Dave Hawkins
AH member
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2015
- Messages
- 15
- Reaction score
- 24
- Location
- Lakeway, Texas U.S.A.
- Hunted
- Namibia, South Africa
Our arrival at Kudu Ridge Lodge on Saturday June 4 after our PH, Wikus Coetzee, picked us up from the Port Elizabeth airport following our all night trip from Lagos, Nigeria.
Sunday June 5
After some much welcome sleep, we’re off early the next morning to look for my Kudu. As it turns out, their reputation as the “Grey Ghost” is well deserved! He was the challenge that I expected and more as I finally get my first shot at what turns out to be a fantastic Kudu Bull from 280 yards! Although it’s not a one shot kill, with a little help from Diesel, we’re able to quickly track him down and finish him. It wasn’t my best effort but I’ll take it nevertheless. It’s by far my longest shot on the African continent and my first Kudu!
Monday June 6
It’s late the next morning when I get a little closer shot at a Burchell’s Zebra just before noon from about 150 yards. Diesel came to the rescue again and found him about 100 yards away in the brush. Problem is, he lay down in the shade and forgot to check back in with us!
Turned out the day wasn’t over yet. Later that afternoon, we were able to get within 175 yards of a very nice Waterbuck. He ran about 100 yards before he went down. The boys managed to get him loaded just as the sun was going down.
Tuesday, June 7
The next morning, we were off looking for Nyala. I didn’t have to wait long as Wik spotted one on a ridge warming himself in the early morning sun on the far canyon wall about 220 yards away. As we’re downwind and in the sun, I have time to get set up and make the shot without rushing. He only goes a few steps before going down. However, it’s a long trip in the Bakkie around to the other side of the canyon to collect him!
I had planned to take that afternoon off from hunting and let Wik take Shari and I on a leisurely game drive since I had bagged the first 4 trophies on my “wish list” in only 2 ½ days. BUT we spotted a very large Hartebeest and I had a change of harte. It was my best shot of the hunt at 175 yards. He fell almost in his tracks.
Thursday, June 9
After taking Wednesday off for a sightseeing trip to the coast, we were back in hunting form on Thursday. I had so much fun chasing my first Kudu, I just had to do it again. We finally spotted one later that morning that didn’t spot us first and after a long, careful, tedious stalk, we were able to work our way to within 220 yards of this old bull. This time I took him cleanly and didn’t need Diesel’s help. However, much like the first, we found ourselves with quite the challenge of getting him up the steep hill to the truck.
Friday June 10
The following day we decide to head out to flatter terrain to find Springbok. After a morning of hunting, we are finally within striking distance of this gorgeous black Springbok ram. I manage a shot from about 150 yards. It’s a spine shot but he goes down in his tracks just the same. I’d rather be lucky than good.
A short time later that morning, I get a shot at this white Blesbok. Any other colors you need, Shari? Looks like a decorator day for her.
Saturday June 11
It’s day 7 and Impala Saturday. It’s tough trying to stalk these little guys with so little cover but that afternoon we get close enough to take this nice ram at about 175 yards. He’s almost as difficult to take as the Kudu!
Sunday June 12
What comes after Impala Saturday but Warthog Sunday. We’re able to collect these three nice ones before we call it a day.
I would like to thank my hosts at Game4Africa, Wikus, Collin, John and Amanda Coetzee for making this such an enjoyable trip. I would like to especially thank my PH, Wik, for his efforts which were responsible for me collecting some fantastic trophies and memories! He’s not only a good host and PH but a great young man. I’ll be back!
Thanks!
Dave H
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