SOUTH AFRICA: Time To Go Buffalo Hunting

[gillettehunter]

How big is the property that you are hunting. Sounds like you are having to work for your buff. Cool to be that close to the leopards. Great start to your hunt. Bruce

 

[Neale]

You are only just off the plane and I am hooked on your story. Good luck JB.

 

[cpr0312]

Wow, hearing a leopard is really cool! I heard them calling on my trip to Zim and it was neat to hear. Look forward to more buff encounters now!

 

[ChasingHemingway]

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.

View attachment 200062

Good luck - took my buff their with John Henry Keyser, Henrich, and Um Piet. Great experience!!

dt

 

[johnnyblues]

Tired! We walked 8 miles yesterday and 9 today. Followed tracks all morning never caught up with the herd. Property is 6,000 acres of dense brush. Very difficult hunting here. My fears of hunting under a fence have changed. I know I've never hunted the free range so all I'm saying is the is a hunt! We went back out this afternoon and tried to find fresh sign. I should also note we have been on foot everyday. Use of the truck has been minimal. This afternoon we decided to drive the roads to find we're the herd may have crossed. We wound up jumping a herd bedded down 50 years in the brush from the road. We tried to anticipate where they would go. We got to a spot several miles away and headed out on foot. About an hour later we spotted a cow and 2 bulls. We sat for another hour in the brush montionless trying to see if the bulls were shooters. The cow must have seen or heard something. We were busted! We drove the property until last light trying to locate where they may have crossed. We did find bull tracks several miles away. Tomorrow we try again. Stay tuned! Forgot to add we had a nice lunch by the river. Gathered some wood built a fire a grilled some sausage. Hmmmm

 

[cpr0312]

Tomorrow we try again. Stay tuned!

Pulling for you John!

 

[CEO]

Keep at it and put a hole in one.

 

[JakeH]

The hard work will pay off, you'll get a nice one soon!

 

[GA Hunter]

Still looking forward to the pics!!

 

[Adam S]

You're living my dream! Thanks so much for posting updates as I'm sure you'd rather rest. We're all cheering for you!

 

[PLM]

Nothing like being on the hunt.

 

[gillettehunter]

Thanks for taking time to update us. Sounds like your working at it. Best of luck. Bruce

 

[MT Griz]

Hang in there.....It's going to happen!

 

[lwaters]

It will happen. I got busted by several different animals when we were stalking.

 

[LivingTheDream]

Getting busted is part of buffalo hunting. Part of the fun that you get to make multiple stalks. Come on you didn't want it to be easy, lol.

 

[johnnyblues]

Always appreciate the kind words and encouragement! Just broke for morning break. Busted the trail again trying to catch up to a herd we know had 2 shooter bulls in it. Didn't go well. We are definitely trying hard. This is a difficult farm to hunt as I mentioned, thick brush everywhere. We need them to make one mistake. And they will! Highlight of the morning was having a spotted heyena run out in front of us at 20 yards and stand there . Very cool, we heard them last night while we was sitting by the fire relaxing. These buffalo are very weary here and if I'm successful I'm going to be proud of the hunt, fence or no fence. Again thanks all!

 

[cpr0312]

These buffalo are very weary here and if I'm successful I'm going to be proud of the hunt, fence or no fence. Again thanks all!

Keep putting in the hard work and leg work John! It will be sweet, looking forward to the next installment!

 

[Shootist43]

Keep at it. The harder the hunt, the greater the satisfaction! Quoting a line from the movie The Outlaw Josey Wales "endeavor to persevere."

 

[Ironhorse375]

Awesome adventure. Following closely.

 

[BWH]

Looking good my man! Best of luck & stay safe. The Buff, Vaalie & Klip is next on my list too!