September/October 2014 – Newsletter
The temperature is heating up and so is the hunting. As the 2014 Hunting season draws to a close and reflect on the past months and anticipate the beginning of the rainy season, September and early October proved to be very productive and enjoyable for all of our clients, both in Sengwa Research (pictured above left and right) for buffalo and plainsgame as well as Chirundu for lion, hippo and crocodile.
Stellenbosch Alumni were exceptionally well represented as Etienne, his wife Tracey, Johan and Gerhard ventured north to Sengwa Research for two 10 day buffalo
hunts. Etienne and his wife were guided PH Jannie Meyer whilst Johan and Gerhard were guided by PH Clint Edwards. Etienne successfully took an old “dagga boy” (pictured above left) at close quarters, fairly early on in the hunt. He was then able to go on to bag some fantastic plainsgame that Sengwa has to offer including an hyaena, a spectacular kudu (pictured above centre) and a late afternoon porcupine made for an interesting bag. Tracey’s skills on the hunt asmotivator/gin connoisseur/ professional baobab & sunset photographer combined with her great sense of humour added great value to the hunt.
Johan and Clint connected with a great “dagga boy” after a few days of hard hunting. Having the whole team on recovery duty and being able to share in Johan’s success was a memorable occasion. Gerhard’s participation on the hunt, most notably around the evening campfire was greatly appreciated. In short-thanks to everyone on the hunt for some fantastic hunting and great memories!!
Also in September, PH George Hallamore guided his long time client Ron on a lion/hippo/crocodile hunt in Chirundu. Arriving in camp to see a pride of lion close by bode well for the upcoming hunt. A good hippo bull was shot on the first day and this was then used to set up the lion baits. A couple of days later Ron took an impressive 13.5 foot crocodile and on checking the lion baits it was apparent that a big male was in the area!!!
George and Ron constructed their blind and eased into it late one afternoon. It wasn’t long until a magnificent full maned valley lion ambled nonchalantly onto the bait. Ron felled him (pictured left) with one well placed shot and a lifetime’s dream was realised.
Congratulations Ron on a fantastic shot and an amazing trophy!!!
Back to Sengwa Research where Jochem and Yanik guided by PH Jannie Meyer, embarked on a 10 day buffalo hunt, one leg of their “flying safari”. The first few days were spent tracking herds of buffalo and looking for the best option, which finally presented itself late in the afternoon of the third day. Jochem pulled off a great heart/lung shot at about 50m and after a short follow up the buffalo (pictured above right) was down. The rest of the hunt was conducted at a leisurely pace, shooting a brace of impala, a double on warthog and ending up with a last afternoon of dove and sandgrouse shoot. Weidmansheil to Jochem for a memorable hunt. The season is drawing to a close with only a couple of hunts left. There are a few last minute specials available – notably hippo, crocodile & leopard-please do contact us with any enquiries. The 2015 booking sheets are also open-so please do book early to secure your preferred dates and species!!!
2014 has been an interesting year for the Zimbabwean hunting industry as a whole and particularly for myself, Jannie Meyer. Earlier in the year the opportunity presented itself for me to become the sole owner of Buffalo Trails Safaris. I am pleased to say that I jumped at the opportunity and am looking forward to what the future holds for me as a professional hunter and for Buffalo Trails, at the beginning of this new chapter. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Martin Neuper for being a fantastic business partner in Buffalo Trails since it’s inception as well as being a loyal friend. We look forward to working with you in future and wish you all the very best in your new ventures!!!
We will all be together in Las Vegas and Salzburg for the conventions-we will advise of specific details soon and look forward to seeing everyone there!!!!
