For five years I’ve been talking about hunting Cape Buffalo. Booked the hunt a year and a half ago. Three month of weekly practice at the range, plus untold hour of dry firing. Daily physical training, walking, elliptical. Reading everything I could find on Cape Buffalo. I’m think I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. Today was my final range day. I left my sticks at home, today was my final sight in. Cleaned and packed my guns. Packed my bags and I’ll overnight in Boise tomorrow for my 6am flight to Joberg. Victoria Fall the next day, then to Matetsi for my hunt. I’ll post a full report when I get back. Thank you all for sharing you knowledge about hunting Africa. You’ve made the planning much easier and far less stressful.
Those targets look very good! I bet the practice and life journey for this hunt was worth it. Good luck on your hunt. Do tell us what rifles you are bringing and who you are hunting with. (I’ll be in Salmon, Idaho for elk in a short 4 weeks.)
Ahh The planning, preparation and anticipation are half the fun. Have a great time. Safe trip. Looking forward to your story.
Ed with shooting like that all you need is an accommodating Buffalo. Since you mentioned the sticks were at home, was this offhand? If so, my hat is off to an accomplished shooter. I'm looking forward to your report. I've taken my 35 Whelen to Africa on both of my safaris. Non of my PH(s) were familiar with the caliber, but when I left they were "fans." Best of luck to you.
No, I’m not that good. That was off the bench. Just checking my zero one last time before I packed my guns for the trip. This will be my first hunt with a 35 Whelen. I’m looking forward to seeing what it will do.
Ed, use your 416 for the Buffalo, use the 35 Whelen for everything else. You'll see that it is a "keeper."
It looks like you’re good to go. Congrats on your dream of hunting buffalo coming to fruition. Look forward to your recounting of your safari upon your return. Be safe and shoot straight!
ED, my sons and I took three 35 Whelens to Africa in 2016. Most animals dropped to the shot or went less than 10 yds. I was surprised by my Blue Wildebeest's miraculous journey of 35 to 40 yds. If your PH isn't familiar with the caliber just tell him it is a ballistic twin of the 9.3 x 62.
Your first DG hunt will live with you forever, have a great time and drink a cold one by the fire for me.
