My name is Marcus and I currently reside in south-central Pennsylvania. After years of being an AH voyeur, I finally registered a month or so ago. I've made a few posts in that time and felt I should formally introduce myself.
While I don't have the African CV many here have, I'm certain my appreciation for the continent, it's wildlife and it's people is just as strong as most members. Fifteen years ago, while in my early 30s, I had the opportunity to spend the better part of a month in Zimbabwe with a friend who had lived in Bulawayo for close to a decade. So many wonderful experiences that instilled a love for Africa and a desire to return. The majority of my time I stayed with Denis Paul and his wife (Cindy?) at Shumba Shaba. I was saddened to learn of Denis' passing a year or more ago. Thanks to Denis and the generosity of a PH who befriended me, I had the opportunity to take several head of Plains game. Denis also arranged for (and accompanied) my friend and I to spend a few nights camping in Hwange. Other highlights included time at Vic Falls, a canoe trip down the Zambezi and time in the bush villages. And the food!
As to hunting, my main passion is upland (ruffed grouse in particular) but enjoy big game as well. I have numerous rifles but the one that kept drawing me here is a 9.3x62. I purchased one of the first Ruger Africans when Ruger released them in that cartridge three years ago. It has quickly become my favorite rifle. Up til now, I've shot nothing but factory ammo but the shortages of the last several years have motivated me to start reloading. Still need dies and new brass for the 9,3 but have taken care of sourcing the more difficult components.
Anyway, I'm glad to be here and look forward to continuing to have the African fire stoked.
Marcus
While I don't have the African CV many here have, I'm certain my appreciation for the continent, it's wildlife and it's people is just as strong as most members. Fifteen years ago, while in my early 30s, I had the opportunity to spend the better part of a month in Zimbabwe with a friend who had lived in Bulawayo for close to a decade. So many wonderful experiences that instilled a love for Africa and a desire to return. The majority of my time I stayed with Denis Paul and his wife (Cindy?) at Shumba Shaba. I was saddened to learn of Denis' passing a year or more ago. Thanks to Denis and the generosity of a PH who befriended me, I had the opportunity to take several head of Plains game. Denis also arranged for (and accompanied) my friend and I to spend a few nights camping in Hwange. Other highlights included time at Vic Falls, a canoe trip down the Zambezi and time in the bush villages. And the food!
As to hunting, my main passion is upland (ruffed grouse in particular) but enjoy big game as well. I have numerous rifles but the one that kept drawing me here is a 9.3x62. I purchased one of the first Ruger Africans when Ruger released them in that cartridge three years ago. It has quickly become my favorite rifle. Up til now, I've shot nothing but factory ammo but the shortages of the last several years have motivated me to start reloading. Still need dies and new brass for the 9,3 but have taken care of sourcing the more difficult components.
Anyway, I'm glad to be here and look forward to continuing to have the African fire stoked.
Marcus
