SOUTH AFRICA: Tootabi Valley Safaris, LBG Safaris & Hunting With Friends

Royal27

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So I wasn't going to Africa this year. It just wasn't going to happen. I had been fortunate enough to go twice in two seasons and it was time for a break and let the pocketbook recover. But then I made a mistake.... I kept hanging around here. Oops....

I enjoy telling the backstory of a hunt and this upcoming hunt definitely has one. It is about going to see two friends. You hear that a lot - arrive a client and leave a friend. Well, because of AH I'm arriving a friend. This trip is more about spending some time with two gentlemen who I've become close to than the actual hunting. Yes we will hunt, and yes there are a couple of focus animals, but that's it. No list, no pressure, and I don't care if I take a single animal. I want to spend time in my friends world and enjoy what they do.

So I'm staying with Bossie first (LBG Safaris). I've been talking to Bossie since not long after I joined AH and we hit it off from day one. He's intense, gregarious, and funny as hell. We hit it off from day one, but really became close when he spent some time in Angola working. Man that was cool.... But that's another story. At any rate, we kept talking and he made it clear he wanted me to come visit, so I couldn't insult him, right?

Beans I'll visit down in the Eastern Cape. I haven't talked to Beans for nearly as long, but we have become close as well. Ironically, our friendship began when I sent him a PM to him to apologize to him for not believing some things that he said that turned out to be true. I didn't even really expect an answer back, but he did and we began to chat. Well, the chats ended up with me inviting him to spend a few nights in Atlanta on his way to SCI. Before he left Atlanta he invited me to come see his place, and maybr I should throw a rifle in the luggage, just in case. ;)

I still wasn't positive I was going to make the trip and was debating in my mind. Then it happened. My wife told me to quit debating with myself and just go. Well.... OK.... Done.

So here I am.... Typing this up on 07/04, Independence Day here in the States, and feeling very grateful that I'm so fortunate in so many ways. And, waiting for the adventure to begin!


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I've posted some of these in another thread, but I'm going to post here again. The hunt with Bossie will be focused on night critters and he has bait out and has been sending trail cam pics. It is pure torture!


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Oh, I almost forgot....

@Hank2211 , I need you advice again as you ran into the same problem as I recall. How do you get those pesky nuisance animals to leave your badger bait alone?

 
Best of luck to you Royal, I will await the hunting stories when you return!
 
Have fun and safe travels my friend. See you in a couple of days
 
Have fun.
 
... time for a break and let the pocketbook recover ...

This is the kind of thing that will keep your pocketbook from ever having stretch marks!
 
This is the kind of thing that will keep your pocketbook from ever having stretch marks!

I have had friends ask me how I can afford to hunt Africa. I then point to their brand new BMW or Mercedes and tell them my truck is 13 years old and I plan on driving it to 20. Life is all about choices!
 
Have a blast Brother and Happy Independence Day!
Cody
 
I have had friends ask me how I can afford to hunt Africa. I then point to their brand new BMW or Mercedes and tell them my truck is 13 years old and I plan on driving it to 20. Life is all about choices!
Exactly! You're not going to tell your grand-kids any stories about your fancy house or vehicles!
 
I have had friends ask me how I can afford to hunt Africa. I then point to their brand new BMW or Mercedes and tell them my truck is 13 years old and I plan on driving it to 20. Life is all about choices!

The car's 17 y/o and the truck is 8. I'm like you, long as I can I'll roll one.

I do hope this turns out to be your best trip yet. Sounds like you're really looking forward to it.
 
Oh, I almost forgot....

@Hank2211 , I need you advice again as you ran into the same problem as I recall. How do you get those pesky nuisance animals to leave your badger bait alone?

Well, my first thought was to put the pesky critter in the salt . . . but my PH kept mumbling about permits and what not, so that apparently wasn't on. After that. it really comes down to giving them a bit of a scare, and they seem to disappear for a while.

But the guy you have on bait seems pretty happy, for something who's days are numbered!

Give my regards to Beans. He is good friends with my PH, John Tinley, and I'm trying to get something organized along the same lines as you - no list, no pressure. They know I'll shoot anything in sight anyway . . .

Good luck, and get started on the report!
 
Well, my first thought was to put the pesky critter in the salt . . . but my PH kept mumbling about permits and what not, so that apparently wasn't on. After that. it really comes down to giving them a bit of a scare, and they seem to disappear for a while.

But the guy you have on bait seems pretty happy, for something who's days are numbered!

Give my regards to Beans. He is good friends with my PH, John Tinley, and I'm trying to get something organized along the same lines as you - no list, no pressure. They know I'll shoot anything in sight anyway . . .

Good luck, and get started on the report!

stupid permits.... :mad::mad::mad:

I do think the most likely scenario is for me to just watch the cat feed. I've only seen one truely wild Leopard at this point and that was about 15 seconds worth. Regardless, I'm excited and ready to take whatever comes.

Will give Beans your regards Hank and thanks for the well wishes!!
 
Alright Royal. Tell everyone I said hi when you get to the cape! Can't wait to hear how it goes.
 
Well, I was going to be on the Tallapoosa River not far from Atlanta this weekend and was thinking about getting in touch with you and see if you would like to do some fishing. It seems your are busy.(y)(y)(y)
 
I love this quote. Life is about experiences. I've driven a BMW and a Mercedes. I'll take my pick up truck and loads of African experience. 2 days Royal. Shoot straight my friend.
 
Well, I was going to be on the Tallapoosa River not far from Atlanta this weekend and was thinking about getting in touch with you and see if you would like to do some fishing. It seems your are busy.(y)(y)(y)

Dang it!!!! Sorry I will miss you, but not cancelling trip either! :A Banana:

I love this quote. Life is about experiences. I've driven a BMW and a Mercedes. I'll take my pick up truck and loads of African experience. 2 days Royal. Shoot straight my friend.

Me too! I used to do the whole save it all and make sure I don't run out thing, but finally decided life is too short.

Alright Royal. Tell everyone I said hi when you get to the cape! Can't wait to hear how it goes.

You knowit Gizmo. Plan is to meet up with Andri one day for sure.
 
Dang it!!!! Sorry I will miss you, but not cancelling trip either! :A Banana:



Me too! I used to do the whole save it all and make sure I don't run out thing, but finally decided life is too short.



You knowit Gizmo. Plan is to meet up with Andri one day for sure.
Good deal, I know you don't drink but be careful of that Bushmans Ass. :Vomit::Vomit::Vomit::Hungover:
 

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