First Sth African Adventure

Well Ive just returned from my East Cape South African adventure, it was a great time and a real eye opener, as it was my first time in Africa. I hunted several properties with PH Paul Webber from Grahamstown. I was successful in taking my goal animal, a Bushbuck going 13" and a great Nyala, 26". Also taken were Steenbuck, Duiker, and Springbuck.
It was an awesome 2 weeks, even with my back in real bad shape, thank god for the drugs I took with me.
The rifle is a Browning ABolt in .300WSM. I used Winchester Supreme Accubonds. The WSM is way to much gun for everything I shot. I did appreciate the long range ability of the set up though, as most shots were at range. the Bushbuck @ 285, Springbuck @ 300+, closest animal was the Steenbuck @ 50, and it was messy, lucky Im the Taxidermist. The Nyala was @ 160, all one shot drop on the spot kills. I took that caliber as I love the gun, and Kudu or Gemsbok were available, although I chose to target the animals I did. The gun is topped with a Meopta 3-10 Meostar, the first time Ive left these shores without a Zeiss on my rifle, but it performed beautifully. I also had my 10x45 RF Zeiss Binos, very very handy, especially in the hills where range across the gap is deceiving. I hunted several different types of terrain, most of which are different to our bush, so the RF was very handy.
For those that are planning a trip to Africa, its was fairly painless taking a gun to Sth Africa, just make sure you have the paperwork sorted, a letter of Invite from your PH/Outfitter, and some copies of your Australian Import papers(B709a) and copies of your Passport etc, as the day we went in the copier wasnt functioning to well. I also took a spare copy of the Sth African Permit app (SAPS520) in case I stuffed up the one I had already filled out. Having everything filled out correctly certainly got me through the Police facility quicker. But it pays to stay cool in there no matter how long it is taking, once your in Africa you will soon realize that things take time, and Nobody works at speed.
Another thing I took was a Primos Trigger Stick, its a 3 legged shooting stick, check them out on Ebay, I got mine from the States for about $120 delivered, it fit nicely into my gun box, and was awesome to shoot off. Sure beats a couple of taped together sticks Ive seen some use. And when you have a "Gunbearer" so to speak following you and your PH around, you dont even have to carry it.
As this was my first trip to Africa, I did take way too much gear. Your PH will have half the stuff you need, talk to him at length before you go so you dont take un-necessary stuff, as most of the Airlines are strict on weight. Also, only take 2 pairs of everything, you get washing done daily, so no need to take more, again, confirm this with your PH/Outfitter.
If anyone has any ? shoot me a PM.
Cheers
Cam .
Down Under
Australia

Congrats on what sounds like a fantastic hunt, those are some wonderful animals, Africa is "Worth a Deuce", I know you'll go back.

Its more like a "Black Diamond" but I got what you meant, haha

Originally Posted by 35bore

Congrats on what sounds like a fantastic hunt, those are some wonderful animals, Africa is "Worth a Deuce", I know you'll go back.

Congrats for a good hunt and some nice trophies.

Thanks for sharing !

Cam, thanks for the report.
Good trophies and I am glad you only pissed the taxidermist off a little bit.

Taking too much along is common on the first trip. Thanks for reinforcing the lesson.
Looks like you kept most of the cactus out of your body.
Interesting camo you have.

Beautiful animals. Congrats

That's a really nice bushbuck! You did well, got some great animals and memories!

Looks like a good trip to me. I was near Grahamstown about 16 mo ago and had a good time. Nice pics. Love the Bushbuck. Nice chocolate coat. Most of us try to take too much as we don't want to be without. I'd heard that Moopta has some decent products. How do you like them after hunting with them? Bruce

Thanks for posting your hunt report and trophy pictures Cam!

Originally Posted by gillettehunter

Looks like a good trip to me. I was near Grahamstown about 16 mo ago and had a good time. Nice pics. Love the Bushbuck. Nice chocolate coat. Most of us try to take too much as we don't want to be without. I'd heard that Moopta has some decent products. How do you like them after hunting with them? Bruce

Thanks everyone, it certainly was an awesome trip. As far as the Meopta scope is concerned, a great product at a great price. I won't say it's as good in low light as my zeiss victory, but it performed great and that's all you can ask for.
Planning for a return trip next May, you all said I would be back!

Cam

Cam glad you had a great hunt and thanks for sharing, Love the Spingbuck. Congrats

Cam,

You've done yourself proud. Good animals and good fun. Oh ya, the second trip already.

My Klippy and Steinbok need a little TLC too.

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"A Dream can be relived, again and again in Africa".

Cam,

Congratulations, those are some fine trophies! I also just returned from South Africa, and I'm planning on my next trip. Again, congrats!!!

Thanks for the report, sounds like you had a great time and good hunting. I, too, love that bushbuck, those are my favorite animal.

well done cam,a bit of full body taxidermy there
im interested in how you get your animals in to oz by your self ,are you still working where you were when my wife dropped that king crab off for you ?
a fine collection of trophies thanks for sharing and good luck on your second tour

Hi Bluey, no Im not working there any more. I work in Sale, but am on leave at the moment, call me on 0408498496. Im having the capes tanned in Africa(Port Elizabeth) and shipped to me with the horns.
Talk soon
Cam

Originally Posted by bluey

well done cam,a bit of full body taxidermy there
im interested in how you get your animals in to oz by your self ,are you still working where you were when my wife dropped that king crab off for you ?
a fine collection of trophies thanks for sharing and good luck on your second tour

Bluey I've brought in trophies frm a few hunts and if they're tanned over there it's relatively staight forward. The process is quite simple ad only slightly complicated if you need a CITES import permit. I have had some trouble with zebra skins and capes when some smart #%･! In customs insets it's not a burchell's but one of the the CITES listed species - no idea!

Originally Posted by daggaboyblog

Bluey I've brought in trophies frm a few hunts and if they're tanned over there it's relatively staight forward. The process is quite simple ad only slightly complicated if you need a CITES import permit. I have had some trouble with zebra skins and capes when some smart #%･! In customs insets it's not a burchell's but one of the the CITES listed species - no idea!

If the twit at Customs can not tell the difference between a Cape Mountain a Hartmans and a Burchell/Plains Zebra they should get some better training.

To that end, this may help you educate them to get your trophies through the Customs port.

Environment Canada - Publications - CITES Identification Guide - Hunting Trophies CITES-12