Chasing the Black Death

[franzfmdavis]

Congratulations on a great hunt.

Just clarifying Von Gruff is in New Zealand I’m in Australia

I do like the covered sheath option. I considered the Tahr Hunter model with that.

You're right - apologies!

 

[franzfmdavis]

Did you recover any of the bullets?

I didn't - I thought about it a few days too late.

 

[franzfmdavis]

Franz, I am so so proud of you. Heartiest congratulations, my young friend. A magnificent Cape buffalo you bagged. And such level headed shooting.

Next hunt, hippopotamus on land !

Thank you! I would love to! I was speaking with Mr. Sullivan a few weeks back and he mentioned that he has one of the best areas to hunt Hippo on land. The name of the area escapes me, but I believe it is in Tanzania?

 

[Hunter-Habib]

Thank you! I would love to! I was speaking with Mr. Sullivan a few weeks back and he mentioned that he has one of the best areas to hunt Hippo on land. The name of the area escapes me, but I believe it is in Tanzania?

Right you are ! Southern Sealous.

 

[Brian]

I put together a short video of my first Cape Buffalo:

I hope ya'll enjoy it!

Date: March 10, 2026
Country: Republic of South Africa
Outfitter: Nahla Safaris
PH: Marco Smit
Tracker: Collin
Hunter: Franz Davis
Cameraman: Nathan Moritz
Quarry: Cape Buffalo
Size: 141" SCI Score, 42" Spread, 18" Boss
Rifle: Heym 88B Safari Double Rifle
Caliber: 470 Nitro Express
Projectiles: Swift A-Frame 500g (hand-loaded)

Wonderful Buffalo. Your first shot was perfect. Good choice of bullets, those A-frames really work, don't they.

 

[ftothfadd]

Well done Franz!
Congratulations!

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Well done and great shooting!

 

[AZDAVE]

Nice shooting! Congratulations my friend.

 

[franzfmdavis]

If anyone has any tips on anything I could have done differently or better, I would greatly appreciate hearing about it. This was my first buffalo hunt so I know I have a lot to learn.

One thing I noticed, was that it took me about ~10 seconds to finish reloading the double. While trying to reload, I was running from my initial position to the back of the bush where we thought the bull was coming around. It took longer than it should because that is not something I had practiced. I had been able to do it in about 4-5 seconds when practicing standing stationary at home before the trip, but I need to practice reloading while moving.

Anyway, any other tips would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Rare Breed]

You’re very wise to practice reloading fast either stationary or moving. If not for my ph due to my not practicing those things my lion almost got me

 

[Qc_BearHunter]

Nice hunt!!!

 

[Pdelk]

Solid hunt! Nice work brother. Great shot placement, and that big boy has some impressive bosses.