On 27 August this year my husband, Pine Voges, and I departed early in the morning for three days of bowhunting at Arrow Rest Safari's. When we arrived, Johan Hermann, the owner of Arrow Rest Safari's was there to greet us and show us the beautiful chalets in which we were to stay.

The weather was overcast and raining, but even so, Pine decided to try his luck in stalking a warthog on foot. Soon enough, a huge warthog boar presented itself and Pine took the shot! Unfortunately, bushes obstructed Pine's view and he didn't realize that the warthog was standing quartering away from him. The arrow hit the warthog's shoulder blade. Johan arrived with his Rhodesian ridgeback in an effort to track the warthog, but all the dog got for all his trouble was to be gored by the very angry animal. We have since heard from Johan that the warthog is still alive and well!

The next morning, after practicing for a while, Pine decided to try out one of the well-built hides on Johan's farm. Sure enough, after a brief wait, kudus started coming in. 

What a magnificent sight! To say I was excited and nervous at the same time, is an understatement! The largest kudu bull eventually presented itself at the right angle. I pulled out my Mathews FX set at 43 pounds, using an ACC340 arrow tipped with a 125g Muzzy and squeezed the trigger.

To my amazement, the kudu reacted instantaneously and almost jumped the string. The shot was true and hit the kudu through both lungs. The kudu took off on its death run for approximately 50 metres and expired within our sight. After all the excitement and the extreme adrenalin rush, it was a huge relief to see the kudu expire so quickly.

Within minutes Johan arrived and congratulated me on my first kill ? a kudu!

Pine and I enjoyed our stay and the warm hospitality extended by Arrow Rest Safari's and we can't wait to go back again next year.

For more African bowhunting adventures: www.africanbowhunter.com

Reprinted from AFRICA'S BOWHUNTER Magazine