Typical Wilderness Area Buffalo Hunt - Try #2

[Red Leg]

I am trying this again, and hopefully have the two video clips on the proper setting so they can actually be viewed.

Unfortunately, other than once for Spanish TV (!) I have never really had a videographer film and edit one of my hunts. But on my last hunt in Mozambique, a young PH accompanied my friend Boet and I on a successful late evening hunt for cape buffalo. This is in the Zambezi Delta "swamp" where two years before we were wading up to our thighs. This year, the ground was like concrete and a charcoal dust of burnt grass covered everything.

We were actually doing an afternoon scout for the next morning's hunt when we spotted several large black shapes a kilometer or more out across the flat. They were all large suggesting a bachelor group of bulls. The stalk required a couple of hours of hiking and crawling to get the wind in our favor - it was quite strong - and to ease into range.

There are two clips. The first is of the eventual shot at one of the two best dugga boys in the group. The second is of the follow up. There are no dramatic charges. The two clips are posted simply to portray a typical buffalo approach, shot and follow up. The rifle is an R8 in .375 with Leica scope and 300 gr A Frame.

The first shot was in the heart, and the second creased his brisket. He went perhaps twenty yards. He measured a 1/4" over 40 inches.

 

[Rare Breed]

Congratulations on a great buff and nice video!!!

 

[Papa72]

Awesome! Thank you.

 

[PARA45]

Wow, thank you for sharing! Surprised me when other Buffaloes jumped out of nowhere. LOL!

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

Good job. Nice video too.

Congratulations

 

[Cme1983]

Great video. Looks like a fun hunt.

 

[Andrew62]

I love it, great trophies!! Thank you for sharing!

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

Enjoyed the video. Thank you for sharing.

 

[schmijar]

Someday I hope.

Thank you for sharing.

 

[Oil & Dirt]

What are your thoughts on the video experience? I’ve always stayed away from filming hunts, even at home because it always seemed like a pain. One more person to drag around, keep quiet, etc. after speaking with my PH on my most recent hunt though I’m thinking about it for my next safari. It sure seems the best way to share the experience with anyone who wants to watch

 

[Red Leg]

What are your thoughts on the video experience? I’ve always stayed away from filming hunts, even at home because it always seemed like a pain. One more person to drag around, keep quiet, etc. after speaking with my PH on my most recent hunt though I’m thinking about it for my next safari. It sure seems the best way to share the experience with anyone who wants to watch

So, my only real experience of true videography was a hunt for Gredos Ibex in Spain. My outfitter had been contacted by one of the Spanish TV networks about following a foreign hunter in his quest for an ibex in the Gredos Mountains of Spain. Whether it was my natural telegenic appeal or the coincidence of my arrival time, I was politely asked if I would like to take the role of the foreign hunter. I consider the outfitter to be a good friend, so I graciously acquiesced though a little worried what I was doing to my hunt.

I can honestly say, it was as if the cameraman was not there. He was extremely professional and used state of the art small form factor motion stabilized equipment (no tripods and the like). Neither my guide nor I performed or recreated any scenes. The finished and edited product did indeed air on Spanish television.

My only criticism is the final shot where I was asked to say a few words - naturally in English. Rather than subtittling, they dubbed me with a voice of what they thought represented the appropriate Spanish machismo of a Cazadora.

I included it below if you are interested.

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

What are your thoughts on the video experience? I’ve always stayed away from filming hunts, even at home because it always seemed like a pain. One more person to drag around, keep quiet, etc. after speaking with my PH on my most recent hunt though I’m thinking about it for my next safari. It sure seems the best way to share the experience with anyone who wants to watch

@Red Leg Pardon for hijacking, but if I may.

@Oil & Dirt I've had a few hunters hunt with us that had their hunts filmed, so thought that I would just give you a Professional Hunter's perspective. The good cameramen, you will never know that they are there on a stalk. You never have to wait on them to take the shot. They have enough hunting knowledge to add value to the trip and make it enjoyable, but also don't try to take over camp by being obnoxious and too loud.
Then there is the editing which you will only get a feel for the company by watching their videos. There are quite a few members here on AH that has had their hunts filmed so I am sure that they will be more than happy to give some advice when the time comes to make that decision.

 

[Oil & Dirt]

Thanks KMG. That’s exactly what I was worried about, the back and forth wondering if they are on animal and the logistics of the whole thing

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I like it that your PH didn't have you poking extra holes in a downed buffalo. Don't see any point in that but very common in buffalo videos. Perhaps to add a bit more drama? He also recognized you hit him mortally with first shot. That followup shot was a bit dicey anyway with a large bunch of bulls running past/around him. I didn't hear him tell you to attempt the follow up shot but pretty sure I did hear him tell you don't shoot again. Good first shot. Did it break the shoulder or just behind it? My first buffalo, a cow, was a frontal heart shot at 100 meters. She went the same distance. Difference was the rest of the herd was reluctant to leave granny while she was still bellowing. The bull came for us three times. Amazing how long they can last with a hole in the heart!