Hello from Northern Territory, Australia

[Mekaniks]

 

[Michael70]

G'day from Australia

Where in Aussie are you CBH?

 

[chashardy]

Welcome! I am headed to Darwin in August for a buffalo hunt in Arnhem Land. Looking forward to it.

 

[MTA]

Welcome to AH

I spent 3 months stationed in the NT while I was in the USMC. Absolutely loved it. The Australians I met were great people and I hope to return to hunt there one day

 

[CBH Australia]

Where in Aussie are you CBH?

In Western NSW.

 

[Nyati]

 

[Hunter4752001]

G'day Michael. Welcome to the forum. I haven't been up the Top End for decades but I still hope to get up there again.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Welcome to AH @Michael70! Very nice introductory post. So you’re a M70 375HH owner….. clearly you are therefore a scholar and a gentleman!!

 

[Sue Tidwell]

Long-time lurker, first time poster. I normally have quite a bit to say when in person but rarely venture into the world of forums and definitely do not exist on any social media. A bit of a luddite in spirit although I work in finance and with computers all day.

That said like all members, I aspire to live to hunt and not live to work. As I laced up my Courtney Boots to wear with my business pants in the office this morning (just keeping them worn in) it hit me just how much my life is driven by my hunting culture, traditions, way of life (it is definitely not a sport). It touches (however briefly - like the butterfly effect) everything I do or plan to do in my everyday life.

The car I drive, the clothes I buy, the books I read, the websites I visit, the movies I watch, my YouTube addiction, kitchen appliances, freezers, camping gear, footwear - you name it; it is either directly related to, or a purchase for a hunt or something that can help or be added to my hunting kit.

Surely, I cannot be the only one?

There is stuff that is very abstract but the relationship, deep down is there i.e. I purchased several moisture/mould preventative blocks from the hardware store the other day. The wife thought I was being considerate and helping remove the mould from the laundry cupboards and house, but the real reason was to ensure that the guns in the safe were mould free and survive another wet season.

Just the way I live my life and what is important to me and brings me happiness.

I was born and raised in Darwin, spent my youth and younger years chasing pigs, buff, magpie geese anything really and then moved to the big smoke Melbourne, where I continued chasing small game and the mighty Sambar.

Back in Darwin the quantity of hunting has diminished over time, but I am working on increasing the quality, with a camel hunt to happen in the near future plus a move onto better buffalo country when we finally get access.

Like all (most) on here I have a dream of Africa. This was almost realised a few years ago but was put on the backburner after a commercial situation with a former business partner. It will be realised one day soon after I have put my son through Medical School in Melbourne and then my dreams will come alive. Until then I want to try out the 350 grain HD Woodleigh's in my Model 70, 375 H&H on the local buff and see how they go. Hope to write a hunting report on this soon, when it stops raining.

Thanks.

Welcome to AH @Michael70 from small-town Idaho. I can TOTALLY are late to your post…and I don’t even hunt myself. I am just married to a hunter and totally embedded in the hunting culture. ALMOST everything does relate back to hunting in some way for sure. Like you said, the vehicles we drive, the clothes we wear. Etc etc.

That is wonderful that your son is going to medical school…and that you are helping. But please don’t put off your own dreams for too long. Time has a way of slipping by and our days on earth aren’t guaranteed. I want to to experience the wonder of Africa! My husband and I put it off for years. It was never the right time or the right money situation. Then my brother got cancer and was gone 4 months later. That taught us that we had to MAKE the right time. Anyway, we have now been 3 times and are hopelessly addicted. This wasn’t meant to be a downer or anything. I am just a major cheerleader to get your butt to Africa. Enjoy the forum. I’m sure you will love it here.

 

[Michael70]

Thank you Sue for heartfelt and wise words.

Growing up my parents struggled day to day and gave us all they had. I went to University but felt the pressure to leave ASAP and start earning to become less of a burden and subsequently probably chose a course that provided a better short term outcome rather than having the luxury of following a dream and doing what would have been a better career.

Although I believe that my son would be better suited to law, he chose medicine and I will do whatever I can to see him chase his dream unfettered while I can. Living and studying more than 4,000kms from home makes it difficult but we will find a way.

I am fortunate in that I have the opportunity to chase big game from home although the best country is locked away, access is more of a challenge here than most realise. It doesn’t diminish the passion.

Africa still calls and yes we are ageing (faster than I care to admit) but I will make it happen, just a few years more.

In the meantime if any of the members here are passing through my neck of the woods, please get in contact with me and we will catch up and maybe chase something in the bush.

 

[Michael70]

Welcome to AH @Michael70! Very nice introductory post. So you’re a M70 375HH owner….. clearly you are therefore a scholar and a gentleman!!

I am still looking for a matching Model 70 458 Win Mag and if I care to dream a Model 70 300 H&H.

I will then finally feel that my life (and gun safe) is complete

 

[MATTANJA HUNTING SAFARIS]

Welcome to AH!!

 

[erf046]

Welcome Michael70, this is surely a great place to get al the information you would need to travel here.

 

[vandelee546]

You are welcome

 

[Shootist43]

Welcome aboard Michael70. There are lots of Aussies on AH. It sounds like you have your life and goals in good order. When you get around to seriously looking for a rifle in the calibers you mentioned, simply post your wants on AH. I think you'll be surprised at the number of "African" caliber rifles that reside in Oz. We'll be looking for the hunting reports and photos of your future hunts. P.S. you might find other AH members near you by posting the city closest to where you live.

 

[gin535]

Welcome to AH! We look forward to you sharing your stories!

 

[CBH Australia]

. P.S. you might find other AH members near you by posting the city closest to where you live.

There may be a couple of members in the Top End.

Mostly we are spread out from the ones I've spoken with.
3 hours from me is the closest member I know of. Then 6, then 8, then 12, and some are near 30 hours drive and I'm somewhat centrally located.

I think we might have about 20 active members. Makes us pretty spread out but I think there might be at least 2 up near Michael 70.

Fun fact, from where I'm sitting Darwin is nearly as far as New Zealand. That means
@Von Gruff almost fits in our geographical area if he wanted to identify as an Aussie.

Flying from Perth is the best way to get to Africa. That's listed as 41 hours driving from Sydney.

Obviously we have domestic flights but that might put it in perspective as to how far spread our Aussie members are.

 

[Mark R]

Welcome Michael70, from another Aussie. I hope you don’t have an addiction. If it is then so do I….
My addiction also includes Africa but also all thing wild in the NT. I’ll be up there again in September…..

Once again, welcome.

 

[nztimb]

There may be a couple of members in the Top End.

Mostly we are spread out from the ones I've spoken with.
3 hours from me is the closest member I know of. Then 6, then 8, then 12, and some are near 30 hours drive and I'm somewhat centrally located.

I think we might have about 20 active members. Makes us pretty spread out but I think there might be at least 2 up near Michael 70.

Fun fact, from where I'm sitting Darwin is nearly as far as New Zealand. That means
@Von Gruff almost fits in our geographical area if he wanted to identify as an Aussie.

Flying from Perth is the best way to get to Africa. That's listed as 41 hours driving from Sydney.

Obviously we have domestic flights but that might put it in perspective as to how far spread our Aussie members are.

I was in Bundaberg for about 12 years so I really cant be offended Chris but I am Kiwi through and through although pleased enough to be counted among you for the geographical marker.

 

[geoff rath]

Welcome Michael70, from another Aussie. I hope you don’t have an addiction. If it is then so do I….
My addiction also includes Africa but also all thing wild in the NT. I’ll be up there again in September…..

Once again, welcome.

HaHa! Bundaberg: home town; also known as "flat city", and home to the (in)famous Bundy Rum.