Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Witherstick on June 06, 2025, 03:47:25 PM

Title: Another Hunt is in the Books
Post by: Witherstick on June 06, 2025, 03:47:25 PM
You know that you are on a special hunt when you had an incredible time although the amount of game taken fails to meet past trips to the same place. 

Honestly, I expected to post numerous pictures of game taken as in previous years.  But , it wasn't to be.  Incredible rains leading up to May really left the bush very green and thereby limiting animal movement for food or water.  In addition, both my Wife and I had specific target animals in mind. 

We did see abundant game including our target animals.  Unfortunately, getting the proper shots for an ethical kill proved tough.   I did take a small warthog just to break the ice on day 3.   My Wife did the same and collected on another wildebeest. There were shots at animals that we had taken previously so we passed on those. 

However, we just wanted to express that our enjoyment of Sofala Safaris was not diminished at all in comparison to our previous trips there. We could not express how fantastic our host, Louis Steenkamp, and his staff take care of their visitors while doing everything possible to get you in position to make a shot.  Something that isn't easy when longbows are being used. 

We actually went early on this trip and spent time visiting Johannesburg and the Cradle of Humankind.  The archeological dig sites and museums were incredible. 

As always, we can't recommend Sofala Safaris any higher than we always do. Especially if you are a bowhunters, you can't do better.  This isn't a big impersonal operation.  You will meet Louis and dine together every evening. The food and accommodations are top notch.  You won't get better pricing. 

We would love to get a group together for next year as many others have done.  Don't hesitate to reach out to us if you're interested in joining us (dates not yet determined) or just interested in Sofala. 

Title: Re: Another Hunt is in the Books
Post by: Witherstick on June 06, 2025, 03:50:41 PM
Some pictures from this year's trip
Title: Re: Another Hunt is in the Books
Post by: Witherstick on June 06, 2025, 03:51:21 PM
A few more pictures
Title: Re: Another Hunt is in the Books
Post by: Witherstick on June 06, 2025, 03:51:52 PM
Cradle of Humankind
Title: Re: Another Hunt is in the Books
Post by: Wudstix on June 06, 2025, 10:35:11 PM
Excellent!!!
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Title: Re: Another Hunt is in the Books
Post by: rastaman on June 09, 2025, 10:29:00 AM
Awesome pictures!  Africa is an awesome hunting valhalla! :thumbsup:  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Another Hunt is in the Books
Post by: frassettor on June 09, 2025, 12:30:39 PM
Looks like a great trip. What was your setups? Congratulations on fine trophies
Title: Re: Another Hunt is in the Books
Post by: Witherstick on June 09, 2025, 01:30:56 PM
We have taken Timberhawk Odyssey longbows on all our hunting trips the last three years .

Her's pulls 49#. She uses cedar shafts tipped with Ace standard 160 gr. Total arrow weight averages 560.

I shoot 59#. I use larch shafts also using Ace 160 gr heads. My total arrow weight is around 650. I'm slowly switching back to cedar because I want to lower my total weight a bit.

We really enjoy South Africa.   Made a few trips there now. We'd really enjoy others joining us.  Sofala is a perfect place for the trad crowd as well as any bowhunters.
Title: Re: Another Hunt is in the Books
Post by: Terry Green on June 09, 2025, 05:00:17 PM
I hunted there a few years ago, and I can tell you I didn't really realize I was in africa until the fourth day when the zebras showed up. That's when it became real for me.
Title: Re: Another Hunt is in the Books
Post by: Basinboy on June 10, 2025, 07:23:16 AM
Sounds like a first class operation and a great time! Congratulations
Title: Re: Another Hunt is in the Books
Post by: Ryan Rothhaar on June 10, 2025, 07:41:48 AM
Congrats on another great trip and making memories. Africa is great, everyone should go at least once. Namibia is my favorite, and I will be back again.

"Someday" never comes....do it now!

R
Title: Re: Another Hunt is in the Books
Post by: Witherstick on June 10, 2025, 08:37:48 AM
Ryan,
 
Maybe you could pass on Namibia just once and join us at Sofala?  We need more Hoosiers heading there. 
Title: Re: Another Hunt is in the Books
Post by: Stringwacker on June 10, 2025, 10:41:47 AM
Excellent post and pictures!