Sestoppelman, I am sorry to hear of the outcome of your hunt. I hunted Mjinwe with Jon for 14 days in May with Leopard the big goal. While I did not score on a Leopard I had an excellent hunt. I did collect a management Buff, Zebra, Wildebeest and Waterbuck. I saw several excellent Waterbuck and several very good Kudu (I wasn't looking for another one myself) that would have met your standards. Leopard were there. I had nine baits struck by females and had a couple of sets of male tracks that did not come to bait. You are correct that the smaller animals appeared to be abundant. Cover was thick. If I were after just plains game I would probably go a little later. I know the party that was there for 18 days before me. There were three hunters. They got a Leopard and shot somewhere between 45 and 50 animals between them. My wife and I were very comfortable and I have reupped for 2013 to try for Mr. Spots one more time. I am not 0 for 2!
I wish you luck after Mr. Spots, and I hunted with Jon April last year, taking a nice Buff, Gnu, and numerous Impala. Also
thoroughly enjoyed the fabulous wing shooting and fishing too, bass & bream. Had the opportunity but not the pocketbook for nice Waterbuck, an incredible Kudu that I likely won't ever see better, and saw Warthog I couldn't judge etc.
As a straight matter of fact I live in one of the 'other Africas', Canada's remote North. That was my first trip to Africa, the next comes this October, but by no means my first experiences hunting in paying-client country. An hour from home is North America's largest land animal, the Woods Bison, in large free-ranging herds, Elk, world class Moose & Bear, etc. Africa wasn't much of an adjustment, and I was honestly nervous of facing disappointment given the hunting we enjoy free here and grow up with (including Woods Bison this winter for a shameless gloat).
Thankfully, that never happened, I was floored by my experience with Touch Africa a mere year and change ago. Jon is now a good friend, and I have no doubt I'll return soon enough, I'm concerned perhaps part of your experience's displeasures arose from the PH. Jon is a fantastic PH to hunt with, hardworking, tireless, genuinely a good and highly experienced fellow. He's a sharp tracker as well, frequently bringing us up on game where I was quite sure we weren't going to pull it off.
I also was very fortunate to see world class animals, namely the Kudu we watched trot off for lack of a bulge in my back pocket, nice waterbuck, and a gorgeous heavy buff bull I shot appreciately- with my camera. He's a young, big breeder with many years ahead of him, I hope others get to see him and enjoy the sight. I went in with Buff and birds as my desires, and both were sated in style. The other animals I saw and hunted were fantastic surprises, bonus really.
Camp I was very impressed with, same for the food. I quite like the fact the electricity goes off late evening- the fact there was electricity at all is a big step up from what paying Europeons experience in my own backyard. To get back to PH's, as I've digressed, Jon knows that land like the literal back of his hand. It is densely foliaged, and there is more game there than you see by far- we bumped into them frequently in the thick after Buff. I can definitely see how they could disappear at times, even for ten days perhaps.
I know I'll hunt Africa many, many times in life, and elsewhere as well. I also know my opinion of Touch Africa is certain to remain high, as I had such a fantastic time. As for people, the odd cow, buggies... TIA, didn't mind them one bit and never found the odd ones we encountered in our way. The Colletts have very good relations with the other locals, and provide a lot of meaningful employment, living space, and charity. I was actually impressed by the model and it made me happy to see Africa- animals, a few people, and all, together not just a fenced private enclosure. I also found the conservancy large and not restricting in any way, and I live in the heart of Canada's Boreal, challenged only by Siberia and Antarctica as an open wilderness.
Now, not trying to be argumentative, simply no discussion is complete without both sides. I am aware of your African experience, and in light of that feel badly you didn't enjoy Touch Africa as I did. I'm of the 'There's an off day for the best team, and situation' line of thought on it. My apologies if any of my thoughts here are disjointed, poorly organised, and awkward, I was forced to write this all on a cell phone for lack of a computer. It was just something I had to write.
All the best,
Angus
