NAMIBIA: 2023 Hunt With ZANA BOTES SAFARI

On our arrival at our Base of operation( can't call it a camp ) we enjoyed a quick lunch got our very lovely room and checked rifles my 270 win performed while gremlins showed up while installing scope on my 404Jeffery as quick release clamp screwshad been over torqued in past and chose that moment to fail lucky it had iron sights and as it turned out was never required.


After checking rifles we went for adrive to see what might present itself. Zana spotted a mixed heard of springbuck and Black Wildebeest we stopped got off truck and the hunt started My wife came with us and as we snuck up behind and embankment to peek over saw a picture of grazing animals everywhere. After a time Zana pointed to a very nice old Black wildebeest bull put thesticks up and as I waited for a shot a bigger bull decided that maybe he saw something poking it head over the bank and headed towards us changed his mind turned broad side 50yds and gave me a perfect shot.He ran off with a cloud of dust and gave me a second shot at about 100 yds which Zana said afterwards wasn't needed. A beautiful Bull bigger than the one on my wall at home so Taxidermy bill started to grow first day. Then back to lodge for a dinner prepared by our chef wow its a wonder we didn't gain several pounds with the meals he prepared for us every day.View attachment 579039
great animal!!! congratulations!
 
A very successful and fun hunt! Was a pleasure having both of you over.
 
Next trophy Red Hartebeest an African antelope that runs very much like our Mule deer odd shaped horns that when viewed strait on have a heart shape. After leaving the truck we skirted around a small hill and looked over the rise to see several just grazing along Zana got me into a perfect position and we waited until the biggest one turned broadside at about 100 yds maybe less hefinally presented with a perfect angle for my shot. At the shot he spun around and went behind a bush i thought he had dropped but we positioned ourselves to take a second shot if needed as the herd ran off one turned back to look at where my bull disappeared and then bolted out of sight across the small fold in the land.
On approach we found him behind the bush and my oh my what a super trophy he turned out to be no ground shrinkage if anything he is bigger.
View attachment 579048
Excellent red hartebeest, congrats! Agreed, they do not get much attention but, IMO, very impressive when you walk up to a big bull like this one.

Also, yes about the food on most safaris. One can track for miles yet run the risk of gaining weight! :)
 
What a nice time y'all had with Zana! He is a true professional and very fun to be around.
 
Great report, thanks for sharing.
 
Great write up. We had Rhinehardt video our hunt several years ago with Kowas in Namibia. Both the hunt and video were outstanding. Rhinehardt is a great videographer but a lot of fun to be around.
 
Wow-what a great adventure. This was so fun to read and see the pictures. Thank you for posting.
 

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Hedge774 wrote on Odinsraven's profile.
Hey Odinsraven. Is that post from Jefferry 404 legitimate? I don't know him. Thanks!
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Manny R wrote on SETH RINGER's profile.
I have no idea the shipping cost from here to Costa Rica. I can do my research on shipping and get back with you later today.
StickFlicker AZ wrote on Matt 72's profile.
I didn't see your request re: ship co’s. My last shipment was 2023. Quotes from SBS Logistics ($1,198), Badger Cargo ($1,184 - used them) & AHG Trophy Shippers ($1,746). AHG owner's an asshole so wouldn't have used him anyway. Eastern Cape - Houston, TX, so your mileage may vary. NEVER use Karl Human Taxidermy aka Wild Africa Taxidermy on Eastern Cape. Trophies arrived shattered with no padding/packing material.
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