African Bowhunt With Tony Dukes
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INFO ABOUT THE HUNT

It was a 17  hour flight from Atlanta to Johannesburg was a bit cramped. Plenty of movies on South African Air and plenty of hunters on their way to help pass the time. Customs in Africa were efficient and friendly. I just walked through with a bow, that I had to often re-identify. My friends with guns were delayed about 30 minutes. It is a good idea to take proof of ownership of cameras, binoculars and sometimes bows.

Our guys of Witklip safaris pick us up in Toyota land rovers, got us a remarkably American like hamburger and had us in the hunting area in less than 4 hours. We stayed at a beautiful, roomy lodge, with landscaping of African fruit and flowers, decks and a back yard barbecue area. Bedrooms and showers private, decorated in safari styles and of course was adorned with a mount of just about every creature in Africa. ( all of which they can arrange you to hunt from there)

South African are a hearty, friendly lot and we immediately fell in love with the Ras family who has operated the safari over the same lands for over 30 years. The men are tough and know the land and animals. The trackers and dogs that work with them make wounded game recovery an amazing 98%! A good thing because you pay for what you hit.  Food is different and new tastes are to be enjoyed and experienced. No fear, they will put a steak on the grill before you leave but no enchiladas!

Our hunt was basically a week safari, I will double my stay next time as the cost of my hunt, including all animals taken, was less than a fancy guided elk hunt in Colorado and it was a million times better. A bull elk can mature in 4 years where it takes a kudu 15, besides you can take a dozen or more exceptional animals while hunting kudu which elk hunting does not afford. After having spent many a day in the mountains and cold weather, the Africa climate was indeed a pleasure and that is why I hunt for the pleasure. The hunt is also user friendly for older or handicapped hunters.

For those wanting to hunt the Big 5 or other animals not indigenous to the region, all you have to do is ask. Outfitters know the areas and will guide on these hunts. I am planning on adding a leopard hunt to my plans for next year, which is available in near by Mozambique and my brother is saving for a cape buffalo hunt. 

Shot placement guides are available through the Safari Club as well as several bowhunting info web sights, this is not to be overlooked. These critters vitals are in a different place than our deer and they are harder to kill, you could not study or practice too much for this hunt.

Most people read in the blind while passing away the time, I was too excited to, but would suggest " The green hills of Africa" by Hemmingway or " The witchery of archery" by Maurice Thompson. Both books will change you life and add substance to your hunting experience.

In summary after over 30 years of hunting four countries, over a dozen states, and taking bear, lion, elk, antelope, deer, etc. nothing equals this African adventure. Other hunters on our safiri sighted cheetah, jackal, giraffe and many other animals and sights unique to Africa. 

I wonder why I'd never gone to Africa. The experience and excitement far exceeds that of North America. It is just not that expensive, all you have to do is do it! Once you do I guarantee you will go back. What I thought would be the hunt of a lifetime now I think will become my lifetime of hunting. 

The thing about a safari is it is more than animals, sunsets, sounds and skies. What exactly is it? Can't tell you, can't explain. I will tell you it is there waiting to explode your senses and imagination and I am going back next year and would like you go go with me. I've hunted  some of North America's premier camps, ranches and outfitters and this hunt ranks at the top. Please contact me for booking limited spaces for 2004! W. R. Tony Dukes, 3100 Hamilton Ave. # 3105, Fort Worth, TX 76107,  ph.(817) 877-3158 E-mail TDHUNTS@aol.com or WXX2213@aol.com.

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Sponsors For The 2003 African Bowhunt
A note of appreciation to the sponsors that backed me on my first African bowhunt. (TonyDukes):
 Alpine Archery (bow), Magnus Broadheads (broadheads), Sims Vibration Laboratory (limb savers), Pro Release (release aid), Eze-Eye (arrow wraps), Montana Black Gold (bow sight), Bododle (arrow rests), LaCross Boots (rubber boots), Nikon (binoculars), Robinson Outdoors (Scent Shield) , Game Tracker (arrows) and Freddie Bear Sports (Sticks N' Limbs camouflage) and Bowhunting.net.