Nov 10/18. (Hunt day 1)
Wake up call at Afton was 5:00am as we had to catch one last flight at 8:30am to Kimberley. Mr. X once again assured we were checked in and walked us right to security.
Short flight had us landing in Kimberly at 9:30am
Liam and one of his Ph's Adelou (may not have the spelling correct) met us at the airport. Quick stop by the sporting goods store and we were on our way to camp. Arrived in camp at 11:30am. Unpacked, took a swim, ate some lunch and laid down for a rest until appx 3:00pm.
Due to the very hot weather we would be hunting from sun up until appx 8:30-9:00am and again from 3:00pm until dark which was around 7:00pm. The animals bed down in the heat of the day and it is pretty tough to find them.
After lunch we went to the range to ensure the rifles we would be using were sighted in. A few shots from each of us and we were comfortable. My dad and I would be shooting a Sako 300win and my son would be using a BRNO .223
Around 4:00pm we jumped in the cruiser to go check out the property a bit before dark. As we came up to a waterhole we saw a bunch of warthogs take off. There was a real nice boar in the group. Dad took a shot at appx 150 yards just as he was about to disappear into the trees. Shot sounded like a hit but boar did not show any signs of being hit. Liam has 2 great tracking dogs that we let out on the track and they immediately found blood and were off. Within 100 yards they had the boar at bay which allowed us to get close and put a finishing shot into him. Dad had his first African animal and a nice old boar at that.
After many pictures we took the warthog back to the skinning shed to get cleaned up. I then realized that I left the shooting sticks and my binoculars at the kill sight. We went back out to get them and we were almost back at the lodge when we came upon a nice Springbok. Adelou confirmed it was a nice male and dad made a perfect 250 yard shot which dropped him in his tracks. After many more pictures we also took him back to the skinning shed to be skinned.
Rest of the evening was spent watching the skinners work and just relaxing. I am always amazed at how good the skinners are. In no time they have the hides off with no holes and completely clean.
Jeremy's favorite part of the day was watching Grandpa get his warthog and I would have to agree. Amazing first hunting day with the family.