The magic antelope

THE MAGIC ANTELOPE

The hunt was over. A 30-inch Bongo was in the salt. No more stress on us. We still had 4 days left of a 14-day hunt in the Lebeki area of Cameroon. Over dinner, we decided that we would use the remaining days to cover the area that we missed during the hunt.

Not so early, the next morning found us wandering through the densest forest that I have ever seen. The Pygmies led us on a quest to find a so-called (magic lake.) We were so tired from walking bent over or crawling that when we came upon a small stream, we decided to walk in it, as there were fewer roots, saplings and vines in it.

After a lifetime, we arrived at the lake. It really was magic. Mist still hung over it and it was very quiet. The Pygmies sat down in a circle and was silent. We did not need an invitation to fall down and recover. That is why they are only 3-4 feet tall and not 6ft+ as we were. This magic lake was the size of halve a rugby field and the forest came right to the edge. Water grass and lilies was visible in a few places. We were silently looking at this dreamlike wonder of nature when ripples appeared on the surface and came our way.

All the Pygmies lay down and we did the same, wondering what is happening.



Dauw, our chief tracker came over to me and whispered (Tunga-tunga). I did not know what he was trying to tell me, until he pointed to something coming out of the mist over the water. I blinked and stared. The biggest male Forest Sitatunga that I ever dreamed of was feeding in the lake. He submerged completely and came up a few feet closer with a mouth full of water grass.

This could not be possible. Yawan had his 90lb. Hoyt Viper with 700gr. custom carbon arrows tipped by 210gr Steelforce broad heads ready. We had to move a few meters to get to an opening where he could shoot. Every time the Sitatunga stuck his head under the water, we moved as fast as we could. This was not as easy as it sounds. The tunga came closer still. He was also facing us and more than half his body was under the water.

?3 yards at the base of the neck. Was all I said to Yawan as the Tunga went under again. He was at full draw when the �agic antelope came up at 20 meters and the arrow flew. He went under in a flash and slowly the water turned red. I saw the arrow disappear completely just before he dived and new that he was dead. After 2 or 3 minutes he surfaced and I recovered him. Never before have I seen such beauty. The lake, mist, forest and the Sitatunga made the perfect moment. It was magic.



A record book Bongo, and the unofficial, new world no. 1 Forest Sitatunga with 28 1\4 inch horns made this the best safari any PH or client could hope for.

Back in camp, I was deeply moved by the outcome of the safari. This was a fairy tale. The (Magic Antelope) as the Pygmies call it, is just that, and we were part of its magic.

Fritz Rabe
Askari Adventures

great story, that would have made an amazing video. how many more short stories do we have to look forward to? as i said before you should put them together into a book of short hunting stories, and see if maybe safari press would publish it.

That's one of the neatest things I have ever read. Congrats to the hunter and PH for having the oppourtunity to take part in such an event.

Thanx for the kind words guys. I have a few stories like this that I penned down for myself for one day when I am old and can not hunt anymore. A friend convinced me to post some of them here. I shall go through them all and post the best ones here.
Cheers

Fritz Rabe
Askari Adventures

Thanks for posting. The stories help us to visualize the hunt. A well told story makes feel like we are there with you. Most of us will never have the opportunity to hunt a Sitatunga. Its great to live the hunt through your stories. Bruce

Glad you respond to encouragement. Keep them coming.
Beautiful animal.

I think a Unicorn is about all you and Yawan have left to shoot with a bow.....awesome.

Amazing. Thanks again for sharing your experiences with us.
Randy

Great story and picture...

Helps to have good guides and trackers...

They got you there and you did the rest...

Amazing story, memories like this last a lifetime!

Another heat story. You are like the hunting short story guru! Keep them coming.

Originally Posted by Fritz Rabe

I have a few stories like this that I penned down for myself for one day when I am old and can not hunt anymore

Fritz Rabe
Askari Adventures

Let us hope that the day does not arrive too soon. you have some great stories too tell.

Another great story!
Thanks for sharing them with us.
I agree with others, you really should consider to get them published