Jul 8, 2021 | Hunting Stories, News
It starts like most adventures start – a thought in the back of your mind, a vision of adventure, the experience of a new culture, new people, and a different perspective of a sunset in a remote continent and different hemisphere.
Such was the case when I began thinking and dreaming of an African hunt. I had always dreamed of such an adventure, but could I make it a reality? The expense, the travel complications, firearm permits, work responsibilities, locating an outfitter and an area to hunt -the list of excuses can be endless.
When I finally came to terms with the excuses, I began to talk to myself and communicate with others, with a feeling that this could happen. The planning and researching phase of the adventure can be overwhelming, but luckily it took little effort to convince two of my close friends and former work colleagues to join forces and make it happen. As luck would have it, my friends were both already veterans of several previous trips to Africa which decreased my anxiety and gave me confidence. The pathway to my first African adventure had begun!
Kudu
The next step was to stick a flag in the ground and propose a date. At that time we could not have possibly imagined that a global pandemic had a different trajectory. Unfortunately, the flag we placed in the ground was squarely in the middle of that trajectory. We assumed there would be obstacles and barriers to overcome, but this was beyond our expectations.
Having decided on dates, we searched for an outfitter, but with so many options, who to choose? In the end, even with my two companions with previous African experience, we employed a professional booking agent, the best which turned out to be an ideal solution.
After several months of evaluating many possibilities, we were all finally in agreement with the outfitter, dates, and targeted species. We made the final decision, signed our hunt contracts, and paid a deposit to secure the schedule. The professional booking agent did his job, the dates were secure. The hunt, still 12 months away, we went off to make our flight reservations. All major obstacles and barriers appeared to be in our rear-view mirror. What could go wrong at this point!
We have all lived through the pandemic and subsequent Covid restrictions, so I will not re-hash the obvious, except to say our May 2020 hunt was cancelled and re-booked a year later. The frustrations, sadness and disappointments extend far beyond a pre-scheduled African hunt.
Kudu
But nearly two years and eight months from the initial vision of my Africa adventure, I found myself sitting on an airplane with a three-letter destination airport on my ticket – JNB (Johannesburg, South Africa)! It seemed nearly impossible to believe, but we were on our way.
I will not even attempt to sugarcoat the travel frustrations in a world that was trying to recover from a pandemic: The frustrations with rifle permits, covid testing requirements and ever-changing flights were now behind us as we sat on the first leg of our journey.
Arriving in Johannesburg after 36+ hours of travel we were exhausted. Thankfully, and as recommended by my hunting companions, we had already decided to spend two nights at the Afton Safari Lodge in Johannesburg to give us adequate recovery time before traveling on to our destination. The additional time even allowed the opportunity to tour the city which was a real bonus. The Afton Safari Lodge not only turned out to be a bit of an oasis, they also handled all our rifle permits, met us at the airport and walked us right through the customs process.
Witfontein Safaris
The area we intended to hunt was in the northeast province of Limpopo, and the four-hour drive to Witfontein Safaris gave us ample opportunity to take in the countryside.
Upon arrival were greeted by our host and our PH. After a quick introduction, a review of our hunting strategy and schedule, we were off to dinner and bed. The next morning we were to be cast into the wilds on our adventure! We were up at sunrise, and after a quick breakfast, zero checking our rifles at the range, we teamed up with our assigned PHs and were off for the day.
My PH, Herman, was a retired South African police officer and had decades of experience guiding all over southern Africa. I was immediately impressed and in awe of his depth of experience and local knowledge. I felt incredibly lucky to have been teamed up with such a skilled professional. Unlike in most American big-game hunting, one of the most compelling aspects of hunting in Africa is the targeting of many species on a single hunt. This was my first trip to this beautiful, game-rich land, so after months of revisions I had finally decided on four: kudu, sable, nyala and oryx.
Nyala
I quickly learned on my first day out that South Africa is about opportunity, which forces the hunter to be flexible and ready. We could be hunting kudu when a nyala unexpectedly steps out of the brush. This is exactly what happened many times, which is all part of the excitement of South Africa. After four days of hiking, glassing, and passing on a few animals, in the end, I took my sable and kudu within a few hours of each other.
The nyala was next on the list if there was an opportunity. The nyala, a cousin to the kudu, which is often referred to as the Gray Ghost, proved just as elusive. Even with the rut in full swing, these animals prefer heavy thick brush and have little interest in venturing out of their comfort zone. Finally, on the second-last day of the hunt and after exhausting multiple tactics, I took a beautiful nyala bull as we sneaked our way through the brush.
Witfontein Safaris
This adventure had already become epic – the culture, endless wildlife, and the sunsets are what hunting novels are written about, and I was living it. Time was running out, as it always seems to do. The idea of still having an opportunity at an oryx with only one day remaining seemed unrealistic. I had only seen one oryx, and it was running ass over tea kettle as they say, in the other direction. Herman, my ever confident PH, seemed to have no worries. He simply grinned and looked at me like a tenured professor would eye an unconfident student.
“I have a plan, now let’s get a good night’s rest and we will attack this in the morning.”
After a somewhat restless night, sunrise of the last day finally came, and after a quick breakfast I was anxious to hear “the plan” as we headed out for the last day in the field.
Witfontein Safaris
We started the morning by glassing a large expanse where Herman had previously located a small herd, hoping they would still be in the area. It was not long before we had our first glimpse of these amazing animals. Not unlike the pronghorns of the west, they are also equipped with amazing eyesight and being herd animals, there were lots of eyes to be concerned about. I was excited, but a few minutes later we were spotted, and they quickly turned and disappeared over the ridgeline. My heart sank as I tried not to look at my watch in desperation as the day clicked forward. Unshaken, Herman with his same confident professor expression, simply said, “Alright let’s go get ‘em,” as if the disappearance over the far ridge was part of the plan.
We quickly got off the top of the truck, shouldered the shooting sticks, and off we went on foot. Samuel, our highly experienced and trusty tracker went off in another direction, obviously part of some plan that at this point I no longer questioned. After about an hour of tracking and worming our way through the trees and underbrush, I was becoming slightly lost when Herman once again looked over at me intently as he quietly deployed the sticks.
“OK, get ready, and take the one on the right.” Right? How far out is he? I had not yet spotted anything, let alone the one on the right. After calming my nerves and getting organized I was on the sticks and finally spotted the oryx. At the same time Herman whispered, this time with a bit more anxiety in his voice, “Hit him now – he is at 142.” I squeezed off the .308 and the unmistakable sound of the thump echoed back at us. I knew he was hit good, and after a short track (thank you, Samuel) we had him, and I was immediately overcome with emotion. It was now the afternoon of my last day of hunting and I had taken all four of my target species and participated in one of the most incredible experiences of my life.
Sable
As we gathered around the fire that last evening enjoying a drink, I had an opportunity to reflect. It is interesting how the mind works: The covid frustrations, scheduling trauma and unending flight changes seemed irrelevant as the warm glow of the final sunset disappeared behind the hills. I had just experienced a culture and an adventure that many dream of, but only a small percentage have realized. I was incredibly grateful.
If I have learned anything about this experience it can be summed up about perseverance and long-term planning. Too often we subject ourselves to the daily frustrations and struggles within our own professional and personal life, not allowing ourselves to dream big – in the end a decade will slip by, and our experiences remain routine. This trip had dozens of opportunities to fail, or for any of us to simply say – “not now, this is too hard”. But we did not. As this trip fades into photos and long-distant memories, I will always be grateful for not giving up and making this incredible and epic adventure a reality.
What is your next adventure? Make it happen!
About the author
Dave Irvin is a commercial backcountry pilot, avid hunter, aviation and outdoor writer and wilderness enthusiast. He currently calls Western Montana home where he and his family reside on their small ranch.
Jul 8, 2021 | Hunting Stories, News
Suspicions arose when my French representative took me aside at Ouamou, our hunting camp in eastern Burkina Faso, strongly advising me to keep my firearm within reach at all times. I had just arrived with my last group of hunters after two months of back-to-back safaris in Burkina Faso (formally known as Upper Volta). Some background. Terrorist attacks escalated during the past few years in Burkina Faso. On 2 March 2018, at least eight heavily armed militants launched an assault on key locations throughout Ouagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso. Targets included the French Embassy and the headquarters of Burkina Faso’s military. ISIS fighters infiltrated the Sahel region (northern Burkina Faso, western Niger and southern Mali) from the north and established strongholds in this arid and religious-diverse area. The Sahel region forms the southern frontier of the Sahara Desert.
Colourful garments decorate the road between the camp and the hunting zone
Splinter ISIS groups moved into the countryside of eastern Burkina Faso – directly into our beloved hunting grounds. For nearly a decade, African Echo has conducted successful hunting safaris in association with our local partner during the months of January through to the end of March. In Singou, not far from where I was busy hunting savannah buffalo with an American client, a French outfitter and his hunting clients spotted two armed men at a distance who immediately opened fire on the French group, but luckily no-one was hit (very bad shots). The French picked up 34 AK-47 cases after the two men ran off. The news spread like a veldfire among the camp staff, and we were all on high alert. Not initially wanting to alarm the clients, we started hunting more to the south in the concession and added a few extra armed scouts to our party. We all spoke French, except my clients.
We added a few extra armed scouts to our party
My tracker Oually normally goes off on his own just before arrival at our lunch-time picnic spot, to shoot a few guinea fowl which very tastefully paired with our packed pasta, Moroccan sardines and a few cold ones.
After the first shot from his old Russian single-barrel shotgun, and very much to his surprise, he was surrounded by half of Burkina Faso’s armed forces. Luckily the heavily armed convoy was led by Michel, a good friend and local hunting guide, showing the military where the previous attack took place. I remember being quite proud as Michel was wearing his African Echo hunting cap (he often helped me out when I had double bookings). By now the clients realised that this was not a standard anti-poaching exercise.
Fighting ISIS in the beautiful hunting blocks of Burkina Faso
We had a meeting back in camp and decided to stop all hunting. The plan was to wait for the military to clear the area. After sitting in camp for two days and slowly running out of hunting days, I contacted my local partner in Ouagadougou and he organised another concession in the Pama region, very close to the Benin border. This was my last safari that season – little did I know that it sadly would also be my last safari since then. We quickly packed, and after lunch the whole crew drove down to Pama, roughly 200 km southwest by road. Trust me, 200km is not a two-hour drive in West Africa. We arrived at last light, regrouped and settled in.
Arriving at last light, African Echo crew move camp 200 km southwest towards the Benin border
After losing a few hunting days and confronted by a whole new area, we were very fortunate to obtain most of the animals on the clients’ wish list. We were all on the same Air France flight from Ouagadougou to Paris from where my clients caught their connecting flight back to the States, and I flew back to South Africa. Saying our last good-byes at Charles De Gaulle Airport, I sensed a mutual awareness of what just happened to us. It was more than just a hunt. The past ten days of compact and intense adventure will provide a lifetime of memories.
A Proud Member of Craig Boddington Endorsed Outfitters.
Registered ACP (Confirmé) & PHASA. SCI member & Global Rescue partner.
Please contact us if you are interested in hunting West and Central Africa (Chad & Central African Republic) or Southern Africa (Mozambique, Zambia & South Africa).
www.africanecho.co.za
glaeser@africanecho.co.za
Mobile: +27-83 456 1934
YouTube URL-link below of last short film made in Burkina Faso: https://youtu.be/nzMMI7RRAkU
Jun 10, 2021 | Hunting Stories, News
This article is not intended to offend anyone, but is merely an offer to inform – and possibly improve – the safari experience for clients, outfitters and professional hunters. I’ll begin by admitting that I am not an expert on anything other than my likes and dislikes I base my observations on five trips to Southern Africa hunting with five different outfitters and three professional hunters for a total of 101 days. The areas I hunted in South Africa are Limpopo, Thabazimbi and Barberton. I have also hunted in Namibia near Otjiwarngo and Okahandja.
The first thing I would like to mention is communication. Before my first trip in 2009 I read somewhere that a safari had three parts: There is the anticipation, the actual hunt, and the reliving it when your trophies arrive. Each phase should be enjoyable.
Outfitters are busy taking care of the hunters on site, responding to potential clients, dealing with business promotion and daily routines. However, you the outfitter, and the PH, should consider your hunter. Stay off your phone or computer when you are with the hunter. I expect all attention to be with me while I am hunting with you. When you talk with others in Afrikaans and I am present, please, translate for me so I am not left out of the conversation. I consider it rude for anyone to talk in a language that others don’t understand without explaining what the conversation is about. The other issue with communication is with emails or messages between clients and outfitters. We are aware of all the things outfitters have to deal with, but please read the entire message and answer promptly and completely. I have waited over a week to get a response from outfitters, and then when I asked four questions only one or two were answered. This wastes my time and yours, as I have to ask again.
Communicate with your clients (especially first-time hunters). Ask if they will be bringing anyone else with them – a son, daughter, grandchild, niece, nephew, neighbor? Plant the idea. Many US people do not realize that young people can hunt in Africa. Sharing the hunt makes it that much better, and it’s an opportunity to introduce someone to hunting. I brought my 10-year-old grandson to Africa where he killed his first animal – an impala. It was the best safari I have been on, and something he and I will share forever. The outfitter applied special rates for my grandson, appreciating the chance to build a relationship with a future client.
My 10-year-old grandson Pierce painted with blood after his first kill
Hunters need to communicate with their outfitter and PH. Make sure you explain how you want to hunt. If you want to spot and stalk make sure you maintain that attitude. Some outfitters will push you to shoot as
many animals in any way possible. More animals = more money. Also state what type of trophy you are looking for. Do you want a record animal or a good representative specimen? We will all shoot a record trophy if the opportunity presents, but do we want to hold out and come away with nothing? As they say: “Don’t pass up on Monday what you’ll shoot on Friday.” Inform your PH of your wish list, but also let the PH know if you might add or substitute another species if a great trophy appears.
On my second safari we were stalking hartebeest that were mixed in with some zebra. Following behind the PH I noticed a duiker that I thought was a rather large specimen. I thought that if the duiker bolted he might spook the hartebeest and zebras so I got the PH’s attention and pointed out the duiker. He waved his hand to let me know that we were not interested in duiker, but we were after hartebeest! A few days later in conversation, I said that I might be interested in a duiker if we found a nice one. The PH replied: “You should have shot that one we saw the other day. That was the biggest duiker I have ever seen.” Now there was a time that the PH should have considered the trophy animal presenting itself and informed the hunter (me) that it was a very nice specimen and given me the choice to shoot or pass. Communication!
The manner of hunting in Africa where you do not purchase a license for a particular species in advance is a concept completely foreign to US hunters. In the US you need a license for every big game animal you wish to hunt. Each state has its own regulations and fees associated with each license, and a license is not a guarantee of success. African Outfitters and PHs need to make sure the client understands the trophy fee system, and that a client can shoot any species he finds acceptable – as long as he has the money to pay for it.
HEAT. What is it with no heat in Africa? Hunters from the US and Europe leave the heat of summer to hunt Africa in the winter. Our bodies cannot adapt to the temperature change overnight. I do not mind putting on layers of clothes to go out hunting but I do not want to wear those same clothes to bed in order to keep warm. But taking a shower in a room that is just slightly above freezing is NOT enjoyable. My wife will never travel to Africa again after freezing for 10 days on a concession that had no heat in our bungalow or in the main lodge. Any future trips for me will include the understanding that my accommodations will have heat. I have seen mornings when the dog’s water dish was frozen solid, the staff were bundled in woolen hats, scarves and coats, but the windows are wide open while they cook breakfast. Why? Is it some macho standard that makes a warm room unacceptable? I slept on plank floors in a lean-to during the dead of winter when I was a young man, but I am well past that now. Think about your client’s comfort.
Understand your client’s overall interests. Some clients’ only interest is killing animals, while some are interested in the entire experience. I find each trip as a means of learning something about a culture, the geography, the politics, the flora and the fauna. My favorite PH is great at spotting game, identifying tracks and getting me on the sticks for a shot. He is also knowledgeable about the flora and native culture which enhances my experience and leaves me with something more than a trophy on the wall.
Make all-inclusive the standard for your clients. There may always be some ‘extras’ that require additional compensation, like side trips or even special diets. Transport from the airport? How else would they get there? Your promoted low price tag may attract their attention, but the add-ons can sour the relationship when you hand them the bill. Believe it or not, not everybody reads the fine print. Don’t forget what they have to spend just to set foot on the continent.
My experiences in Africa have given me a great many positive memories and very few negative ones. Much of that has to do with my bonding with a PH that I trust and enjoy being with. Spending time with him is now more important than just another trophy. Build relationships. Consider your client as more than a paycheck and they will keep coming back. Often the quality of the finished product is in the details.
Be safe and keep on hunting!
Jun 9, 2021 | Hunting Stories, News
As the world knows, 2020 was unlike any year ever before experienced—and that was true for life at Eastern Cape Bowhunting. When the government implemented the lockdown, we refocused our efforts on our hunting grounds, staff, facilities and animals to elevate every experience for future guests.
Thriving Populations
The rainfall in the 2020 season was so much better than the previous seven years, which led to thriving animal populations and record new births. Because there was no hunting in 2020, the prospects for success have truly never been better. With the improved rainfall and feed availability, we’re seeing some truly impressive bulls. This hunting season is going to be remarkable!
New Hunting Blinds
We built two new bowhunting blinds to provide guests with new opportunities. Dassie Blind is set into the side of a kopje (stone outcrop) and has a rugged feel, unlike the concrete blinds on the property, making it an ideal spot for baboons, kudu and waterbuck. Cliff Blind is situated along the Tarka River on a remote part of the property, where we’re seeing nyala, kudu, sable and golden wildebeest.
Pop the Cork
With the help of our head sommelier in Cape Town, we’ve acquired some very exciting wines for our guests. The cellar is stocked with prize-winning South African wines, as well as a few new selections to keep things interesting. If you’re new to South African wines, fear not—we’re always excited to host wine tastings for your group. And, of course, when the occasion calls for it, we happily open a beautifully chilled bottle of champagne!
Caring for Staff Families
During the lockdown, all our staff’s children came to stay with them on the farm. Because we feel so strongly about education, we’ve been supplementing their learning with educational materials and games. We built a community vegetable garden to supplement food through the year for our families and created a sports area for the children to play netball and soccer. We even hosted a proper South African Christmas party with all the kids!
Ready for the Hunt
The start of 2021 has seen all our rivers flowing, our dams full, and we’re irrigating our newly planted crops with strategically collected rainwater. There’s plenty of green grass and the animals have had a bumper birthing season. The excitement, trophies, camaraderie and friendships forged in the pursuit of the hunt are all starting up. The firewood has been prepared and the campfires are eagerly awaiting your return to the starry African skies. The hunt is on!
To learn more about Eastern Cape Bowhunting and make your reservation for 2021, visit easterncapebowhunting.com Password: hunting.
