SOUTH AFRICA: Silver Anniversary Safari With Serapa Safaris

[JamesJ]

Great report, glad you guys had a good hunt. Congrats as well on the anniversary.

 

[gillettehunter]

Congrats on the anniversary. What a great gal to go hunting on a anniversary like that. Looks like some beautiful trophies. Sometimes you just have to work harder for your animals. Good job on keeping on after them. I'd say you had a great trip. Congrats. Bruce

 

[Hank2211]

. . . I cannot fully explain my feelings at this point. This was not a hoorah moment. My feelings on this were more solemn but also one of relief. I had shot poorly on this safari so I was quite relieved that my shots were true and no one was hurt by this very angry cat. But the taking of a top line predator.....well I just can't explain it. This is not to say I didn't enjoy the hunt, just that I wouldn't describe it as enjoyment. I am glad I did this hunt and will never forget it. But it is a different feeling than taking a large kudu or a trophy sized elk here in the U.S. I guess I still haven't wrapped my head around it. I just know after it was done, I was shaking a bit. The adrenaline during the hunt had I guess went to my brain and caused me to focus like I'd never focused on a hunt before, but it was now going to the muscles in my body and giving me the shakes. An amazing experience.

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I know exactly how you felt Phil. Each time I've shot a big cat I've asked the team to give me some time alone with the animal after the pictures, just to let it all sink in. Mixture of relief and awe, perhaps. Maybe a slight feeling that I might not want to do this again - these are majestic beasts (but I do . . .). This is not, as you say, the same as hunting kudu.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I know exactly how you felt Phil. Each time I've shot a big cat I've asked the team to give me some time alone with the animal after the pictures, just to let it all sink in. Mixture of relief and awe, perhaps. Maybe a slight feeling that I might not want to do this again - these are majestic beasts (but I do . . .). This is not, as you say, the same as hunting kudu.

Yes...this!

 

[lwaters]

I really enjoyed the hunting report Phil and happy anniversary. I agree with you on the lion hunting why should the US tell other countries how to manage their wildlife. I think RSA and Namibia are doing a better job of it than the US

 

[Buff-Buster]

Hey Phil, first off congrats on your anniversary! That's really something to be proud of nowadays. Secondly, congrats on a great safari. I really enjoyed your comments on what you felt after taking the lioness. Spot on!

I'm definitely letting Sandy read this. Sounds like s great idea for our 25th!

Lastly, how much wine did it take to get Donna to chose Africa over Hawaii?

 

[sheephunterab]

Great report and great hunt Phil. We hunted with Serapa in 2013 and it is an incredible facility and can mirror your comments on the lions.

 

[johnnyblues]

Congratulations on a fine hunt, and many more happy years with your better half.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Hey Phil, first off congrats on your anniversary! That's really something to be proud of nowadays. Secondly, congrats on a great safari. I really enjoyed your comments on what you felt after taking the lioness. Spot on!

I'm definitely letting Sandy read this. Sounds like s great idea for our 25th!

Lastly, how much wine did it take to get Donna to chose Africa over Hawaii?

For real, no Texas tales, it was her idea. Of course it required no twisting of my arm to agree to it....

 

[Bullthrower338]

Congratulations Phil, great report and very insightful.
Cheers,
Cody

 

[edward]

great pics and story.

 

[Bobpuckett]

Happy Anniversary Phil and Donna Congrats on your 25 years and an Awesome hunt.

 

[Clayton]

Happy Anniversary. Congratulations, 25 years is a milestone. And what a way to celebrate it.

May y'all celebrate your 50th in like manner.

 

[ActionBob]

Congratulations Phil on the anniversary, a great hunt, and scoping out the new to you place.

I enjoyed the whole report but especially the comments on your whole lion hunting experience. Well written and really from the heart. I could feel it with you. Thanks for that!

 

[spike.t]

phil just found this and the internet has behaved long enough to read it all ! nice one congrats on both your hunt and 25th anniversary, and good to see jacques settled in

 

[Christina Nyczepir]

Congratulations, Phil! On your 25th wedding anniversary and on such a successful hunt together. May you two have many more happy hunting successes to remember. And here's to hoping Donna finds a .375 H&H under that Christmas tree from jolly ole Santa this year. Thanks for sharing.

 

[lwaters]

That did it. Had to book a hunt. Will be a Serapa on the first of August