How does one decide a “hunt of a lifetime”? Is it the hunt of harvesting a sure kind of animal, or can or not it’s extra normal, like looking in an space that comparatively few Individuals have had the chance to hunt? For me, it was each. Ever since I used to be younger, I had a burning need to hunt what was once referred to as, “The Darkish Continent”. I learn looking journey books by Ernest Hemingway, Theodore Roosevelt and Peter Capstick, which described intimately the challenges of touring to Africa to hunt harmful recreation, giant mammals and plains recreation. The latter being my hunt of a lifetime.
Fortunately, the “Darkish Continent” moniker is not used, nor applicable. Africa is now open to hunters and many clothes shops supply package deal hunts that embrace robust looking, however snug lodging and an unimaginable expertise! Figuring out my eagerness to hunt Africa, my spouse bid on and received a hunt that was being auctioned off for a big faculty fundraiser in my small city right here in Idaho. The information had been nicely advisable by others who received the hunt package deal in years previous. I used to be left in disbelief at first, however as I began to understand the importance of the acquisition, I started to plan.
Selecting the .300 PRC and Howa 1500 HS Precision Rifle:
When Hornady launched the .300 PRC in 2018, I researched the cartridge as a substitute for the .300 Winchester Magnum and the .30 Nosler I at the moment owned. Whereas these are each very efficient cartridges, every on had cons that I needed to maneuver previous. Beginning with the .30 Nosler, I discovered that manufacturing facility assist was missing and at one level, it was very tough to seek out manufacturing facility ammunition or elements for the cartridge, simply weeks earlier than a deliberate moose hunt in British Columbia. Fortunately, this was resolved on the final minute, however I didn’t need to run into that concern ever once more. The tried and true .300 Winchester Magnum is and was a fantastic choice, however the rifle I had chambered within the .300WM shot nicely utilizing 150 grain to 180 grain bullets, however didn’t shoot the heavier bullets I deliberate to make use of (200 grain Nosler Partition). I felt that the .300 PRC resolved the private points I had with these cartridges and supplied loads of manufacturing facility elements for me to handload a fantastic load for the plains recreation I’d encounter.
Whereas I looked for a rifle, my focus saved coming again to the Howa USA line of rifles. Significantly their 1500 motion choices. A lighter rifle, with the flexibility to shoot precisely and a sturdy inventory, have been on the high of my requirements record. In spite of everything my analysis, the rifle that stood out to me for my wants was the Howa Mannequin 1500 HS Precision mannequin in .300 PRC. It’s the tried and true Howa 1500 barreled motion, sitting in an aluminum bedding block is CNC machined to the precise dimensions of the Howa 1500 barreled motion sitting in a HS Precision inventory. Their inventory consists of an aluminum bedding block that’s then positioned right into a mould, either side of the mould are hand laminated with Kevlar, fiberglass, and carbon fiber. Subsequent the mould is injected with a proprietary combination of a dense polyurethane foam. This makes for a sturdy inventory, with a fantastic cheek weld and a snug, tender, recoil pad.
I’m very conversant in the Howa 1500 rifles. I at the moment personal 4 different rifles within the line. The 1500 rifles are very nicely made and I’ve skilled constant, good accuracy with those I personal. These are the options of the .300 PRC barreled motion:
Instrument-less Firing Pin Elimination
Machined Receiver and Cast Bolt
Massive Inner Bolt deal with and stress vent holes
Dependable M-16 Fashion Extractor/Ejector
Stringent and Exacting Headspace specs
Bolt Faces are True and Sq. to Chamber
Two Stage Match Set off
3 Place Security
SUB MOA Assure – 3 Shot Group @ 100 yds with premium manufacturing facility ammo
Apart from the accuracy assure, I’ve all the time been a fan of the Howa extraction system. Even with a few of my over-pressured handloads, I had by no means run into a difficulty of a case not extracting. That was vital issue, contemplating I’d be looking within the mid to higher 80s whereas in Africa. Little issues, just like the tool-less firing pin elimination, the two-stage, adjustable set off and the three place security (extract loaded shells whereas on protected), made for a wonderful rifle set-up whereas looking.
As talked about earlier than, I developed and examined a handful of various hundreds utilizing the 200 grain Nosler Partitions and Vihtavuori’s implausible N570 powder. It solely took one vary journey to discover a load to deal with. After making just a few tweaks to the powder cost and bullet depth, I used to be extraordinarily happy with the accuracy outcomes and was prepared for any animal alternative I’d have in Africa.
Africa – The Hunt:
Assembly the Clothing store and Arriving on the Lodge:
The clothing store for the hunt was Mount Carmel Safaris, positioned within the North Cape of South Africa, about two hours from Kimberley. We left Boise, Idaho on a cool April day. The flights took 23 hours (together with layovers), however as I acquired nearer to my vacation spot the anticipation took over the monotony and began to construct into pleasure. After arriving on the airport, Darryn picked us up. I ought to point out that I used to be accompanied by my spouse, Connie and one other household good friend. Throughout the drive to the ranch, Darryn mentioned the outfitting enterprise, run by his father and mom, in addition to the kind of looking we’d be doing. Like most locations in Africa, it will be a drive, then “stroll and stalk” the animals we have been after. Taking pictures could be achieved within the subject, off capturing sticks or off-hand. He defined the historical past of the ranch and the range of animal populations that traveled on their property. It was good to have a dialogue that answered so many questions and it made the quick drive from the airport appear even shorter.
After we arrived on the lodge and after some introductions, have been proven our lodging. The lodge was gorgeous and included all trendy facilities. King sized beds, full loos, A/C for the nice and cozy elements of the day and heating for the chilly nights. On this space, Fall was starting and that made for good looking circumstances. Every part was high notch, together with the meals, drinks and hospitality. I feel Hemingway and the remainder of them could be impressed.
Day One – The Hunt Begins – Black Wildebeest
After a pleasant night and a few a lot wanted sleep, we headed out within the early afternoon to try to discover one of many high animals on my record, the Black Wildebeest. We drove for some time, choosing aside the brushy hillsides and grassy flatlands, recognizing so many alternative animals, till we noticed what we have been after, “Wildebeest!” Darryn mentioned. He and I acquired out and began to make the quick stalk to get into capturing place. My mind was in overdrive, remembering to be extraordinarily protected, the place I’d shoot and controlling my respiration, regardless of my pleasure! After getting set-up on the capturing sticks, the Black Wildebeest stepped out right into a capturing lane at 90 yards. He turned to face us, giving me a head-on shot. I discovered him within the scope and positioned the crosshairs instantly under its chin, then squeezed the set off. The “thump” of the bullet hitting appeared like a stable hit. I racked one other spherical into the chamber and watched him stroll in a circle, then drop about 30 yards from the place I shot him. At that second, I felt the times, weeks and months of anticipation depart my physique. I had my first African recreation animal on the bottom in entrance of me. A lifetime of studying, dreaming and learning the plains recreation of Africa introduced me to this second. I used to be prepared for extra!
Day Two – Southern Springbuck and Warthog
Day two had us within the subject within the early morning. We have been going to try to take two of the animals on my record, so time was of the essence. As we headed into the sector, I felt a way of calm. The main target of being a life-long hunter had taken the place of anticipation and pleasure, it was now all about discovering recreation and making the shot. After a short while, we noticed some Southern Springbuck. Virtually just like the day earlier than, we made a brief stalk to get into place, ready till a shooter buck stepped into a transparent capturing lane. We noticed a superb one at about 110 yards, so I pulled up my Howa rifle, dropped the crosshairs on his broadside physique, discovered a spot low and behind the shoulder and fired. The Nosler bullet hit precisely the place I used to be aiming and the Springbuck dropped in its tracks.
After gathering up the Springbuck and getting it again to the lodge, we had lunch, then headed out for the prospect at one other animal. This time, we noticed an enormous, battle worn, warthog trotting away from us. I acquired out and set-up rapidly. The warthog was shut and on the transfer. At 85 yards, it nonetheless had not come to a cease, however its trot continued, broadside to my capturing place. I had been following it in my scope, so I made the choice to take the shot. On the crack of the rifle, the warthog took about three steps, then crumpled onto the bottom. One other coronary heart shot, one other fast kill. As we approached him, we noticed that his physique was extraordinarily scarred up, together with a big gash on its shoulder. He was a fighter and typical of warthogs, a no nonsense, stand your floor, robust man!
Day Three – Blesbuck
We left about mid-morning on day three to search for a Blesbuck. They have been on my record and we knew the place there was a pleasant herd hanging out. After we noticed them, identical to the times prior, I grabbed my rifle and capturing sticks, then adopted Darryn to a spot the place we may choose one out to shoot. He identified one at 130 yards, so I acquired on it and made the shot. It ran about 40 yards and simply died. Once more, the .300 PRC and Nosler bullet did the job.
After getting the Blesbuck loaded up he and I acquired to speaking in regards to the .300 PRC. At first, he and the trackers thought it was simply overkill for these plains recreation animals. After having the animals drop nearly of their tracks, they have been glad the .300 PRC was doing such a superb job on them. I don’t assume I modified their minds, however they positive did admire not having to trace animals very removed from the place they have been shot. That may have been a nasty omen, as a result of the final two animals weren’t going to be DRT.
Day 4 – Impala Ram
At the moment was the day to try to harvest an Impala Ram. We acquired began mid-morning once more, looking the grasslands/brush and in search of one of many different high animals on my record. We lastly noticed some, however all the pieces occurred in a short time. The stalk, the set-up and the eventual dangerous shot on my half. I can’t inform you precisely the place I failed, however it resulted in clipping the best shoulder of a really good Impala Ram. The animal stumbled, however continued on with out giving me one other probability at a shot. The trackers did the perfect they may, however in spite of everything of us in search of hours, we needed to name it an evening. The Impala was discovered the subsequent day, with little or no left of the meat, after the black backed jackals acquired to it through the evening. It was not taken down by the jackals, because it was clearly useless inside a few hours after the shot.
Day 5 – Blue Wildebeest and a Wrap-As much as the Hunt
The final day of looking discovered me establishing for a shot on a Blue Wildebeest at 325 yards. I felt very snug with the shot and punched him within the low chest space, however farther again than I aimed. He lurched on the shot and slowly made his manner via the grass and brush for one more 200 yards. We have been capable of sneak as much as him, the place I put the ending shot into his shoulder, stopping him at 100 yards. All of this going down inside 20 minutes of the primary shot. It was a bittersweet finish to a profitable hunt. This magnificent animal, was the fruits of an unimaginable week of looking this far off land.
Day Six – Winding Down and Experiencing Historical past and Awe
Our final full day in Africa was spent trying out a few of the native historic spots. We visited the well-known Boesmansgat which is the third deepest pure sinkhole on the planet. We additionally visited the Wonderwerk Caves, that are the oldest cave occupied by man. Right here we noticed the traditional Bushman work and realized intimately in regards to the historical past of this space. Lastly, we ended our journey in South Africa with a go to to the “Massive Gap” in Kimberley, famend for the diamond rush and mining. It was fairly the expertise and training.
Remaining Ideas on Rifle and Hunt:
After 5 days of looking and harvesting each plains recreation animal on my record, my “as soon as in a lifetime” hunt was over. Listed below are my ideas on the Howa 1500 HS Precision rifle, the .300 PRC cartridge and the way every carried out on the hunt.
Howa 1500 HS Precision Rifle:
As anticipated, the Howa 1500 HS Precision Rifle carried out flawlessly! Even with the mud, tough/bumpy roads, rain and all the pieces else Africa may throw at it, I didn’t have any points throughout my hunt. I used to be VERY proud of my alternative of rifles and would extremely advocate it for anybody planning a State-side or out of nation hunt. The HS Precision inventory providing made this rifle simple to shoot off a set of capturing sticks. It’s stable aluminum bedding block, As anticipated, the Howa 1500 HS Precision Rifle carried out flawlessly! Even with the mud, tough/bumpy roads, rain and all the pieces else Africa may throw at it, I didn’t have any points throughout my hunt. I used to be VERY proud of my alternative of rifles and would extremely advocate it for anybody planning a State-side or out of nation hunt. The HS Precision inventory providing made this rifle simple to shoot off a set of capturing sticks. It’s stable aluminum bedding block, dense polyurethane foam with Kevlar, fiberglass, and carbon fiber coating, left no flex within the inventory, even whereas capturing from odd positions and typically leaning my body-weight into the rifle for stability on the tough floor/terrain. What a fantastic combo!
Hornady .300 PRC Cartridge:
After arriving, I used to be knowledgeable that a lot of the guides and hunters who go to this ranch, hunt with smaller calibers and cartridges. Primarily the .243 Winchester. Nevertheless, after days of dropping animals with the .300 PRC, the information was very blissful that they didn’t have to trace very many animals. With the added power of the .300 PRC, the vast majority of the animals I shot have been useless inside seconds and near the place I linked with the shot. I noticed that it carried out very nicely and wouldn’t hesitate to take different giant recreation with it. As a result of I stay in Idaho, future hunts for big Elk, or out of State Moose, is a powerful risk and you’ll assure I’m taking the Howa 1500 in .300 PRC alongside on these hunts.
The Hunt:
I can’t say sufficient in regards to the wonderful expertise I had looking with Mount Carmel Safaris. Day by day we noticed so many recreation animals. I had alternatives on each plains recreation animal on my record, with all of them being harvested. Darryn, the PH, was very educated and acquired me into capturing positions the place it was left as much as me make the shot, from an inexpensive distance and with a 100% success price. My spouse additionally totally loved her time on the lodge and coming alongside on the hunts. After so a few years collectively, we are able to actually say that this was probably the greatest experiences of our lives.
After the hunt, we visited the native taxidermist and I checked out her work. She was very gifted and I selected to have my mounts accomplished by her, then shipped to me in Idaho. Though taxidermy charges are a lot decrease in Africa, the delivery of mounts is dear. Nevertheless, to ship again animals and have the taxidermy work achieved right here within the States, you’re nonetheless an enormous delivery price. I’m glad I had mine achieved via the taxidermist the clothing store advisable and my mounts are actually house.
Conclusion:
You probably have the means to hunt Africa, I urge you to take action. Do it early in life, so if you depart Africa, you’re younger sufficient to return, time and again. After leaving the African continent, I felt fulfilled. My dream hunt was full and profitable. Nevertheless, even whereas in Africa, because the hunt began to wind down, I additionally felt like I wanted to return again. There have been different animals I needed to hunt and new issues I needed to expertise. After experiencing different hunts the place the longer I am going between seeing and interesting in a hunt or an space, the more durable it’s to disregard the ache to return. On this case, looking utopia is 15,000 miles away. What distance would you journey to expertise one thing that drove hunters like Hemingway, Roosevelt and Capstick to put in writing novels with a view to clarify their experiences within the far off land in Africa?
“I by no means knew of a morning in Africa after I wakened that I used to be not blissful” and “All I needed to do was return to Africa. We hadn’t left it but, and after I wakened within the evening I used to be already listening to it and already homesick for it” – Hemingway – Inexperienced Hills of Africa
Loren is a long-time predator hunter from Southwest Idaho.His expertise spans a long time, the place he has hunted each state within the West, from Arizona to Montana, in addition to Canada and Africa.His perception on predator looking, small caliber builds and utilizing the AR15 as a looking rifle, will assist educate each the skilled and inexperienced.
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