Hunting Tanzania... Kilombero Kronicles 2: Open Season

[Shallom]

Apologies for the delayed feedback, but there are much better things to do once in the bush, than spending time on a laptop!

The hunting season in Tanzania is well on its' way and life is so much better as it usually is, when a hunter can return to his true dwellings. There is not much to be excited about in terms of business this year, but it sure feels good to be in the bush again. Camps are fully functioning, staff are enjoying the activity and even the game is happy for our presence. To the wildlife, it is a time of security and protection after six months of insecurity from poaching and area encroachment. On arrival, the game was shy and elusive, but within just a few weeks of a presence, you can notice their relief by the way they frequent the open spaces more often and run less from the vehicles. Being on foot does not receive the same confidence though - the game is afterall, WILD!

Due to popular demand, a few more camp photos are included for you and a photo of our first puku and buffalo of the season. The first safari of the season is concluded and another happy hunting group can claim memories of a memorable Tanzanian Hunting Experience.

The 2009 season will go down as the lowest booking season in our history, but we are committed to meeting the challenges and working towards achieving our sustainable goals for better seasons ahead. The future of hunting in Tanzania is bright and with the combined help of all stakeholders, we look forward to reaching new heights. Next year sees the implementation of a new policy and everyone is working closely to ensure it is for the best interest of the hunter and the hunted.

Images of 'Open Season' include sorting out the KIT, up-dating the First Aid, cleaning and testing the guns (Humping Rabbits is shooting true), rigging the cruiser, recce of hunting roads, staff talk and being READY to receive our first batch of guests and sharing with them Wild Footprints...

18 years of the Kilombero and still killing for a living - Join the adventure!

 

[Thunder head]

Cool pics shallom

Looks like the buff was shot in the face twice???

How about some details of the hunt.

 

[Shallom]

Indeed, he has two bullet holes in his face. He was behaving badly unfortunately and had to be shot in the head... As you can see, the grass is super high this time of the year and it makes for some real adrenalin filled hunting experiences. This old bull was spotted by movement in the long grass. This always calls for closer inspection, firstly to establish the source of the movement and then to judge the trophy on the animal. Having got to within ten yards of this bull, we could still not see him, but did know that it was a buffalo, from the breathing and movement of the grass around him. Whether or not it was a bull and a trophy, took a couple more yards closer, which in turn took many minutes to cover.

After a toss of the head and a shine of the boss to my eyes, it was decided to take him. The hunter wanted to know which direction he was facing and claimed no visible shooting target... At this point, the buffalo decided to cooperate and turned to face us (he was broadside, facing left before that). It did not take much instruction as to what should be done after that - as the grass parted, the hunter fired into his face, intending to hit him between the eyes for a frontal brain - but anyone is excused for not hitting the target at five paces in such circumstances. His head dropped but he did not - surprisingly, he turned to run in the opposite direction and was nailed again in the back. The spine was missed, but the shock dropped him. As he struggled, the hunter shot him through the back of the head and the bullet exited just under the right boss. Unnecessary, but instant kill and who is to judge what is or is not necessary under such conditions. Humping Rabbits did not get any action during this episode, though both barrels were ready if the bull had come at us instead of turning away. Maybe the next one - one thing for sure is that i need to burn that tall grass asap!

 

[browningbbr]

Thanks Ryan! I always enjoy reading the stuff you post.

 

[AfricaHunting.com]

Sorry to hear that Humping Rabbits was left out of the action but glad to know that you are back in your element!