Mike Wachtel
AH senior member
I'm just back from 2 weeks in Namibia at @Ozondjahe Hunting Safaris. My first time in Africa at age 67. Crazy me, I booked a 12 day leopard hunt. What are the odds? But assured I would pick up plains game, off we went after a year of planning and over 50 years of dreaming. Lots of stories behind every memory, but here's my "bag"--Morning of day 3, scored on a 7'-6", 119 lb. Tom! Then a good Impala, chosen from 100's on the 120 square mile property. Then a great stalk on a lone Zebra, interrupted by a nasty-tempered Honey Badger, but ultimately successful, shot from the sticks. A Damara Dik-dik from the higher ground was next. Used a .222 on him, the .300 Win. Mag. would have made "mince" of him. If I were so inclined to enter, he would go way over the minimum RW, a giant with 3-1/4" horns! Will look nice mounted with the leopard. After much enjoyable blind sitting (my wife recorded 52 species of birds, with the help of our PH, Phillip Fourie), a herd of Eland filtered in. PH whispered that he'd tell me when the bull arrived. He didn't have to! The majestic bull towered over his harem of 25+ cows and calves. I made a good shot, and he was down at 50 yards. Then, after seeing many cows, calves, and young bulls (they all looked great to me!) Gemsbok, we finally found an old lone bull hanging well back from a waterhole. Waited for a broadside shot, and he ran 50 yards and dropped! 3 days left, and I decided to take it easy, do some Guinea and Francolin shooting, visit the taxidermist with my trophies, sight see; but always had the rifle available in case a big Kudu appeared. He didn't, a reason to go back. Thanks for pre-hunt tips from Charlie Austin and many hours talking with Greg Mensik to allow me to plan such a fantastic adventure for my wife and I. Mike Wachtel, Lacona, IA
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