Not so old guy, new member

[Mark A Ouellette]

Hello everyone,

New member here. Feeling kind of old as the Michigan USA winter creeps into my bones. I am however certainly not dead yet!

I’ve been reading your posts on many topics from which model rifle and caliber are best for dangerous and plains game, to general information on what to expect in hunting Africa. I come to you via a boyhood in the forests and fields in north central Pennsylvania when No Trespassing were only posted by absentee owners from the cities. Not quite so anymore. Joined the Marines at 17 and spent two decades. Probably why 20 years after hanging up my uniform winter weather does not always agree with me.

I look forward to learning from this group and in time, contributing from my experience albeit not gained in African hunting, yet.

Mark

 

[GA Hunter]

Welcome aboard.

 

[cls]

Welcome to the other side.

 

[Shootist43]

Welcome aboard Mark. What part of Michigan do you live in? I'm just off I 75 at mile marker 28.
AH is a fun place to learn lots of things related to hunting and or planning a trip to Africa. What have you hunted in the past? What kind and caliber rifles do you own? Do you reload? More importantly do you have any thought or plans for hunting Africa?

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

Welcome to AH Mark.
Good luck and all the best.

 

[nztimb]

Welcome to our place Mark

 

[Nyati]

Hi Mark, welcome to AH !

You´re still a young man , ready for Africa

 

[Mark A Ouellette]

Thanks to all,

I live about 30 miles north of Detroit on ten acres where I hunt deer in my back field and practice competitive bullseye (“Precision”) pistol. I also shoot rifles there, especially when working up new handloads. For serious rifle practice I head to the shooting club and use the 200 yard range. The neighbors appreciate that also!

While I hunt and know how to ambush game, I am more of a competitive marksman. I am a USMC Distinguished Marksman (rifle) and Distinguished Pistol Shot. I handload for competition and long-range accuracy.

As for rifles, I have been fondling my two big rifles this morning. They are:

1. Remington made M17 action in 375 H&H with a McGowen Barrel, island rear sight, Talley rings and Leupold scope, and nicely figured American Walnut stock. The front sight also flips from small to large bead.

2. A 3-lug Sako L61R in 375 Ackley Improved with a McGowen Barrel, island rear sight, and English Walnut stock.

I am a 100% gun enthusiast with a few more rifles, pistols, and shotguns than listed above. I love them all and therefore have problems parting with any one of them.

I will be in Africa this summer for a non-hunting trip. I do however intend to see some animals! Call it a reconnaissance for future endeavors.

Mark

 

[KMG Hunting Safaris]

Welcome to AH, Mark.

 

[sierraone]

Welcome to our forum Mark. You certainly have found a second home. My first trip to Africa was at 64 years. As others have previously said, you'll be there before you know it!

 

[BRICKBURN]

Welcome to AH

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Welcome to AH!

 

[tarbe]

From one Jarhead to another, welcome aboard!

I was right about your age when I made my first hunting trip to Africa (I was 58). I had been there 4 or 5 times on business (SA), so it was not a totally foreign trip for me.

Be careful hanging out here...we are not called enablers for nothing!


Tim

 

[cpr0312]

Hello and welcome!

 

[Bullthrower338]

Welcome to the best forum!

 

[cagkt3]

Welcome aboard!!

 

[ActionBob]

Welcome Mark.... Now seriously, get to work figuring out how to go shoot something while you are there lots of hunting opportunities near most game parks over there. Lots of good Outfitters on here who will do their best to accommodate you.

 

[Ridgewalker]

First of all I’d like to thank you for your service. Next, welcome to AH Mark! You have a couple of excellent cartridges for Africa IMO! I really think you need to take them there and test them out!

 

[CAustin]

Welcome to AH.

 

[enysse]

Welcome to AH!