The first rhino darted was a mature male. The Arkansas Chapter – Safari Club International “Recovery Team” of (L to R) Gary Acord, Jake Throgmartin, Robert Williams, and the author just a few seconds before the majestic creature takes his short nap.
By Lavon Winkler
As dedicated supporters of Safari Club International (SCI), hunting advocacy, education, and conservation, we work to conserve flora, fauna, and ensure the future of hunting for generations to come. This set the stage for an unforgettable safari.
The saying that, “Africa is forever calling you to return” has proven to be true. After my third safari in South Africa, I was joined by friends Jayke and Krystal Throgmartin. This wonderful husband/wife team had dreamed of visiting Africa for over a decade, with five failed previous attempts to travel to Africa. Others in our group were Robert Williams and Gary Acord. Jayke, Robert and Gary, along with several others, serve with me on the board of the Arkansas Chapter of SCI.
However, as planned, our plane landed in Johannesburg for truly an experience of a lifetime, and we stayed overnight at the Afton Safari Lodge which is less than ten minutes from the airport. As always, the team at Afton welcomed us with open arms and helped us quickly settle in so we could relax and unwind after a sixteen-hour flight. The next morning, we were picked up by our outfitter and within a few hours were settled into our rooms at the concession. Normally I like to acknowledge the outfitter for making our stay and hunt a wonderful experience. While this was certainly the case for this safari, because of the nature of this hunt and for the protection of the wildlife, the outfitter will remain nameless, and our location not disclosed. Here is why.
Like most hunters, for me, wildlife conservation and the protection from poaching of targeted species is so very important. For the last ten years I have followed closely the challenges, progress, and setbacks with the white and black rhino populations. If you have not followed their story closely, you may not be fully aware of the extreme challenges faced by those who are dedicated to preserving and improving the health and numbers of these amazing creatures.
For years I had dreamed of hunting white rhino. They can be very dangerous, and I just knew it would be an exciting hunt. However, I decided against that, partly because of the negative pressure from poachers and partly for the need for improved systems to protect and increase their population. My interest in “hunting” the rhino, however, changed at the SCI Convention in Nashville, Tennessee in 2023.
While at the convention, I spoke with a South Africa safari outfitter who has a vision for white rhino conservation and is fully committed to doing what he can to ensure the future of these incredible animals. He described a conservation program that would best provide the opportunity for the white rhinos to be protected and increase in number, and explained how a hunter could be a part of this conservation work. This included darting the animal with the use of Vita Darting, a process by which vitamins and/or vaccines are administered as the first step. The hunter interacts with the outfitter, the veterinarian, and recovery team throughout the entire procedure, offering the hunter a lifelong experience. I was certain I wanted to be part of the team and when I mentioned it to Gary and Robert they immediately joined in as well. Jayke did not want to dart a rhino since this was his first safari and he had a long list of plains-game hopefuls. Still, being serious about the conservation of the rhinos, Jayke committed to helping the recovery team as needed.
When the day finally arrived to dart the rhinos, two mature males and one female, there was much anticipation as to how the day would unfold and, hopefully, be successful. The entire process was carefully designed to mitigate any stress on the animal. While a helicopter was available for the safety and wellbeing of the animals, the plan was to do as much of the work as possible on the ground. The first rhino, a mature male, was darted from the ground, but the second and third required the support of the helicopter. The whole process was flawless with minimal stress on the animals, the entire team working in unison.
With each rhino, vitals were monitored, microchipping was checked and recorded (one implanted if needed). For some, a tracking device was attached to the ear, the animal was marked as having been darted, and important photos and measurements were taken. All of this happened in a matter of minutes. While a few pictures were quickly taken of the hunter(s)
with the animal, this was secondary to the process. The veterinarian then administered the shot to reverse the effects of the tranquilizer as the team moved to a safe distance. Within roughly 90 seconds, the massive creature would awake, stand up, and resume its day.
As a hunter, this was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Knowing I was a part of the conservation of these unique creatures is a feeling that tops my hunting/safari experiences. I will never forget what it was like to rest my hands on such a massive animal, feel it breathe, and know I played a small part in helping to ensure the existence of such a unique species. Watching the rhino wake, stand, and walk away triggered an emotion that is hard to describe. I believe that most people want to be a part of something in life that is much bigger than themselves. As that beautiful rhino disappeared into the bush, I realized I hadn’t just hunted the animal. In that moment I had played a small part in ensuring the future of an entire species. For me, that moment was much bigger than successfully hunting a lioness in the Kalahari or securing a record book Cape buffalo in the bush.
I am very thankful for the opportunity to have had this experience. I am also thankful for outfitters that are committed to conservation and to the future of hunting. I believe that we must all take responsibility for the conservation of habitat and wildlife. We must also take a proactive position with lawmakers at all levels to make certain that policies and laws affecting habitat and wildlife are based on science and not emotion or the direction of the political winds. I encourage hunters from all corners of the world to get involved and support organizations like Safari Club International and others that are proactively promoting and protecting the future of hunting. I also believe we should not only be supporting outfitters who can provide good and safe hunting experiences, but also select them based on their reinvestment in our future
The white rhino population is made up of two subspecies; the Northern White Rhino (reported as only two females left in existence) and the Southern White Rhino. The white rhino has an average life span in the wild of 39 to 43 years as to compared to captivity of 27 to 30 years. They grow to be nearly 12’ in length and weigh up to 7,900 pounds! Their IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) Red List status is “Near Threatened.”
National Geographic offers this distinction of the Northern and Southern subspecies: “Aside from living in different parts of Africa, they differ slightly in the shape of their teeth and heads, appearance of skin folds, and amount of hair. In general, southern whites are a little larger and hairier. Contrary to the species name, both subspecies are gray in color. “White” may be taken from the Afrikaans word for “wide,” in reference to their mouths, which are wide and square to help them graze on grass.”
As reported by poachingfacts.com and confirmed by a National Geographic special report, “Poachers have killed more than 8,200 rhinos in South Africa during the last decade; from 2012 to 2017, Kruger’s white rhino numbers fell from 10,500 to about 5,100.”
Regardless of the source, the data seems to align that 2012 to 2017 was a period of decline for the white rhino population largely due to poaching. In the last few years poaching arrests and convictions have increased and as a result we are seeing increases in the rhino population. Still, experts encourage caution as the battle to save these amazing creatures is far from over. No doubt, the worst battleground is South Africa which, as noted, has experienced a rhino poaching crisis due to having the greatest population.
I celebrate there are many great outfitters who are committed to more than just generating profits today. But how do you find them? Well, I encourage you to attend the SCI Convention in Nashville and other hunting shows/events and talk to the outfitters about more than just the animals they will help you pursue or the percentage of animals that make it into the record book. Ask questions and listen closely to their answers. Then, assess their commitment to investing your hard-earned money into conservation. We cannot only think about today and selfishly live for the moment. We must be willing to make investments today to ascertain a fruitful tomorrow. Had it not been for visionary conservation-minded leaders like Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Paul Kruger, the hunting and fishing we enjoy today in the United States, South Africa, and other corners of the world might not exist. Roosevelt and Kruger each made investments and sacrifices in the future of conservation, and we benefit over one hundred years later.
History has proven that as hunters, we are in the best position to conserve the natural resources which have been entrusted to us. We are not only hunters. We are conservationists.
The team goes into action; taking vitals, critical measurements, checking for microchipping (and chipping if needed), and assessing the overall health of the rhino.
Lavon Winkler Bio
Lavon Winkler, retired executive, grew up in Northeast Missouri and was introduced to hunting at the age of ten by his father. Although most of his hunting has been in the United States, he has hunted many times in South Africa and New Zealand and plans to expand his international hunting experience. Lavon is a Life Member of the National Rifle Association, Safari Club International, Kansas City SCI Chapter, Arkansas SCI Chapter, and the African Hunting Gazette. He also serves as President of the Arkansas Chapter of Safari Club International.
Hunt Detail Fact Sheet
Year of the hunt and hunting dates: May 12 – 20, 2024
Country were hunt occurred: South Africa
Hunting area, ranch or concession name: Northern Limpopo – Undisclosed
Outfitter and satisfaction rating: Excellent Rating
Professional hunter and satisfaction rating: Undisclosed – Excellent Rating
Rifle and cartridge details and satisfaction rating: Heym 450/400 89B PH – Excellent rating
Ammunition and bullet details and satisfaction rating: Hornady Dangerous Game – DGX 300gr. Excellent Rating
Riflescope details and satisfaction rating: N/A
Taxidermist and satisfaction rating (only if you have received your trophies): Jim Rice, Cutting Edge Taxidermy – Excellent Rating (past experience from multiple safaris)
