I am going to keep this story fairly short here as I will be writing an article for the PBS magazine.
This hunt actually started in my head close to 40 years ago after reading a article about Africa in Bowhunter magazine, Always dreamed of going since then , but never thought it would happen. Then 18 Months ago Tino and Amanda Eramus owners of Trophy Game Safari http://www.tgsafari.co.za/ Came to the MLA's winter Banquet and talked a bit about there place and donated a hunt. Our great friend Rob Jones bought it and asked Tracey and I to join him. We had money in our savings yet from Tracey's mom estate that had just been settled so we said yes and we booked that night and settled on a 2-1 package that would keep the hunt at manageable cost. Over the next few months we talked to many that had hunted SA and listened to all the tips we were given. We booked our flight, So we only had one layover that was in Atlanta then directly to Johannesburg. Our total flight time was 17.5 hours in the air. We spent Sunday night at the Afton Safari house B&B as suggested by many, and that was amazing. Monday Morning we were picked up by Ruan Erasmus and driven the 4 hours to the lodge. Tino leases many sections to hunt but we were to be hunting his personally owned land that is bow hunt only. Monday we spent getting gear ready and had an amazing meal. Over next 7 days we hunted had some ups and downs as a group, but the trip and hospitality was amazing by the Erasmus family and everyone of their staff of 16 people. We did run into 3 days of bad weather that were very windy 40+ and very cold for there and it kept animal movement slow and animals very nervous, but that is hunting. I hunted with a 51@28" Torrent Longbow arrows weight was 654 grains Tracey hunted with a 48@28" Classic Longbow arrows were 548 grain I will just add we learned a lot on this trip, and If you ever dreamed of going do it don't wait this may not always be available. Plan and save and turn your dreams into memories. I always said this would be a one and done trip, but we are now dreaming of a return trip we have some unfinished business with a couple more animals.
As a side note if you would be interested in a hunt with Tino feel free to contact us with questions. Also he will have a booth at the Kalamazoo Traditional Expo in January 2020 his booth should be next to ours, so be sure to stop and say hi to them and talk Africa.
Here are a few pictures to tell story, and watch for my article in the PBS magazine
As another note this area has been in a drought for many years. They normally average close to 20" of rain last 5 or so years they have been getting just 10" a year. They pump water on this property from 6 wells for the lodge and water holes He also has an hay field with irrigation system, to bale hay to supplement the food to keep the animals healthy and purchases orange pulp for food supplement.
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Rob jones Animals
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Africa is a special place!!!! I can't wait to go back.
Congrats to y'all!!!!
Bisch
Congrats to everyone. Look forward to the pbs article
Quote from: Bisch on September 14, 2019, 09:11:22 AM
Africa is a special place!!!! I can't wait to go back.
Congrats to y'all!!!!
Bisch
It really is special, and we are already planning how to save up for another trip.
I went to Namibia last year and have two friends over there now. I hope to get back again next year. We also had a great time and took 6 great animals. I could have take more, but need to save some for the next trip.
What an awesome experience for y'all to share! Beautiful harvests!
Awesome animals and country! Those pictures brought back memories and the yearning to go back! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
That eland . . . wow!
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Quote from: Paul Collins on September 16, 2019, 06:29:02 PM
That eland . . . wow!
They are huge and tough. While I waited for a path to be cleared to get a truck to him, I think I just stared at him for a 1/2 hour.
I've heard many times that nobody goes to Africa once.
If I could afford it, I'd be planning my 3rd trip :biglaugh:
Quote from: Bladepeek on September 18, 2019, 01:40:03 PM
I've heard many times that nobody goes to Africa once.
If I could afford it, I'd be planning my 3rd trip :biglaugh:
I ak finding that so true. My thoughts return there daily. I think we are planning for 2022
Would sure like to return to Namibia again - maybe next year. Looking for one or two hunters to go along. Great opportunity and great bowhunting area.
Wow!
Congrats to all!!!
Awesome! I'm so happy you guys were able to take that trip.