NAMIBIA: Namibian Cat Hunt 2016

[caddman]

Hello from Omitara!
My apologies for not posting until now but the internet service has been difficult. We are on day 5 today, doing our best to narrow done the variables on an uncooperative Leopard. Frustrating and exciting all at once. The last two days we spent in the blind for 7&8 hrs respectively. Today we are anticipating an all night stay if needed. Somehow we are going to connect!
The first day I shot a wart hog for bait. That site has yet to see any action. The next day we sat at a waterhole. The wind was hurricane like but wart hogs started showing up through the the sand blasting conditions.
Hog 2 was the result of this lunchtime well spent. I certainly got my minerals that day, crunching sand with every bite.
Later that afternoon we drove to a different area in search of game. An impala was on my list and 2 Rams showed themselves at around 5pm. It was a picturesque location. It reminded us of a winter scene if you can imagine that, right here near the Kalahari dessert. The thorn bushes glistened white like frost, appearing white in the sun. A severe drought has plagued the entire country for the last four years apparently.
Several local farmers have suggested other areas are really lacking moisture compared to here. As I look around I find it difficult to imagine an area with even less water. Dunes perhaps?
After spotting the Impala about 400 yards away we stopped and started our stalk. Elaine, my PH picked her way through the sparse landscape, working up to a comfortable distance. She got us to 110 yards, which seemed very close for a prairie boy. As the sticks went up a ram bolted, leaving the bigger of the two. It turned towards, we were pegged. I was fortunate to put a 117gr nosler into its chest as it faced us.
Forgive my photo quality, the ones below are pics of pics. I brought lots of photo gear but neglected to pack the necessary equipment get them to the net. Better quality photos will follow in my post report.

Gotta go - the horn is honking. Off to see if a Waterbuck is in my future. Later......

 

[rinehart0050]

Best of luck on that leopard! Looking forward to hearing how it goes!

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

@caddman , Its going to happen. Stay positve and best of luck.

Take Care,
Marius Goosen

 

[Scrumbag]

You're there (You lucky bugger!) and you're putting the time in. Have faith and when the time comes shoot straight good buddy!

 

[cpr0312]

Congrats so far and thanks for sharing! Best of luck

 

[LivingTheDream]

Good luck! You got one on bait it is just a matter of time before he messes up.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Enjoy your hunt.

 

[gillettehunter]

Hope it all comes together for you. Keep on putting in the time. You never know when a cat will show. Bruce

 

[CAustin]

I am pulling for you to get Mr Spots

 

[bassasdaindia]

looking forward to the rest of your report .

 

[enysse]

Nice warthog, keep up the hard work!

 

[caddman]

Hello again - from
We have been diligently attending baits. No small task given the driving distances here. I think I have a pound of dust in each nostril by the end of the day - and loving it.
Took a nice gemsbok cow two days previous. I believe it is 38 inches long. It was a short wait over a waterhole for them to show. It actually took them longer to commit to the water than what we had we been waiting in the tree stand. Within an hour we had her taken/caped and cleaned then loaded up up and off to re-fresh baits. Picture to follow.
I redeemed myself on warthog bait today. 2 for 2. This was welcome shooting after a pitiful display of marksmanship yesterday! One of those days we all seem to have but no need to dwell on. Many pigs showed me how fast they can run when unscathed. I also took a beautiful little Steinbuck Ram. I had visions of it laying under a Leopard full mount. I figure this may prompt a Leopard to cooperate .

Sunday was Waterbuck day for me. They had eluded us the previous day with many unproductive stalks. My PH did a great job of maneuvering us close on no less than 5 occasions. Each time just a little short!
Saturday was behind us and today was another great day in hunting paradise. We first spotted several WB cows, glassed them for about ten minutes until the bull showed itself. The stalk was on. It was a lengthy distance with many obstacles in the way. The biggest 'obstacle' was more game! What a great problem to have, as problems go.
After closing the distance to 145 yards we settled in behind some sweet thorn acacia. My PH assessed the situation and was outlining we may not get closer when my filed glasses, wandering to the right revealed an additional bull. It was really a fluke I managed to see it as we were focused on the bull of pursuit. When I showed my PH bull #2, our target quickly changed. That is one magnificent bull she exclaimed after a brief glass.
The original Waterbuck was very good but this one appeared great! I am no expert but I could certainly tell it was larger. She confirmed my unseasoned guess with confidence.
Pinned down from the original animals we could not move without blowing our stalk. The bigger bull was out a bit further but still only 165 yd
My PH asked if I was confident with shooting from our current location or prefer to wait it out and try to close the distance. No way! I said let's take him from here I said instantly! I didn't dare tell her my legs were shaking too much to stalk any closer.
She said ok, prompting me to get into position to the left of the needle wielding bush we were crouched behind. I was a little excited by this point and I shot quickly sending a 180 grain Nosler deep into the vitals. The bull folded immediately. I was very pleased I had changed rifles today. A 30-378 why seemed more appropriate than a 25-06.
A fast scurry up to the animal revealed what we had done. It was a beautiful beast.
We both took a moment to admire the animal.
Congratulations quickly followed, along with a lot of photos.

My PH said this was one the largest Waterbuck Bulls she had ever taken. I can guarantee it was the biggest one I ever had!
It is 7pm here so I am going to wrap up for now. Time a for a G&T by the crackling fire followed by another memorable meal ( I expect)
Over all things are going very well. Great PH, people, lodge and game. If only we could get some cooperation from the elusive Mr Spots. 5 more days to make it happen...

 

[caddman]

I am pulling for you to get Mr Spots

Thanks Charlie - we are certainly hard at it. Long days but interesting ones! I remain hopeful.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Good luck.

 

[cpr0312]

Congrats! Thanks for sharing

 

[rinehart0050]

Go get him! We're pulling for you- Mr. Spots' days are numbered!

 

[johnnyblues]

Keep the faith sir. Believe me I know first hand! I spent 12 days agonizing on my leopard hunt. Exhausted, sleep deprived, the uncertainty of it all. Although I was unsuccessful I would do it all over again. Possibly next year! Keep the faith I'll be pulling for you!

 

[CAustin]

Yep you did good on the waterbuck

 

[caddman]

Just back to camp a few minutes ago. 1:10pm. We checked bait this morning at a location we had been positive about in spite of our baits not being hit. This morning we arrived to see the gemsbok leg we had hung 2 days previous had been hit!
Turns out a large honey badger and a couple Meercats had been dining, not our Tom. The camera doesn't lie.
Further investigation revealed a very fresh print in a sandy spot 50 yards down the Koppie. This cat is always nearby, but shows no interest in our baits thus far. The kudu calf kill of his own that initially focused our attention on this particular spot had been consumed for over a week. Surely he would want to eat soon?
After going for yet more bait to replenish the honey badger spoiled site the PH and tracker went about hanging it. While Molin finished up the PH surveyed the rocky terrain overlooking our location. Up high amongst large bolders a pair of ears revealed our target. He had likely been watching us the entire time. Naturally as soon as any interest was show in his location the ears vanished. Visible long enough just to spike the adrenaline yet another time. One wary Cat indeed.
It will be interesting to see what the cameras show tomorrow morning. We will hopefully be in for a sit, in anticipation of another viewing. The ups and downs of Leopard pursuit are frequent and extensive. It really drives home what many AH members have written previous - Mr Spots is not easy! Off for a short nap and then back at it. Positive thoughts.........

This photo may be of interest to the cat hunters, likely invisible to most.

Hello again - from
We have been diligently attending baits. No small task given the driving distances here. I think I have a pound of dust in each nostril by the end of the day - and loving it.
Took a nice gemsbok cow two days previous. I believe it is 38 inches long. It was a short wait over a waterhole for them to show. It actually took them longer to commit to the water than what we had we been waiting in the tree stand. Within an hour we had her taken/caped and cleaned then loaded up up and off to re-fresh baits. Picture to follow.
I redeemed myself on warthog bait today. 2 for 2. This was welcome shooting after a pitiful display of marksmanship yesterday! One of those days we all seem to have but no need to dwell on. Many pigs showed me how fast they can run when unscathed. I also took a beautiful little Steinbuck Ram. I had visions of it laying under a Leopard full mount. I figure this may prompt a Leopard to cooperate .
View attachment 158186 Sunday was Waterbuck day for me. They had eluded us the previous day with many unproductive stalks. My PH did a great job of maneuvering us close on no less than 5 occasions. Each time just a little short!
Saturday was behind us and today was another great day in hunting paradise. We first spotted several WB cows, glassed them for about ten minutes until the bull showed itself. The stalk was on. It was a lengthy distance with many obstacles in the way. The biggest 'obstacle' was more game! What a great problem to have, as problems go.
After closing the distance to 145 yards we settled in behind some sweet thorn acacia. My PH assessed the situation and was outlining we may not get closer when my filed glasses, wandering to the right revealed an additional bull. It was really a fluke I managed to see it as we were focused on the bull of pursuit. When I showed my PH bull #2, our target quickly changed. That is one magnificent bull she exclaimed after a brief glass.
The original Waterbuck was very good but this one appeared great! I am no expert but I could certainly tell it was larger. She confirmed my unseasoned guess with confidence.
Pinned down from the original animals we could not move without blowing our stalk. The bigger bull was out a bit further but still only 165 yd
My PH asked if I was confident with shooting from our current location or prefer to wait it out and try to close the distance. No way! I said let's take him from here I said instantly! I didn't dare tell her my legs were shaking too much to stalk any closer.
She said ok, prompting me to get into position to the left of the needle wielding bush we were crouched behind. I was a little excited by this point and I shot quickly sending a 180 grain Nosler deep into the vitals. The bull folded immediately. I was very pleased I had changed rifles today. A 30-378 why seemed more appropriate than a 25-06.
A fast scurry up to the animal revealed what we had done. It was a beautiful beast.
We both took a moment to admire the animal.
Congratulations quickly followed, along with a lot of photos.View attachment 158188View attachment 158186
My PH said this was one the largest Waterbuck Bulls she had ever taken. I can guarantee it was the biggest one I ever had!
It is 7pm here so I am going to wrap up for now. Time a for a G&T by the crackling fire followed by another memorable meal ( I expect)
Over all things are going very well. Great PH, people, lodge and game. If only we could get some cooperation from the elusive Mr Spots. 5 more days to make it happen...

Yep you did good on the waterbuck

Got a moment to put a tape on the Waterbuck. Not the 34" first thought. However I am pleased with it regardless of the numbers. It is just over 31" which I am told is very good for this area. They all look big to me!

 

[cpr0312]

Up high amongst large bolders a pair of ears revealed our target. He had likely been watching us the entire time. Naturally as soon as any interest was show in his location the ears vanished. Visible long enough just to spike the adrenaline yet another time. One wary Cat indeed.

Wow, yeah that will get the adrenaline pumping!