UGANDA: Uganda Wildlife Safaris

[gillettehunter]

Must of been gut wrenching to miss that Sitatunga. Part of hunting. We all make mistakes at times. Very nice Bushbuck. Congrats.
Bruce

 

[BRICKBURN]

It's so, so easy to rush at the wrong time after so much anticipation.
Thanks for sharing the lesson.

 

[LivingTheDream]

It happens! Any one who says they never miss doesn't hunt. Enjoying the story and love the bushbuck, Im extremely jealous!

Thanks,

Mike

 

[ActionBob]

Thanks for the great report so far! Uganda has been on my list since discussing it at DSC. I'm really looking forward to the rest of the report.

 

[enysse]

There is always a lot of pressure when a crucial shot has to be made!

 

[JES Adventures]

On our way to the machan, about a half mile through the papyrus swamp.

Day 5


Up at 5, off at 6 and it started to sprinkle as we headed towards the island. We got in the machan just before 7 and we could see the rain clouds in the distance blowing our way. We all donned rain gear and hunkered down. It rained, and rained, and rained for hours. This was an Alaska quality rain, came down in buckets and sideways at times!

After enduring over two hours of being pounded, Paul said lets go back to camp and when it clears we will head back out. Apparently there is a theory that after a strong storm, the Sitatunga hunting can be good if the sun comes out.

The cook prepared a nice brunch, we rested a bit and watched the weather. It started to clear and looking to the south towards the island it appeared not to be raining anymore. We were off at 1 and on the island by 2. The scout and trackers were in the 3 other machans on the island and one extra guy was in the machan where I missed yesterday.

The machan

The day drug on, no activity whatsoever. Sunset is about 6:45 but we have to start back by 6:30 in order to have ample light so we can identify where the hippo are. A little after 6 I scanned the edge of the papyrus 240 yards in front of us for what seemed like the thousandth time. But this time it was different, I saw the face and horns of a Sitatunga bull just about to exit the papyrus.

I said to Paul "there's a bull, straight across almost in the center" and I lowered my binoculars and pointed. Paul picked him up and immediately said he is a good bull, get ready to take him. I said "it's 240 yards, I need some time to get settled to make the shot". Of course, all the time I am thinking how I blew a shot one day ago 100 yards closer.

Quickly I got my pack to sit on as the bench was a bit low, I had learned that the day before when I tried several shooting scenarios in the machan. I got the shooting sticks and placed them diagonally across the rails and then steadied my rifle across. The bull was walking slowly and not giving me a shot. I was well award of the range as I had checked the area many times and had a good understanding of the distances. All of the sudden he broke into a trot! He was cutting diagonally across the open space and had maybe a 100 yards before he reached the other side and would be back in the papyrus. Paul said "there's not much time, shoot him when you can". I was following in my scope and he slowed back to a walk, slightly weaving so never giving a broadside shot. Then, as I am following him with the safety off he stopped. Quartering towards me so not perfect but I took the shot. Immediately he reacted and I knew it was a hit. He staggered a bit and appeared to be going down. Paul said he's going down and I answered with "you want me to put another one in him" as my thoughts were to anchor him in the open space. He replied with "go ahead" and I hit him once again on the shoulder. But being basically a giant bushbuck (you know how tough bushbuck are) he made it to the papyrus with two shots in him. I ranged to the spot wher I shot the bull, 198 yards - 50 yards farther than my miss!

The trackers were running across to the edge of the papyrus and found him dead a few feet inside. As the drug him out and I approached I was in awe of this beautiful trophy. The first thing out of my mouth was "God is Great". What a Blessing this was, and let me tell you a lot of prayers said the previous 4 hours I was in the machan waiting for a Sitatunga to appear.

Of course many thanks and handshakes were exchanged and the photo session began. Paul kept reminding us of the time as we needed some light to cross the river. Paul and I went ahead as the trackers carried out the Sitatunga whole, tied to a limb. We crossed first and Paul went back with the other guy to help carry out the Sitatunga. As I waited in the twilight, I could hear the hippo off in the distance so I knew they were safe crossing the river. Back at the landcruiser, we all had a beer as the chatter had turned to "kabubi" or celebration as we call it in english. Just outside camp, we stopped and I fired two rounds and the kabubi began. The entire camp along with Camille the researcher were waving branches in a procession while Paul honked the horn. Once we stopped, the congratulations continued with more handshakes and thanks being exchanged. This is a very nice tradition I have been fortunate enough to experience a few times before.


Once the kabubi died down, I poured a whiskey then headed to the shower and relished the moment. To top off a great day, much to my surprise the cook had prepared my favorite meal of buffalo tail stew. He had no idea it was my favorite and I was elated when I heard the menu. Red wine with dinner, whiskey and cigars by the fire topped off the night. I was sleeping in late tomorrow, ever thankful for the second chance I was given on the Sitatunga. "God is Great"!

 

[LivingTheDream]

Awesome!! I'm not a good judge of sitatunga but that one looks great! Glad you got your hard earned trophy.

 

[JES Adventures]

Must of been gut wrenching to miss that Sitatunga. Part of hunting. We all make mistakes at times. Very nice Bushbuck. Congrats.
Bruce

You said it Bruce, gutwrenching is spot on.

 

[JES Adventures]

Awesome!! I'm not a good judge of sitatunga but that one looks great! Glad you got your hard earned trophy.

Many thanks, he is a really nice bull, my PH said a bit larger than the one I missed

 

[TXhunter65]

Beautiful sitatunga!

 

[JES Adventures]

It happens! Any one who says they never miss doesn't hunt. Enjoying the story and love the bushbuck, Im extremely jealous!

Thanks,

Mike

You said it Mike, when people tell me they've never missed I usually reply with - Well I'm sorry that you haven't hunted much.

 

[JES Adventures]

Beautiful sitatunga!

Thank you @TXhunter65, I appreciate it.

 

[Ridgewalker]

Magnificent trophy! Absolutely beautiful animal! Congratulations!

 

[Royal27]

Just awesome!!!

I'm so excited for you! And great to hear about Uganda as well. I'd love to go one day.

 

[jasyblood]

Awesome sitatunga! Congratulations!

 

[Wheels]

Absolutely beautiful animal. Love the ivory worn bases. Congratulations!

Occasionally missed shots work out for the best. This was one of those times.

 

[enysse]

Magnificent sitatunga!!!!!! Congrats!

 

[BRICKBURN]

Hands down, that is a dream Sitatunga!

Congratulations!

 

[ShawnB]

Really enjoying the report John. Fantastic Sitatunga!!!

 

[gillettehunter]

That is a great Sitatunga that anyone would be thrilled to take. Congrats. What a blessing that your miss turned into a better bull. You never know how its gonna turn out. Thats why its hunting and not killing. Glad that your persistence paid off.
Bruce