SOUTH AFRICA: The Curse Is Lifted: 2018 Group Hunt

[Jeffrey Masters]

That is definitely not a bull hippo.

 

[CAustin]

Charlie, I´m really happy for you, I know how much you wanted that sea-horse, so congrats

Are you going to make a coffee table with the skull ?

I was supposed to go after my own hippo this year, but family health issues are preventing it, so it is planned for next year.

No the skull is not big enough in my opinion to make the table!

 

[CAustin]

That is definitely not a bull hippo.

No it isn’t! But with those sweet cheeks she could attract one I bet!

 

[Travis2282]

Congrats on the hippo!

 

[Jeffrey Masters]

No it isn’t! But with those sweet cheeks she could attract one I bet!

Congrats on the nice Hippo. I'll bet that was the longest 44 minutes you've spent in a long time!

 

[Ridgewalker]

Springbucks are really delicate looking to be so tough, but I guess almost everything is tough in Africa. Nice picture of you and Art II with your two beauties!

 

[Rock375]

Loved the hunt report Charlie thanks!

 

[CAustin]

I should get a good quantity of leather out of the full skin of the hippo.

 

[Hank2211]

I should get a good quantity of leather out of the full skin of the hippo.View attachment 241913

You should indeed.

I had a (rectangular) trunk made from the skin of a hippo I shot in Zimbabwe. It turned out very well - the top was done with an inlay of a map of Africa in giraffe. I now store much of my hunting clothing in it.

I also had some belts (and a sjambok!) made from leftovers. It would also make great gunbags.

Hippo hide is very distinctive and has a beautiful texture.

 

[CAustin]

And finally the group that arrived in Africa together departed Pawprint Safaris. Little did I know what I was about to experience over the next several hours.

 

[Bullthrower338]

Congratulations Charlie! Trophy Bonded worked beautifully!

 

[lwaters]

Congratulations on your successful hunt. Very interesting report.

 

[Ridge Top Ranch]

Great report and lots of excitement. Congrats!

 

[Jeffrey Masters]

I should get a good quantity of leather out of the full skin of the hippo.View attachment 241913

I see some really nice Hippo boots in your future.

 

[Rock375]

Hi Charlie, I’m just curious because I’m a Gun nut as well as hunter. My favorite rifle and caliber is my Kimber Caprivi 375 H&H. I also have a Remington Safari 416. 700 action so it’s a push feed. My question is, why you chose the 375 over your beloved Ruger 416 to take your Hippo? When I finally go get my Buff, I’ll use the Kimber! Congrats again on your success!

 

[PARA45]

What a fantastic trip, thanks for taking us along. I truly enjoyed the trip the report. Well done sir!

 

[nztimb]

I got to read this well written report all in one sitting. Writing like that can take you right along for the hunt. Very pleased for your sucess and hope you are well recovered now from your medical issues.

 

[Edge]

Enjoyed your adventure and congratulations on the hippo and springbok!

 

[jacques smith]

Congrats and glad the curses are in the past. Nicely done Charlie

 

[CAustin]

Hi Charlie, I’m just curious because I’m a Gun nut as well as hunter. My favorite rifle and caliber is my Kimber Caprivi 375 H&H. I also have a Remington Safari 416. 700 action so it’s a push feed. My question is, why you chose the 375 over your beloved Ruger 416 to take your Hippo? When I finally go get my Buff, I’ll use the Kimber! Congrats again on your success!

This is a very good question. You see I purchased a double rifle, Merkel 470 NE, but had no intention of scoping it. So knowing that I might well be faced with a long shot on the hippo as well as other game my fall back was the Ruger #1 in 375 H&H. This rifle has a Luepold Scope with the custom dial. Having taken this rifle to the range several times I found that I could cut the bulls eye at 100 yards with ease because it loves the Federal Premium Bear Claws. Don’t ask me why it just shoots spot on with that ammo and scope combination. So accuracy on a hippo hunt to me was most important given that I missed twice last year. Also the 375 is a fine round for plains game where as that 416 can rip some game apart.
Don’t get me wrong I still love the 416 Guide Gun and I wouldn’t hesitate to use it in Africa or any place else. I guess I am blessed to have options on guns to select from.