Home | Ezine | Forums | Links | Contact
NitroExpress.com: Going on 1st Safari w/ PH Mark DeWet

View recent messages : 24 hours | 48 hours | 7 days | 14 days | 30 days | 60 days | More Smilies


*** Enjoy NitroExpress.com? Participate and join in. ***
You are not logged in. [Login] Main Index · Search · Active Topics
New user · Who's Online · FAQ · Calendar

Hunting >> Hunting in Africa & hunting dangerous game
Previous topic Previous   View all topics Index   Next topic Next   Threaded Mode Threaded  

Pages: 1
ArizonaHunter
.224 member


Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 26
Loc: Arizona
Going on 1st Safari w/ PH Mark DeWet
      #73453 - 09/03/07 08:18 AM

This is my first post and I'm excited to be a novice participant in the NitroExpress community! I'm preparing for my first hunting safari to Africa and have selected Mark DeWet for a seven-day buffalo hunt in Zimbabwe in early September. I met Mark at SCI this year and came away very impressed. I'm totally jazzed and really enjoying the preparation and anticipation.

Though I've been visiting Africa for many years professionally, this will be my first hunt for dangerous game and have been looking forward to this opportunity for 30 years - probably the culmination of too much time spent reading Hemingway and Ruark.

My approach to this is very traditionalistic; for example, I am determined to go with a double rifle in a classic caliber. No optics. I'm presently looking for a solid, used double in .470 NE, with Merkel and Krieghoff leading the list. As I told Mark, I'd really like to do this right, and am willing to sacrifice a superior trophy for the opportunity to stalk within iron sight range. I want to work hard for what may be my only hunt of this kind, and even if that means going home empty handed and without taking a shot, I'm willing to live with that. My rifle budget is in the $8-12K range, and the aforementioned rifles seem to be the best value in that bracket from what my limited research shows.

I'll be sharing the experience with my wife; and while she's not a hunter, she does gravitate towards adventure (having excelled at running with the bulls at San Fermin in Pamplona, open water shark dives in the Bahamas, and Formula Ford open wheel racing, to name a few). With her cool nerves, I figure I can count on her providing a steady shot with a camera, if not a rifle. And regarding living in the field, we're happy with less-than-grand accommodations in return for an 'authentic' safari experience.

So with that as background, any insights any of you might have, including participation in safaris with Mark (who seems supremely expert and experienced), would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for taking the time to respond!

Kim Petersen

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
shakari
.400 member


Reged: 09/02/03
Posts: 1107
Loc: South Africa
Re: Going on 1st Safari w/ PH Mark DeWet [Re: ArizonaHunter]
      #73454 - 09/03/07 08:35 AM

Hi Kim,

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on booking your 1st Dangerous Game hunt - which area will you be hunting?

Your wife sounds like quite a gal - but I reckon I'd excel at the running of the bulls at Pamplona as well......... I'd be right at the front of the pack.

--------------------
Steve "Shakari" Robinson
Kuduland Safaris (Africa) Ltd
info@kuduland.com
www.kuduland.com



Edited by shakari (09/03/07 08:37 AM)

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
AzGuy
.333 member


Reged: 23/03/06
Posts: 388
Loc: Prescott, Arizona, USA
Re: Going on 1st Safari w/ PH Mark DeWet [Re: ArizonaHunter]
      #73455 - 09/03/07 08:43 AM

Welcome to the forum! Congrats on your "traditional" safari plans, I'm sure you will enjoy it.
September isn't very far away: buy your 470 ASAP and practice, practice,practice. You should have at least 200+ rounds through the rifle before you go into the bush. Take lots of pictures (gun & safari) and share them with us. Best of luck.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
AspenHill
Sponsor


Reged: 08/01/03
Posts: 1528
Loc: Vermont, USA
Re: Going on 1st Safari w/ PH Mark DeWet [Re: AzGuy]
      #73457 - 09/03/07 09:08 AM

Sounds like you have a great plan!

--------------------
~Ann

Everyday spent outdoors is the best day of my life.

Aspen Hill Adventures

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
JPK
.375 member


Reged: 31/08/04
Posts: 734
Loc: Chevy Chase, MD
Re: Going on 1st Safari w/ PH Mark DeWet [Re: AspenHill]
      #73463 - 09/03/07 10:28 AM

Yes, congratulations. Time to find that 470 and start shooting it as Arizona says. 200 rounds would be a starting point so go find your rifle!!

Merkel may be an option worth looking at as well as Searcy, both second hand.

I also have no interest in shooting a buff from other than close range. It hasn't cost me trophy quality.

Where are you hunting?

JPK

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
NitroXAdministrator
.700 member


Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 40594
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...
Re: Going on 1st Safari w/ PH Mark DeWet [Re: JPK]
      #73472 - 09/03/07 12:29 PM

When hunting cape buffalo during my ele hunt last year, I had arranged with the PH that I could swap my double rifle for his scoped .416 bolt action if needed. And that is what we did when we found the one and only buff herd that we bumped into. he loaned to me his scoped bolt action .416 as shooting a bull in the herd may have been very difficult without a scope. Meanwhile he carried my double, and it might have been needed especially as we had a herd of 5 ele bulls sometimes only 25 yards away.

In the end we shot neither. No buff good enough and the ele bulls never realised we were there.

So just an idea for your safari. If something similar could be organised it is a bit of insurance just in case you need to take a difficult shot.

***

Both Krieghof and Merkel make sound DRs. Visit a gunshop and play with both and see which fits you better. Look at Heym as well.

In the end it is a personal decision. Practice and use it to get familiar with it. Take it pig hunting or deer hunting if you can.

Good luck and have fun.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

Edited by NitroX (13/03/07 11:33 PM)

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
ArizonaHunter
.224 member


Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 26
Loc: Arizona
Re: Going on 1st Safari w/ PH Mark DeWet [Re: NitroX]
      #73487 - 09/03/07 03:27 PM

Great suggestions from one and all! The area we will be hunting is the Binga/Sengwa communal hunting concessions, situated in the north of Zimbabwe from the Zambezi escarpment down to the shores of Lake Kariba (Zambezi River). My PH tells me that the hunting concession is in excess of over 2.5 million acres. The southern boundary of the hunting block is the Chisirira National Park; the western boundary is the village of Binga; the eastern boundary the Sengwa River; and the northern boundary is Lake Kariba (the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia). The boundaries between us and the adjoining national parks and adjacent hunting blocks are bush tracks and riverbeds. I had hoped to add hyena and warthog to the list with my buff, but Mark says neither is likely to be found in this area.

I realize I'm behind the curve on firing whatever DR I end up taking, which is why I am hustling to find the right one ASAP. (If anyone has a line on a good .470 NE DR in the $8-12k range, feel free to drop me a message.) Can anyone suggest a good source for .470 NE ammo? I'm told to that Swift A-Frame and solids are a good 1-2 combo, fired in that order (I also realize that there is abundant controversy on that score). I plan on purchasing 150 rounds of each and and getting to the range as soon as the rifle arrives. John's suggestion of swapping rifles with the PH - if circumstances warrant - sounds both reasonable and realistic, and I will definitely discuss this with Mark in advance.

Thanks again folks!

Kim

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
JPK
.375 member


Reged: 31/08/04
Posts: 734
Loc: Chevy Chase, MD
Re: Going on 1st Safari w/ PH Mark DeWet [Re: ArizonaHunter]
      #73490 - 09/03/07 04:47 PM

You can buy Federal Ammunition 470NE ammo loaded with 500gr Trophy Bonded Bearclaw softs and 500gr Trophy Bonded Sledgehammer solids. I think Federal still offers Woodleigh 500gr softs and solids too. Woodleigh solids have worked well for me for buff.

You can also get W. Rommey ammo form Westly Richards if they have it. Woodleigh softs and solids I believe.

Might try Griffin & Howe for ammo very likely they will have it, not sure what brand they carry.

You can call Superior Ammo and he will provide 470NE ammo. You can try some of his ammo and see if it shoots to regulation. If the ammo needs speeding up or slowing down he can custom load it for you.

None of the ammo choices above are inexpensive. If you reload, or have a friend, gunsmith, etc. who will teach you you will be able to taylor your loads to get the most potential accuracy from your rifle and at considerably lower cost. Might be a good idea to go to the double rifles section here and do a search on regulation so that you know whats needed to get your rifle shooting to its potential.

Graeme Greene's book "Shooting the British Double Rifle is extremely informative and a good and nessecary read too, if you want to get the most from your rifle.

Good Luck.

JPK

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
ozhunter
.400 member


Reged: 18/08/04
Posts: 1692
Loc: Sydney, Australia
Re: Going on 1st Safari w/ PH Mark DeWet [Re: JPK]
      #73494 - 09/03/07 07:08 PM

Norma are making 470NE ammo with the great 500gr Woodleigh soft and solids.
In the area you are hunting you might get a chance at Hyena off a bait under moon or flash light and there are some Wart hogs on the flood plains. Both these animals would be hard without a scope fitted rifle.
For the Cape buffalo a Merkel 470NE would be great. This rifle worked well for me just over the Sengwe river from where you are going.
Regards,
ozhunter

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
NitroXAdministrator
.700 member


Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 40594
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...
Re: Going on 1st Safari w/ PH Mark DeWet [Re: ozhunter]
      #73496 - 09/03/07 07:26 PM

Just to give a plug for one of our sponsors of NE, Accurate Ammunition should also be able to supply .470 NE ammo to your order. Good prices too. Contact them for info:

http://www.accurateammunition.com/

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Ripp
.577 member


Reged: 19/02/07
Posts: 16072
Loc: Montana, USA
Re: Going on 1st Safari w/ PH Mark DeWet [Re: NitroX]
      #73519 - 10/03/07 02:25 AM

I HAVE A MERKEL .470 NITRO FOR SALE--HAS HAD 6 SHOTS FIRED THROUGH IT--
COLOR CASE RECEIVER--ALL ORININAL CASE, PAPER WORK ETC.--REGULATED WITH FEDERAL AMMO
1 1/2 GROUP AT 50 YARDS--EXELLENT CONDITION--$9000. US..
I PURCHASED AN ENGLISH DOUBLE AT THE SCI SHOW IN RENO--THEREFORE I AM SELLING THIS ONE..CAN SEND PHOTOS IF YOU WISH--
THANK YOU
RIPP

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Boomer
.300 member


Reged: 13/04/05
Posts: 144
Loc: The Hudson Bay Coast, Canada
Re: Going on 1st Safari w/ PH Mark DeWet [Re: Ripp]
      #73626 - 12/03/07 12:46 AM

Kim -

Congratulations on booking your hunt, and for the wisdom of including your wife in the adventure.

If at all possible, consider extending your hunt to 10 days. Initially my wife and I, like you, had booked a 7 day hunt, and the PH convinced us to extend to 10. Seven days is better than nothing, but it will pass in a flash, and when we got to day seven, we were pleased to have a few more days to look forward to. In truth 21 days would be about right.

I am sure the double will work well for buff, but I would advise taking a scoped rifle for plains game. It is not impossible to shoot an impala at 150 yards with a double but, again from my own experience, the light gathering qualities of a scope could mean the difference of making a shot or having to pass it up in the dying light at the end of the day. If a single rifle is all you are able to take, a .375 with a low powered variable scope would prove to be the most versatile.

--------------------

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
mickey
.416 member


Reged: 05/01/03
Posts: 4647
Loc: Pend Oreille Valley, Idaho
Re: Going on 1st Safari w/ PH Mark DeWet [Re: Boomer]
      #73631 - 12/03/07 01:16 AM

Kim

Congratulations and welcome to NE.Com. There should be a good choice of 470 Mekels, Kreighoff's and Chapuis for your budget.

Put a WTB in the classifieds also. New Guy, who posts here, is a Merkel Dealer I think so maybe he can give you a hand. Just search his name.

Another alternative may be a 400 3".

Good Luck and keep us posted on your hunt for a rifle and for a Big Buff.

--------------------
Lovu Zdar
Mick

A Man of Pleasure, Enterprise, Wit and Spirit Rare Books, Big Game Hunting, English Rifles, Fishing, Explosives, Chauvinism, Insensitivity, Public Drunkenness and Sloth, Champion of Lost and Unpopular Causes.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Savuti_One_Shot
.300 member


Reged: 24/01/07
Posts: 139
Loc: Florida
Re: Going on 1st Safari w/ PH Mark DeWet [Re: mickey]
      #73633 - 12/03/07 01:29 AM

Kim,
What part of Florida are you in?
If close enough, I'd be happy to let you practice with my W.R. 470 'til you find one of your own.

SOS (Naples)

--------------------
"I've this damned cannon." - Robert Wilson

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
ArizonaHunter
.224 member


Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 26
Loc: Arizona
Re: Going on 1st Safari w/ PH Mark DeWet [Re: Savuti_One_Shot]
      #73932 - 15/03/07 02:47 PM

SOS:

What a remarkably generous offer! Many thanks, but as of yesterday I am the proud owner of a Merkel 140-2 in .470 NE. It is nicely engraved with an African motif on both sides of the receiver: a buffalo on one side and rhino on the other. It included a fitted leather case and was purchased for $10k. I've already ordered 220 rounds of ammunition (80 practice rounds; 100 w/ Swift A-frames; and 40 solids), so the range will soon see me on a regular basis leading up to our September safari date.

Kim

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
JPK
.375 member


Reged: 31/08/04
Posts: 734
Loc: Chevy Chase, MD
Re: Going on 1st Safari w/ PH Mark DeWet [Re: ArizonaHunter]
      #73934 - 15/03/07 03:27 PM

Congrats.

That was a very kind offer by Savouti-one-shot.

I see you are in Virginia. Where abouts? There are several members who hail from Virginia, or from the DC suburbs.

JPK

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Savuti_One_Shot
.300 member


Reged: 24/01/07
Posts: 139
Loc: Florida
Re: Going on 1st Safari w/ PH Mark DeWet [Re: JPK]
      #73951 - 16/03/07 12:52 AM

Kim,
You're very welcome. For some reason I thought your location said Fla. Ah well, wouldn't be the first time I misread something.
Congrats and good luck!

SOS

--------------------
"I've this damned cannon." - Robert Wilson

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Pages: 1


Previous topic Previous   View all topics Index   Next topic Next   Threaded Mode Threaded  

Extra information
0 registered and 59 anonymous users are browsing this forum.

Moderator:   

Print Topic

Forum Permissions
      You cannot start new topics
      You cannot reply to topics
      HTML is disabled
      UBBCode is enabled

Rating:
Topic views: 4521

Rate this topic

Jump to

Contact Us NitroExpress.com

Powered by UBB.threads™ 6.5.5


Home | Ezine | Forums | Links | Contact


Copyright 2003 to 2011 - all rights reserved