Bill DeHaan
AH veteran
- Joined
- Aug 1, 2019
- Messages
- 188
- Reaction score
- 488
- Location
- Midwest USA
- Media
- 31
- Hunted
- South Africa, USA; Alaska, Michigan, Indiana, Virginia, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Idaho, Texas. Canada; Ontario
Safari Day Minus 1 and Some Background
My youngest brother Tom and I had originally planned to make our first safari in June of 2020. Of course we all know Covid reshuffled the deck. So quickly last year a new date in late May 2021 was set for our safari with Marius Goosen and KMG.
In the weeks leading up to the trip, there were many warnings and broad consensus that U.S. hunters should fly Qatar Airlines through the Middle East, avoiding both Delta and KLM. There are (Dutch and EU) travel restrictions to The Netherlands from South Africa, that are confusing and difficult to understand. The bottom line is that the Dutch ban on travel from South Africa doesn’t affect travelers who are only transiting through Amsterdam. Again, the ban doesn’t apply if you are only traveling through Amsterdam, providing you do not leave the international terminal.
This was to be our first safari. I had chosen KMG and Marius Goosen based on their AH Forum representation and very positive client feedback. There are a number of top shelf outfitters and PH’s to choose from. Marius and KMG have a fine reputation for personality, character and ability to delivered for clients. KMG seemed to produce wonderful experiences and above average trophies. (spoiler alert - KMG exceed not only my expectations but also my hopes.)
During telephone and internet conversations, I communicated our priority lists to Marius along with a couple other personal needs and expectations. My brother and I are not spring chickens. I am 62 and have had a serious back injury that has left me with nerve damage that has impacted my balance and mobility. So as our father used to say, “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak”. Tom, on the other hand, has fantastic mobility and still very physically able. (maybe I spent too much of my youth in 4 wheel drive) His help to me, along with that of Marius’ were key to my success. Thank you to my brother and Marius my friend.
During our hunt we stayed at The Outspan Farm Lodge. It is a striking setting, with wonderful building architecture, and staff that make you feel at home. It was lovely, quiet, peaceful and frankly a paradise to our mind and spirit. It is cliche to say but true, owner/hosts Andrew and Debbie, their daughter Laura, and staff Porche and tracker T-Man looked after us like family. Saying our farewells to them, Marius and his tracker Lloyd was hard. Ten days have never passed so quickly.
One key desire that I expressed involved the animals to be taken. I have hunted across North America for over 5 decades. During that time I have been blessed with the opportunities to harvest a lot of game. I told Marius I have shot enough animals during that time so it was important that he know I was seeking something special in the animals I shoot. Something other than being “representative of the species”. I was ok eating my tag and going home without a particular trophy. I am sure Marius had heard that before from many clients, but he understood that I meant it. I was committed to only take “proper” or “finished” animals. Possibly even a “chief”.
Tom and I would be hunting with rifles chambered in .270WIN and a .300 RUM respectively. Both were firing hand reloads that are on the hot side of charge, using Barnes TSX. All were tested and confirmed for point of impact during a sight-in upon our arrival at the Lodge. We’d both practiced shooting off sticks – sitting and standing. I’ve spent considerable spent time on a long-range shooting over the past several years. At an long range steel course near me, I practiced shooting from both positions out well beyond ranges I’d ever consider taking an animal. It really improved my skills and also my confidence.
Before leaving the shooting bench, we planned to test fire a couple rounds to confirm the point of impact was unchanged with the bipod that I planned to use on a hunt for Barbary in a couple days. To my shock, as I tightened the mounting knob on the bipod, the front sling stud on my rifle pulled out of the stock! Suddenly, I not only couldn’t use my bipod, but I also would not be able to use a sling! Eventually we did locate the local version of our own JB Weld product, a two-part epoxy. Unfortunately it was the night before our Barbary hunt and a trip to the range was not possible. So I elected to leave the bipod in camp. Having the sling again was very appreciated.
Safari Day (SD) 1:
Following our arrival, a trip to the rifle range and a delicious lunch, we slipped out for an afternoon of glassing the mountain slopes that surrounded us. The topography included deep ravines, grassy rounded hilltops, steep, slopes, and the thick thorny bush common to the mountains there on the eastern cape. It reminded me of west Texas on steroids. We spotted Nyala, Kudu, Warthog, Wildebeest, Zebra, Impala, Blesbok and more on the very first outing. Marius is meticulous about examination of animals to verify their trophy worthiness. We saw many good animals but none worthy of a stalk and shot. So at sundown we returned to the lodge and a fantastic dinner featuring Nyala Stroganoff, night caps and stories around the large open hearth fireplace. As best I could tell, many of the stories were true! Then we turned in for the night, sleeping lightly until my 0530 alarm sounded.
Safari Day (SD) 2:
Jet lag hit us at about 0300 so ample application of coffee was called for and the staff had already dialed that in. Rifles, ammo, cameras and binos were loaded into the bakkie and we left for the bush at a rather chilly first light. With Lloyd and T-man at overwatch in the back, I can’t imagine anything slipped by their eyes. And on this early morning, it was the case. We’d only been on the two-track for a few minutes when two quick taps on the roof brought the bakkie to a stop. Words were exchanged between Marius and the tracker. Marius quickly turned to me and whispered, “Warthog, a very good one, close, get your rifle and let’s go.” Well we had a problem. I was sitting in the front and my rifle was in the back seat. Brother Tom instantly uncased and passed my rifle forward as both Marius and I slid out the passenger door. We hunkered down and scooted around behind the elevated bank of a mostly dry water hole. Then the sticks came up, my rifle found its familiar rest, and there about 65 yards away was a monster warthog, fast asleep in the early sunlight beside his burrow. He was facing nearly dead on to me. The whispered instruction of “shoot him at the base of his neck and shoulder” was received with concern as I found the pig in my scope. Threading the shot to his shoulder/neck crease meant putting the round precisely between his tusks, and crazy close to his right tusk. I did the best I could under the circumstances. When the 300 RUM barked, the pig spun off the lip of his burrow down into the dry pond shoreline. He was done. And just that quickly we had drawn first blood and I had earned my first safari trophy. The 180 grain TSX passed between the tusks, striking the pig just below and left of the on-hand side eye, exiting via the off-side shoulder. He never woke up.
After dropping the warthog off at the skinning building, we headed back down the two-track to glass the mountain slopes and ravines as the sun rose. Hoping to find a Kudu bull warming himself in the morning sun. Marius had previously seen a couple very nice bulls, which were on both of our lists. By late morning we had spotted a truly fine bull and the stalk was on. As we worked our way down, then across that mountain to close the distance, the ground and cover became less and less accommodating. The crushed shale rock acted as ball bearings on the dried clay soil. To maintain traction one had to rely on the larger rocks and boulders to control your movement. The brush was thick, inhospitable, and blood thirsty. Eventually we reached a point that three sets of boots and bodies made too much noise. And since my ability to navigate that steep slope and cover was seriously challenged, I stayed put and Tom went ahead. They continued down the mountain about another 400 yards, where even their safety and ability to silently stalk reached an end. I was able to watch the bull and his harem for all but the final 5 minutes of their stalk. Waiting with great anticipation, I finally heard the familiar single shot report of his .270 and a solid whack of the bullet strike, “kaaa….wok”.
Tom had his first safari blood with a single shot at 272 yds. After a short 20 yd run, the bull dropped, and he had his Trophy Kudu and what a dandy it was! A beauty that could grace any trophy room.
We retired perhaps a little early that night, quite tired, and certainly very happy! Dawn could not come soon enough.
My youngest brother Tom and I had originally planned to make our first safari in June of 2020. Of course we all know Covid reshuffled the deck. So quickly last year a new date in late May 2021 was set for our safari with Marius Goosen and KMG.
In the weeks leading up to the trip, there were many warnings and broad consensus that U.S. hunters should fly Qatar Airlines through the Middle East, avoiding both Delta and KLM. There are (Dutch and EU) travel restrictions to The Netherlands from South Africa, that are confusing and difficult to understand. The bottom line is that the Dutch ban on travel from South Africa doesn’t affect travelers who are only transiting through Amsterdam. Again, the ban doesn’t apply if you are only traveling through Amsterdam, providing you do not leave the international terminal.
This was to be our first safari. I had chosen KMG and Marius Goosen based on their AH Forum representation and very positive client feedback. There are a number of top shelf outfitters and PH’s to choose from. Marius and KMG have a fine reputation for personality, character and ability to deliver
During telephone and internet conversations, I communicated our priority lists to Marius along with a couple other personal needs and expectations. My brother and I are not spring chickens. I am 62 and have had a serious back injury that has left me with nerve damage that has impacted my balance and mobility. So as our father used to say, “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak”. Tom, on the other hand, has fantastic mobility and still very physically able. (maybe I spent too much of my youth in 4 wheel drive) His help to me, along with that of Marius’ were key to my success. Thank you to my brother and Marius my friend.
During our hunt we stayed at The Outspan Farm Lodge. It is a striking setting, with wonderful building architecture, and staff that make you feel at home. It was lovely, quiet, peaceful and frankly a paradise to our mind and spirit. It is cliche to say but true, owner/hosts Andrew and Debbie, their daughter Laura, and staff Porche and tracker T-Man looked after us like family. Saying our farewells to them, Marius and his tracker Lloyd was hard. Ten days have never passed so quickly.
One key desire that I expressed involved the animals to be taken. I have hunted across North America for over 5 decades. During that time I have been blessed with the opportunities to harvest a lot of game. I told Marius I have shot enough animals during that time so it was important that he know I was seeking something special in the animals I shoot. Something other than being “representative of the species”. I was ok eating my tag and going home without a particular trophy. I am sure Marius had heard that before from many clients, but he understood that I meant it. I was committed to only take “proper” or “finished” animals. Possibly even a “chief”.
Tom and I would be hunting with rifles chambered in .270WIN and a .300 RUM respectively. Both were firing hand reloads that are on the hot side of charge, using Barnes TSX. All were tested and confirmed for point of impact during a sight-in upon our arrival at the Lodge. We’d both practiced shooting off sticks – sitting and standing. I’ve spent considerable spent time on a long-range shooting over the past several years. At an long range steel course near me, I practiced shooting from both positions out well beyond ranges I’d ever consider taking an animal. It really improved my skills and also my confidence.
Before leaving the shooting bench, we planned to test fire a couple rounds to confirm the point of impact was unchanged with the bipod that I planned to use on a hunt for Barbary in a couple days. To my shock, as I tightened the mounting knob on the bipod, the front sling stud on my rifle pulled out of the stock! Suddenly, I not only couldn’t use my bipod, but I also would not be able to use a sling! Eventually we did locate the local version of our own JB Weld product, a two-part epoxy. Unfortunately it was the night before our Barbary hunt and a trip to the range was not possible. So I elected to leave the bipod in camp. Having the sling again was very appreciated.
Safari Day (SD) 1:
Following our arrival, a trip to the rifle range and a delicious lunch, we slipped out for an afternoon of glassing the mountain slopes that surrounded us. The topography included deep ravines, grassy rounded hilltops, steep, slopes, and the thick thorny bush common to the mountains there on the eastern cape. It reminded me of west Texas on steroids. We spotted Nyala, Kudu, Warthog, Wildebeest, Zebra, Impala, Blesbok and more on the very first outing. Marius is meticulous about examination of animals to verify their trophy worthiness. We saw many good animals but none worthy of a stalk and shot. So at sundown we returned to the lodge and a fantastic dinner featuring Nyala Stroganoff, night caps and stories around the large open hearth fireplace. As best I could tell, many of the stories were true! Then we turned in for the night, sleeping lightly until my 0530 alarm sounded.
Safari Day (SD) 2:
Jet lag hit us at about 0300 so ample application of coffee was called for and the staff had already dialed that in. Rifles, ammo, cameras and binos were loaded into the bakkie and we left for the bush at a rather chilly first light. With Lloyd and T-man at overwatch in the back, I can’t imagine anything slipped by their eyes. And on this early morning, it was the case. We’d only been on the two-track for a few minutes when two quick taps on the roof brought the bakkie to a stop. Words were exchanged between Marius and the tracker. Marius quickly turned to me and whispered, “Warthog, a very good one, close, get your rifle and let’s go.” Well we had a problem. I was sitting in the front and my rifle was in the back seat. Brother Tom instantly uncased and passed my rifle forward as both Marius and I slid out the passenger door. We hunkered down and scooted around behind the elevated bank of a mostly dry water hole. Then the sticks came up, my rifle found its familiar rest, and there about 65 yards away was a monster warthog, fast asleep in the early sunlight beside his burrow. He was facing nearly dead on to me. The whispered instruction of “shoot him at the base of his neck and shoulder” was received with concern as I found the pig in my scope. Threading the shot to his shoulder/neck crease meant putting the round precisely between his tusks, and crazy close to his right tusk. I did the best I could under the circumstances. When the 300 RUM barked, the pig spun off the lip of his burrow down into the dry pond shoreline. He was done. And just that quickly we had drawn first blood and I had earned my first safari trophy. The 180 grain TSX passed between the tusks, striking the pig just below and left of the on-hand side eye, exiting via the off-side shoulder. He never woke up.
After dropping the warthog off at the skinning building, we headed back down the two-track to glass the mountain slopes and ravines as the sun rose. Hoping to find a Kudu bull warming himself in the morning sun. Marius had previously seen a couple very nice bulls, which were on both of our lists. By late morning we had spotted a truly fine bull and the stalk was on. As we worked our way down, then across that mountain to close the distance, the ground and cover became less and less accommodating. The crushed shale rock acted as ball bearings on the dried clay soil. To maintain traction one had to rely on the larger rocks and boulders to control your movement. The brush was thick, inhospitable, and blood thirsty. Eventually we reached a point that three sets of boots and bodies made too much noise. And since my ability to navigate that steep slope and cover was seriously challenged, I stayed put and Tom went ahead. They continued down the mountain about another 400 yards, where even their safety and ability to silently stalk reached an end. I was able to watch the bull and his harem for all but the final 5 minutes of their stalk. Waiting with great anticipation, I finally heard the familiar single shot report of his .270 and a solid whack of the bullet strike, “kaaa….wok”.
Tom had his first safari blood with a single shot at 272 yds. After a short 20 yd run, the bull dropped, and he had his Trophy Kudu and what a dandy it was! A beauty that could grace any trophy room.
We retired perhaps a little early that night, quite tired, and certainly very happy! Dawn could not come soon enough.
