Day three we move to another location and had an opportunity with a Blesbok. Before the Blesbok came in we had a bunch of Wildebeests and a Giant Warthog. I should probably say at this time that I am shooting a 56" 50@28 Big Jim Thunderchild and the Warthog was a bit on the long shot side with my equipment so he got a pass. I might have made the shot work but with Warthogs they either dye in a recoverable distance or they run until they find a burrow go in it to recover or die. After a bit more time this Blesbok came in. We were in one of Lammies permanent hides and I took the shot.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/Africa%202012%20Tradgang%20size/Africa2012014.jpg)
Kip,
Congratulations! I hope you had the time of your life and a great birthday!
Congrats Kip!The best way to celebrate and remember a Bday,they don't looks so bad this way!
Well done Kip! Great animal! What happens to the meat & hide? Just wondering what it might taste like? That head would be front row center in my den. Congrats!
Good deal Kip.
Great job. Those thunderchilds get the job done!
:thumbsup:
Congratulations!
:wavey: :thumbsup:
F-Manny
Beautiful animal sir! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Congrats!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Very nice!!! :thumbsup:
Nice blesbuck! I had one with his nose in my shooting window last summer when he decided something was not right and turned around and walked off. Blesbuck is still on my hit list!
Congrats!
Bisch
Kip I am so proud of you!
Congratulations!!
:archer:
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
congrats on the great blesbok
Congratulations!
Very nice. Congrats. :thumbsup:
CONGRATS:::GREAT Looking Blesbok :thumbsup:
Sweet! :thumbsup:
Very cool.......
Congrats!
Well done
Well Done Kip! :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Nice size to it. Did you get try any of the meat?
congrats, beautiful blesbok.
Very nice Kip! Like Mike Vines said - did you try any of the meat?
Let's hear the whole story!
John
Congrats on the success Coaster!
Keep the wind in your face!
Shoot straight, Shinken
:archer2:
Congrats! Great pic!
Congratulations on a :thumbsup:
awesome Kip!!!!!!
Way to go! :thumbsup:
-Jay
I'm telling you I posted this by accident :)
This is day "THREE" when I get home I'll fill in the blanks..... This jet lag is making me goofy!!!
Day one, two, three etc will be coming soon...
:campfire:
QuoteOriginally posted by coaster500:
I'm telling you I posted this by accident :)
This is day "THREE" when I get home I'll fill in the blanks..... This jet lag is making me goofy!!!
Day one, two, three etc will be coming soon...
I was wondering if there would not be more to this story!
Can't wait,
Bisch
A foretelling preview of great things to come - no doubt.
One special harvest thus far and if there are, by chance, no more, then what a fine accomplishment you have already made.
Congrats!!
Kip i was sort of wondering there Bud. Can;t wait till you catch up on some sleep and fill us all in on your excellent adventure
Sorry guys :)
But here is what should have been chapter one....
I'm back from my way to short trip to Africa... if I have one regret in is that I could not have stayed longer but life and the bills go on.
I started thinking about Africa long before I pick up a traditional bow. My first inquiry about a possible bow hunt with Lammie Potgieter of Dare To Bowhunt in 07 or 08 I think. I have talked with several other PH's but Lammie seemed to live bow hunting and his operation is for bow hunters. Most of his clients shoot compounds and that is how our relationship started but when I expressed the desire to hunt with a traditional bow Lammie stepped up to the task and did what was necessary to accommodate. Lammie has taken game with his long bow and knows what it takes and understands the challenge of our equipment.
Lammie shooting his Bob Lee recurve..
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/Africa%202012%20Tradgang%20size/th_Africaday2002.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/Africa%202012%20Tradgang%20size/?action=view¤t=Africaday2002.mp4)
Our first day did not start well, or so it seemed as my first opportunity at a very nice Impala ram ended in my bow tip hit the top of the hide with a sound that was probably heard back home and my shot missed clean and high. Redemption came later and I was glad I had missed the first when this guy came in. Lesson learned and some adjustments my shot was true and the ram expired in a very short distance. He is 22 ΒΌ inches tall. I put my Big Jim Thunderchild between his horns to give an idea of mass. I was pleased to say the least.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/Africa%202012%20Tradgang%20size/Africa2012008.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/Africa%202012%20Tradgang%20size/Africa2012010.jpg)
Allison, Lammie's wife is a very gracious hostess and goes out of her way to make sure the guests get a chance to experience the flavors of South Africa. We ate game meats (Impala, Blesbok etc) and sampled South African wines that were excellent. I am a California native and I can honestly say there wines are on par with some of our best. The accommodations were excellent and my cloths were laundered daily!!! My room was a separate bungalow with very nice furnishings a shower and a large Jacuzzi tube. There is a pool right outside the door and a giant fire pit off the main lodge that is stoked every evening. Lammie and Allison have done a wonderful job making a stay with them a great experience.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/Africa%202012%20Tradgang%20size/Africa2012040.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/Africa%202012%20Tradgang%20size/Africaday2003.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/Africa%202012%20Tradgang%20size/Africaday2004.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/Africa%202012%20Tradgang%20size/Africaday2008.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/Africa%202012%20Tradgang%20size/Africaday2009.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/Africa%202012%20Tradgang%20size/Africaday2005.jpg)
My favorite part is yet to come :)
The next day we went to a different area. Lammie as I said before went out of his way to pre scout and put me in a position to have the best opportunity for success. He had put up a pop up blind in some thick, thick bush. It was a very small blind and the longest shot from this blind would be 12 yards at the most and most likely closer. I was pretty much in the blind for the whole day and toward evening Lammi's work and my patience were rewarded. This Nyala bull played cat and mouse for quite a while before he gave me a shot. Because I was so close and sitting on the dirt, I worked to me knees bent over came to full draw and slowly rose so that my arrow cleared the window, released.... the bull tore off into the bush. We probably went after him a bit premature because it was getting dark quick and we didn't want to loose the bull to a scavenger or opportunistic predator. My hit was a bit back but with Lammie's tracking skills and the aid of his two dogs we recovered the bull and I took a deep breath of relief....
Nyala are incredible animals and more so when you are this close. During the time I spent in the blind I saw a dozen cows and calves, monkeys and some beautiful birds. Setting in the blind was one of the pinch me moments of my life.... sounds a bit sappy but true.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/Africa%202012%20Tradgang%20size/Africa_day_2_028.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/Africa%202012%20Tradgang%20size/Africa20day20220016.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/Africa%202012%20Tradgang%20size/Africaday2020.jpg)
I bet you are already saving to go back again, huh?
I have been twice and can't wait to get back over there.
Congrats on your fine animals!
Bisch
Day three we move to another location and had an opportunity with a Blesbok. Before the Blesbok came in we had a bunch of Wildebeests and a Giant Warthog. I should probably say at this time that I am shooting a 56" 50@28 Big Jim Thunderchild and the Warthog was a bit on the long shot side with my equipment so he got a pass. I might have made the shot work but with Warthogs they either dye in a recoverable distance or they run until they find a burrow go in it to recover or dye. After a bit more time this Blesbok came in. We were in one of Lammies permanent hides and I took the shot.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/Africa%202012%20Tradgang%20size/Africa2012014.jpg)
Thank Bisch... The best part for me is yet to come :)
What a hunt, congrats!! :campfire:
Makes for a nice read. Thank you for posting the rest of the story.
looks like a great time!!!!!!!
kip your Impala is fantastic but the Nyala is tremendous and i know it was on the top of your hit list!! Congrats man!!
I only had five actual hunting days because of my job obligations. Lammie did an Excellent job making them count.
Day four found us looking for an opportunity at a Warthog. I was looking to the left and saw this red streak blast across and opening. I instantly uttered the words Red Duiker and Lammie looked and confirmed. Once the Duiker was in the brush he went about the task of eating these seed pods that all the browsers seem to relish like candy. Soon it was apparent there was also a female that had gone unnoticed doing the same. I turned to Lammie and we agreed that the game was on and if the Duiker gave me the shot I would try. I have to say that before I came to Africa I had read books, watched videos and emersed my self in as much information as I could. I had also seen a couple of videos were a Duiker was missed by archers using much faster equipment than mine. These little animals are food for everything that eats meat and have supernatural reflexes.
The duiker finally can toward us and bent down for a drink. I prepared for the shot and when the Duiker raised his head and looked in the opposite direction (maybe looking for the female? ) I released the arrow, he still moved a bit but the shot looked good. I think Lammie was shocked as he turned with a look of disbelief and said "You got him" Then a big grin appeared one his face... I think he was as happy as I was !!
Now came the part that is the killer for me the wait. The Duiker had run up the hill and we lost site as he entered the brush.... Lammie called the lodge for pick up and we waited for what seemed an eternity... I have to tell you this little antelope had me shaking. This was an opportunity that I had been blessed with. The skinner that works for Lammie has never even seen one and shooting one with a longbow well??? Allison pull up to the blind and Lammie said he was just going to check for blood and we might give him a bit more time if it didn't look right. I was obedient and stayed with Allison at the hide as much as I wanted to check it out for myself, after an extremely long minute Lammie immerged from the bush holding the Duiker with one arm. It had expired right were we had last seen him and in fact was already a bit stiff.... I was so relieved!!
Lammie says he is eight to ten years old. He is an amazing looking creature and to have been given the opportunity to take him was a blessing to say the least.
For perspective my bow is 56" and the tiny antelope easily fits inside....
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/Africa%202012%20Tradgang%20size/Africa2012027.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/Africa%202012%20Tradgang%20size/Africa2012032.jpg)
Folks have asked what happens to the meat and hides. Well the Duiker is going to be a full body mount, The Nyala, Blesbok and Impala will be shoulder mounts and the rest of the cape tanned and shipped to me. The meat is consumed and by the help and guests "Me" nothing is wasted.
Kip thanks for your pics and account. Looks like those five days were very productive...nice shooting...that your PH was bow savy made it all the better and the adventure sounded like lots of fun.
A trip of dreams!
Wow, what a fascinating hunt. Thank you for taking us along.
Great story, thanks for sharing! :thumbsup:
Congrats Kip dreams do come true.
:thumbsup:
Awesome!
AWESOME! I have never seen a Red Duiker either. Thsat is one cool looking critter. I shot a common Duiker on my last trip and did a full body mount on him. It is one of the best looking mounts I have in my house.
Congrats again!
Bisch
Story very well told!
Sounds like the hunt of a lifetime
:archer:
F-Manny
Thanks guys, for me it was something I have wanted to do forever and to do it with my Longbow, well that's just the best
:campfire:
Excellent Kip! I asked about the meat not meaning any went to waste but more what it tasted like? Safe to say your description will likely be as close to wild African game as I'll get.
BTW, to date, Elk is the best meat I've ever eaten a bit leaner & redder than beef & slightly better (maybe sweeter) flavor. Ostrich is another favorite with taste & characteristics like chicken.
Great trip Kip! Wow! The Duikar is some kind of special! Thanks for the story & pix!
Sounds like a great time. Headed to Namibia in aSeptember, can't wait. This will be my first trip to Africa, hope I have as good of an experience as it seems you did.
Wow, just caught this story. What a great hunt...a Nyala too! I think that is one of the coolest African animals there is and hard to hunt as I understand it.
Congratulations of the hunt. Way to "represent" us trad guys!
Kip: Great story, congrats on your thophies. You are making things really hard on me, I have had an Africa trip booked for two years, finally leaving this August, These last few months have taken forever to get here, still have a few more to go. My dream hunt of a lifetime, as I'm sure was yours. Congrats again and thanks for sharing. RW
Forrest I'm with you... Elk is the best I've had (our little west coast Blacktails are a close second for me). The African games meats at least the Impala and Blesbok were not gamey in my opinion but Lammie said it takes quite a bit of aging. The way he described it is if you put a chunk of our deer or elk in your hand and squeezed the meat is soft and might come between your fingers. With the African games meats this doesn't happen it is much firmer. That's why the aging is a must so the tissues break down. I had some Blesbok prepared by Allison that was aged and cooked rare that was excellent!!!
Congrats on a great hunting adventure!!!
great write up.
Love Dare to Bowhunt, great outfit
Excellent experience, thanks for sharing. Your pictures are very nice. Looks like you were a great representative of an effective trad hunter!
This afternoon I'm buying two cameral lenses that my PH has asked me to pick up for him. He will credit me the cost of these lenses for some of the animals I hope to take on my first Africa trip the first two weeks of August. Sort of cool that the lenses I'll barter may be the ones used to take my pictures!
I'm not yet super-excited about my upcoming hunt. I don't even know for sure what bow I'll be using. Right now I'm more fired up about our deer season opening two weeks after I return -- I know-weird.
My son and a friend are going with me and frankly, that's what made the decision for me. They are fired up enough to cover me as well.
However, I have to admit, these pictures and your stories are starting to work on me. I'll have only 5-6 days to hunt and your experience in that same amount of time has me thinking things might get pretty exciting.
I was this same way about bear hunting before I finally "gave in" and went in the mid-80's. Also about hunting in blinds in Texas for hogs and white-tails. I'm happy to report that both the bear and hog hunting turned out to be much more exciting and fun than I thought it would be.
I'm such a DIY bowhunter that I have aprehensions about trusting so much of my experience to others.
AWESOME!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
It really was awesome Ryan... I still have Hawaii on my bucket list. I had everything worked out for Kauai... all the permits, lic, etc and I broke my foot two days before the hunt... I enjoyed the heck out of the island but what a let down not to be able to hunt!!
Sorry to hear about your foot. Yeah Kauai is a beautiful island. Which island may you return to in the future?
Aloha!
Ryan
I think my wife is up for any Island when it come to Hawaii :) I did a mini family reunion and my kids, wife and I had a blast even with a broken foot but it would have been so cool to hunt the coast...
Incredible hunt! Congrats! :thumbsup:
What a great thread. It apparently could have been titled "five days I will never forget". Congratulations. It looks like the shot choices and the shooting were both excellent.
Nice story and pictures. Congrats!!
beautiful trip,
Felicidades amigo!
Great pictures! Thanks for sharing.
:campfire:
Kipp,Fantastic Hunt my friend,something I've always wanted to do.Right now I'm doing a european mount for my son on a huge Cape Buffalo head he picked up in Tanzania.I've read so much about Africa in the past 40 years and I'm totally amazed by everything about it.
it looks like The little Fellas bows worked great for ya !So well done my friend,Kudus(Literally).
:bigsmyl: :bigsmyl:
nice pics and stories. Congrat's on a great hunt.
Another friend on the trip and some cool native bows.... These are the real deal :)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/Africa%202012%20Tradgang%20size/Africa2012020.jpg)
Looking at it I thinke this one is black palm?
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/Africa%202012%20Tradgang%20size/Africa20day20220011.jpg)
another wood unknown
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/Africa%202012%20Tradgang%20size/Africa20day20220013.jpg)
and one more
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/Africa%202012%20Tradgang%20size/Africa20day20220012.jpg)
Nice! I would love to go to Africa someday.
Nice critter! :thumbsup: Congrats!
Pretty cool!
Thanks for taking us along.
Chris
Great tale and pics. Thats a fine Thunder Child you have there as well. Conrats.RC
Awesome story and pictures Kip! Thanks for taking us along!
Thanks for sharing your trip with us Kip.
It looks like it was amazing. :bigsmyl: :bigsmyl:
Great story and pics, congrats!
Bill you're going to love it :)
Glad to see you back safe and happy Kip! Thanks for the great story and trip. I hope to go someday but in the meantime I enjoyed your pics! :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Congrats on a great trip
Bjorn it's something we all have to try at least once.... I am allready filling the can for round two..... Lammie does a special Bush Pig hunt at night as they are mostly nocturnal, that has me thinkin, a good Warthog has eluded me and now that I've got one of the little guys I'd like to add to that.... maybe a common Duiker and a reedbuck? ..... anyway I'll be back :)
After the great storytelling and your pictures I just might have to start an African fund myself. Congrats on the trophies and once in a lifetime memories.
Mike maybe next time I'll take the bow you built me :)