Got back a couple months ago and finally getting this review posted.
First of all, this was my first experience hunting Africa, and its not one I'll soon forget. I went with Bos en Dal due to their proximity to Jo-Berg (~2 hours) and the fact that I wouldn't need another flight in SA. Gerrit was top notch with his communication leading up to the hunt was able to answer any and all questions I had. I elected to rent a rifle from Bos en Dal rather than bring my own, and the silenced 30-06 was well worth it.
The trip started with the long hop from ATL-JNB, I landed early evening and was met in the airport by Gerrit and Frikkie (who would be my PH). The 2 hour drive to the lodge was easy, and the beautiful sunset didn't hurt either. Upon arrival to the lodge, I was greeted with fantastic accommodations, far beyond what I expected. The lodge itself was great, with only a handful of rooms. I didn't know this, but when you book with Bos en Dal, your group is the only one on the premises. Since I was hunting solo, I had the place to myself. After a quick beer we hit the hay for an early start the next day.
To say the first night was restless would be an understatement, partially due to excitement but mostly due to jet lag. The alarm went off far too early but the excitement forced my exhaustion to roll out of bed. We had a nice breakfast and a quick cup of coffee and hit the ground. My primary target for this trip was a bull kudu. Frikkie and I loaded up in the back of the Land Cruiser (wish they made them like that in America) and were off. Rikus (another PH and our driver for most of the trip) was great as well. To say I was in awe would be an understatement. As we drove to the range to make sure I felt good with the rifle, the SA sunrise and numerous animals we saw were simply breathtaking. I recall seeing impala, zebra, wildebeest, and even a couple small kudu. It was truly impressive to behold.
After a quick sighting-in, we hit the property in search of a kudu. The day was spent on foot and in the Cruiser with our eyes peeled. They aren't joking when they call the Kudu the "Grey Ghost", at one point Rikus stopped the truck and for the life of my I didn't know why. Frikkie pointed out a young bull standing not 5 yards from us in the brush. Absolutely fantastic to see an animal of that size so close, at least before he'd had enough. We hit a quick lunch, even quicker nap, then got back out in the field.
While I was there for a kudu, Gerrit mentioned that they needed an impala for the freezer and was willing to let me try to knock one down. We had a couple stalk opportunities, one of which I completely blew due to not having a round chambered (classic). Towards the end of the day, we happened upon three young rams and stalked to about 80 yards. With Frikkie on the sticks and Rikus with the camera, I took a shot. I couldn't tell if it was a hit, but both PHs said they heard contact. We walked up to the expected impact point and started off to the left, where we though the ram ran. After seeing no blood, we checked the footage and saw that he actually ran right. From there, I watched the masters themselves track the ram about 80 yards until we found him piled up. Walking up to a downed African animal was an experience I will never forget. Day one ended with a fantastic wild game dinner and a few beers, and my first day of hunting in Africa was over.
Day two started the same as number one, great weather, a bit of exhaustion, but tons of excitement. We spend the day hitting new spots in search of a big bull. The day was pretty slow, with the exception of some excitement in the afternoon. Don't get me wrong, it was still exciting as all get out to see these animal in their natural habitat (many of which would have been a trophy I'd be proud of, but my wallet wouldn't support). In the afternoon, we stumbled across a big kudu laying in the road about 150 yards off. By the time I had the rifle set and ready to shoot, our small window of a few seconds had closed and he was gone. That one stung, seeing the target I had travelled thousands of miles for spring off in to the bush. Another wonderful dinner and a few more South African beers ended day two.
Day three, the dreaded rain arrived. It would rain off and on (mostly on) for the next two days (the last two of my hunt). To their credit, Frikkie, Rikus, and Gerrit kept me out all day (even letting me sit in the truck). It was day three when I was truly impressed with their commitment to getting me on the animal I wanted. These guys genuinely cared. I've hunted with a handful of outfitters in the States, most good, some bad. I have never seen commitment out of any that came close to the three PHs I was with. It was humbling to have that much attention dedicated to me and my hunt. We spotted three bulls on another piece of the property and even put a few stalks on, but couldn't seal the deal. Watching the team track these animals through the brush was again incredibly impressive.
The end of day three will likely be the most exciting and most heartbreaking hour of hunting that I may have for the rest of my life. On the drive back to camp with about 45 minutes of light remaining, we passed what looked the rear end of a big kudu. We stopped the truck, and backtracked on foot. Gerrit got me within about 20 yards of the bull and all we could see was hit head and horns. My heart was in my throat. We were so close, but the bush was just too thick to shoot through. It truly felt like we were looking up at the animal, their size cannot be overstated. After about 10 seconds, he bolted. We trailed him through the brush for about 25 minutes, getting about 30 yards from him again with no clear shot. He joined some females and they bolted. The walk back to the truck was a mix of excitement and disappointment. I played it over and over again in my mind.
With about 15 minutes of light remaining, we continued our drive back to camp. Out of nowhere, another huge bull jumped past the truck. We immediately hopped out and watched him stop at 60 yards. As I brought the rifle up, he bolted. A short stalk ensued, but he was gone. I had just had two encounters within 15 minutes of the largest game animal I have ever pursued. It was exhilarating but disheartening to have not sealed the deal. With one day left to hunt (and a 2200 departure the next evening) it was crunch time. The pressure started to mount.
Day four brought more rain and a pit in my stomach knowing that during day three's rains, the kudu were few and far between. We started with a long drive on the other part of the property to no avail. Upon returning to the main parcel, we saw what appeared to be a female kudu about 60 yards back in a clearing. I looked down, then at the next glance up at her, a fantastic bull had stepped out of the brush. We put the brakes on as I hopped out of the truck. I knew it was this bull or no bull. With the truck between me and him, I knew this shot was going to be without the sticks. I told Frikkie to start inching the truck forward as I stayed put. As the bed of the truck passed, I rose up, put the crosshairs on and pulled the trigger. I never saw the bull after that point, partially due to smoke from the gun, mostly due to my brain no longer functioning properly. Here we were in the 11th hour, and I had gotten a shot off at my kudu bull. We parked the truck and started the approach to where he was standing. As we walked, Rikus seemed to hear what sounded like an animal gasping for breath, hopefully a good sign that it had been a lethal hit.
We made it to the impact point, saw some blood and bone, and started the most nerve racking track of my life. What seemed like 10 miles passed by (though it was only about 100 yards) and there he was. A double lung shot had him down, though the shot was higher than I would have liked. Walking up to the animal is a memory that I'll hold with me forever. Putting my hands on his horns was another memory I'll cherish. We took a bunch of photos and got him loaded up and off to the skinner. From there, it was a quick shower, pack, one more beer, and we headed off to the airport.
I cant thank the guys at Bos en Dal enough for their determination and kindness. Frikkie and Rikus seemed just as excited as me when we found the bull. I felt like I was hunting with friends, not just PHs. This trip was one for a lifetime (that I hope happens many more times in my life). The food, accommodations, game, it was all fantastic. We saw beautiful trophy impala, wildebeest, and buffalo. And many many other species as well. I can't wait for another trip and if you're in need of an outfitter, I cant recommend Bos en Dal enough.
First of all, this was my first experience hunting Africa, and its not one I'll soon forget. I went with Bos en Dal due to their proximity to Jo-Berg (~2 hours) and the fact that I wouldn't need another flight in SA. Gerrit was top notch with his communication leading up to the hunt was able to answer any and all questions I had. I elected to rent a rifle from Bos en Dal rather than bring my own, and the silenced 30-06 was well worth it.
The trip started with the long hop from ATL-JNB, I landed early evening and was met in the airport by Gerrit and Frikkie (who would be my PH). The 2 hour drive to the lodge was easy, and the beautiful sunset didn't hurt either. Upon arrival to the lodge, I was greeted with fantastic accommodations, far beyond what I expected. The lodge itself was great, with only a handful of rooms. I didn't know this, but when you book with Bos en Dal, your group is the only one on the premises. Since I was hunting solo, I had the place to myself. After a quick beer we hit the hay for an early start the next day.
To say the first night was restless would be an understatement, partially due to excitement but mostly due to jet lag. The alarm went off far too early but the excitement forced my exhaustion to roll out of bed. We had a nice breakfast and a quick cup of coffee and hit the ground. My primary target for this trip was a bull kudu. Frikkie and I loaded up in the back of the Land Cruiser (wish they made them like that in America) and were off. Rikus (another PH and our driver for most of the trip) was great as well. To say I was in awe would be an understatement. As we drove to the range to make sure I felt good with the rifle, the SA sunrise and numerous animals we saw were simply breathtaking. I recall seeing impala, zebra, wildebeest, and even a couple small kudu. It was truly impressive to behold.
After a quick sighting-in, we hit the property in search of a kudu. The day was spent on foot and in the Cruiser with our eyes peeled. They aren't joking when they call the Kudu the "Grey Ghost", at one point Rikus stopped the truck and for the life of my I didn't know why. Frikkie pointed out a young bull standing not 5 yards from us in the brush. Absolutely fantastic to see an animal of that size so close, at least before he'd had enough. We hit a quick lunch, even quicker nap, then got back out in the field.
While I was there for a kudu, Gerrit mentioned that they needed an impala for the freezer and was willing to let me try to knock one down. We had a couple stalk opportunities, one of which I completely blew due to not having a round chambered (classic). Towards the end of the day, we happened upon three young rams and stalked to about 80 yards. With Frikkie on the sticks and Rikus with the camera, I took a shot. I couldn't tell if it was a hit, but both PHs said they heard contact. We walked up to the expected impact point and started off to the left, where we though the ram ran. After seeing no blood, we checked the footage and saw that he actually ran right. From there, I watched the masters themselves track the ram about 80 yards until we found him piled up. Walking up to a downed African animal was an experience I will never forget. Day one ended with a fantastic wild game dinner and a few beers, and my first day of hunting in Africa was over.
Day two started the same as number one, great weather, a bit of exhaustion, but tons of excitement. We spend the day hitting new spots in search of a big bull. The day was pretty slow, with the exception of some excitement in the afternoon. Don't get me wrong, it was still exciting as all get out to see these animal in their natural habitat (many of which would have been a trophy I'd be proud of, but my wallet wouldn't support). In the afternoon, we stumbled across a big kudu laying in the road about 150 yards off. By the time I had the rifle set and ready to shoot, our small window of a few seconds had closed and he was gone. That one stung, seeing the target I had travelled thousands of miles for spring off in to the bush. Another wonderful dinner and a few more South African beers ended day two.
Day three, the dreaded rain arrived. It would rain off and on (mostly on) for the next two days (the last two of my hunt). To their credit, Frikkie, Rikus, and Gerrit kept me out all day (even letting me sit in the truck). It was day three when I was truly impressed with their commitment to getting me on the animal I wanted. These guys genuinely cared. I've hunted with a handful of outfitters in the States, most good, some bad. I have never seen commitment out of any that came close to the three PHs I was with. It was humbling to have that much attention dedicated to me and my hunt. We spotted three bulls on another piece of the property and even put a few stalks on, but couldn't seal the deal. Watching the team track these animals through the brush was again incredibly impressive.
The end of day three will likely be the most exciting and most heartbreaking hour of hunting that I may have for the rest of my life. On the drive back to camp with about 45 minutes of light remaining, we passed what looked the rear end of a big kudu. We stopped the truck, and backtracked on foot. Gerrit got me within about 20 yards of the bull and all we could see was hit head and horns. My heart was in my throat. We were so close, but the bush was just too thick to shoot through. It truly felt like we were looking up at the animal, their size cannot be overstated. After about 10 seconds, he bolted. We trailed him through the brush for about 25 minutes, getting about 30 yards from him again with no clear shot. He joined some females and they bolted. The walk back to the truck was a mix of excitement and disappointment. I played it over and over again in my mind.
With about 15 minutes of light remaining, we continued our drive back to camp. Out of nowhere, another huge bull jumped past the truck. We immediately hopped out and watched him stop at 60 yards. As I brought the rifle up, he bolted. A short stalk ensued, but he was gone. I had just had two encounters within 15 minutes of the largest game animal I have ever pursued. It was exhilarating but disheartening to have not sealed the deal. With one day left to hunt (and a 2200 departure the next evening) it was crunch time. The pressure started to mount.
Day four brought more rain and a pit in my stomach knowing that during day three's rains, the kudu were few and far between. We started with a long drive on the other part of the property to no avail. Upon returning to the main parcel, we saw what appeared to be a female kudu about 60 yards back in a clearing. I looked down, then at the next glance up at her, a fantastic bull had stepped out of the brush. We put the brakes on as I hopped out of the truck. I knew it was this bull or no bull. With the truck between me and him, I knew this shot was going to be without the sticks. I told Frikkie to start inching the truck forward as I stayed put. As the bed of the truck passed, I rose up, put the crosshairs on and pulled the trigger. I never saw the bull after that point, partially due to smoke from the gun, mostly due to my brain no longer functioning properly. Here we were in the 11th hour, and I had gotten a shot off at my kudu bull. We parked the truck and started the approach to where he was standing. As we walked, Rikus seemed to hear what sounded like an animal gasping for breath, hopefully a good sign that it had been a lethal hit.
We made it to the impact point, saw some blood and bone, and started the most nerve racking track of my life. What seemed like 10 miles passed by (though it was only about 100 yards) and there he was. A double lung shot had him down, though the shot was higher than I would have liked. Walking up to the animal is a memory that I'll hold with me forever. Putting my hands on his horns was another memory I'll cherish. We took a bunch of photos and got him loaded up and off to the skinner. From there, it was a quick shower, pack, one more beer, and we headed off to the airport.
I cant thank the guys at Bos en Dal enough for their determination and kindness. Frikkie and Rikus seemed just as excited as me when we found the bull. I felt like I was hunting with friends, not just PHs. This trip was one for a lifetime (that I hope happens many more times in my life). The food, accommodations, game, it was all fantastic. We saw beautiful trophy impala, wildebeest, and buffalo. And many many other species as well. I can't wait for another trip and if you're in need of an outfitter, I cant recommend Bos en Dal enough.
