SOUTH AFRICA: ZAMBIA: Back To RSA & Zambia

gillettehunter

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So I'm on my way back to Africa. We'll see how good internet is for this hunt. We all evolve somewhat as hunters. Sometimes we go back to africa for new species and new experiences. Sometimes to see old friends and try to better other trophies. Sometimes to just go hunt. This trip for me is mostly to hunt some new animals. In RSA I'm looking for the elusive Vaal Rhebuck as well as Klipspringer and gray Duiker as new animals for me.
As I have read about the Vaalies I have become determined to hunt them. I started over a year ago talking to PH's about their opportunities. I just couldn't commit to any one. Then I remembered someone posting 3 plus years ago and showing some huge Vaalies. I had made some initial contact then, but the time was not right. I got in contact with the PH that the landowner had recommended. Bingo. Still guiding and specializing in Vaalies and Klippies. After checking references I booked a 6 day hunt to occur just before I do a SCI auction hunt in Zambia. Been in good contact through Whatsapp for the last 6 months.
Then to get ready..... I had both knees replaced 2 yrs ago and they have been slow to heal. More residual pain than I expected. So I decided to loose some weight and to work my knees. Vaalies live in the mtns.... So 2 months ago I started walking and climbing. My house in on a decent hill. So I'd walk to the bottom and then back up to the top. I worked up to where I would be out an hour in the mornings and 30 min at night. I lost 13 lbs which helps some and built up some leg muscles. I live at 4600 ft elevation so the hunting elevation won't be too bad. I think I have worked harder to get ready for this hunt than for any other I've ever tried to do. Probably not as good as I'd like to be, but not near as bad as what I was.
Then the rifle. My PH Willie encouraged me to bring something that "bucks the wind" well in a bullet. I thought about my .30 Nosler with a Berger 215 gr bullet. Just felt that it was too much gun for the intended animals. So I dropped to my 7mm SAUM. It pushes a 180 gr Berger at just over 2900 FPS. That bullet has a excellent BC so it has less wind drift than many bullets. My new load work up got me, eventually back to 1/4 inch accuracy at 100 yds. I went to my gunsmiths range the day before I left. Had first round hits on steel plates out to 600 yds. Either 8 or 10 inch plates, I'm not sure which. So my calculations are on point. Willie, my PH, had asked me to be comfortable out to 400 meters. I feel fairly confident out to 500 yds under ideal conditions with the right rest. We'll see how it plays out. I would much rather be closer than a long ways off. Willie tells me in his experience its rare to get a shot under 200 meters. Sound like pronghorn hunting at home....
Willie has some availability of other animals if we get the target animals quickly. We'll see how it all plays out. I'll try to keep this thread updated and some pics hopefully. Depending on time and internet
Bruce

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Is that with Willie Lambrecht? I see many pictures with Vaalies and Klippies from him.
All the best and enjoy.
 
After 45 species harvested, approximately 38 African, the Vaal was the most difficult hunt for me. We hunted them in big open semi mountainous country. They can see, smell and hear for miles it seems. They’re as skittish as Whitetails. Good luck. Hutch
 
Hope you have a good hunt.
 
Have a great hunt!

Look forward to hearing all about it.
 
Vaal rhebok hunting is pretty high on my list too!
 
Best of luck and safe travels!
 
Fun time! Best of luck and shoot straight on those tiny targets!
 
Good luck.
Get sneaky, you can get well under 200 yards if you are patient.
 
Best of luck, have fun!
 
Is that with Willie Lambrecht? I see many pictures with Vaalies and Klippies from him.
All the best and enjoy.

That is correct. I've seen some pics of some great animals.

When do you arrive in Zambia?

I fly into Livingstone on the 10th and hunt the 11th-17th with Balla Balla.

Made it into Joberg without issues. Couple of notes. I had my SAPS 520 filled out and paperwork all ready. The Police checked me in and filled out the paperwork for the airlines such that I will not need to stop by the police station again. That was good to have done. I had thought that ny travel agent had included and paid for my rifle surcharge on SAA. If they did so the payment failed to show up on SAA's paperwork. So I will pay on each leg of my journey. I was under the impression that it was about $70/ flight on SAA. I was charged 390 Rand. So just over $25 at current exchange rates. That was a nice surprise. In a few more hours I'll be in Capetown. Getting there....... eventually. Thanks for the well wishes....
Bruce
 
I have always wanted to hunt sable, sitatunga, black lechwe or Kafue Lechwe in Zambia. A magical place to hunt for animals.
 
Good luck on your hunts, what is on your list for Zambia?
 
Good luck on your hunts, what is on your list for Zambia?

I have Cape Buffalo, eland and Chobe Bushbuck planned for Zambia.
I gave my PH here in RSA several other animals that we could hunt if time allowed. Apparently it was easier to start with some of them. Yes finally made it ti Caperown and then 300 KM North. So tomorrow is eland day. About 3000 acres. If we spook them it could become difficult. We'll drive there and then do the rest on foot. We'll see how it goes.
Bruce
 
Good luck Bruce!
 
Have a super time and be safe. Look forward to the pictures and story.
 

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