Just completed first trip to Africa

[Ridgewalker]

In June I went with friends to South Africa for my first African plains game hunt. They had been there before, so I was very excited to be invited. Wonderful trip! We are booked on a two year plan again (gives us time to pay for the last trip) I didn't get the warthog, jackal, genet, caracal, or civet I hoped for (I'm a varmint hunter), but did get a gemsbuck, blue wildebeest, Impala, Nyala, kudu and, of course a zebra. Used my Tikka 300 WM with 180 Nosler Partitions. Seemed to work fine.
I got my first .22 at 6 years old, Winchester Mdl 12 at 16 and Centurion Mauser in 257 Roberts at 17 years.
I've hunted Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, Wyoming, Utah, Nebraska, Nevada, Alaska and Montana.
I've had a wonderful life that I've always said "a lesser man couldn't handle" !

Glad to find this sight. I am excited to see what all I can learn as an old great grandpa.
Thanks!

 

[cpr0312]

Welcome aboard! Congrats on the first African Safari, please post some pics! Yes your gun/ammo combo was a good choice, I also used a .300 and 180 g on my first plains game safari!

 

[Ridgewalker]

 

[cpr0312]

You certainly got some nice trophies on your safari, congrats! Kudu looks very nice and unique Nyala!

 

[Scott Slough]

Congratulations on a first safari ... and on booking the return one so soon. Those of us who have only been once are certainly happy for you ... and just a little jealous!

We would love to hear more about who you hunted with and some of the exciting stories of stalks ... successful and otherwise!

Welcome to AH!!!!

 

[jasyblood]

Beautiful trophies! Thanks for sharing!

 

[BRICKBURN]

Damn nice set of trophies.
Thanks for sharing your trophy pictures with us.

There are some specialists around for those critters you missed. Have a look at some other hunt reports and you'll find them out.

Welcome to AH.

 

[Ridgewalker]

Thanks for the warm welcome!
I'm not a trophy hunter. Just decent examples so I can have an experience to fill my soul and bucket list. Learned that from being too greedy chasing Kodiak bears. 2 tries..no bear. Still want one, but maybe settle for an 8 footer if I go back.
Took my 17th elk last season and hauled three of the 5 pack loads out 1 1/2 miles myself. Glad it was a cow. Glad I didn't have to go back for skin and antlers! That may be my last without an outfitter to do the hauling.

 

[BRICKBURN]

When you are two ridges back Size matters.
We always had to talk my brother down about shooting stuff too far back (geographically speaking)
There were days when he needed a good swift kick.
Nothing like hunting with folks to pack things out.

 

[sierraone]

Great first hunt! Many of us can only hope to do as well!! Welcome!

 

[AfricaHunting.com]

Welcome to AH Ridgewalker! Glad you found us and thanks for sharing some great trophies with us. Looking forward to your participation.

 

[Royal27]

Congrats!

You definitely sound like you're hooked! Welcome to the club.

The night critters are a blast. I'd suggest that perhaps you focus on them for the next hunt and then just take what comes during the day. They take some work, but man they are worth it. I've seen Genet all three trips, but haven't gotten a shot yet. And that includes focused night hunting this last trip.

 

[caddman]

Good looking trophies. I really like the kudu photo. Good work.
Welcome to AH Ridgewalker.

 

[rinehart0050]

Welcome to AH! great looking kudu!

Check the hunting reports, there are some where the night critters you're interested in were specifically targeted. I think @Hank2211 recently wrote a report on just such a hunt.

 

[enysse]

Welcome to AH, I like to chase odd critters too!

 

[spike.t]

hi welcome aboard and congrats on your hunt

 

[Nyati]

Welcome to AH and congrats on those nice trophies !

 

[REB1136]

Great trophies and welcome!!

 

[sestoppelman]

Real nice animals, especially that kudu! Really symmetrical. Now a question. What's with the flash hider stuck on the end of the barrel of that rifle? Welcome to AH!

 

[rinehart0050]

@sestoppelman Looks like you could QD mount a supressor on it... but if that's the case, where's the supressor??