roverandbrew
AH enthusiast
- Joined
- Apr 9, 2013
- Messages
- 441
- Reaction score
- 1,224
- Media
- 42
- Hunted
- United States, South Africa, Zambia
Date: July 2023
Location: North West Province, South Africa
Outfitter: @Bos en Dal SAFARIS
Pre Hunt Admin:
Sufficient travel time was allocated between flights to allow for contingencies so there were zero issues with baggage or firearms. The only minor inconvenience occurred when the “The Club” lounge in the international terminal (ATL) was only allowing Priority Pass users to enter one hour prior to boarding. I had planned to use the lounge to complete some last-minute work I needed to accomplish. I learned even though they accept Priority Pass members, they are prioritized last over travelers with “The Club” membership.
Arrival:
I arrived, cleared customs, recovered bags, and moved to link up with Marius and his wife to clear my rifle at the SAP office. Marius and his wife were wonderful, and the process was super smooth. After recovering my rifle, I linked up with Mr. X and moved to the Afton Guesthouse. On arrival at Afton, I placed my bags in my room and had a wonderful dinner, then returned to my room to get some sleep. The Afton appeared remodeled and much nicer than my previous stay in 2016. I was pleasantly surprised. Arrival into South Africa went extremely smooth with ZERO issues.
The Hunt:
Bottom Line Up Front: Bos en Dal are absolute professionals who strive to exceed all expectations. All accommodation, meals, vehicles, and infrastructure are top tier. There is a large variety and abundance of quality animals to be had and the PH will put you on them.
Hunt Days: 6
Weather: Mid 40s to Low 70s, 1 x rain day
PH: Rikus
Rifle: Highland Stalker in 275 Rigby, Swarovski Z3 3-9x36, 170 Grain Norma Oryx loaded by Hendershots
I was picked up by @mdwest and Gerrit from Bos en Dal at 4:30am in front of the Afton for movement to the Bos en Dal Lodge. Upon arrival and some coffee, I went to confirm my rifle zero had not shifted. I fired 2 rounds, POI was 1” high at 100 meters. I had no issues and maintained what I had. Following confirming zero, the PH and I drove around for area familiarization to look for animals. I was truly impressed with the abundance of trophy animals on the property. The afternoon of day one we began a stalk on an impressive Blesbok, and a shot was taken at approximately 100 yards. No tracking required. A quick measure at the skinning shed had the Blesbok measured at 18”. Rowland Ward class is 16.5” with world record at 20 5/8”.
The remainder of the hunt I focused on Wildebeest, Impala and Jackal culls (2 x wildebeest, 2 x Impala, 1 x Jackal) as I already have quite a few plains game mounts in the house. All hunts were spot and stalk and were exceptional. I love the stalk and the PH Rikus was the same. All shots were within 150 meters after great approaches. Minus my last Wildebeest, all animals required no tracking and fell were struck. Bullet performance was excellent.
Lesson Learned: The morning of my last hunting day the weather had changed, and the animals were a bit skittish. Following a long approach on a constantly moving herd of Wildebeest I had the opportunity to take a clean headshot through a hole in the brush at approximately 70 meters. This was a shot I was extremely comfortable taking. I took the shot, felt comfortable with the shot but the Wildebeest ran. I was shocked as I felt I had a good hit. What I failed to understand was how high the brain sits in the skull of the wildebeest. My shot had entry and exit through the skull just below the eye line. In a human and many animals this constitutes the “A Zone”. Not on a wildebeest. After a follow up / track we located the wounded animal and I put in an anchoring shot. I am honest with my mistake so others do not make it.
While not “Trophy Pics”, here are a few photographs of some animals taken
Departure:
The morning of the hunt Rikus provided me a ride to JNB and hung around to ensure everything was good to go. I had ZERO issues in JNB.
Arrival in the US:
Arrival was on time in Atlanta and customs was efficient. I was fourth in line to recover my rifle at CPB and everything went smoothly. My hunting boots were sprayed while my rifle was being inspected. Knowing the process, I did not pack a bunch of filler in my gun case (americase) and my Courteney boots were in a shoe bag at the top of my checked bag for easy access. From arrival to re-checked back in was approximately 90 minutes.
Post Trip Thoughts:
Bos en Dal is exceptional. They are honest, have zero drama, and never push anything. I was so impressed I called my brother who also hunts Africa, and he is booking a hunt in July. Most likely two other friends will hunt there next year also. I plan on returning with one of my daughters. Gerrit runs everything as it should be run. It was lacking in no departments and was a wonderful experience. You cannot go wrong with Bos en Dal.
Rikus was the PH assigned to me for the six days of hunting. He was hands down a perfect match. He is a very hard worker who loves to hunt. I enjoyed his company and will request him on my return.
I want to thank @mdwest for the great conversation and time spent with him and his wonderful family. This was a trip to remember.
Location: North West Province, South Africa
Outfitter: @Bos en Dal SAFARIS
Pre Hunt Admin:
- 4457 from CPB (Completed 60 days out)
- Rifle Permits (Home - Rifle Permits) (Initiated 50 days out)
- Afton Guest House Reservations (aftonsafarilodge.com)
- Flights Booked, Delta Airlines, ATL to JNB (Booked 60 days out)
Sufficient travel time was allocated between flights to allow for contingencies so there were zero issues with baggage or firearms. The only minor inconvenience occurred when the “The Club” lounge in the international terminal (ATL) was only allowing Priority Pass users to enter one hour prior to boarding. I had planned to use the lounge to complete some last-minute work I needed to accomplish. I learned even though they accept Priority Pass members, they are prioritized last over travelers with “The Club” membership.
Arrival:
I arrived, cleared customs, recovered bags, and moved to link up with Marius and his wife to clear my rifle at the SAP office. Marius and his wife were wonderful, and the process was super smooth. After recovering my rifle, I linked up with Mr. X and moved to the Afton Guesthouse. On arrival at Afton, I placed my bags in my room and had a wonderful dinner, then returned to my room to get some sleep. The Afton appeared remodeled and much nicer than my previous stay in 2016. I was pleasantly surprised. Arrival into South Africa went extremely smooth with ZERO issues.
The Hunt:
Bottom Line Up Front: Bos en Dal are absolute professionals who strive to exceed all expectations. All accommodation, meals, vehicles, and infrastructure are top tier. There is a large variety and abundance of quality animals to be had and the PH will put you on them.
Hunt Days: 6
Weather: Mid 40s to Low 70s, 1 x rain day
PH: Rikus
Rifle: Highland Stalker in 275 Rigby, Swarovski Z3 3-9x36, 170 Grain Norma Oryx loaded by Hendershots
I was picked up by @mdwest and Gerrit from Bos en Dal at 4:30am in front of the Afton for movement to the Bos en Dal Lodge. Upon arrival and some coffee, I went to confirm my rifle zero had not shifted. I fired 2 rounds, POI was 1” high at 100 meters. I had no issues and maintained what I had. Following confirming zero, the PH and I drove around for area familiarization to look for animals. I was truly impressed with the abundance of trophy animals on the property. The afternoon of day one we began a stalk on an impressive Blesbok, and a shot was taken at approximately 100 yards. No tracking required. A quick measure at the skinning shed had the Blesbok measured at 18”. Rowland Ward class is 16.5” with world record at 20 5/8”.
The remainder of the hunt I focused on Wildebeest, Impala and Jackal culls (2 x wildebeest, 2 x Impala, 1 x Jackal) as I already have quite a few plains game mounts in the house. All hunts were spot and stalk and were exceptional. I love the stalk and the PH Rikus was the same. All shots were within 150 meters after great approaches. Minus my last Wildebeest, all animals required no tracking and fell were struck. Bullet performance was excellent.
Lesson Learned: The morning of my last hunting day the weather had changed, and the animals were a bit skittish. Following a long approach on a constantly moving herd of Wildebeest I had the opportunity to take a clean headshot through a hole in the brush at approximately 70 meters. This was a shot I was extremely comfortable taking. I took the shot, felt comfortable with the shot but the Wildebeest ran. I was shocked as I felt I had a good hit. What I failed to understand was how high the brain sits in the skull of the wildebeest. My shot had entry and exit through the skull just below the eye line. In a human and many animals this constitutes the “A Zone”. Not on a wildebeest. After a follow up / track we located the wounded animal and I put in an anchoring shot. I am honest with my mistake so others do not make it.
While not “Trophy Pics”, here are a few photographs of some animals taken
Departure:
The morning of the hunt Rikus provided me a ride to JNB and hung around to ensure everything was good to go. I had ZERO issues in JNB.
Arrival in the US:
Arrival was on time in Atlanta and customs was efficient. I was fourth in line to recover my rifle at CPB and everything went smoothly. My hunting boots were sprayed while my rifle was being inspected. Knowing the process, I did not pack a bunch of filler in my gun case (americase) and my Courteney boots were in a shoe bag at the top of my checked bag for easy access. From arrival to re-checked back in was approximately 90 minutes.
Post Trip Thoughts:
Bos en Dal is exceptional. They are honest, have zero drama, and never push anything. I was so impressed I called my brother who also hunts Africa, and he is booking a hunt in July. Most likely two other friends will hunt there next year also. I plan on returning with one of my daughters. Gerrit runs everything as it should be run. It was lacking in no departments and was a wonderful experience. You cannot go wrong with Bos en Dal.
Rikus was the PH assigned to me for the six days of hunting. He was hands down a perfect match. He is a very hard worker who loves to hunt. I enjoyed his company and will request him on my return.
I want to thank @mdwest for the great conversation and time spent with him and his wonderful family. This was a trip to remember.
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