| Reprinted from AFRICA'S
BOWHUNTER Magazine
Smack! The loud crack broke the sultry silence of the South African
plains. Half the arrow still protruded from the giant eland's chest as
he turned and instantly disappeared into the bush. I stood shocked by the
fact that the arrow had not penetrated more, hoping this well placed shot
would do its job. Perhaps for the first time, I realised how different
hunting a 1700 pound animal of South Africa is to a moose or elk kill of
North America.
This ten day, six animal package hunt to South Africa started about
two years ago. Bill Snodgrass of Snodgrass Safaris and Big Game Hunts is
my booking agent for my hunting adventures. He suggested I visit South
Africa for the hunt of a lifetime. With little thought, I cast this suggestion
aside in pursuit of North American big game. However, some time later,
the images of the Dark Continent began to haunt me. What an experience
such trip may hold? To visit such a far off place and hunt game that I
could scarcely imagine...
The spot was Ingogo Safaris and Walter Slippers was the owner and PH.
The deal was settled and on 2 October 2002 my fiancé, Nikki Hawk,
and I were off on an African safari. The weapon of my choice being the
bow and arrow.
After a gruelling half hour wait we emerged from the blind to track
the mortally wounded eland. The journey was short; the eland lay dead under
the sinking sun of the African plains -- less than a 100 yards from where
I shot it.
The eland was not actually part of my hunting package. In the blind,
Walter had offered a quick deal of a lifetime. I traded my last two animals
for the chance at this world-class eland, which we had seen for the second
time. Walter said, "Shoot, this is the opportunity of a lifetime at a record
book animal!" Record book indeed: coming in at 101a (SCI method)
Joe Krause, USA, shot
this world-class eland bull (382/8 inches Rowland Ward method) at Ingogo
Safaris with a Mathews set at 70 pounds, using an arrow tipped with a 120
grain broadhead. With him is Walter Slippers from Ingogo Safaris.
This kill, in addition to a record book blesbuck and impala, was rounded
off with a warthog and a kudu. Five shots and five kills; it was a dream
come true.
The hospitality and accommodation at Ingogo Safaris were unparalleled.
The food was excellent and the hunting world class. A final thought on
our experience in South Africa: unbelievable, unforgettable, going back!
For more info go to: www.africanbowhunter.com
Reprinted from AFRICA'S
BOWHUNTER Magazine |
