Like most who went to Africa for the first time, I was interested in the traditional antelope and completely puzzled by the apparent fascination some had for the tiniest. That, gradually changed as I began to encounter them over several years and hunts. The most challenging soon became the Blue Duiker. Over three safaris in two countries, I crept through thickets early and late trying to get the crosshairs on one of the little ghosts. I occasionally saw a twitching tail or a faint shape disappearing into the dark brush, but never came close to firing a shot.
Finally, at Mike Taylor’s magnificent Takeri Reserve in Zambia that quest came to an end. I was fortunate to have the services of one of Africa’s most experienced PH’s, Andrew Baldry, and apprentice PH Peter Goneos. We all benefited from the eagle eyes of our tracker Earnest. Early and late we crept along paths in the densest parts of Takeri and over two days glimpsed shadows of shapes and flickers of movement. At last light of that second day, Peter and Earnest both froze. As the sticks came up and I settled the red dot on the beautiful little animal standing broadside deep in a tangle of vines and brush, Peter glanced at Andrew who gave an enthusiastic but very careful nod of the head.
He is a magnificent male that will easily score well in both the SCI and Rowland & Ward - one of the finest animals I have ever had the privilege of taking - made more special by the great guys with whom I shared the hunt.
Finally, at Mike Taylor’s magnificent Takeri Reserve in Zambia that quest came to an end. I was fortunate to have the services of one of Africa’s most experienced PH’s, Andrew Baldry, and apprentice PH Peter Goneos. We all benefited from the eagle eyes of our tracker Earnest. Early and late we crept along paths in the densest parts of Takeri and over two days glimpsed shadows of shapes and flickers of movement. At last light of that second day, Peter and Earnest both froze. As the sticks came up and I settled the red dot on the beautiful little animal standing broadside deep in a tangle of vines and brush, Peter glanced at Andrew who gave an enthusiastic but very careful nod of the head.
He is a magnificent male that will easily score well in both the SCI and Rowland & Ward - one of the finest animals I have ever had the privilege of taking - made more special by the great guys with whom I shared the hunt.
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