SOUTH AFRICA: Back To TSALA HUNTING SAFARIS... Another Epic Adventure

[BnC 04]

After returning last October 2021 from our hunt with the Tsala family crew we knew we had to go back sooner than later. But like most, we were patiently waiting to see if the airlines would continue flying, and if schedules would go back to being somewhat normal and reliable. What we didn’t anticipate is the fact that some employers restricted leisure travel for their employees and those that didn’t restrict overseas travel did mandate a self-quarantine for anyone that left the US. My wife drew the short straw when it came to employment restrictions on travel. As the year pasted, we were becoming a bit more nervous when her work policy would be changed to allow open unrestricted travel. This trip planning phase started many moons prior and was guaranteed to be a special time as we had arranged to travel and be in camp with a father and son team from my home state of North Dakota for their first trip/hunt to Africa. We all lost some sleep wondering if the trip would happen at all.

Fast forward a month or two and it was all systems go as the employer restrictions on travel had finally been updated and relaxed.

With our clothes bag packed, rifle case loaded and tickets in hand it was time to get the party started…


Who: @TSALA HUNTING SAFARIS

Where: Waterberg Mountain area & a property in the Greater Kruger boarding the Balule Nature Preserve.

When: August 13-27 2022

Travel: We used United for all legs. Nashville/Newark /Joburg.

Travel Agency: Jennifer with @TRAVEL EXPRESS

Firearms: Wife’s Winchester M70 in 375 H&H and my Heym in 470

Pre-permits: Went with Henry and his team at @riflepermits.com

More to follow...

 

[Ravensview]

Looking forward to the trip details.

 

[Rare Breed]

After returning last October 2021 from our hunt with the Tsala family crew we knew we had to go back sooner than later. But like most, we were patiently waiting to see if the airlines would continue flying, and if schedules would go back to being somewhat normal and reliable. What we didn’t anticipate is the fact that some employers restricted leisure travel for their employees and those that didn’t restrict overseas travel did mandate a self-quarantine for anyone that left the US. My wife drew the short straw when it came to employment restrictions on travel. As the year pasted, we were becoming a bit more nervous when her work policy would be changed to allow open unrestricted travel. This trip planning phase started many moons prior and was guaranteed to be a special time as we had arranged to travel and be in camp with a father and son team from my home state of North Dakota for their first trip/hunt to Africa. We all lost some sleep wondering if the trip would happen at all.

Fast forward a month or two and it was all systems go as the employer restrictions on travel had finally been updated and relaxed.

With our clothes bag packed, rifle case loaded and tickets in hand it was time to get the party started…


Who: @TSALA HUNTING SAFARIS

Where: Waterberg Mountain area & a property in the Greater Kruger boarding the Balule Nature Preserve.

When: August 13-27 2022

Travel: We used United for all legs. Nashville/Newark /Joburg.

Travel Agency: Jennifer with @TRAVEL EXPRESS

Firearms: Wife’s Winchester M70 in 375 H&H and my Heym in 470

Pre-permits: Went with Henry and his team at @riflepermits.com

More to follow...

View attachment 486105

So pumped my friend!!! I did not know you were going in 2022. Please tell everyone I said hi! Can’t wait for your hunt report!!! Have to admit I am jealous my friend!!!

 

[Trophyhunter01]

Have a great trip!

 

[BnC 04]

We landed in Johannesburg on time and once we headed to collect our rifles we were in and out of SAPS within a few short minutes. Henry’s team at RiflePermits are worth their weight in gold.

The three-hour drive to camp always goes by fast as there is plenty of “catch up” conversation to be had.

It is always a special time for us when we first pull up to camp and the only light is coming from the warm fire in the boma and the crystal-clear stars above our heads.

After a quick but wonderful dinner it was finally time for some much needed rest for the night.

 

[BnC 04]

So pumped my friend!!! I did not know you were going in 2022. Please tell everyone I said hi! Can’t wait for your hunt report!!! Have to admit I am jealous my friend!!!

Hello Craig, ya everything fell into place and couldn't pass up another trip over. We got back roughly 4 days ago and finally getting time for the report.
Take care!

 

[BnC 04]

We were up early the following morning, and I will be the first to tell you I was a bit shocked by the temps that I was feeling. Coming from 110+-F days in Tennessee and now standing outside in 39F watching the first rays of light coming over the mountains had the teeth chattering pretty good.

Each morning everyone could be found at the boma for a quick bite to eat and to come up with a game plan of sorts. The North Dakota boys would be heading out with their PH Brandon and looking for plainsgame of their interest.

We loaded up in the other Landcruiser and had Rouan as our PH and Herman as our tracker/driver. Off to the rife range to verify zero.

For those of you that have read my other Tsala hunting report from 10 months ago know I was fortunate enough to have killed two great buffalo bulls with Tsala and the Mrs held her own with the animals she took as well. With the addiction of buffalo hunting taking hold, I was in high hopes that I might once again be tracking buffalo through the bush on this trip. All was going so well up until two months prior to departure when my lovely wife informed me, I have hunted enough buffalo and it was her turn to give it a go. I did ask for her clarification of “enough” and was informed that it meant two more buffalo than she has hunted. Fair enough… I was excited and completely onboard with her decision. I was granted permission to run backup with the Heym and that was plenty good enough for me on this trip.

We didn’t have a “target list” on this trip but would simply take things in stride and see where the chips fell.

 

[Jörg Krüger]

Awesome start on your report. Can't wait for the rest. Hope you had a great time, but I am sure we will find out soon.

 

[BnC 04]

Day one was relaxed as we took a nice drive and stopped a few times to stretch our legs with a few hikes.

I was shocked to see the amount of retained water throughout the area for this time of the year. Dams were full, streams running out of the mountains and vegetation showing green with new buds.

Meals are served family style and the food Chef Jo puts out is simply amazing! Evenings are spent telling stories, warming up around the fire and enjoying a nice finger or two of scotch.

 

[BnC 04]

Day two we managed to bump into a small group of buffalo in the morning.

After lunch we came across a big buff track that was found crossing the road and Rouan decided we should at least give it a go and see if we could catch up with the bull before we lost safe light for tracking. Working as quietly as possible though the bush and hoping like hell the wind keeps a constant reliable direction, we begin to cover some good ground but like most stalks the buffalo’s 6th sense kicked in and they could be heard freight training through the bush.

Back to camp for a warm meal. Tomorrow is a new day.

 

[BnC 04]

Day three dawned and we could feel it was going to be a few degrees warmer so that was very much welcomed. The morning started out pretty typical with us checking the roads for tracks and dragging roads when it was determined it needed to be done.

We were making our way to one of the dam locations when two buffalo were spotted in the thickets perhaps 100 yards from our location. From our position nobody could see the buffalo clear enough to know if they were of proper age and such but once we looked at the track everyone was in agreeance, they warranted a closer inspection. The Mrs was getting excited at this point and even though I was bringing up the 6 location I was excited as well. With her 375 H&H in hand, off she went following Herman and Rouan as they snaked their way through the thorn bushes following the buffalo tracks. We followed these tracks from several hours, but they just kept feeding along. Always just out of sight and making sure they stayed in the thickest, nastiest areas they could find.

We kept on with the game of cat and mouse and finally caught a break when the bulls acted like they wanted to bed down. We were caught in a small open area with minimal cover and simply nowhere to move to for a proper look at the bulls. Rouan could see that the one bull’s bosses were nice and solid and by all face characteristics (stubby face, dewlap) would be a proper old bull. However, no one could really see the horns beyond the bosses due to our position and the bull’s position. We had to make a move and it was going to be an all or nothing kind of deal. If they hear, smell, or see any of us the game will be over for sure. Staying as low as humanly possible we all drop back a few yards and make a swing to the low side while trying to keep the already minimal wind in our face. Rouan found a good bush to use as cover and for my wife to shoot from. She was in position for her shot and I was directly to her left waiting. From my position I could see the target bull but there was a small tree right in front of his shoulder. All I could do is wait for the Mrs to shoot and I would touch the right barrel off at the same time. Seconds feel like hours and every sense a person has is wide open as you try to patiently wait for everything to be just right. Boom! The 375 goes off and within a second I follow with one shot from the 470. My wife is quick to work the bolt and has a fresh round in the chamber in record time. I look at Rouan and Herman and they are both smiling and pointing at the ground. At the shot the bull dropped in his tracks. My wife’s shot was true and sure didn’t need any help from me. A few moments later the death bellow is heard, and we all remove our hats to show our respect. Once we verify the lights are truly out on the bull, the hunter can finally place hands on her bull of a lifetime.

 

[BnC 04]

Day four had the girls heading to the spa while Rouan and I took it easy and enjoyed the peaceful day. Hunting gameplan would have my wife looking for Steenbok and Duiker after dinner. We finally found a mature Steenbok and with one well-placed shot she had her animal. I couldn't tell you what is considered a big Steenbok but by the celebration upon walking up to this critter I got the feeling the Mrs was blessed with such a specimen.

 

[BnC 04]

Plan of attack on day five was to go look around and see what we could find. I knew the Mrs would be looking for another zebra and she was starting to show a strong interest in a Kings Wildebeest. They are a very unique color variant and in my opinion one of the prettiest.

We came across a herd of zebra that were unaware of our presence and decided to stalk in on them. Everything went perfectly and we had a zebra down. Well done to all involved on that one!

This evening prior to sundown we all made the hike up a rock koppie to enjoy the scenery with the North Dakota boys before their departure the next day. Was great sharing camp with them and listening to the excitement of their stories. I’m sure we will do it again down the road.

Tsala arranged a nice surprise for all of us in the form or a local group of dancers that came to the boma and preformed for us after dinner.

 

[Rare Breed]

Day three dawned and we could feel it was going to be a few degrees warmer so that was very much welcomed. The morning started out pretty typical with us checking the roads for tracks and dragging roads when it was determined it needed to be done.
View attachment 486297

We were making our way to one of the dam locations when two buffalo were spotted in the thickets perhaps 100 yards from our location. From our position nobody could see the buffalo clear enough to know if they were of proper age and such but once we looked at the track everyone was in agreeance, they warranted a closer inspection. The Mrs was getting excited at this point and even though I was bringing up the 6 location I was excited as well. With her 375 H&H in hand, off she went following Herman and Rouan as they snaked their way through the thorn bushes following the buffalo tracks. We followed these tracks from several hours, but they just kept feeding along. Always just out of sight and making sure they stayed in the thickest, nastiest areas they could find.

We kept on with the game of cat and mouse and finally caught a break when the bulls acted like they wanted to bed down. We were caught in a small open area with minimal cover and simply nowhere to move to for a proper look at the bulls. Rouan could see that the one bull’s bosses were nice and solid and by all face characteristics (stubby face, dewlap) would be a proper old bull. However, no one could really see the horns beyond the bosses due to our position and the bull’s position. We had to make a move and it was going to be an all or nothing kind of deal. If they hear, smell, or see any of us the game will be over for sure. Staying as low as humanly possible we all drop back a few yards and make a swing to the low side while trying to keep the already minimal wind in our face. Rouan found a good bush to use as cover and for my wife to shoot from. She was in position for her shot and I was directly to her left waiting. From my position I could see the target bull but there was a small tree right in front of his shoulder. All I could do is wait for the Mrs to shoot and I would touch the right barrel off at the same time. Seconds feel like hours and every sense a person has is wide open as you try to patiently wait for everything to be just right. Boom! The 375 goes off and within a second I follow with one shot from the 470. My wife is quick to work the bolt and has a fresh round in the chamber in record time. I look at Rouan and Herman and they are both smiling and pointing at the ground. At the shot the bull dropped in his tracks. My wife’s shot was true and sure didn’t need any help from me. A few moments later the death bellow is heard, and we all remove our hats to show our respect. Once we verify the lights are truly out on the bull, the hunter can finally place hands on her bull of a lifetime.
View attachment 486301
View attachment 486302View attachment 486303

Wow! What a bull!!! Congratulations to the Mrs.!!!

 

[BnC 04]

Day six had the Dakota boys prepping for their journey home and us taking it as it comes. Rouan did make us aware of an old cow buffalo that was well past her breeding age and a solitary animal. An animal such as this would indeed make a prime target if one wanted to hunt another buffalo. Didn’t take long for the Mrs to show interest and of course I was “allowed” to run backup. Back to buffalo hunting we go. We would climb a high outcropping and try and catch a glimpse of the old girl moving to water. This tactic was unsuccessful, so we decided to take a look around the local dam for tracks. Enroute to the dam we caught a blur of a buffalo that was on full retreat mode. With the sun setting it was determined we would start fresh in the morning at this location and see what turns up. Below a picture of our lookout point.

 

[gillettehunter]

Great buffalo. Congrats to the Mrs.
Bruce

 

[Jörg Krüger]

That Buff!!!!! WoW!!! Just well done. Congrats to the better half.

 

[BnC 04]

Morning of day seven found us spotting the old cow from “lookout rock” and tracking her through the tall grass. With a light but steady breeze, we were able to get within 15 yards before she knew we were there. With shots fired it wasn’t long before the death bellow could be heard. Upon inspection we found the old girl had no usable teeth left and was in very poor shape. Strange to see a cow with a boss like structure.

We have a bit of time left at the current location before we make our move to the Greater Kruger area.

 

[Nyati]

That was a great buff, congrats !

 

[Rare Breed]

Morning of day seven found us spotting the old cow from “lookout rock” and tracking her through the tall grass. With a light but steady breeze, we were able to get within 15 yards before she knew we were there. With shots fired it wasn’t long before the death bellow could be heard. Upon inspection we found the old girl had no usable teeth left and was in very poor shape. Strange to see a cow with a boss like structure.
View attachment 486553

We have a bit of time left at the current location before we make our move to the Greater Kruger area.

Okay now you and the MRS. are both even at two….