HTK Safaris - Photo Of The Week

[HTK Safaris]

Good day, everyone!

I'm excited to kick off 'Photo Of The Week' -a thread 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

 

[HTK Safaris]

Photo of the Week: A Legendary Sable Bull

This stunning Sable Bull may not have been the biggest, but its story is one for the ages. Measuring a respectable 43 inches, this bull had been evading me for two long seasons, always managing to slip away just when I thought I had it within reach. We hunted tirelessly, but it seemed like every time we got close it would vanish into thin air. Typically we'd move on, only to have another mature bull pop up within a day or two - an opportunity we can't pass up and we always strive to make the most of these chances.

But it was the second season that I became determined. I had a hunter come in, and I shared the story of this elusive bull, and we both were up for the challenge.

That was until the second last day of the hunt. We were in the golden hour, stalking through open areas for Gemsbok and Springbok, when we decided to take a break and enjoy the sunset. As the light began to fade, we headed back to camp, and that's when it happened - the sable bull emerged from the bush, walking towards a waterhole.

We jumped into action, trying to get into position, but it was like it was toying with us. Every time we thought we had a shot, it would move, always staying one step ahead. But then, just as we were about to give up, it stopped in its tracks, looked back at us, and gave us the perfect 150-yard shot.

The shot was true, and the bull went down quickly, leaving us over the moon with excitement. But amidst the elation, there was a tinge of emotion, knowing that we'd been chasing this bull for so long, it had become a part of our season. I have a deep respect for this particular bull - its cunning and resilience earned it a special place in my book. It's a privilege to hunt such clever, mature bulls, and to be able to do what we do - to experience the thrill of the hunt, and to be a part of the wild, untamed Africa.

What about you? Have you had any challenging hunts or species that made you work for it? Share your stories, and let's relive the thrill of the hunt!

 

[Altitude sickness]

Love the sable pic

 

[HTK Safaris]

Love the sable pic

Thank you sir!

 

[HTK Safaris]

Photo of the week: A Kalahari BBQ at sunset, where the real magic happens.

A wise outfitter once shared a gem with me: "A safari is 20% about the hunting and 80% the experience you provide to your clients." As a young PH, this stuck with me, and I've carried it with me ever since. It's not about the location or the game; it's about creating unforgettable moments for your clients.

I remember the first time I heard this, I was skeptical, I thought hunting is what it's all about. Being a young gun back then and uneducated, I didn't see the bigger picture. But as I gained more experience, I realized the truth in those words. It's the small things that make a big difference: a perfectly cooked meal, a breathtaking view, a cold drink on a hot day, or a warm fire on a chilly night.

These are the moments that our clients remember long after the hunt is over. Like a sizzling Braai next to an open pan in the Kalahari, watching Springbok drift in to rest for the night. That's what it's all about. The sound of the crackling fire, the smell of the meat, and the laughter of friends and family - it's a sensory experience that stays with you forever.

Ten years on, I couldn't agree more. Hunting is just a small part of the safari experience. The real prize is in the memories we create for our clients. As we head into the festive season, let's remember to focus on the things that truly matter: connection, community, and creating unforgettable experiences for those around us.

Kind Regards
Brendan Jonker

 

[HTK Safaris]

Photo Of The Week: Beautiful By Age!

For me, hunting mature animals in the Kalahari is about more than just Trophy size – it's about the privilege of experiencing wildlife in its Prime. When I hunt a truly old bull, I'm reminded that it's not just about the horns, but about the story behind them.

These animals have lived a life, contributed to the gene pool, and shaped the future of their herds. Taking one of these majestic creatures is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I believe it's a responsible and sustainable way to manage wildlife populations and the overall herd quality!

Hunting mature animals is about respecting their legacy and ensuring the health of the ecosystem.

What's your take on hunting mature animals?

Kind Regards
Brendan Jonker

 

[AZDAVE]

That Sable picture is laid out perfectly.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Great thread.

 

[HTK Safaris]

That Sable picture is laid out perfectly.

Thanks you sir! I'm also very happy with how it came out. I like to put in the extra effort into my pictures and sometimes it just work out even better than I expected!