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Sofala Newsletters>
The Other Hunters of the Bushveld
October 2, 2009
Dear Friends,
First of all, thank you once again for everyone who came by the booth at the MS Wildlife Extravaganza and please have a look at Sofala’s brand new video that can be seen on the website as well as Youtube. We have a narrated version that includes interviews with hunters and we would love to mail you a copy of this DVD. If you are interested in receiving this DVD, please send an email to louis@sofalasafaris.com. This promo video is a great step towards informing prospective hunters of what to expect when hunting and touring with Sofala Safaris. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Of course the best moments were not captured on film, isn’t that how it usually goes when we try to film or take pictures in nature? Those very rare, special and incredible spontaneous moments happens so fast that it is often simply impossible to press the record button in time. Nevertheless, we are looking into doing more video for hunters and if you are interested in this service, please let us know.
After such an exciting 2009 hunting season it is time to reflect back on the hunting stories that will forever be part of our experiences as hunters and adventurers. In the last few months I have been visiting numerous hunters who went on safari the previous hunting season (2008) to look at their trophies which are now displayed on the walls all over their homes. Along with the many framed pictures and albums, it was great to look at each animal and instantly remember the moments and the experiences that only Africa can offer to the hunter. Hopefully sooner than later the hunters of the 2009 season will also have their trophies on the wall and forever know that they did it – they went to Africa and experienced the hunt that seemed like a dream far out in the future at one point in time.
While most of us sit in an office every day or are at least waiting for the North American hunting season, Lukie, my brother and our leading PH at Sofala Safaris, had other things on his mind: hunting leopard. Apparently there had been numerous leopards in the bushveld this year. While the South African government issues only a few permits every year, it seems that some of the cattle farmers in the Limpopo Province could do with an increased number of leopard hunts. On Rondebosch, the hunting area that borders Sofala, one of the workers reported that he had seen a calf hanging high up in a tree one day. Several other reports were made about calves disappearing and that not only leopards, but cheetahs were also hunting some of the cattle and wild game. As I was bow hunting this last week on Sofala, it was quite a different feeling as I walked around the thick brush – was I the only hunter out there? These thoughts crept in my mind as I realized that I forgot the key to the gun safe and therefore did not have my rifle with me, only my bow.
May I never have to face a charging leopard with only a bow and arrow in my hands.
Some weeks ago Lukie received a call from a friend who also operated a safari outfit. He told Lukie about the numerous leopards that had been wreaking havoc in that area. The friend stated that they had killed two leopards in one week and used bait only once. Usually fresh bait has to be put out every afternoon before the long wait through the night for a leopard to appear, if one appears. Lukie was happy to “help out” and hunt down another leopard and rushed over to his friend’s property. Apparently Lukie shot his leopard which came out to the same bait that was used for the other two hunts. That was something I had never heard of: three leopards shot in less than two weeks with bait being put out only once. This clearly indicates that wildlife is abundant and so are the leopards. A hint to our hunters who are coming to Sofala next year, make sure that every now and then you watch your back as you stalk through the veld!
It is also time to look forward to 2010. We still have some openings for groups and individuals but it is time to make that decision and book your hunt had you not done so already. We have a few brave enough hunters who are going to take on the “black death” or Cape Buffalo, as well as some who have already planned on hunting the majestic king of all antelope: the sable. For the hunters who are coming; please start practicing your shooting, and do so in positions that are unusual to you, and also by working on taking quick shots at 50 yards or more because that is exactly what you can expect when hunting with Sofala in Africa – great challenges with even greater rewards……if you can hit the target.
Please have a look at the pictures of Lukie’s leopard that will be posted on the website soon. Let us know if you are interested in taking on a cat like that!
Regards,
Louis Steenkamp
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