SOUTH AFRICA: Time To Go Buffalo Hunting

[Ridgewalker]

Have an AWESOME hunt!

 

[MT Griz]

Is it too soon to ask for the first report?

 

[lwaters]

Have a great time. Looking forward to your reports.

 

[PLM]

Good luck Johnny. Looking forward to those daily reports. I need some fresh reading material this week.

 

[CAustin]

Have a good trip Johnny and get a big one!

 

[RogerHeintzman]

only 4 days behind ya John. See ya in camp.

 

[AZDAVE]

Have a great trip, enjoy the hunt! Look forward to your report.

 

[rinehart0050]

Good luck!

 

[Foxi]

enjoy the feeling ,when your PH says "get ready"................
Save journey
Foxi

 

[dory]

Good luck johnny
Hot barrels and cold drinks to ya
Cheers Dory

 

[Brandon.Gleason]

Good luck! Looking forward to your reports.

 

[LivingTheDream]

Good luck! I love the daily reports! Your leopard hunt kept me going while I was at work a few years back!

 

[johnnyblues]

Ok guys first installment, lol. Long plane ride as you all I know and he'll if I should be able to sleep on the plane. I was met as I deplaned by Riflepermit rep who quickly guided me thru the security process and baggage. Once we jumped the immigration line I was met by another riflepermit rep who guided me to the SAPS office, lucky me I was the first hunter of the day. The place was empty. Within minutes Marius and I were at the Avis counter and off we went for the 5 hour drive to Limpopo.

Pleasant drive but I was exhausted by then. We're we're met in town by Heinrich of Game 4 safaris who is the sole outfit who can hunt this property. We picked up a few things and off we went. When we arrived I was told the concession borders Kruger as well as the Timavati. Quickly unpacked and we were off the check the 375 Ruger. First shot caught the top of the bulls eye all happy.

As I sit here we have just come in from the morning hunt. It was exciting. Within an hour we had spotted some buffalo in the thick brush, this property is very thick and Marius said shots will most likely be under 75 yards thru the brush. As we knelt down for about 30 minutes we could see the small group didn't have anything of interest, winding us the quickly took off. We chased spoor for several hours and at one point the trackers went to check to see if they could pick up some tracks while we sat in the shade. While waiting for them to return we suddenly heard the unmistakable sound of buffalo running, within seconds we could see a small group that stopped with 60 yards again in the thick brush. We tried desperately to see if there was a mature hard bossed bull they actually got to within 25 yards never knowing we was there. Again nothing of interest. The trackers by that time we're heading back our way chasing the small heard off. Decision was made to break for lunch and give everything a chance to settle back down, adding to the excitement was spotting a leopard working its way thru the bush as well as fresh lion tracks. Appears the lions have gotten thru some small holes under the fences made by warthogs. I'll post some more most likely tomorrow unless Lady Luck shines on us later today.

 

[adgunner]

Good luck Johnnyblues, hunted the same area with KMG and Marius last year for buff and had a blast. Fantastic that you saw a leopard, I heard them last year but never caught a glimpse!

 

[cpr0312]

We will be waiting for more updates!! Good luck

 

[LivingTheDream]

Within 25 yards of buff and seeing a leopard...seems like a good start for your first half day, lol.

Glad you made it safely and look forward to the next installment.

 

[Ridgewalker]

Great first day!

 

[RogerHeintzman]

Thanks John,
Good luck with the buff, I also have intimate connection with thick bush buff hunting.
Your motive is to get me pumped for the long flight. 2 days and I am on my way.
Say Hi to Marius. See you guys in camp.

 

[johnnyblues]

CORRECTION Game 4 Africa is NOT part of the hunt. Ok so afternoon was slow we walked miles trying to find a lone bull who's track we followed all afternoon. The brush thick here. Very thick. Highlight of the afternoon was seeing a day old giraffe who barely could walk yet. Again Mr. Spots rasped several times very close to us! Anyway I have to admit I was concerned about a fenced hunt but honestly this is a hunt. They are very weary and the terrain is on there side. Hopefully tomorrow is a better day.

 

[RogerHeintzman]

Keep it coming.