HTK Safaris - Photo Of The Week

[HTK Safaris]

Good day, everyone!

I'm excited to kick off 'Photo Of The Week' -a tread where I share some of my favorite hunting moments, carefully captured through my lens.
For me, taking trophy pictures is about more than just a snapshot. - it's about preserving the memory of the hunt, the thrill of the chase,
and the stories that go with it. I'll be sharing stories behind each photo, the emotions that went with it and more!

Let's be real, after a big hunt, the photos are all you have to share with friend and family for what can feel like an eternity - often up to a year
or more until your trophies arrive from taxidermy. That is why getting the perfect trophy picture is so crucial.
It's a moment we want to capture just right. I'll be sharing my best efforts on this tread.

We'll be dusting off some older pics to get us started and then, and looking forward to the new hunting season,
when we'll be uploading fresh, in-the-bush action within a day or two after the hunt.
Stay tuned for more live-from-the-Kalahari updates!

We'd love to hear your thoughts! Let's keep the comments friendly and fun!
Share your thoughts, ask questions, or just enjoy the pics.

Please no negativity! We have enough of that from the anti-hunting groups!

Kind Regards
Brendan Jonker

 

[HTK Safaris]

We kick off our Photo Of The Week with a legendary Kudu Bull!

You've probably seen this pic floating around my brochures, website, or social media, but it's a personal favorite - and for good reason. Not only is the photo itself a stunner, but the story behind it is just as epic!

This was one of my first Free-Range Kudu guides in Botswana, back when I was a freelance PH working with various outfitters. So we spent the better part of the day tracking through cattle country, finally spotting a group of three bulls. One stood out, and I turned to the client and told him that this bull must be 60 inches! So for those who don't know the feeling. Your heart is racing!! You are close to the worst buck fewer you have ever had!

I can see his hitting the calculator in his head for the upgrade from just a Kudu to a 60" Bull. I told him to take the bull, we will work the finances out later. This is not an opportunity to be missed! So I try to take a good look at the bull, currently feeding about 500yards away without any suspicion. We moved up to 400yards and they started to move. We had to take the shot! Without a spotting scope to confirm we make the shot! Shot is good! We took another one just to be sure, and he went down!

The Kalahari turned completely silent, you can hear your heart racing... and then the buzz kicks in. That's the magic of Hunting in the Kalahari!

Turns out I was still a rookie and the bull only measured only 58" but in our hearts it felt like we hunted a 60" bull. The client was over the moon, and that's what counts. Chasing these giants across the Kalahari is an experience like no other - the thrill, the challenge, the camaraderie! Definitely a hunt I will always remember!

Please Share your Kudu stories if you have hunted one before!

Kalahari Regards
Brendan Jonker