providerrick
AH member
Well,I have to say I am now under the spell of hunting in Africa.It all started in February of this year.I turned 50,and my family gave me a hunt of my choice for a gift(of course there was a $ limit).I wanted to go for Moose in the Yukon,and I really wanted to use my bow.I did research and found out how expensive it would be.Then I saw another one of the African hunting shows on TV,and looked into a bowhunt in Africa.My youngest daughter Jordanne and I went to some outdoors shows here in the Northeast.In Springfield Mass. we met Tiene and Ananja Bamberger of Warthog Safaris in South Africa.Jordanne liked them and she was the one with the original idea that I would like to go on a hunt,so after lots of back and forth I booked with them for early July.
I found AFRICAHUNTING and have to say it was instrumental in my success.I was greeted warmly on joining and used a lot of the planning advise (i.e. book during dry season,dark moon,and all the packing info, etc.).I don't know how to type so this takes a while(20 min. so far).All the reports/blogs I read on this site and past reports were helpful in building up my already very high anticipation.I was very busy preparing for this trip.
I got a lot of help from Mike Scaniffe owner of Lightning Bowstrings and inventer of the Square-up archery sight from Killingworth CT.( Welcome | lightning bowstrings ) ( Welcomome To Square Up Bow Torque Indicator )( https://www.facebook.com/pages/Square-Up/144966895567001 ) Mike and I got my 3 dozen arrows ready,tuned the two bows,disassembled the spare bow,and put together a spare parts tool box.He built me a new string and loaned me his portable bow press.He's an honest guy trying to get a great product noticed.I know the Square-up helps me and virtually eliminates side to side misses,check it out.
June 30,2010 is here!Left JFK for the direct flight on SAA.The flight was long but ok and the arrival in the morning was nice.Had to go to a room where a lady registered my bow, but it went quickly and I didn't have to grease any palms.Tiene's dad Ben was there as I exited and we were off.Ben is also a PH and will be sharing the guide duties with Tiene.We arrived in camp 3.5 hours later after a warm greeting by Tiene and Ananja, Tiene said get your gear ready and lets go sit in the blind!I practically dumped my luggage out and got on my camo and gear.After a few shots at the targets behind the lodge we were off.
It was amazing to be sitting behind my bow with arrow nocked in South Africa!Tiene said that this blind would be my best chance to get a mature Kudu bull.He had been seeing a couple in this area.Lots of bird life kept my attention up while we watched and listened.Tiene said he saw a Warthog go by in front but I didn't see it and it didn't come in.I thought I heard a snorting sound come from the right side late in the day as the dominant Sable mare come up to drink at 10 yds.When she had settled about 15 others came in,including the herd bull.I was amazed at how much noise they could make when drinking and yet not even a footstep was audible as the walked up to the water hole.Tiene called the truck and we sat till the sable were scared off.
Back at the lodge Ananja had prepared an awesome appetizer and we sat by the fire and talked.Dinner was Kudu and pasta,chicken,potato dish,salad,and an awesome dessert.There were supposed to be two other bowhunters but they rescheduled for some reason and I would be alone in camp.Everyone would be there to help me have a great safari,wow!
Day 2 AM: Tiene and I sat at the same blind(saw Sables and Impala on way there).15 minutes into the hunt and in came the Warthogs we watched but no big males,but a very old nice female.Then Tiene said "stand up there's your shot" I looked over to see a huge Baboon at the waterhole.I didn't want to shoot it and Tiene wanted it shot.I came to find out that this Baboon was wrecking stuff around camp and was on a hit list.Anyway he didn't even stay still for a picture.After that the Sable and more Warthogs came in and then we went back for lunch.
Day 2 PM: On the way to the blind we drove up on 6 Cape Buffalo with one huge bull they said is over 40 inches,it was awesome at 20 yds.In the blind we had the Warthogs come in,same ones.Then I look over at the feed trough ad there is a big tusked male!I ask if I can shoot him but Ben says we can do better.We both take pics and Baboon and Sables came back then we called for truck.
Dinner was Eland sausage,and beefsteak 18 inch x 1 inch thick,bread pudding(my fav.)I talked to Tiene and said I would be very happy with a Warthog like the big male,he said I can take any animal I want.So now I'm getting psyched,maybe day 3?Good luck sleeping tonight!By the way the rooms are great.
Day 3 AM:Sat with Ben same blind.Saw Warthogs but not big one.Lots of birds,Vervet monkeys,Baboon,Squirrels,and just before lunch a Kudu cow made a quick appearance but spooked.We went back for lunch and everyone said"your going to kill something tonight".They think Kudu,I think big Warthog.
Day 3 PM:Ben and I go back and as we approach the big male is at the waterhole.Ben says don't worry he'll be back.We set up and as I'm setting up the cameras, Ben says"there's your Warthog".I watch and wait about 1 hour because he's laying in the feed trough at 17 yds quartering to me.I know he has to drink and when he does I'm ready.He's broadside at 20 yds,I draw,hold,release,and watch the arrow go right above the leg,perfect.He jumps,turns and as he runs of I see 3/4 of the arrow out the opposite side.I see him stumble once, then again,and go out of site,but I know he's done!Ben congratulates me and calls Tiene to come with the dogs.We all go out to the spot and see the arrow,I look and think I see him 80 yds. out.Tiene releases the dogs and they go right to him.I'm overwhelmed with emotions as I walk up to my first African animal,the first of 8 I was able to bag!More posts on my hunt with Warthog Safaris latter I need to help with a Birthday party right now.
I found AFRICAHUNTING and have to say it was instrumental in my success.I was greeted warmly on joining and used a lot of the planning advise (i.e. book during dry season,dark moon,and all the packing info, etc.).I don't know how to type so this takes a while(20 min. so far).All the reports/blogs I read on this site and past reports were helpful in building up my already very high anticipation.I was very busy preparing for this trip.
I got a lot of help from Mike Scaniffe owner of Lightning Bowstrings and inventer of the Square-up archery sight from Killingworth CT.( Welcome | lightning bowstrings ) ( Welcomome To Square Up Bow Torque Indicator )( https://www.facebook.com/pages/Square-Up/144966895567001 ) Mike and I got my 3 dozen arrows ready,tuned the two bows,disassembled the spare bow,and put together a spare parts tool box.He built me a new string and loaned me his portable bow press.He's an honest guy trying to get a great product noticed.I know the Square-up helps me and virtually eliminates side to side misses,check it out.
June 30,2010 is here!Left JFK for the direct flight on SAA.The flight was long but ok and the arrival in the morning was nice.Had to go to a room where a lady registered my bow, but it went quickly and I didn't have to grease any palms.Tiene's dad Ben was there as I exited and we were off.Ben is also a PH and will be sharing the guide duties with Tiene.We arrived in camp 3.5 hours later after a warm greeting by Tiene and Ananja, Tiene said get your gear ready and lets go sit in the blind!I practically dumped my luggage out and got on my camo and gear.After a few shots at the targets behind the lodge we were off.
It was amazing to be sitting behind my bow with arrow nocked in South Africa!Tiene said that this blind would be my best chance to get a mature Kudu bull.He had been seeing a couple in this area.Lots of bird life kept my attention up while we watched and listened.Tiene said he saw a Warthog go by in front but I didn't see it and it didn't come in.I thought I heard a snorting sound come from the right side late in the day as the dominant Sable mare come up to drink at 10 yds.When she had settled about 15 others came in,including the herd bull.I was amazed at how much noise they could make when drinking and yet not even a footstep was audible as the walked up to the water hole.Tiene called the truck and we sat till the sable were scared off.
Back at the lodge Ananja had prepared an awesome appetizer and we sat by the fire and talked.Dinner was Kudu and pasta,chicken,potato dish,salad,and an awesome dessert.There were supposed to be two other bowhunters but they rescheduled for some reason and I would be alone in camp.Everyone would be there to help me have a great safari,wow!
Day 2 AM: Tiene and I sat at the same blind(saw Sables and Impala on way there).15 minutes into the hunt and in came the Warthogs we watched but no big males,but a very old nice female.Then Tiene said "stand up there's your shot" I looked over to see a huge Baboon at the waterhole.I didn't want to shoot it and Tiene wanted it shot.I came to find out that this Baboon was wrecking stuff around camp and was on a hit list.Anyway he didn't even stay still for a picture.After that the Sable and more Warthogs came in and then we went back for lunch.
Day 2 PM: On the way to the blind we drove up on 6 Cape Buffalo with one huge bull they said is over 40 inches,it was awesome at 20 yds.In the blind we had the Warthogs come in,same ones.Then I look over at the feed trough ad there is a big tusked male!I ask if I can shoot him but Ben says we can do better.We both take pics and Baboon and Sables came back then we called for truck.
Dinner was Eland sausage,and beefsteak 18 inch x 1 inch thick,bread pudding(my fav.)I talked to Tiene and said I would be very happy with a Warthog like the big male,he said I can take any animal I want.So now I'm getting psyched,maybe day 3?Good luck sleeping tonight!By the way the rooms are great.
Day 3 AM:Sat with Ben same blind.Saw Warthogs but not big one.Lots of birds,Vervet monkeys,Baboon,Squirrels,and just before lunch a Kudu cow made a quick appearance but spooked.We went back for lunch and everyone said"your going to kill something tonight".They think Kudu,I think big Warthog.
Day 3 PM:Ben and I go back and as we approach the big male is at the waterhole.Ben says don't worry he'll be back.We set up and as I'm setting up the cameras, Ben says"there's your Warthog".I watch and wait about 1 hour because he's laying in the feed trough at 17 yds quartering to me.I know he has to drink and when he does I'm ready.He's broadside at 20 yds,I draw,hold,release,and watch the arrow go right above the leg,perfect.He jumps,turns and as he runs of I see 3/4 of the arrow out the opposite side.I see him stumble once, then again,and go out of site,but I know he's done!Ben congratulates me and calls Tiene to come with the dogs.We all go out to the spot and see the arrow,I look and think I see him 80 yds. out.Tiene releases the dogs and they go right to him.I'm overwhelmed with emotions as I walk up to my first African animal,the first of 8 I was able to bag!More posts on my hunt with Warthog Safaris latter I need to help with a Birthday party right now.
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