SOUTH AFRICA: Kalahari Buffalo 2019

[gillettehunter]

I'm enjoying your report. Looks like a great time was had by all. Thanks for taking the time to share with us.
Bruce

 

[cpr0312]

Enjoying the read as well! Congrats on the buff and sable!!

 

[Lmcquin]

Awesome report.

I hunted with Pieter’s outfit two years ago. Johan was awesome!! He could track a house fly that passed through 6 years ago.


Awesome looking animals.


Johan, if your reading this, this is Lyle from Kentucky in the Us. I think of our hunts often (including the zebra I missed lol). Hope you are well.

 

[Vanguard2279]

05/31/20119 Friday
The hunt is over. It's time to make our way home. Pieter's sister, Susan, was tasked to take us to JNB with a stop at Chameleon Village to shop. We said goodbye to Pieter and with the hopes that we would hunt together again. We stopped at a sporting goods store in Rustenburg and ran in to Johan van Wyk @johanvw and his beautiful wife. It was good to see him prior to leaving. We then headed to Chameleon Village. For those who have not been there, here is my advice. Walk past the wall of hawkers that are aggressively trying to sell you stuff and head to the back of the show room. There you will find the better deals from the less visited vendors. At noon, the vendors still insist that you are the first customer of the day. I'm not a good bargainer. I paid less than asked but much more than I should have. Mani and Dev laid waste to the vendors and paid much better prices for the treasures that they chose. Me? I bought a hand painted tablecloth and a smaller scale Zulu spear. I found some nice carved wooden animals and a few trinkets.

 

[Vanguard2279]

Finally, we arrive at JNB and bid Susan farewell with much thanks for her hospitality. We are met at the ticket counter by Mr. X who guided us through checking in and depositing our rifle cases at the appropriate office. It should be noted that Mani and Dev had to pay the $100 firearms handling fee from LHR-JNB despite having bought their tickets well before the fee coming in to effect. They have since been refunded their money. None of us were charged at departure. We made it through Security and headed to the Out of Africa Kids store to buy gifts for the children in our families. My granddaughter, Penelope, has a menagerie of plush African animals.
I next took Mani and Dev to my favorite restaurant in JNB after a stop at the Duty Free shop for alcohol. After a late lunch, we visited the Out of Africa store for more gift shopping. My flight left first and my brothers took me to my gate. I know that I will see them early next year for my next trip to London, but I was sad to leave them. I boarded the flight and headed to JFK. This isn't over yet, gents.

 

[Vanguard2279]

I survived my flight and arrived at JFK. Things to be going well as I collected my suitcase and cleared Customs with my rifle case. Interestingly, nobody even inquired about my boots as they have been sprayed on each of my previous trips. I approach the SAA counter and check in. Once again, Port Authority Police are called to inspect my rifles at the counter. Then I am escorted to the TSA room to turn in my rifle case. I had noticed that my rifle case interior was opened and swabbed at virtually every stop when other hunters' cases were not. After cutting the foam, I had reinforced the form by spraying it with Plasti-Dip. I suspect that this may be the cause. However, this isn't much of an inconvenience. I worry when the TSA agent wants my key and inspects my firearms outside of my presence.
After making it through Security and head to Gate B38. Be aware that this is the furthest gate in the B concourse. I then think that I should get something to eat and relax before the flight to Vegas. Then, almost like the voice of Doom, I hear my name announced over the PA system to return to the Security Checkpoint. I set out, concerned about what could be of issue. This is a LONG walk, by the way. Upon arrival, I contact a TSA agent who advises me to talk to the agent at the info booth. The young lady calls somebody while I stand there and then she advises me that there is a problem and my ammo box (locked as required) and rifle case may not make my flight to Vegas. Then she tells me to go to the Delta ticket counter. Mind you, boarding for my flight is fast approaching.
Now, I'm irritated. However, I stay civil. Prior to being a flight attendant, my daughter was a customer assistance representative for SWA. I have heard often of her taking the brunt of people's anger for things that are not her fault. I approach a gentleman who appears to be a Delta supervisor and explain my situation. He has no idea why TSA would send me there so we go to talk to TSA. TSA insists that I must have misunderstood the other TSA agent ( I did not) and said that they just wanted me to meet an agent at a half-way point to get the keys to my ammo box so they could open it for inspection. That has never happened on five prior international hunting trips. He then advises me that they cut the locks as they couldn't get ahold of me. Upon arrival at home, I would discover that they snipped both locks AND one side of the plastic hasp of the box thus ruining it for future use. AAAARRRRGGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!
Glued to my rifle and ammo cases are hard luggage tags (www.yourbagtag.com) with my name, email address and cell phone number. I'm contactable.
I NEED to get back to my gate. I'm running out of time. The Delta supervisor fast-passes me at Security and advises me to find a Rover (electric vehicle). I get through Security and approach two waiting in the area. I tell the female driver that I'm in danger of missing my flight. She looks at me and says, "Hop on, baby! We gots to go!". I hope on and we are on our way. First, Holy Crap! I thought they had rules to follow. Second, she laid on the horn and scattered small groups of people. Third, that thing seems fast. I literally wanted to shout "Wooo-hoooo!" as we tore down the concourse. I arrived as my flight was boarding. I tipped this Daredevil $10.00 with my heart-felt thanks. I boarded and settled in for the flight to Vegas. Upon arrival, I gathered my luggage and rifle case without incident and waited for Erica to pick me up.
I survived. I had a great time with Pieter and hope to hunt with him again. My first Cape Buffalo hunt was exciting. I see why it is addictive. I was especially thankful to be with Dev and Mani. They are my friends and brothers and we will have many adventures together in the future.
A few days after getting home, I flew to Dallas to take my wife roses for the day of her passing. A few days later, I made it to Phoenix to see my granddaughter and give her latest stuffed animals. I'm including a picture of my granddaughter and her Cape Buffalo. Also, a picture of the 4Stable Sticks for anyone who is interested and a picture of the first London AH Get Together.
Thank you for reading.

 

[BeeMaa]

Sorry to hear about your ammo box molestation.
Do you have any recourse for that?

 

[Mort Hill]

Great tale of your safari. Wonderful read and pictures were very interesting and informative. Gotta love the fellowship of great hunting friends, old and new. Thanks for taking the time to share.

 

[Vanguard2279]

Sorry to hear about your ammo box molestation.
Do you have any recourse for that?

Nope. The box wasn't particularly expensive, but I liked it. I think the chickenshit nature of snipping the hasp irritates me more than anything. Not to mention completely ignoring my direct contact information as well.

 

[Ridgewalker]

What a fun time with a group of AH members!

 

[cpr0312]

You guys had a blast! Congrats to all!

I have had a few pizzas in that same restaurant in JNB as I'm sure many here have, not bad at all!

 

[rosecitymike]

Would you mind elaborating more on the 4stable sticks? In photos they look less stable and more awkward to carry/set up than say a bog pod or such. Very interested to hear more about your experience in the field.

 

[Vanguard2279]

Would you mind elaborating more on the 4stable sticks? In photos they look less stable and more awkward to carry/set up than say a bog pod or such. Very interested to hear more about your experience in the field.

On the website for the US distributor, they have a video on how to deploy them yourself. It's actually pretty easy with a little practice. In the field with a PH and tracker, they are generally quickly spread for the hunter to get in position. I did not buy the lightweight model which weighs a few ounces less than the standard. I was amazed at how light they actually were. Once you are rested on the sticks, it is incredibly steady.
Recently, I took my .338-06 to the range. Out of curiosity, I targeted the 8" steel gong at 200 yards and hit it 2 for 2. These will be going with me, one way or another, on all of my future hunts.

 

[Ross Reamy]

Awesome report, I always look forward to your reports.

Dev & Mani seem like they'd be a lot of fun to hunt with!

 

[LivingTheDream]

Awesome Report. Really cool you got your granddaughter her own cape buffalo. Thanks for sharing and beautiful trophies!

 

[English Hunter]

Good report and it was nice to note that the english participant was the most photographed with a drink in his hand. One has traditions don't you know.

 

[norfolk shooter]

The second day of the hunt, a Canadian (I don't remember his name) arrived with Motsomi safaris at lunch. They went out and shot a Lion within an hour of leaving the lodge. Congratulations! However, he then proceeded to drink himself stupid. For some reason, he seemed to want to pick a fight with Norfolk Shooter. For those of you who know Mani, he is a rather vertically challenged gentleman. I had no doubt the significantly more sober and skilled Brit could take care of whatever came at him. Eventually, the point was made and the clown went to bed. They left early the next morning before we even got up.

View attachment 299725

The Canadian chaps name was Paul. It wouldve been fun to take down a guy three times the size of me

 

[norfolk shooter]

There was much to celebrate that night. The tenderloin of the buffalo was grilled by Seun that night and Dev produced a magnum bottle of champagne. Mani had the honor of uncorking that beast. View attachment 299733 View attachment 299840 View attachment 299731

@Vanguard2279 I feel I should point out it was I that produced the Magnum but I can see how you got confused me and Dev are both Indian.

 

[norfolk shooter]

And I just noticed that I am now an "AH Enthusiast". I'd like to thank the committee,....etc. I'm a long way from "Enabler", but with some hard work and more hunts, I might make it someday.

You are an Enabler we "enable" each other

 

[norfolk shooter]

Good report and it was nice to note that the english participant was the most photographed with a drink in his hand. One has traditions don't you know.

Indeed sir!!!