Hunt Report, Botswana 8/21 Long and Pic Heavy

[Erich4964]

Very cool story! I've been to Africa once, compliments of Uncle Same and his Misguided Children. Unfortunately we were hunting two legged and not four legged types, and besides, I don't think Somalia is high on anyone's safari of a lifetime list. I'd definitely like to go back again for an actual safari hunt. Maybe some day. Until then, I'll live vicariously through stories like yours. Very, very nice job. Thank you for sharing. Eric

 

[searcher]

Looking at the zebra photo reminds me of a tale from one of my friends who had just returned from a safari. When the PH picked out a zebra for him to shoot, my friend replied 'I ain't gonna shoot no freakin' zebra!". The PH then said "but that is a real trophy zebra". Then my friend shot it. I still laugh every time I think about that quick change of heart.

 

[ISS]

Story is not complete without the Cape Buffalo pictures. I had the same dream, going back to summer of 1959. I was eight. I would ride my pony onto town to the library every week. They had a StereoGraph (sp?) machine and thousands of cards. I used to hunt Africa in my dreams. Then, Robert Ruark appeared on the book shelf.
My Father subscribed to True and Argosy magazines, Ruark was a feature writer for both. He wrote about the Big Five, and ranked them 5 to 1. He said Cape Buffalo was the most dangerous, and most likely to make you pay for mistakes. His closing line, "Cape Buffalo, they simply look at you as if you owe them money...".
My Buffalo hunt did not occur until 2008. I was 58 that fall, and hunted them in Zimbabwe. They still scare me a bit. I have made trips to RSA since, but nothing other than a Leopard at 15 feet, and a Cow Elephant with young calf at the same distance recalled that feeling of puny human since.

ISS

 

[Bill K]

Kevin: Great write up and fine photos. Thank you for sharing your experience.

 

[DocCoffee]

Plan is to add Buffalo Pics, or actually write a stand alone Buff Story late in '26
Thanx for the fresh comments
Kevin