SOUTH AFRICA: First Safari On My Way To The Eastern Cape June 2018

[MikeDeltaFoxtrot]

I am sitting at the gate in Atlanta about to board Delta flight 200 to Johannesburg. I will be traveling by air to Bloemfontein, where I will be met by my friend and PH Org Hamman, who is associated with Lategan Safaris in Aliwal North.

I will have six days in the field hunting. Target species include Kudu, Waterbuck, Zebra, Impala, Blesbuck, Mountain Reedbuck, and Fallow Deer. I will post updates as time and connectivity permit.

Here is my gear, staged for departure.

 

[cpr0312]

Safe travels and good luck, we look forward to the report!

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

Good luck!

 

[cls]

Good luck, shoot straight

 

[Jfet]

 

[johnnyblues]

Enjoy your first safari!

 

[outwestidaho]

Hope it's a great trip !

 

[MikeDeltaFoxtrot]

I have arrived safely in Johannesburg. Delta Comfort Class was acceptable. Our flight left late, but it didn't matter since my connecting flight isn't until tomorrow. Thankfully all my bags made it. Upon arrival, I breezed through a very short immigration line, collected my two checked suitcases, and walked through customs without being challenged.

It took me a couple of minutes in the arrival hall to locate the representative of riflepermits.com, but once I did they were amazing. She walked me over the SAPS office, and produced a pre-approved permit. I picked my rifle case out of a group that were waiting on the counter, put it on a table, and unlocked it. There was no line. The officer did not even take the rifles out of the case, as the serial numbers were visible. He checked the numbers against the permit, and told me I was good to go. I locked up my case and left.

One of the other riflepermits.com guys then escorted me to the hotel shuttle, I am happily ensconced in my hotel room now. I have an early morning to check in for my flight to Bloemfontein. Photos below are of my hotel room and the stamp on my permit.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

Enjoy yourself and good luck!

 

[cagkt3]

Have a great time, looking forward to the report!

 

[Britt Beck]

Have a blast. Take it all in.

 

[MikeDeltaFoxtrot]

I made it to Bloemfontein with all my bags and my rifles. I connected with the friend and PH. All is well and tomorrow we hunt. More later.

 

[Edge]

The hard part is over and now it’s time to enjoy your hunt! Good luck!

 

[slam8031]

Enjoy it all!!

 

[kevin masters]

enjoy!!! it will be awesome!

 

[Shootist43]

MDF, now the real fun begins!!

 

[Erny]

Have Fun!!!!!!!!!

 

[MikeDeltaFoxtrot]

Awesome day. Picked up a custom made suppressor from a local smith in Aliwal North. Checked zero on the 300, which required some adjustment in terms of elevation because the new can is heavier than my one at home. Once we were set with a 200M zero (8 total shots fired), we got in the hunting car and went after it. We blew a stalk on some blue wildebeests and spotted some warthogs. Another stalk produced a 55 yard shot on a boar. The 300Win Mag dropped him cleanly, and the 180 TSX made a decent exit wound.

After lunch we got after the blue wildebeests again. It was awesome we closed to within 50 yards three times and couldn't get a shot. Finally they ran downhill and starting grazing at a measured 316 yards. I got on the sticks from a sitting position up on the hill. We picked out the biggest bull of the group and waited for a clear shot. After about 15 minutes, the moment arrived, and another 180 grain TSX dropped him is his tracks. I am very thankful for a great day.

I'm having trouble uploading pictures but will try again later.

 

[kevin masters]

very nice blue!!

 

[Shootist43]

MDF those 300 + yard shots is where the 300 Win Mag "struts her stuff." Nice BWB, kudos on the shooting.