffalo hunt, and in an area where I could nurse a drink by a fire and listen to a lion serenade. We heard lions almost every night in the camp near the Timbavati, and we had leopards chasing monkeys in the camp at Kazuma. There were elephants around both areas, and we saw them frequently. I want to give myself a present for my 79th or 80th birthday. (Hell; at my age, how far ahead is it even reasonable to make plans? But now is the time to make them.) This plan gives me some time (2-3 years) to save up for the trip and do plenty of dreaming.

I still drag my own deer out of the woods, set out my own duck decoys, and can easily walk 5 miles at a time--ten if there are some breaks during the hike. I want to hunt hard, see some more good country, meet some good folks, and just enjoy the whole experience again. Oh, and listen to lions. Did I mention the lions? Yeah; I guess I did.

Anybody got any suggestions for this kind of hunt?

Sounds great
Hope i am as fit and active as you are whenni get to that age

Good luck on finding this hunt and hope it all comes together for you

 

[GAME Trackers AFRICA]

Good day Stephen

Welcome to the hunting free range hunting world of Game Trackers Africa. It is always awesome to meet new potential clients who has true appreciation for the original African safari experiences.
While operating our OWN dangerous game areas in various countries we will recommend for you
to seriously consider Tanzania, one of Africa last living legacies.

We can offer you a Cape buffalo Safari in Tanzania in the world renowned Selous Game Reserve (arguably Africa's best protected free range area).
We specialize in offering authentic free range hunting safaris. We've been hunting in the Selous for 20 years. Our camps are situated on the rivers/lake (depending of our areas will be available) edge where you will be able to sit at the camp fire with hippo's grunting in the water, lions roaring, hyenas laughing in the back ground while nursing your drink and leopards roaming thru camp during the nights - wild Africa at its best.

If you require more information please feel free to contact us magdel@gametrackersafrica.com

Thank you.

 

[autofire]

Contact duckworth's at Mokore safaris. They will set you up with exactly what you want.

 

[Velo Dog]

Hello Stephen,

You are doing the right thing by thoroughly researching the particulars for your next Safari, right here within the world’s greatest forum.

I represent Khomas Highland Hunting Safaris of Namibia.

For one more place that fits your check list, have a look at our web site, especially our video on buffalo hunting in the Zambezi Region (formerly known as: The Caprivi Strip).

This concession is a very wild / free range environment, with all of the “Big 5” / “Dangerous 7” plus, so-called “plains game” as well.

Also, we have thoroughly vetted Mausers to rent, calibers .375 H&H, .416 Rigby and .458 Lott, in the event you don’t want to carry a firearm through the airports.

That said, in case you do indeed want to bring your favorite rifle, Namibia is pretty much the easiest country anywhere for a visiting foreigner to bring a hunting rifle (or shotgun) to and from.

Whomever you book with, I look forward to reading your report (us long-in-the-tooth fellows know how to have fun with, “rifles and shotguns and fly rods oh my”)

Cheers,
Paul.

 

[ve7poi]

Best of luck wishing you many more years and trips asa Hunter.

 

[Tanks]

Thank you, Martin. That is a beautiful area. I will get back in touch with you.

Just like anything else, I'd do due diligence on an outfitter you meet on the net. I suggest you read the whole thread. On another web site there are other complaints as well. Caveat Emptor.

https://www.africahunting.com/threads/namibia-martin-pieters-safaris-a-troubling-experience.34601/

 

[Stephen Ausband]

Hello Stephen,

You are doing the right thing by thoroughly researching the particulars for your next Safari, right here within the world’s greatest forum.

I represent Khomas Highland Hunting Safaris of Namibia.

For one more place that fits your check list, have a look at our web site, especially our video on buffalo hunting in the Zambezi Region (formerly known as: The Caprivi Strip).

This concession is a very wild / free range environment, with all of the “Big 5” / “Dangerous 7” plus, so-called “plains game” as well.

Also, we have thoroughly vetted Mausers to rent, calibers .375 H&H, .416 Rigby and .458 Lott, in the event you don’t want to carry a firearm through the airports.

That said, in case you do indeed want to bring your favorite rifle, Namibia is pretty much the easiest country anywhere for a visiting foreigner to bring a hunting rifle (or shotgun) to and from.

Whomever you book with, I look forward to reading your report (us long-in-the-tooth fellows know how to have fun with, “rifles and shotguns and fly rods oh my”)

Cheers,
Paul.

Thanks, Paul. I've read good things about Khomas Highland Hunting Safaris. Stay safe, and perhaps we can all get back to hunting soon.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

@Stephen Ausband , I'd suggest talking with @John Sharp about a hunt in the Bubye Valley Conservancy in southern Zim. Lots of lions, lots of everything on the 800,000+acres. I hunted with John in 2015 ( https://www.africahunting.com/threads/zimbabwe-john-sharp-safaris.22880/ ) and more recently @tarbe and @Bullthrower338 hunted with John and @DaveL (Dave Langerman). The BVC is an epic place for a memorable hunt.

Since you hunted Zim already and just want to try a different country for an adventure, Namibia would be a good place to look too. @Ndumo Hunting Safaris is a sponsor on AH and I have talked with them the past few years at DSC and HSC. They hunt up in the Caprivi area and looks very interesting.

 

[Flipper Dude]

Stephen, did you ever do that hunt?

 

[Jörg Krüger]

Nearly time for Happy Birthday again

 

[Stephen Ausband]

Stephen, did you ever do that hunt?

Unfortunately no, but thanks for asking. I actually had the hunt lined up, airline tickets purchased, deposit paid, etc., but a combination of family issues and financial issues made it impossible to go this May. Maybe later. I certainly hope so. I was grateful to all the outfitters from at least four different countries who reached out with encouragement and interesting offers. This is truly a great website.

 

[CBH Australia]

Don't give up, it's not over yet and if you have your health then hopefully you can do something fun.

 

[Happy Myles]

Stephen, do not give up on your African dream. I am 83 and have taken ten plains game and four Cape buffalo since I have turned 80. All in wild Tanzania country. I am in no special health just an average old man

 

[Tundra Tiger]

@Stephen Ausband .... You sir and others are an inspiration to folks like me. I am 55 and in better health than I probably have been in the last 20 years, though not where I want to be. Fighting to overcome the bad decisions of youth and also heredity... I read what gentlemen such as yourself posts and realize I still have time to correct things. Thank you for sharing sir.

 

[Tom Leoni]

@Stephen Ausband - you are an inspiration and what all of us "youngsters" (LOL, in my case) aspire to be. Please be sure to post a report after your hunt--I for one would LOVE to see a chronicle of your adventure!

 

[Stephen Ausband]

Don't give up, it's not over yet and if you have your health then hopefully you can do something fun.

Thanks, CBH. Still healthy. Just a bit short of finances right now.

 

[Stephen Ausband]

Stephen, do not give up on your African dream. I am 83 and have taken ten plains game and four Cape buffalo since I have turned 80. All in wild Tanzania country. I am in no special health just an average old man

Thanks, Happy Myles. I'm regarding this as a temporary setback, so I've not given up the dream.