South Africa Waterbuck

T

tlt

Joined
Jan 16, 2015
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The setting for my adventure was just slightly north of the Tropic of Capricorn in the Limpopo region of South Africa. This is the same area where you will find the Kruger national park. When I say, the outfit I chose was well organized, and professional, I cannot stress that enough. It was important to me, to actually hunt, rather than shoot game, and their family owned business has been engaged in conservation, ethical hunting and anti-poaching efforts for generations. With that said, I had the trip of a lifetime thanks to Freddie, Fritz, family and staff. If you are considering a true African experience, food and accommodations, for sight seeing, hunting with bow or rifle, I highly recommend the guys at African Trophy Pursuit. http://africantrophypursuit.com/ or visit their facebook page at facebook.com/africantrophypursuit. If you are interesting in booking with them, drop me a message, and I'll share more experiences and information with them. All in all my experience was a 10 out of 10.

After a morning of tracking a Wildebeast, witnessing to bucks locking horns and fighting for about 15 minutes we spotted this beautiful Water Buck, and we set off for it. After a lot of work, I got it. What a wonderful experience. Thank You again guys.

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My friend got an amazing trophy as well;

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Saw a lot of game along the way, too much to post here, but happy to share more with anyone who is interested.

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When it came to skinning, I seriously regretted leaving my Busse at home with an unfounded fear it might be stolen. The skinners sure could have used it, with multiple sharpening stops along the way. Note the blade and sharpener on the window sill in the back ground. Now I'm on a mission to find a descent used blade to send back with Freddie when he visits in a couple weeks in Houston/Austin.

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Let me know what you think, and if you have any questions.

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Looks like an amazing adventure, one that I plan on taking in a near future.
What rifle and caliber did you use?
 
Thanks gang;

He was a big boy at approx. 320kg and dressed out approx 160kg. The rife is a CZ 550 workhouse bolt action 3.06 suppressed with hand loads. They also do bow hunting, and have areas setup just for Bow Hunters.

If you want to book a trip, I highly recommend these guys, truly an amazing experience. They run a real class act, and reasonable prices. Here is a promo video.

[video=youtube;KnaOe_jTA1g]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnaOe_jTA1g[/video]

http://facebook/africantrophypursuit and web site is http://www.africantrophypursuit.com

Any other questions, just ask.

I'm going to call Lexi Monday and see if I can possible sort trail scalpel custom shop to have in hand to give to my guide Freddie when he is in Houston in 2-3 weeks.. If not, I'll find something used, but that would be a good Skinner for them.
 
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Awesome photos and trophies, and great video too! Thanks for posting this!:thumbup::cool::thumbup:
 
Awesome pictures! I'm sure those memories will last forever. I am very surprised to see you were able to take a suppressor as strict as the gun laws are in South Africa. What all has to be done to transport a can internationally?
 
My guess is you will find that the rifle and suppressor was supplied by the Outfitter in SA, many people choose not to take their own firearm to Africa with them, I could not imagine not doing so myself, it does however add an additional level of effort at the airports both ways. The US (and Australia) is one of the few places in the world where supressors are highly regulated. In New Zealand they are over the counter and unregulated. In England and France they are considered the polite thing to do.

That is a great Waterbuck mate. When I was hunting Kudu last year (in Mozambique) I came across a GREAT Waterbuck, my guide and I had a looooooong conversation about it as he was convinced it was better than great ;). I had my heart set on Kudu and the $$s would not extend to both. It was fantastic seeing it in the wild though !!
 
Thanks for sharing... It's on the bucket list. Just wish I could've been the guy to shoot Cecil the lion. I think he'd make a great rug. :D

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If you need a gun bearer on your next trip just give the word! Will work for meals and a place to sleep. Awesome adventure!
 
Andy the Aussie said:
My guess is you will find that the rifle and suppressor was supplied by the Outfitter in SA, many people choose not to take their own firearm to Africa with them, I could not imagine not doing so myself, it does however add an additional level of effort at the airports both ways. The US (and Australia) is one of the few places in the world where supressors are highly regulated. In New Zealand they are over the counter and unregulated. In England and France they are considered the polite thing to do.

That is a great Waterbuck mate. When I was hunting Kudu last year (in Mozambique) I came across a GREAT Waterbuck, my guide and I had a looooooong conversation about it as he was convinced it was better than great ;). I had my heart set on Kudu and the $$s would not extend to both. It was fantastic seeing it in the wild though !!
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I knew that was the case in New Zealand but I was unaware that England & France were so relaxed on their regulations on them, it's surprising considering how strict their gun control laws are. Meanwhile the American Suppressor Association is fighting the good fight to remove suppressors from the NFA registry.
 
Like NZ supressors are very common in SA as well. I am not sure how/if they are regulated at all there but there are plenty about.
 
Andy the Aussie said:
Like NZ supressors are very common in SA as well. I am not sure how/if they are regulated at all there but there are plenty about.
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Until fairly recently suppressors where completely unrestricted. The current law requires a "variance" on the firearm license if you want to have a suppressor, but it is no big deal and pretty easy to get.

Not to derail the thread or start a political argument but I could never understand the US law and their irrational fear of sound moderators.
 
Great photos. I totally agree on sound suppressors. On a hunting rifle you still have the supersonic thump so the suppressor just allows you to not have to wear hearing protection, but there is still plenty of noise.
 
Thank you Andy, guys. I followed through your Africa thread. It makes mine seem mild. You are correct, the guys supplied the CZ 550 workhorse 3.06, suppressor and ammo. The barrel was floated on it, so I had to concentrate on keeping my fingers off the barrel. The rifle was very accurate and forgiving. It was very quiet firing, a lot less than I expected. This seemed like a very common rifle there, I saw several other guys with them while observing anti-poaching operations. We'll get into that a bit later.

I opted for not trying to deal with the paperwork of bringing my own firearms. It can be done, but I did not have time to do it, and the gear was 100% top notch they provided. Next trip, I might give it a try. The paperwork for a suppressor here in the US is a pain, and takes a long time, but you can do it. I have two suppressors, one from my LWRC 5.56 and one for my Sig P226 9mm. My understanding from another Andy from South Africa is that suppressors are sold there OTC or you can make your own, very contrary to firearms regulation there, but at least it is something.

If anyone wanted to do a trip, these guys will work a custom package to fit your budget. My bush time was limited, as I was there in SA on business meetings with snomaster, and some manufacturers on Land Rover accessories we manufacture there. I'm signed up as the US distributor for snomaster now.

On day one, we did a drive to check out the lay of the land. An hour before one of the guys ran over this Black Momba at the property entrance. I'm certainly glad I did not run into one of these while out in the bush. I took this picture from the back of the truck as we drove over it.

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Here is a little more about the Black Momba. http://www.factzoo.com/reptiles/black-mamba-deadly-large-fastest-snake.html
 
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Steven65 said:
Until fairly recently suppressors where completely unrestricted. The current law requires a "variance" on the firearm license if you want to have a suppressor, but it is no big deal and pretty easy to get.

Not to derail the thread or start a political argument but I could never understand the US law and their irrational fear of sound moderators.
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I blame hollyweird and their low-info patrons. They are always spouting off about how only "assassins use silencers." :rolleyes:







ETA: Great hunt, congrats. :thumbup::thumbup:
 
tlt said:
I opted for not trying to deal with the paperwork of bringing my own firearms. It can be done, but I did not have time to do it, and the gear was 100% top notch they provided. Next trip, I might give it a try.
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Welcome to Bladeforums.:) I just noticed that this was your first post.

The process for bringing your own rifle is very tried and tested and not really difficult. The only pain is that you have to keep control of the weapons at all times while you are in country and that can be tiresome.

The next time you head down if you decide to visit Cape Town and you need some help with safe storage of your kit while you are here just e-mail me or PM me and I will sort it out for you.:)
 
Thank you Steven;

I will definitely take you up on your offer. This trip was short notice, so for various reasons, it would have not worked. I was happy with the guys as they sorted me. Next trip Cape Town is on the list, and back to African Trophy Pursuit.

I've been a long time member of the board, just not much of a poster... LOL..
 
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