Leopard Attack- Zimbabwe

Originally Posted by wayne1

Gentlemen, I think we should treat this fellow with the comtempt he richly deserves. Ignore it and hopefully the disease will go away.

He got all of one post and was banned. Once in awhile a ding dong shows up here and Jerome sends them down the road.

Originally Posted by ILCAPO

I can virtually guarantee it IS outdoorsguy by another name. I wouldn't waste my time even responding to such a turd.

He makes reference to Normandy, and uses this as a basis for questioning my credibility. Interesting. I wonder what kind of service HE has done. I doubt any, or if he did, he didn't learn crap from it. If he had, he wouldn't be mouthing off the way he has been.

But I'll cut him some slack, for naturally he has no idea I just retired as a military officer after 23 years of service, with my last tour of duty having been Iraq, which volunteered for, even though I was at the end of my career and could have opted out. Has no idea I was a Chicago area cop and a volunteer firefighter when I was younger, before deciding to go back to school for a bachelors and earn my commission. And that during those early years as a cop and firefighter/ how many close calls I'd had vis-a-vis criminals, collapsing buildings, etc. And no, I never screamed in any of the close calls I had, and there were plenty. He has no idea I was silent, not because of bravery, but because I was so focused on the threat and eliminating or avoiding it, it never occurred to me to do otherwise. If nothing else, there was no time. Then again, I wasn't shot (I always got the upper hand over my adversaries) nor was I injured as could have been the case several times while fighting fires -- I came close to being killed twice at 21 years old in a major industrial fire. No, I didn't scream. But I won't equate anything I went through with this guy being jumped by a very large and pissed off leopard.

Frankly, if a leopard laid it claws and teeth into me, I'm not sure what I'd sound like, but it wouldn't be silence. I'd hope to be yelling AT it to try scaring it away, but then again I'd hope to have shot and stopped it before it reached that point at any rate. But I am mature enough and sufficiently experienced in having immediate threats to my life and witnessing others that I can't say exactly how I'd react. I know how I'd like to think I'd react, and there are certainly some things I would NOT do -- like freeze up the way that one cape buffalo hunter did when it charged and caught and was mauling his guide, which was shared in this forum as well, but I digress.

As spike.t has said, between the pathetic spelling and punctuation, not to mention the arrogant and presuming aires he puts on, I'm not going to get into a pissing contest with him. It would be unbecoming of me as an officer and a gentleman. Besides, as we often say in the military, "Never wrestle with a pig遥ou get dirty and the pig likes it." Or better yet, "Never Argue With A Fool They Will Drag You Down To Their Level, Then Beat You With Experience!"

I've had similar service as yourself ILCAPO. And I agree with your comment 100%. By the way are you a member of the International Police Association?

Hey Cliffy, I saw that video. The guy that kneeled had real big whatsyuma call its. They played slow motion the secound time and you could see the impact of the bullet against the lion's forehead. It then slid along the ground and knocked the PH out of his kneeling position. Gutsy!!!

Originally Posted by wayne1

I've had similar service as yourself ILCAPO. And I agree with your comment 100%. By the way are you a member of the International Police Association?

No, I am not. I was only a police officer for several years. I had been a cadet for about five before that, but I had a change of heart and became a naval officer. I got halfway through my navy career and then Clinton butchered the forces. I was pushed like so many others in the navy reserve. But due to my 'special' skills I was recalled to active duty repeatedly to fill holes and wound up hitting my limit of 17 years active duty in 2008; 23 years total. The Navy won't allow you as a reservist to go more than 17 years, because when you hit 18, you get sanctuary which means they must allow you to finish 20 years, and then you can get an active duty retirement. I only get a reserve retirement, which means I have to wait until age 60 to get it. I'm on the civilian side of things in DoD now. Program management and acquisition. Office work mainly.

I spent 12 years in the Australian Army. I was crossed trained in about 8 other specialties, but there nothing worse thanbeing in a peace time army, so I left. Just after I was discharged the Defence Department decided that the forces needed revamping, so they got rid of a lot of people with great experience and then found that they were lacking the experienced people to move the forces forward. Sooo, they hired the people back on contract that they had gotten rid of. Now I work for the state government as a security officer. The money's good and the work easy. Now I am going ona hunt to SA. My first holiday ever in my 57 years. I feel like a kid in a candy store with $50 bucks. EXCITING!!!

Awesome. I was going to say, "It MUST pay well," but sounds more like you've been saving up for a long time. I'm trying to save up, but I've been doing a lot of work on my home. I was 45 when I bought my first hourse; going on 55 now. It's a townhouse, but fairly large and in a great location near Fort Belvoir, Virginia.



It's going to take another several years, but I am saving for a big bash vacation to SA with my wife, with a hunt, safari, and some touring. High on the list to see are Kruger, the Cape, and if we can manage it, up to the north of Zimbabwe to see the Victoria Falls. We went to Niagara Falls for vacation last year and it was very nice.

My Wife and I went without of a lot of things while the kids were growing up, so we decided to do it regardless of cost before we got too old. The house can wait a bit, but it's an older type dump that needs some serious work. A person once said to me, "Just one of the many rich scenes from the pagent of life."

We plan to visit some of the fine wineries in SA. My wife is a keen quilter and wants to check out some of the textile manufacturers. I'm trying to convince 35Bore and Diamondhitch to join me in Port Elizabeth for a couple of beers and talk bullshit. Don't know...it's what...about 20 hours flight time from the USA, I'm afraid their arms might get tired.

No holiday in 57 years?.... jesus thats a long haul. Go the trip man ...you're a long time dead they reckon!

Yes it is mate and I've paid for it. And I agree. I've already lined up a PH in SA. Nice bloke very obliging and I can't wait, but there's alittle bit of work to do and I don't bloody mind! I'm really looking forward to the whole experience. I have the lay the blame on you bastards in the forum. You blokes started this.

While I've got you mate. Which airline did you take to Africa? How did you go taking your firearms on board? I've got a hold of Customs and they've given me the info I need to Import/export my firearm & ammo, so I'm set there. What else do I need to take into consideration?

Any Aussies reading this post your info and assistance would be appreciated. Thanks All.

Originally Posted by wayne1

Yes it is mate and I've paid for it. And I agree. I've already lined up a PH in SA. Nice bloke very obliging and I can't wait, but there's alittle bit of work to do and I don't bloody mind! I'm really looking forward to the whole experience. I have the lay the blame on you bastards in the forum. You blokes started this.

While I've got you mate. Which airline did you take to Africa? How did you go taking your firearms on board? I've got a hold of Customs and they've given me the info I need to Import/export my firearm & ammo, so I'm set there. What else do I need to take into consideration?

Any Aussies reading this post your info and assistance would be appreciated. Thanks All.

LOL we have corrupted many and will continue to do so, we are a bad influence and I for one will not stop until at the very least we get Brickburn so hyped up he ends up in Ethiopia hunting Mountain Nyala with his kids inheritance!!!

I am a bit slow on the uptake today, it took me a minute to figure out why my arms would be tired! I prefer to effortlessly glide along on the breeze

57 years is a long time to wait for a vacation. I hope you are planning to take in as much as possible, once you are there it is relatively inexpensive to stay there and enjoy a few extra days sightseeing. If you have to wait another 57 years to go again you may be SOL, or at the very least so old, crabby and set in your ways no one will be able to stand to take you! LOL

I have flown SAA from Washington and they have no problems with guns as long as ammo and rifles are locked up separately, I dont know if they fly from Aus or not.

It's sad I know, but it's too late, I'm already old and crabby. My wife calls me L.O.B.(lecturious Old Bastard). What ever does she mean????
They are funny over here Diamondhitch about taking firearms on aircraft. Some will,some won't. I believe South African Airways has no problem with transporting firearms & ammo.

My PH has selected what I believe is a good selection of trophies for me to go after: Cape Kudu, Cape Springbuck,Impala,Duiker,Blue Wildebeest.

I don't know about the Duiker. I'm only taking 1 gun; a Ruger African in 9.3x62mm Mauser. Might be overgunned for the little critter, probbaly turn him into red mist...hee..hee.heeee. (One flash and your'e ash).

Got to get out to the range with some shooting sticks. Probably make my own. Probably just go for a bipod rather than a tripod setup. Whatdo you think Mate?

Originally Posted by wayne1

Yes it is mate and I've paid for it. And I agree. I've already lined up a PH in SA. Nice bloke very obliging and I can't wait, but there's alittle bit of work to do and I don't bloody mind! I'm really looking forward to the whole experience. I have the lay the blame on you bastards in the forum. You blokes started this.

While I've got you mate. Which airline did you take to Africa? How did you go taking your firearms on board? I've got a hold of Customs and they've given me the info I need to Import/export my firearm & ammo, so I'm set there. What else do I need to take into consideration?

Any Aussies reading this post your info and assistance would be appreciated. Thanks All.

Wayne
I travelled with Virgin last time, qantas this time. Whichever airline your with let them know your intentions & they will likely issue a letter of approval to carry your firearm & ammunition as checked baggage for the period of travel. Handy to have when your going through customs at the airport. The rest is Restricted Goods Permit, Export Declaration Advice, Customs Client ID & the Import permit to bring the gun back into Oz. Sounds a bit daunting but it's not really. Your RGP is only valid for 28 days so don't apply for it to early before you go.
I used a 375 on my last trip ...all plains game & never felt over gunned....the 9.3 will be fine.

Jon

Thanks Very Much for the info messmate. I want to take one of those new fangled head cams with me and film the hunt. She be a laugh and a hoot. Will post them when I get back and add a story to it.

Whatever you do Wayne, DO NOT fly through the UK. I've read they do not allow even pass throughs and will seize your guns. If you're lucky, they'll send them home, and you with them, in the middle of your trip. I read this in an article where it happened to someone from the States and they were warning others about it. They said UK officials didn't care that he was hunting in South Africa. They said it was illegal to even pass through the UK with them on an airplane. They're nuts in that country. Even their olympic team can't practice in country. They have to go to France or Switzerland.

Originally Posted by ILCAPO

Whatever you do Wayne, DO NOT fly through the UK. I've read they do not allow even pass throughs and will seize your guns. If you're lucky, they'll send them home, and you with them, in the middle of your trip. I read this in an article where it happened to someone from the States and they were warning others about it. They said UK officials didn't care that he was hunting in South Africa. They said it was illegal to even pass through the UK with them on an airplane. They're nuts in that country. Even their olympic team can't practice in country. They have to go to France or Switzerland.

il capo that is a very sweeping statement as plenty of people travel through the main uk airports, ie heathrow and gatwick with firearms. if a country is on the arms embargo list of the uk govnt such as zimbabwe then no they dont let you take your guns there. i think it is only the pistol team that cant practice in the uk, but shotgun, rimfire rifle and fullbore rifle shooting are enjoyed by many people. as i have said on other threads on ah , just be careful with .338 calibres through uk, as for some reason they get lumped in with the .338 lapua which is thought of as something only the military is allowed. i have been on planes from the uk with hunters transiting from the usa heading to various african countries. ps unless wayne is into lots of extra travel i think he would fly straight from australia to sa....

Yes, I've heard the same thing. They've virtually banned guns in that country and the gun crime is still climbing. In Australia there is a lot of drive-by-shootings going on in several lager cities. They've the gun(handguns) are coming in pieces via post, so the law abiding shooter over still gets in the ear by tree hugging greenies and people who are anal retantive who live in townhouses who don't know any better and believe that meat comes in styrofoam and milk is produced in cartons. Thats probably why my ancestors were sent to Australia with one of the fleets in the early 1800's. Probably couldn't stand us shooting them back in Blighty.

I stand corrected spike.t. You'd know more about it than I would. Yes your'e right, I'll fly to SA via Sydney, Perth Johanasberg and then onto Port Elizabeth, so I won't be going to the UK.

Originally Posted by wayne1

It's sad I know, but it's too late, I'm already old and crabby. My wife calls me L.O.B.(lecturious Old Bastard). What ever does she mean????
They are funny over here Diamondhitch about taking firearms on aircraft. Some will,some won't. I believe South African Airways has no problem with transporting firearms & ammo.

My PH has selected what I believe is a good selection of trophies for me to go after: Cape Kudu, Cape Springbuck,Impala,Duiker,Blue Wildebeest.

I don't know about the Duiker. I'm only taking 1 gun; a Ruger African in 9.3x62mm Mauser. Might be overgunned for the little critter, probbaly turn him into red mist...hee..hee.heeee. (One flash and your'e ash).

Got to get out to the range with some shooting sticks. Probably make my own. Probably just go for a bipod rather than a tripod setup. Whatdo you think Mate?

Sounds like a winning bag. My advice, even if you are on a strict budget is to learn about all the animals that you may come across and memorize the price list. That way if yu come across, say a Gemsbok and you are instantly enamoured you will know that you can afford it if you axe the Wildebeest (or whatever you choose). Either way those are all animals that epitomize Africa and look great on the wall.

Dont pass on the Duiker, they are cheap and the tiny guys are really cool. i have talked to several who had no interest and passed, the common thread - they all regretted it. Im sure your PH will tell you anyway but shoot the Duiker in the stomach, DRT and if it blows a hole it is not in the cape. I found that my .338 Lapua was putting smaller holes than my .257 WBY so I would guess your 9.3 will be fine anyway.

Bipod is great if you are used to it but practice on the sticks as well. So many times the bipod will be useless in grass/brush and you want to be proficient off of the sticks. Find out if your PH uses 2 or 3 legged sticks and practice with ones similar to what you will be using when you are there.

Originally Posted by wayne1

Yes, I've heard the same thing. They've virtually banned guns in that country and the gun crime is still climbing. In Australia there is a lot of drive-by-shootings going on in several lager cities. They've the gun(handguns) are coming in pieces via post, so the law abiding shooter over still gets in the ear by tree hugging greenies and people who are anal retantive who live in townhouses who don't know any better and believe that meat comes in styrofoam and milk is produced in cartons. Thats probably why my ancestors were sent to Australia with one of the fleets in the early 1800's. Probably couldn't stand us shooting them back in Blighty.

It is possible to thavel through London but IMO too much of a pain to be worth it.

Banning guns doesnt work? Hmmm... lets see, New York city banned them and... no wait a minute, still violent but then there is LA it is much... wait a minute not much better. Just like rats, pack enough people into a small enough space and they start killing each other. How about Austria, everyone owns a service weapon, knows how to use it and can pack it freely yet they have a low crime rate (lowest in the world I beleive). I guess the moral is guns dont kill people, people kill people.

After reading all the posts - I can firmly say and not embarassed either that I would be screaming and shooting as well. You never know how one will react in these situations....glad to know all were fine and were able to laugh afterwards! What a story to tel....