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We just got back from our African Safari with Ferroland Bowhunting. I can not write the words to describe what an experience it was. All my life I just considered Africa a place that I would just watch TV shows about. I never dreamed I would have the opportunity to actually go and experience hunting African game.
Our trip actually started several months ago when Scott Shultz (President of ScentBlocker, www.ScentBlocker.com) brought up the possibility of Darrell and I joining him on an African Safari. Of course, we graciously accepted the invitation and based on Scott's previous hunts with Ferroland Bowhunting, knew it was a first class operation and that we would have the chance to harvest some high quality animals.
We arrived in Johannesburg the evening of Sunday, June 29th and were greeted by some of Ferroland representatives. We loaded all of our gear and drove about four hours north to Limpopo. We arrived at the Ferroland Lodge @ the Mankitti Ranch early Monday morning. After a short nights sleep we awoke to a delicious breakfast and Peter (manager of Mankitti Ranch) went through a short hunters orientation. We then were able to double check all of our equipment to make sure everything was in tune after the long plane ride. Darrell and I were especially excited to be able to use our NEW DEAD ZONE bows, made by Limbsaver (www.Limbsaver.com), as well as our new VForce arrows (www.VictoryArchery.com) on this trip. We were happy to find that everything was shooting great.
After shooting our bows we headed out to one of the many well placed blinds to hunt the rest of the day. Darrell and I actually set together on the first day which just added to the excitement. We both kept repeating how we could not believe we were in Africa! The blinds are typically large ground blinds (some of the blinds were actually buried half way into the ground) with two or three shooting holes. We were set up on a water source which made the wildlife very visible due to the extreme dry conditions that Africa is known for in the area we were hunting. We were not there ten minutes when Joe, my Professional Hunter (PH) for the week, had spotted a nice Kudu Bull headed our way. We were in awe at the huge animal that was slowly getting closer to the water hole. I asked Joe if this was a shooter bull and he quickly answered that it was. WOW! Everything was happening so quick! Darrell told me I could have the first shot, so I got ready. The bull came right in and was broadside. Mat had barely had time to set up the camera and was telling me I needed to wait. Finally everything fell into place and I got to draw back my Dead Zone bow at a live animal for the first time. I anchored and.....YOU WILL HAVE TO WATCH THE SHOW TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!!
I will tell you that I ended up with a Kudu, Blue Wildebeest, Waterbuck, Zebra, Impala, and a Warthog. Darrell (and Stuart, Darrell's PH) ended up with a Kudu, Blue Wildebeest, Impala, Zebra, and two Warthogs. Scott got to GREEN HUNT a Rhino and took a MONSTER Cape Buffalo with a bow. We will get a solid three shows with a lot of action.
We would like to say "THANK YOU" to Scott Shultz for the invite and everyone at Ferroland for hosting the NSH Crew. It was an amazing trip! If anyone is thinking about making a trip to Africa, I can highly recommend Ferroland Bowhunting for high quality animals and high quality people. You will have the time of your life.
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