T H E O FFI CI A L PU B L I C AT I O N O F H O US TO N S A FA R I CLU B • SU M M ER 2 016
The Legend
257” 264”
423”
Fall 2015 509”
391”
Lodge 717.352.9200 • Robert Koontz 717.816.0893 Fayetteville, Pennsylvania Info@GsellsWhitetails.com SUMMER 2016 HUNTER’S HORN 3
TABLE of
CONTENTS
FEATURES
14
14 CONQUERING THE CONGO
By Michael Ambrose
20 ADVANCING THE CONSERVATION CAUSE
By Jeff Crane
22 AN INTRODUCTION TO LEGENDARY
ARMS WORKS
By Philip Massaro
28 BE PREPARED: EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
By Craig Boddington
34 HUNTING & THE ART OF HUMAN EXISTENCE
By Shane Mahoney
40 HOG WILD IN THE KITCHEN
By Scott Leysath
44 THE LION’S SHARE: A SAFARI DREAM
FULFILLED IN SOUTH AFRICA
By Jan Heilbut
52 NEW HORIZONS IN AFRICA:
MORE THAN SAFARIS
By West U. Travel
60 DAN L. DUNCAN SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS 66 2016 HOUSTON SAFARI CLUB SPORTING CLAYS
TOURNAMENT WRAP-UP
28
By Jeff Birmingham
22 52
4 HUNTER’S HORN SUMMER 2016
SUMMER 2016
22
UPCOMING EVENTS
40
JULY 8
HSC Night at the Ballpark at Minute Maid Field
AUGUST 3
66
44
Monthly Meeting “Africa Hunting, How, When & Where” with Tommy Morrison of Sporting International Norris Conference Centers at CityCentre (Red Oak Ballroom)
cover artwork:
“Rhythm of the Bush” By Laurel Barbieri 36"x 30" acrylic over gesso on masonite See more original paintings at laurelbarbieri.com
SUMMER 2016 HUNTER’S HORN 5
OUR MISSION Preserving the
sport of hunting through
education,
conservation and the
protection of
hunters’ rights.
6 HUNTER’S HORN SUMMER 2016
2015–2016 HOUSTON SAFARI CLUB OFFICERS Kevin Ormston, President Mark King, President-Elect Kevin Comiskey, Immediate Past President John Bowers, Vice President Prentiss Burt, Vice President John Pepper, Treasurer Jerry Henderson, Secretary HOUSTON SAFARI CLUB DIRECTORS 2014–2016 Cope Bailey JD Burrows Deb Cunningham Scott Scheinin 2015–2017 Linda Cunningham Harold Inman Mitzy McCorvey Shaun Nelson Matt Pyle HEADQUARTERS STAFF Joe Betar, Executive Director Elizabeth Fersen, Marketing and Events Manager Andrew Henley, Membership Coordinator Abby Rapp, Events & Office Manager Linda Cunningham, Advertising Vic Williams, Editorial Consultant Twist Creative Group / Keith Conforti, Design Consultant Alliance Printing and Graphics Hunter’s Horn is published quarterly by Houston Safari Club 9432 Katy Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, Texas 77055 713.623.8844 (p) 713.623.8866 (f) info@houstonsafariclub.org www.houstonsafariclub.org © Copyright 2016 Houston Safari Club
Houston Safari Club welcomes contributing articles, photos and research. Houston Safari Club reserves the right to edit submissions for spelling, grammar, clarity, organization and punctuation and to abridge length. Houston Safari Club reserves the right not to publish submissions. Content may not be repurposed without the express written consent of the author and publisher. Please submit materials with a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you wish materials to be returned. Houston Safari Club is not responsible for lost or unsolicited submissions. Digital submissions are preferred. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to Houston Safari Club, its members, employees or affiliates.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE KEVIN ORMSTON, HSC PRESIDENT
T
his past year has gone by quicker than I could have ever imagined. I have truly been honored and have enjoyed serving as President of Houston Safari Club. I look back on my Presidential year and I have to say it’s the people that have made this such a great experience. Working with our volunteers, vendors, office staff, exhibitors, sponsors, and others I met along the way has been the best part of it. All of these folks I mention are like-minded people who all have the same common goal: to help HSC carry out its mission. That is why I love what we do here at Houston Safari Club. I believe in our Mission Statement. It is the reason I am so passionate about HSC. Our mission statement starts with “preserving the sport of hunting through education”. Our scholarship program is literally second to none in the hunting world. No other club has granted more scholarship dollars than HSC, having granted over one million dollars in scholarships. Your Board of Directors recently approved increasing our individual scholarships to adjust for higher tuition fees. You, as a member, get to read about and see these scholarship recipients in the the Hunters Horn and Bush Telegraph and it should make you proud of what your club is doing. Secondly, our Conservation efforts have a long reach as well. For example, this past year we approved a grant for the Border Lands Research Institute to relocate bighorn sheep, mule deer, and pronghorn antelope in West Texas. The HSC Board of Directors also recently approved a grant to the Tashinga Initiative in Zimbabwe where they are building a command station for their anti-poaching officers. These are just two examples of the many ways we support efforts in the field and where our conservation dollars go. The last portion of our mission statement says “protection of hunters’ rights.” This is what we as hunters really need to pay attention to more today than ever. If we intend to help carry on our way of life for future generations, it is so important we support organizations on the front lines of the battle. There have been several we have supported this year and in the past but one group specifically came to mind when I think of protecting our hunting rights- The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF). CSF is an organization based in Washington D.C. where they are in the fight every day at the Capitol. CSF is led by Jeff Crane and their mission is to work with Congress, governors, and state legislatures to protect and advance hunting, angling, recreational shooting and trapping. In my opinion there is not
a better group to be watching over potential policies that affect our outdoor way of life at the state, federal, and international levels. Moving on to the some of the fun events we have had in the past year. You always have to start with the annual Convention. Themed “Commitment to Tomorrow,” it went as smoothly as anyone could have hoped. We were able to raise funds in order to support our mission and have a great time while we did it. Another big “thank you” goes out to Mitzy McCorvey and Anna Morrison for chairing the Convention. Joe Betar and the office team are to be commended for the excellent Monthly Meeting speakers and fun events they planned. Melanie Pepper of course helped us secure Lt. Col. Oliver North for our June meeting. She was instrumental with her NRA contacts to make it happen…thank you Melanie! Our annual Sporting Clays Tournament was chaired by Jeff Birmingham. Jeff did an excellent job in coordinating everything and used his contacts in the clay shooting world to make our shoot even better. The event was going just as planned until Mother Nature stepped in and cut everyone short by a couple of stations. Kevin Dougherty with Greater Houston Gun Club was helpful in getting all the scores tallied up the best we way he could with the event being cut short. We have accomplished quite a bit in one year and I look forward to next year and beyond. At our upcoming 2017 convention we will have a Desert Bighorn Sheep tag to auction off courtesy of Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. We have been working on this for years and a big “thank you” goes to Carter Smith, Ross Melinchuk, and all our friends at TP&WD, in addition to our own Gary Rose and our advocate at Sul Ross State University, Dr. Louis Harveson, in bringing this to reality. Next year Mark King will be serving as President of HSC. Mark has been involved with HSC for many years and has an excellent understanding of who we are and what our goals are to help HSC be successful. Mark will do an excellent job and I fully intend on supporting him in whatever way I can and I hope you will too. Sincerely, Kevin Ormston HSC President
SUMMER 2016 HUNTER’S HORN 7
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR‘S MESSAGE JOE BETAR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
C
an you believe it is summer already? Another season in our lives is coming to pass. As I write this, some of you celebrate the graduation of your high school students and are busy preparing them for their journey into adulthood as they leave home for college this fall. Several of you are wrapping up spring bear season and may be looking forward to summer trips abroad to exotic lands. Perhaps you have planned a few days at the beach with the grandkids. Maybe you are awaiting the maturation of the fruits or vegetables you planted this spring. Others are observing this year’s fawn crop in hopes one of them may be the next dominant buck of the herd. Another season. Another cycle. One of the wonderful things about life is its cycles. They drift between sweet and sorrowful, challenging and leisurely, tense and trouble-free. Exuberance one day, defeat the next. It’s part of what makes up the unique human existence. As it goes in human life, so it goes in the cycles of society and nature. Let’s think about that relationship for a minute: human-societynature. They are forever intertwined, forever dependent on one another. When I say dependent, I lean towards the implications of Newton’s Third Law: for every action there is a reaction. This past year has most definitely been a year of actionreaction. Hunting and the role of hunter-conservationists have come under attack more than ever, by an anti-hunting population that does not care to know how hunters provide for wildlife and habitat preservation. Hunting in some countries, for some species, has been shut down. There has been restricted public access to federal lands. Airline embargos have been implemented against the transportation of legally-harvested animals and the list goes on. What the anti-hunting populace fails to understand is that without hunters, fisherman and people enjoying the outdoors, there will be no outdoors. Taxes on the sales of sporting goods, license fees, hunting organization membership dues-these dollars pay the salaries of wildlife law enforcement personnel, fund habitat restoration projects, support research to identify and eliminate disease processes in game populations and so much more.
An uninformed human, a myopic society, will never see the full picture of how hunter-humans care for the balance of nature. If we stand by and allow the anti-hunting human to rage on against hunting without a unified response, then we might as well put a torch in their hands and tell them to burn the forest down. You have witnessed the action and reaction of an unaware society this past year. You see the fragile relationship of the cycle of human-societynature. Why are most of the largest landowners in this world actually hunters? Because they know land, wildlife management, preservation and hunting go hand in hand. As hunters, we know that if we leave nature “as it is” (as anti-hunters say we should) to a human society that has no need for the outdoors, then we will surely lose it. And so I return to my point about cycles and action-reaction. We are knee-deep in a vicious cycle of media attacks, antihunting policies and legislation. What will be your reaction to this action? What can you do to counter anti-hunting opponents? More important is the question-what WILL you do? Houston Safari Club exists because of you. Because of you, we fund scholarships for future decision makers that are hunterconservationists. Because of you, we provide grants to relocate sheep and enhance populations or pay for anti-poaching ranger supplies. Because of you, we are able to interact with legislators in support of pro-hunting conservation legislation. We need you. We need you to be actively involved in HSC, through time and/ or financial support. We need you to sign up every member of your family to be HSC members. We need every one of you to recruit at least one friend or colleague to be an HSC member. At this very moment, HSC has 1,240 members. If you buy one membership for someone or have a friend become a member, we could easily recognize almost 2,500 members. Think about what we will be able to do in the future! We need you-the HSC HUMAN, to help grow our SOCIETY to protect NATURE. Yours in Conservation,
Joe Betar Executive Director
8 HUNTER’S HORN SUMMER 2016
CHAIRMAN‘S MESSAGE JD BURROWS, 2017 HSC CONVENTION CHAIRMAN
T
he 2017 Houston Safari Club Worldwide Hunting Expo & Convention is taking shape, teams are working on auction items, entertainment, and décor. Our title this year is “Into the Wild,” and as you can tell from the logo and design we are talking about getting out and enjoying what nature has in store for us. I am very excited to serve as Convention Chairman this year, and I am proud of the level of volunteer support we have already received. Along with our top-caliber office staff, the team includes Live Auction Chair, Darryl Kainer; Raffle Chair, Kevin Ormston, Awards,Dr. Lloyd Swiedom, and Décor,Mrs. Julianne King. We are working on filling a few key positions, and I encourage anyone who is interested in helping make our Convention & Expo a success to get involved, it makes your show experience even richer and more rewarding. I have seen some of the plans for decorations, entertainment, and auction items, and I must say this year will be really exciting. Under the vision and guidance of our President-elect, Mark King, we are planning a “fun” convention. The Friday and Saturday entertainment this year will be exciting. Our auction includes once in a lifetime experiences, trips, jewelry, and art. I have talked with Julianne King about the decorations for the Friday & Saturday night, and I am sure that the venue will impress. We are reviewing Artist, Hunter, and Huntress
of the year candidates, the entrants this year show international presence, and embody our mission. This year our live auctions will also include an online component. Certain items will be made available to verified online bidders, and the online auction will start ahead of the convention. The online component will increase our reach and fund raising capabilities. This year HSC has been blessed with a coveted 2017 Big Horn Sheep tag. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is available thanks to our partnership with Texas Parks & Wildlife; funds will go directly to the future of the species and our club’s mission of Education, Conservation, and of Hunter’s Rights. Special thanks to the folks at TPWD, and Mr. Carter Smith for their continued work in stewarding our natural heritage. Our 2017 Convention and Hunting Expo is scheduled for January 13-15, 2017 in The Woodlands, Texas. Join us as we celebrate wildlife, wild places and the sporting lifestyle. There are so many volunteers involved in making the Convention & Expo a success. I will update you on progress in the next Chairman’s message, until then, let’s get “Into the Wild” and live, love and learn about our world. JD Burrows HSC Director, 2017 HSC Convention Chairman, 2016 Grants Committee Chairman
SUMMER 2016 HUNTER’S HORN 9
HSC LIFE MEMBERS Bob Abernathy John Abraham Richard Alexander M.D. Shannon Alston Michael Ambrose Skip Avara Dannine Avara Jacob Avara Anne Avara Kenneth Bailey Cope Bailey Camp Bailey Ray Bailey* Freddie Bailey Jr. Jack Barksdale L. Irvin Barnhart* Wendy Barnhart James Bell Lyndel Berry Tony Bessette Charlotte Betar Joe Betar James Biggerstaff Craig Boddington Werner Boeer Jay Bonano Greg Bond E. Tay Bond Pete Bonora Jeri Booth Frederick Anthony Box James Braus J. Downey Bridgwater Jack Brittingham Joe Bruno Robert Burke Matt Burke Quint Burris Grady Burris Byron Burris II Prentiss Burt Daniel Yturria Butler Turner Butts Don Byrne C. Jack Cagle Dennis Cain Thomas E. Cain Jr. Rick Callison Alex Campbell Bill Carter Ivan Carter Paul Carter Ben Case Barbara Cavender Lewis
10 HUNTER'S HORN SUMMER 2016
Preston Cavner Chris Caywood Tracey Cearley Alan Cegielski James Clark Steve Clark Craig Clendenin Stephen Coale Randall Coleman Russell Coleman Joe Collett Dwayne Collier Frank Comiskey Kevin Comiskey Alan Cooke Rocky Cooper Dian Cooper George Councill Steve Crawford Kenneth Crockett Gary Crouch Ralph S. Cunningham Deb Cunningham Ford Cunningham Linda Cunningham Ralph Daigle Mandy Daigle Joe Davis Armando De Leon IV Laurent Delagrange Armando DeLeon III Jennifer Desautels Elliot Desautels Charlie Desautels Perry Dillon Randy Donato Barry Donoho Tim Doucet M.D. James H. “Red” Duke* Jan E. Duncan Scott Daniel Duncan Bruce C. Edwards Robert N. Elkins Walton “Butch” Eller Susan Ellerbeck* Gary E. Ellison Will Ellison Shaun Essery Travis Findley Charlene Floyd Tommy Fogle Randy Fowler Nathan Foyil Bobby Frederick
Aaron Freeman Warren Gallant Scott Garrett Zachary Garrett Tanya Garrett Paul Geiger Frank T. Giacalone Gary Glesby Carl Godfrey William Gouldin Sandra Green Kevin Gregory Edward Guinn Dodd Hackman Clayton Hagerman Cory Hall James Halley Greg Harvey Charles Head Jr. Jerry M. Henderson Mark R. Herfort Heinert Hertling Robert Hibbert II Steven Hill Greg Hill Edward L. Hoffman William Holder III Bill Honza Gene Human Terry Hurlburt Tanya Hurlburt Harold Inman Keith Itzel John J. Jackson III Jack Jensen M.D. W.A. Jentsch Jr. Todd Johnson Clay Johnson Robert D. Jones III Harris Junell Darrell Kainer David Kalich Susan Kalich Kirk Kanady John Kelsey Gaye Kelsey Mark King Julianne King Robert Kneppler Philip Koehne George Kollitides Phil Koonce George Kopecky Keith Lake
HSC LIFE MEMBERS Wayne LaPierre Joel Pat Latham Kyle Lehne Richard Leibman John Lindholm, Jr. Tom Lipar Bryant Littlefield Mark Livesay Ricardo Longoria Ricardo Tomas Longoria Doug Luger Paige Manard John Martin James L. Masten Chad Matherne Wyatt McBride Tony W. McCorvey Mitzy McCorvey Ed McCrory III Vickie McMillan Travis McWilliams Gerald Meinecke Lewis Metzger Greg Mills Brook Minx Howard Monsour Paul F. Montealegre Forrest Montealegre G.L. Jerry Moore Reed Morian Tommy E. Morrison Ron Mostyn Dustin Mykyte Shannon Nash Bob Neese Rob Neilson Scott Nelson William Newlin Rudy Nix Lt. Col. Oliver North K. Knox Nunnally Kerry O’Day Carol O’Day Charles Onstead Kevin Ormston Neal Overstreet John Painter Michael Park Michael D. Parr Steve Pate Trevor Penny John Pepper Melanie Pepper Timothy J. Peter Bryce Phillips
Carson Phillips Dusty Phillips Wilson H. (Woody) Phillips Jr. Thomas Powell Kevin Poynter Andrew Pratt Kymberly Pratt Charles Prince Jr. Sharon Propes Carlos Ramirez Lawrence Rearick William Reed Sr. Dr. Gayle M. Rettig Keith Riggs John Robberson Larry Robinson Mike Robinson Robert J. Rod Chuck Rod Stephen Rogers William J. Rohrbach William Roosevelt Gary Rose Jerry Rubenstein Chris Ruhman Gerald Russell Byron G. Sadler Sandra Sadler Michael Sample Scott Santana Scott Scheinin Robert Scherer Wade Schindewolf Wayne Sheets John Shelby Richard Shepherd Jason Shrieve William Simmons Travis Simpson Barret Simpson Mike Simpson Becky Simpson Weston Simpson Michael Simpson Autumn Simpson Austin Simpson Jacob Simpson Tristan Simpson Jody Simpson Sam Skipper Steve Smith Jason Smith Tom Snyder Dr. Norman Speer Larry Stifflemire
Mark Ducros Stouse Randy Strickland H. Allen Stuart Greg Stube David Swan Dr. Lloyd B. Swiedom Sally Swiedom Peter Tam Larry Tatom Terry Taylor Mark Terpstra Heidi Thomas Robert Thomas J.B. Tinney John Tobin Pete Trammell Ted Trout* Hal Tryon Don Turner Phillip Veale Thom Venus William T. Vick Amanda Vick Juan Villaveces Glenn Vincent Pierre Carl Vorster Joshua Walker Greg Walla Rob Walsh John Waltz Dana Weber Rick Weber Larry L. Weishuhn Brian Welker Denise Welker Robert Wells Lawrence West Matt West Bruce Whitmire Bill Wilkinson* Steve Willenborg Ron Willenborg Gregory Williamson Alan Winslette Robby Winstead Kurt Wiseman John Wood Bill Woodall Patricia Woods J.D. Woods Jr. Preston Young Debi Young Brian Zaitz *deceased SUMMER 2016 HUNTER'S HORN 11
HOUS T ON S A FA R I C L U B
COR POR ATE MEMBER S TH A NK YOU F OR SU PPORTING HSC
South Texas Ranches – Ruple Properties southtexasranches.com
Blake Wilcox Properties blakewilcoxproperties.com
West University Travel westuniversitytravel.com
Safari Specialty Importers importinghuntedtrophies.com
UVC Powersports uvcountry.com
Sullins, Johnston, Rohrbach & Magers sjrm.com
El Carmen Land and Conservation Company cemex.com
Champion Ranch huntchampionranch.com
Rose Industrial Management roseindustrialmgmt.com
Wildlife Partners wildlifepartners.com
12 HUNTER’S HORN SUMMER 2016
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Cameron Alexander
Frank Ellis
Steve Mitchell
Chevis Amick
Alex Ellis
Travis Moore
Joseph Amie
Curt Enns
Monica Myska
Robert Amie Jr.
David Esslinger
Johnny Nguyen K. Knox Nunnally
Robert A Amie Sr
Roger Festor
Pamela Sue Amie Sr
Richard Fontenot
Noel Orsak
Christopher Anderson
Jessica Forsdick
Michael Ozuna
Peralez Ashley
Kelly Friedrichs
Michael Perez
David Atkins
Jon Gann
Vence Petrenella
Dean Bailiff
Barbara Garney
Larry Prewitt
Alexander Baltazar
Cory Garza
Gary Rapp
Charlie Beck IV
John Gillespie
Scott Reed
Mike Beeson
Brian Gilroy
Melissa Rowell
Roxanne Beeson
Chris Gilroy
Cody Royer
Barbara Belobrajdic
Mireles Gisel
Richard Ruiz
Kirk Black
Natalia Gonzales
Rickey Ruiz
Kari Bosien
Jack Goodroe
John Salvagio
David Bradshaw
Laurel Goodroe
John Sanchez
Zane Brown
Tony Gray
John Sanchez
Tay Bunkheila
Alvin Guerrero
George Sanders
Todd Buster
Wayne Hinton
Gordon Sanderson
Felicia Cammack
Rose Hinz
Barton Scarbrough
Joe Caraway
Steve Holbert
Dylan Schrader
Mark Carlson
Debbie Holmes
Chris Schwarz
Henry Chambers
Martha Holt
Bobby Sczech
David Chana
Luna Jacob
Stephen Shelton
Alex Coll
Richard Jatzlau
Austin Smith
Chris Cool
Michelle Jeffrey
Roger Smith
Jon Culpepper
Nadia Jubran
Vicki Smith
Matt Damborsky
Al Kastner
Trent Tellepsen
Jency Daugherty
William Kelsey
Brad Thielen
Judene Deakle
Jose Laguna
Kevin Tucler
Kevin Dearbonne
Dietrich Landis
Yuri van der Wiel
Kirsten DeLeon
Mike Lewis
Donnie Vaughn
Brian Delsord
Sherry Licata
Spencer Walker
Robert DeShazo
Ronnie Lofton
Karen Ward
Timothy Diehl
Josue Lopez
Jessica Welch
Tom Drake
Serna Marco
Matthew Young
Jaime Duarte
John Martin
Jerry Zeleny
Diego Duarte
Jared Maxson
SUMMER 2016 HUNTER’S HORN 13
CONQUERING THE A rewarding test of patience and fortitude in Central Africa BY MICHAEL AMBROSE
14 HUNTER’S HORN SUMMER 2016
CONGO T
he Congo (Brazzaville), not to be confused with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DCR), previously known as Belgian Congo, turned out to be quite an adventure. I flew as scheduled to Brazzaville July 21, via Paris, but we soon learned the interior flight to Ouesso was cancelled for that Wednesday. I would be stuck in town for three days until the twice weekly flight on Saturday. I met fellow hunter Ted Cunningham, an ex-Chrysler corporation executive officer and board member and his PH, Mark Swanapoel, and we spent our time at a favorite eating and drinking establishment, Mama Watti’s, along with two of the other PHs, Div Pretorious and Armin Van den Berg. We also took in some of the local sights, such as the massive and violent Congo River Rapids, and were chauffeured and looked after by the office manager for Congo Safaris, Brunell. The Saturday plane was on schedule, but upon arrival in Camp we were informed that our hunting permits had been taken back due to some administrative adjustments which were necessary since the government quota survey had just been completed. Disappointed but ever hopeful, we spent the next several days driving the concession and spotting the various game we were hunting. All species were viewed and abundant, including the gorillas and chimpanzees’ of Congo fame. Five days after arriving in camp we were headed home as the permits still had not been re-issued, and it appeared they may not be for some time. The Ministers of Conservation and Forestry, and well as two Ministers of Parks and Wildlife, requested an audience when we arrived in Brazzaville before heading home to Houston and Detroit respectively. They were concerned as to why we were leaving and why we were reluctant to wait another few days as the permits would soon be re-issued. They convinced us that the problem was not the making or fault of our outfitter, Congo Safaris, but rather the government, and hoped we would return in the near future. It seems this was the first year
The forest is beautiful, and serene, and dark and damp and frightening all at the same time, and getting lost in there would be very easy. a game survey was carried out; the evaluation and sign-off, by multiple agencies, had taken more time than expected, but the problem would not occur again. We were assured the quotas had been increased and for the first time, Giant Forest Hog would be on license. We explained that we had other commitments and could not delay our departure any longer, but that it was our wish that the government understand that the hunting community is small and that such issues did not bode well for a country trying to establish a newly initiated hunting program. I received a call three weeks later that the permits had been issued. With an Alaska trip booked for early September I would only be able to stay a maximum of 12 days of the scheduled 20day hunt, but Namibian owners Tielman and Carin Neethling worked out an amicable compromise, so I left the next day. I arrived in Brazzaville to the news that the internal flight had been totally reserved for a presidential party to attend a celebration in Ouesso, our destination. A 15-hour drive to the northern end of the country followed.
Opposite: An old Bongo close up! Top: The Bongo surprised by the photographer. Above: Red River hogs. Left: Author, PH Vianne Roux, and Bongo.
SUMMER 2016 HUNTER’S HORN 15
CONQUERING THE CONGO : BY MICHAEL AMBROSE The rain forest of the Congo is an could not find a bull in the herd before amazing ecological treasure. Forestry is they caught our wind and headed off into the main industry in this region of the the safety of the forest. country and it is vast, covering hundreds Elephant are protected and to be avoidof thousands of square miles. Logging ed at all costs in the forest. Poaching has roads are the main means of access as taken its toll and elephants are known the jungle is impenetrable other than by to charge anyone they see in the jungle. foot, without the use of heavy equipment. When we encountered fresh elephant French and Canadian companies hold the spoor or heard or saw them we made logging contracts and the roads are large an immediate retreat. Poaching is still and wide, used by huge trucks bringing a big problem and during this safari we enormous logs to the sawmills established found two poached carcasses and heard in close proximity to the harvest. The laws shots another time. We turned all this governing harvest are strict so that the information over to the government’s resource can recover and remain sustain- anti-poaching crews who man the roads able. We would travel these roads looking and patrol the forest on a regular basis, for fresh spoor and then start our track- but the vastness and density of the area ing. We hunted very hard, long hours and offer an advantage to someone who does put in a lot of miles on the ground every not wish to be found. day, but were having no luck in locating Within the forest there are water holes our quarry. On day two we tracked buf- or “Bight,” which offer cooling solace to falo more than four miles into the forest; the animals from the heat of the day, fresh after getting within 20 yards of them we browse and water. We often walked into
Top: Forest elephant near camp. Above: The main camp at Congo Safaris. Right: The client cabanas. 16 HUNTER’S HORN SUMMER 2016
these places in search of game, as many times success has been had in this method of hunting. We often came across gorillas and/or chimpanzees while following spoor, and the chimps and other ape species were a warning alarm to almost everything in the area when we encountered them. We often saw tracks of and had many trail-cam pictures of leopard, so predators do patrol the area and are in abundance. The forest is beautiful, and serene, and dark and damp and frightening all at the same time, and getting lost in there would be very easy. The trees are enormous and many varied species exist, but mahogany is the prime wood of harvest here. I am amazed at how we always emerged back where we started without the use of GPS, although carried by the PHs, the trackers never needed it. We needed some rain to help us out and cool things down as the animals were laying low in the heat. Finally on day 7
CONQUERING THE CONGO : BY MICHAEL AMBROSE
Top Left: The author with PH Vianne and a Yellow-Backed Duiker. Top Right: Giant forest hogs. Above: The author with his Peters Duiker. Left: The author, PH Vianne Roux, and his Dwarf Forest Buffalo.
the tide swung in our favor after an “all Peter’s Duiker, and the following day we night” session in a Mirador, (French for returned to the Mirador, where I had premachaun or tree stand) and we were finally viously done the “all night” session as we blessed with some rain. We headed to the had been visited by Yellow Backed Duiker far end of the concession that afternoon on that evening, but we passed as we were and finally ran into fresh bongo spoor. waiting for bongo. Sure enough, one came Once on it, we encountered the bongo in again; I placed a shot just behind the rather quickly. He was feeding along an shoulder and was rewarded with one of old logging road and after a making an the most sought-after trophies in Central approach and a 150-yard shot we had one Africa. I was surprised by how large (45+ of the necessary trophies on my list. I am kg) they were, and although mine had but in quest of the Africa Diamond award a single horn he was a very mature and and a forest duiker and the bongo were fine specimen of the species. a must on this trip. I was blessed with a The next several days went by slowly as great old mature bull of a bit over 25.5 the safari wound down. We were joined inches in length but very heavy — a won- in Camp by two Ukrainian hunters, and derful trophy. on his second day Alexi was also blessed The next day I managed to harvest a with a fine bongo of over 28 inches. On
the last morning of my hunt we ran into Dwarf Forest Buffalo tracks, and after about an hour we ran into them. These are very wary and eluxive animals with keen senses, so with great caution we worked our way into position. They were alert and we remained frozen in cover for some 20 minutes while they searched for us with eyes and nose. The wind was in our favor and we remained undetected and they relaxed and began to lay down for a midmorning siesta. My PH, Vianne, went prone and crawled to a position on his belly in the mud where he could see the bull. I crawled to where he was lying when he motioned for me and we looked over the situation. A very difficult shot was all that was presented as I had to shoot SUMMER 2016 HUNTER’S HORN 17
Congo Safaris is trying to do everything right in opening hunting in this country…
18 HUNTER’S HORN SUMMER 2016
Once again the planes would not fly, this time due to a shortage of fuel in the country, so we were forced to hire a car and make a breakneck race of about 1000km to catch the evening flight. I managed to make it because of a flight delay and the hard work of Brunell to hold my seat on the plane. I admit the Congo has its challenges, but I feel it will become a more popular destination in Central Africa especially with all the difficulties and security issues, and the reported closing of hunting by CAWA for two years in the CAR. Spot and stalk bongo hunting is not heard of in Cameroon, dogs are used there, and Machaun night hunting is the only successful way bongo are taken in the CAR. Congo Safaris is trying to do everything right in opening hunting in this country and has purchased three new hunting vehicles and two new aluminum boats, all designed to increase the comfort and odds of success hunting forest sitatunga. Many other amenities such as trolling motors and spares and tools, as well as some creature comforts for camp, were all still held in customs upon my departure. I am certain these items will be cleared later in the season and 2016 should see all new equipment in place. There are 11 miradors on the concession, seven of which are new this year — large and comfortable and placed on salt-enhanced bights in the forest. Be prepared to do a good deal of walking in the rain forest, and be aware that rain is a desirable thing when hunting the animals, both for tracking and creating extended periods of coolness for their feeding. Check that the new gear is in place and take my recomover the back of a cow between me and mendation to try Congo for your Central the only bull in the small herd. From the African Species. prone position I was actually below the Congo Safaris expect to open anothlevel of the cow’s back and although the er concession some 600 km to the west, bull’s back was higher as he laid facing which will carry more Dwarf Forrest as away from me, my window was a small well as Western Savanna buffalo and harone. The shot was well placed using the ness bushbuck, all the duikers and both firm rest of my PH’s shoulder as we laid in Red River and Giant Forest Hog. It is the mud a mere 60 yards away. The spine hoped to be operation in 2017, and I plan shot into the bull’s tail paralyzed him to return when it is. and, rising to my knees, a quick finishThanks again to Christophe Beau of ing shot to the shoulder placed him back Grand Safari and Tielman and Carin on the ground. My hunt concluded with Neethling of Congo Safaris for working another great trophy. My Ukrainian com- with me on making this hunt happen. A panions in camp had managed a couple great thanks to all in camp and especially of yellow-backed duikers that day as well Vianne Roux, my PH, his entire staff, and and I packed for my trip home early the Joseph, our tracker superior. ★ following morning.
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SUMMER 2016 HUNTER’S HORN 19
Advancing Conservation Cause BY JEFF CRANE, PRESIDENT, CONGRESSIONAL SPORTSMEN’S FOUNDATION
Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus Members Recognize Benefits of Educating Hunters on Wildlife Conservation
20 HUNTER’S HORN SUMMER 2016
I
n the 1930s, hunters began to realize that the revenue generated by their hunting license fees was insufficient to address the conservation needs of their time. Consequently, forward-thinking members of the sportsmen’s community, along with state fish and wildlife agencies and the
firearms and ammunition industries, took it upon themselves to address these needs by passing a federal law that cemented the conservation legacy of America’s sportsmen and women. This program, established by the passage of the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act in 1937, directs excise taxes on firearms and ammunition to a dedicated fund specifically used for conservation-related purposes. Known as the American System of Conservation Funding, this “user pays – public benefits” system also ensures that hunting license dollars are protected from diversion to other government programs and is widely recognized as the lifeblood of state fish and wildlife agencies.
Fast forward 79 years and this program continues to remain a great success by enhancing a wide variety of wildlife populations including species that are hunted and those that are not, conserving millions of acres of wetlands and forest habitats, improving soil and water quality, increasing public access to public and private lands for recreational use, and countless other benefits for wildlife and public users alike. However, with increasing urbanization, fewer young Americans are introduced to the outdoors, and in many places, hunter participation has slowly declined over the years. In order to continue funding crucial conservation projects through this dedicated funding mechanism, it is necessary to implement strategies to teach new people to hunt and appreciate the outdoors. With this in mind, leaders of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC) and the sportsmen’s community recognize the need to extend more resources and financial support to the states for the promotion of hunting and recreational shooting. In addition to furthering our collective outdoor heritage by bringing new sportsmen and women into the fold, efforts aimed at increasing participation in hunting and the shooting sports also ensure the long-term viability of critically important conservation funding streams. Recently, CSC leaders Congressman Jeff Duncan (South Carolina) and Senator Jim Risch (Idaho) introduced legislation in both the House and Senate called the Modernizing the Pittman-Robertson Fund for Tomorrow’s Needs Act (H.R. 4818 and S. 2690). These bills aim to dedicate a portion of Pittman-Robertson revenue toward
hunter recruitment and retention programs through national outreach and marketing campaigns, as well as education and mentoring to new hunters and recreational shooters. Modernizing this fund is an important step in advancing our nation’s hunting heritage and furthering state-based conservation efforts. Every time we buy a box of ammunition or hunting license, we are ensuring that all Americans can enjoy wildlife and access to the outdoors. Like our predecessors in the 1930s, our nation’s sportsmen and women, along with allies in Congress, are willing to step up and find lasting solutions that will allow hunters and recreational shooters to play a key role in finding solutions to our most pressing conservation challenges, both now and in the future.
About the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation
Since 1989, CSF has maintained a singleness of purpose that has guided the organization to become the most respected and trusted sportsmen's organization in the political arena. CSF's mission is to work with Congress, governors, and state legislatures to protect and advance hunting, angling, recreational shooting and trapping. The unique and collective force of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus (CSC), the Governors Sportsmen's Caucus (GSC) and the National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses (NASC), working closely with CSF, and with the support of major hunting, angling, recreational shooting and trapping organizations, serves as an unprecedented network of prosportsmen elected officials that advance the interests of America's hunters and anglers.
SUMMER 2016 HUNTER’S HORN 21
22 HUNTER’S HORN SUMMER 2016
An Introduction to
Legendary Arms Works
I
Opposite: Author with 55 kudu bull, a highly prized trophy. Above: LAW Big Five in .375 H&H
BY PHILIP MASSARO
have had the good fortune to make six safaris to Africa so far. Each of them was unique and very special, and solidified my love for hunting African big game above all. Along the way, I have used many different rifles, in many different calibers, and have been in the company of many more; between the
numerous professional hunters and government game scouts, I have seen some beauties and those firearms that I wouldn’t actually deem “functional,” including one Mauser converted to .458 Winchester that had the iron sights brazed on. I’m not kidding.
Among the rifles I’ve chosen to cross the pond with, several I still possess; others proved to me that they weren’t up to the task. However, there is a pair of rifles I’d like to tell you about that have certainly proved their worth in the bush, from a relatively unknown company. Legendary Arms Works of Reinholds, Pennsylvania, produces a trio of rifles that will serve the traveling hunter very well. The company is a marriage of two wellknown names in the firearms industry. Mark Bansner has long been respected for his synthetic and fiberglass rifle stocks, as well as his all-weather hunting rifles. While I am an aficionado of hand-rubbed walnut and rust bluing, I also know how SUMMER 2016 HUNTER’S HORN 23
LEGENDARY ARMS WORKS : BY PHILIP MASSARO
The LAW Professional has a very smooth action.
Big Five in .375 H&H Magnum.
Action of LAW Professional.
hard traveling to many different climates can be on a traditional rifle. Having a stock that is impervious to the extremes of cold or heat, one that is unaffected by the humidity, be it in the wet of Alaska or the arid climates of Southern Africa, is very important for maintaining a rifle’s accuracy. Mark Bansner’s stocks deliver just that. Ed Brown, another industry giant, had a very successful line of rifles and pistols that certainly performed well. Legendary Arms Works brilliantly reflects the efforts of these two gentlemen. Mr. Brown’s Model 704 action is the basis for the trio of rifles that Legendary produces: The Closer, The Professional, and The Big Five. Simply put, there is a Legendary Arms Works rifle for every hunter. Let’s talk a bit about the features, the subtle little things that invariably add up to a winning rifle. The basis for any rifle is its action. The rifle market is flooded with good bolt-action guns, and it’s very difficult to stand out in the crowd, but LAW stands out for many reasons. The M704 action is a fantastic design, a controlled round feed affair, without the need for the giant claw extractor and associated side band (and its familiar binding in some rifles) of the Mauser actions. Instead, the M704 picks up the cartridge in the lower portion of the bolt face, which is open, and uses an oversize extractor to ensure that the rifle will extract the cartridge every single time, regardless of weather conditions. The 704 bolt is lighter than other controlled round feed rifles, and despite the numerous torture tests that I’ve put it through, it is utterly reliable. Two locking lugs secure the breech, and even with high pressure cartridges like the .26 Nosler, extraction is no issue. The M704 uses a fixed blade-style ejector to reliably kick the spent cartridges out. The M704 bolt has another fantastic, cool feature that serves the traveling hunter
very well. The firing pin assembly – spring, pin and all – can be disassembled easily in the field, cleaned, greased, de-greased, or whatever suits your fancy. Simply cock the bolt (with the rifle unloaded, of course), put the three position safety into the middle position, and remove the bolt using the spring-loaded tab on the rear left side of the receiver. Once the bolt is removed, there is a tiny tab on the left side of the rear of the bolt, which can easily be depressed into its slot; a simple quarter-turn counterclockwise will allow you to pull the firing pin assembly out of the fluted bolt shroud for maintenance. The M704 is a round action, which fits very well in your hand when stalking game or carrying the rifle in one hand. The rounded contour allows the stock to keep a trim profile and best avoid the ‘blocky’ feel that so many rifles have today. A 90° bolt throw feels very familiar while the smooth, rounded bolt handle fits very nicely in hand, allowing for quick cycling of the action. The rifle is also bedecked with a Timney
trigger for a clean, crisp break with virtually no creep and very little over travel. A good trigger can make or break a rifle, and Timney triggers have been a game saver for me as a replacement in many rifles that were, well, “trigger-deficient.” Legendary smartly supplies their rifles with the Timney trigger; all I’ve fired were equipped with the trigger tuned to break at just about three pounds – light enough to place shots very accurately, yet heavy enough so that the rifle never fires unexpectedly, which is extremely important when it comes to dangerous game. The LAW rifles feature a Model 70style three position wing safety at the right rear of the receiver (on right-handed models), offering a very positive feel with a crisp click between positions. With the large amount of loading and unloading during the course of a safari (usually several times per day, if you come back to camp for lunch), I like three-position safeties as they will allow you to load and unload your rifle without having to put it
24 HUNTER’S HORN SUMMER 2016
LEGENDARY ARMS WORKS : BY PHILIP MASSARO
Muzzle Brake of LAW Big Five.
The LAW Professional's bolt is completely field strippable.
LAW The Professional.
into battery. I also like the familiar feel of the wing safety; after years of using one on many different rifles, I can operate it without taking my eyes off a game animal, which is especially important with animals that congregate in herds and often change positions in an instant. The Bansner stock is a hand-laid fiberglass affair, designed for rigidity and sprayed in a different color for each model. The Closer is a three-colored tan speckle finish, The Professional is a green speckle motif, and The Big Five comes in a dark brown speckle finish. While there is no checkering on the stock, the speckle finish gives a feel that is rough enough to hang onto no matter how sweaty your hands may be (in the case of an African safari) or how numb your fingers may seem (as they can get, here in the Northeast), and that finish is resilient enough to handle the dayto-day use on any hunt without showing wear. LAW has done a very good job with stock design. The LAW rifles use a length of pull of 13½ inches, a good compromise
for the average hunter. While I have long arms and generally prefer a 14-inch LOP or longer on some rifles, the LAW fits well both on safari and in the deer woods, no matter the amount of clothing worn. The comb on both The Closer and The Professional are designed for use with a riflescope, while the Big Five rifle is stocked for use with both iron sights and a riflescope. The LAW stock design is such that even with normally hard-kicking magnum cartridges, felt recoil is very manageable, even for ladies and smaller shooters. The pistol grip is more along the lines of classic British guns in that the angle isn’t as severe as some American rifles. As a result there’s no worry about splitting open your middle finger during recoil, even with a big caliber off the bench. All models utilize aluminum bedding blocks to enhance accuracy, and also feature a 1-inch Pachmeyer Decelerator recoil pad to help absorb recoil. Sling swivel studs are provided front and rear on The Closer and The Professional. The Big Five has a rear stud in the stock and a barrel band sling swivel. Speaking of barrels, LAW uses some fine ones of chrome moly steel, delivering top-notch accuracy. The Closer’s barrels are smooth, with no iron sights, in a No. 3 contour. It comes chambered in most popular calibers from .22-250 Remington up to .35 Whelen, with several magnum options, including the .26 Nosler and .300 Weatherby Magnum, and some cool choices like 6.5 Creedmoor. The Professional has the same No. 3 contour, but is fluted to reduce weight. Like The Closer, it is a smooth barrel, and is chambered to the same choice of cartridges. The Big Five uses a heavy contour barrel with some very nice iron sights, a fully adjustable express-style rear sight and a hooded front sight with a bold white bead, which draws the eye very nicely. It is chambered
in .375 H&H Mangum, .416 Remington Magnum, and .458 Lott – all fine choices for dangerous game work. All three models use a one-piece trigger guard with a hinged floorplate that releases via a button located at the lower front of the trigger guard. The magazine follower of the LAW rifles loads the cartridges in a staggered manner, sending the first cartridge loaded to the left, rather than to the right, as most bolt rifles do. One of the nicest features of the LAW rifles is that all metal surfaces, with the exception of the trigger and the safety, are Cerakoted. Without a doubt, Cerakote is a finish that is among the best when it comes to being weatherproof, no matter if it’s cold and wet or hot and dry. I am a guy who seems to have acidic hands; on more than one occasion I have worn the bluing off the floorplate of a rifle on a oneweek safari. I can attest to the fact that the Cerakote finish on the LAW rifles withstood my personal torture test, and came through with flying colors. Upon disassembly of the bolt I was pleased to find that even the firing pin was Cerakoted! The folks at Legendary take their weatherproofing seriously. The Closer and The Professional both come with factory installed Weaver-style cross slot bases, allowing the owner to choose from a multitude of rings to mount the riflescope of their choice. The Big Five rifle comes with Talley bases installed at the factory; I have found that Talley rings and bases are among the most reliable when it comes to outfitting a rifle for dangerous game, where the recoil can become an issue with less-than-premium mounts. Many of my dangerous game guns are set up with the very same Talley bases that LAW provides on The Big Five. The Professional, being a lightweight rifle and The Big Five, being a
I’ve hunted Africa enough to know how horns shine in the sunlight. That glint turned into a set of sable horns … and one set turned into two, three, five and more. Before long, we spotted the herd bull … Opposite: The author and PH Nick Prinsloo with waterbuck bull.
SUMMER 2016 HUNTER’S HORN 25
LEGENDARY ARMS WORKS : BY PHILIP MASSARO
Suzanne Massaro, with sable bull. Legendary Big Five rifle and old warthog
hard-kicking rifle, are both equipped with a removable muzzle brake, which works efficiently at reducing recoil. When I first examined these rifles, I was sort of disappointed, thinking that the brake was integral with the barrel. Boy was I wrong! The machining of the joint where the muzzle brake meets the barrel is so well done that the seam was invisible at first. Only when I found the cap in the embroidered soft case that LAW supplies with each rifle did I think to try to remove it. The brake and the cap are easily switched out, requiring no more than hand-tightening. My wife Suzie and I were headed to South Africa for a late-season safari with Nick Prinsloo of Footsteps Africa safaris, our primary focus a sable for Suzie and a kudu for me. We had chosen to bring along two of the Legendary rifles: The Big Five in .375 H&H Magnum for Suzie and The Professional in .300 Winchester Magnum for me. My wife is 5' 3", and while she is physically fit, I was still a bit nervous about the recoil of the .375. Silly man that I was, she handled the rifle as if it were an extension of her arm. Many of my friends assembled at the backyard range were very impressed with her shooting; from the full-house 300-grain factory loads to the lighter 260- and 270-grain slugs, Sue put them into tight little groups, both off the bench and off shooting sticks. The .300 was no different; it wasn’t difficult to print sub-MOA groups with several different types of ammunition, and in different bullet weights. The rifles were sighted, the bags were packed and the long trip across the pond was made. We met Nick Prinsloo at O.R. Tambo airport in Johannesburg and drove 26 HUNTER’S HORN SUMMER 2016
the three-hour trip into the Steenbokpan area of the Limpopo. We sorted our gear, had a good lunch and headed to the rifle range to see if the rifles held zero after their experience with the evil baggage handlers that love to put all those scars on my rifle case. A grand total of four shots were fired – two per gun – and zero was verified, so the hunt was on. The concession we were hunting was on a variety of terrains — from the acacia and silver cluster-leaf thickets that provide the cover that so many game animals love, to the rocky kopjes where the rooibos grows and the kudu seem so at home. I saw the late afternoon sun reflect off a shiny surface in the bush; I’ve hunted Africa enough to know how horns shine in the sunlight. That glint turned into a set of sable horns when I raised the Swarovski binoculars, and one set turned into two, three, five and more. Soon, we spotted the herd bull, and using the light to our advantage, Nick got the sticks spread and Sue got the fore end of The Big Five settled down. I had a good vantage point, and I watched the bull hunch up in that familiar fashion when heart-shot, even before I heard the report of the rifle. Forty yards later, my wife stood over her dream animal, gripping that Big Five rifle with a sense of pride she hadn’t experienced before. I had my own love affair with The Professional the very next day. When we woke, even before dawn, we noticed the temperatures had risen significantly. We were aboard the cruiser and looking for heart-shaped kudu tracks in the early light, when my wife spotted a kudu bull from the truck. She was the only one who saw it, and while Nick and I dismounted and did our best to track him, the wind started swirling in the heat and we didn’t
want to spook the bull. By 10 a.m. it was well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit and Nick and I had essentially given up for the day. On our return trip to the cruiser, we spotted some kudu cows, and standing at the rear of the group, the bull showed us exactly how much horn he carried. The stalk was resumed, and in the swirling wind, two-hundred yards later, Nick spread the sticks and said the two words I’d waited so long to hear: “Shoot him.” The kudu was running, at about seventy yards, straight away, in that loping manner that that they use when trying to vacate the premises. The Professional came easily to shoulder, nestled easily in the crotch of the bamboo sticks. I held for the base of his neck, and did my best to hold The Professional steady. When the Timney trigger broke, my own dream came true: I got to hold 55 glorious inches of kudu horns in each hand, and after six safaris and so many disappointments, I was beyond grateful and glad that I had a rifle of the quality of the Professional in hand when that shot was presented. Nick Prinsloo was very impressed with the rifle’s capabilities (and maybe just a touch impressed with the shot). If I was worried that the love affair was a one-night stand, the relationship was verified three days later when a waterbuck bull stood 215 yards across a pan; one squeeze of the trigger and he was in the salt as well, on his way to America to become immortal. If you’re looking for a rifle to travel with – a companion that will stand up to the rigors of hunting abroad better than you can – look no further than Legendary Arms Works. Be it a light or heavy for your big game hunting, they have a rifle that will work well for you. ★
2015 HIGHLIGHTS
Potential #1 with bow green score 596 SCI
570
Potential #1 with crossbow green score 558 SCI non typ
455
507
594 Potential #1 green score 519 SCI typ
538
506
Mont-Tremblant, Québec, Canada | 819 687-9111 | info@laurentianwildlife.com | laurentianwildlife.com SUMMER 2016 HUNTER’S HORN 27
: BE PREPARED 28 HUNTER’S HORN SUMMER 2016
BY CRAIG BODDINGTON
A
ny hunter worth his or her salt should always be prepared and expect the unexpected. Compared with many pursuits, hunting is a relatively safe pastime, but Murphy’s Law is out there: Whatever can go wrong will (sometimes). Then there’s Boddington’s Corollary: Whatever will go wrong, will go
wrong at the worst possible time. We worry about the dramatic, like a mauling or a goring, but it’s the mundane that is more likely, such as a vehicle accident on a Third World road, a fall over an obstacle as you walk out of your tent, or an unexpected illness. Just because you’ve never been seriously injured or become critically ill while on a hunt, doesn’t mean it couldn’t happen to you. It isn’t a matter of your number coming up: Just like rolling dice, the odds are the same on every roll, except in life, including on safari, the odds are pretty much with you — but are you willing to bet your life?
EXPECTTHEUNEXPECTED SUMMER 2016 HUNTER’S HORN 29
BE PREPARED: EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED : BY CRAIG BODDINGTON
During the past 38 years, I’ve taken more than 80 buffalo and “been there” on dozens more. Not once did I experience a buffalo charge. That’s good, it’s not something a sane person should want, but I was starting to feel left out. Then the dice rolled the other way. In 2014 and ’15 I experienced four buffalo charges! Two were unprovoked, one was wounded by a hunting partner, and one was all mine. It’s a magnificent sight when they come, head up with horns shining and black gun-muzzle nostrils gleaming until the last, but it’s not something you want to make a habit of. All were stopped before anyone got hurt. I’m glad I saw it, but I don’t need to see it again. You see, not all charges can be stopped — that is also a matter of luck as well as skill. I’ve had friends killed by buffalo and others badly hurt. One friend took the impact full on his chest, breaking ribs and separating his shoulder. Then the buffalo tossed him twice and gored him severely in the leg. Bleeding profusely, he was 18 hours from the nearest hospital, almost
Craig Boddington is an outdoor journalist, television host, and author of 25 books and thousands of articles on hunting, shooting and conservation.
30 HUNTER’S HORN SUMMER 2016
bleeding to death. He made it, and after multiple surgeries he’s hunting again. A Global Rescue membership couldn’t have prevented the injuries, but it could have gotten him to help a lot sooner. These things happen, but animal attacks and snake bites aren’t the most likely to cause serious injury or result in death. It’s “the simple stuff ” — a cut left untreated resulting in a serious infection, an insect bite, a vehicle crash, a simple fall, and the No. 1 cause – your level of fitness and the state of your health. Hunters need to have a thorough understanding of what kind of physical shape they are in and what kind of physical shape they need to be in before setting off on their next adventure in the wild. Your fitness level must match the challenge. And to get there, you need to train. Even with the best preparation bad things can sometimes happen — Murphy’s Law and Boddington’s Corollary can apply. I thought I was in pretty good shape before I set out on safari in Uganda. My recent physical was good, and I had no
known risk factors or indicators. I was there for 10 days, walking and hunting in warm weather … and then I suffered a heart attack, but didn’t recognize the symptoms. It was a blistering hot morning, and we’d tracked a buffalo up a gentle ridge for a couple of hours. I was uncharacteristically short of breath and sweating. I put it down to the heat and we continued. We shot the buffalo with no incident … and then I passed out, completely out. Thinking it was simple heat exhaustion, they got me in the shade and cooled me down. We took pictures of the buffalo and I got back to camp okay, but I couldn’t breathe properly and every breath hurt. At this moment I made the worst mistake of my life: I had a satellite phone and a medical evacuation membership, and I didn’t use either. It almost cost me my life. The next morning we packed up and drove back to Kampala, and my outfitter took me to the International Hospital in Kampala. They seemed to know what they were doing, and they gave me some tests,
BE PREPARED: EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED : BY CRAIG BODDINGTON
Craig Boddington and his daughter Brittany host The Boddington Experience TV series on The Sportsman Channel.
but not an EKG. They made the wrong call, diagnosing me with a pulmonary infection. I paid for a bag of antibiotics and they sent me on my way. We went to a hotel in Kampala. Able to rest, I was feeling a little better, so I took the antibiotics and arranged a flight home. The commercial flight was my second huge mistake! By the time I got to Los Angeles I could hardly breathe — I could barely push my baggage cart to my connecting flight. Every breath was a stab of pain, and I felt like I was 100 years old. When I got home my wife, Donna, took one look at me—I had turned blue—and said, “You’ve had a heart attack.” It took her 10 seconds to make that diagnosis. It took real doctors about 90 seconds, and then I was in an ambulance headed to the cardiac care center at French Hospital. They told Donna I wouldn’t have lived through the night, and the way I felt I think they were right. I was in intensive care for several days, and then began the long road to recovery. I almost died. I couldn’t have prevented the heart attack, but if I’d used my membership and my phone, I could have saved a lot of pain and recovery time. Sometimes bad things happen to good people. I’d had my checkups; I was in good condition, with no history of heart
Craig Boddington with a herd of elephants in the Zambezi Valley, Zambesi
disease in the family and no known risk factors. In part this is why I was so stubborn…I knew it was worse than a chest cold, but I accepted their diagnosis. A Global Rescue membership is a musthave for any adventurer or hunter who frequents remote or dangerous locations, and it’s equally important to use it when you need it! If I had made the call, instead of a misdiagnosis from a local doctor, I would have been able to consult with real, professional critical care paramedics or physicians. They would have broken through my stubbornness, and I would have had immediate access to field rescue and medical evacuation services and transportation to any one of 200 medical centers of excellence, or if I requested, to my home hospital of choice. I was lucky; my recovery was complete without surgery. Today, after more than 400 hunts across six continents, I don’t take chances. I take my medications as prescribed, I plan my trips, make sure I have the right equipment for the environment, and I always take a sat phone and my Global Rescue Membership card. If I ever have another problem that’s the first call I’ll make. I swear it! That’s my escape route—in case Mr. Murphy drops by and the unexpected (which I’m expecting) happens. ★
For over a decade and 7,000+ missions, Global Rescue has provided individuals, families and enterprises with health advisory, field rescue, intelligence, and medical and security evacuation service. Global Rescue www.GlobalRescue.com Member Services 617-459-4200 memberservices@globalrescue.com
About the Author Craig Boddington, born in Kansas in 1952, is considered one of today’s most respected outdoor journalists. He is a decorated Marine, attaining the rank of colonel while serving in the Gulf War and the Persian Gulf. With more than 40 years of hunting experience on six continents, Boddington is recognized as a leading voice in the community on conservation and ethical hunting.
SUMMER 2016 HUNTER’S HORN 31
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SUMMER 2016 HUNTER’S HORN 33
HUNTING & the Art of Human Existence BY SHANE MAHONEY
O
ver long and now misted millennia, the rhythm of our human existence was the same. Pursuing our sacred and relentless desire to survive, we hunted and gathered the living things that suited our physical needs
for food and warmth. Across endless wild environments we perfected the one great arc of our existence, the first great act of globalization. We marched slowly out of Africa and encircled our world, driven by need and curiosity and fuelled by the death of wild others. Perfecting the weapons, we fashioned the stone, honed the bone and wood, and hunted our way into modernity. Against nearly impossible odds, we developed a pathway to existence that was to become the hallmark of our species and the most enduring portal to our natural selves.
34 HUNTER’S HORN SUMMER 2016
Hunting cultures around the world developed rich mythologies centered upon the natural world. They saw the kill as an inevitable act and a gift from some power whose identity they might only imagine. Humans became the greatest hunters the natural world has ever seen. No other species could match the range of our capacity or the limitlessness of our inventions. Small, slow, and fragile, our children rose to strength and stature on the flesh and bone of wild brethren. Upon our campfires roasted the great and fierce giants of the animal world. Along ocean margins and ice field skirts, and from endless steppe to brooding mountain peak, the hunter excelled — our very existence testimony to the most eloquent equation ever derived: energy and matter are interchangeable. The flesh we consumed became the flesh we were; the blood we drained became the river of our lives. Human and animal became inseparable; life and death were but a circle. A long way down this road, a man would eventually write this equation down. When he did, we would revere him and call him the greatest physicist of all time. In reality, he was just a wild-eyed hunter, running down the truth. Both his mind and his pen were surely the inventions of his hunting past. Thus we see the inseparable tie between our history and our future, the seamless flow of our existence. Complicated and enduring, hunters were, however, gathering far more than the flesh of fruit and the blood of animals as they hunted the landscapes around them. The hunters were also endlessly discovering the secrets of the natural world. Through patient study, they were coming to understand our place in the unending cycle of death and resurrection. Evening fires illuminated the deep impressions of this experience. They had witnessed the cunning of the great carnivores and the vigilance of the prey; and the intense but pitiless death that
lay in between. They knew that each animal lived a different life and was to be found in a different place. The hunters exploited these frailties. Through butchering, the hunter knew what they ate and something of how their bodies worked. Hunters recognized the craving for fat and were aware of the best season to secure it. They came to know when the rivers were full, when the rookeries were alive, and when the plains would squirm with new life. Consciously suspended in the wondrous web of life, human hunters would become the first ecologists. Along this miraculous way, the hunter also came to understand the profound implications of procreation. Observing the wondrous bond between wild mother and offspring, they watched as tiny new life was birthed and the female turned to consume the sack from which it writhed. Enthralled by the ferocious passions of males in rut, passions that allowed hunters to approach and kill them, hunters came to understand the function of display and ornamentation in mating — the flash of antlers, the costumes and colors of the strutting male, the dancing of cranes. Slowly, but certainly, hunters began to understand the need for all this complexity, and why it was required to ensure both animal existence and their own future. Lush grasses became fat deer from which the wolf pup was spawned. Like their animal counterparts, tribes well-nourished on the abundance of animals prospered and bore many strong children to strong mothers and fathers. This knowledge bore witness to the indivisibility of life and that the miracle of transubstantiation was no rare thing. Indeed, did not the flowers grow in abundance where the mammoths were butchered? Further, should not their own dead be SUMMER 2016 HUNTER’S HORN 35
HUNTING & THE ART OF HUMAN EXISTENCE : BY SHANE MAHONEY
given back to the earth, interred to commence their decomposition to another form? In coming to understand this great cycle of life, death, and rebirth, the human animal explored the boundaries of reality, the horizons of existence. Finally, humans would acknowledge the wondrous parallels between the lives of animals and their own needs and emotions. Animals would become our brothers, just as native cultures everywhere would remind us. Somewhere along this road, philosophy was born. So it was surely inevitable that art and spirituality would rise in the human species. Faced with a world of startling fullness, yet with existence a struggle for all, humans were led to question their own origins and the purpose of existence. They saw the wondrous complexities around them, but where in all of this magic and mayhem did they fit? An expanding brain, fuelled by animal protein and an increasing emphasis on tool use and manufacture, carried with it the increased capacity to reason, and reflect. Falling sometimes to the great predators that made humans their prey, and at others elated by killing great beasts where weakness would have meant failure, the hunting human prevailed and saw the world through a primate’s eyes, but with a predator’s vision. Thus it was that hunting cultures around the world developed rich mythologies centered upon the natural world. They saw the kill as an inevitable act and a gift from some power whose identity they might only imagine. As the magnificent cave art suggests, humans thus ceased to instinctively participate in the kill and began an intellectual and spiritual journey that tied both the hunting lifestyle and the magnificent creatures upon which they depended for survival. Those theriomorphic figures displayed on cave walls and ceilings — the half-human, half-animal shape-shifters — attest to the recognition of the inseparableness of life and a shamanistic journey to other dimensions and realities. 36 HUNTER’S HORN SUMMER 2016
Thus was the hunting human transformed, no longer a brute creature who killed with indifference but one who could worship the beauty and grace of the wild others and who could be convinced that hunting was not only something that was, but something that always had to be. The wild others were now essential companions of the hunter — more than just meat and marrow. It was through the hunt that we came to an understanding of the very nature of existence. At a crucial point in our journey, we stepped away from the path of others and re-entered nature in a more vital and conscious way. Our metamorphosis from brute to intellectual carried these notions of art and beauty, the imaginings of parallel universes, the concepts of resurrection and transubstantiation, the logic of empirical observation and the miraculous preoccupation with trying to find a purpose for it all. Biologically as constrained as ever, humanity was set free in the truest sense of the word. These deepest parts of our humanity are not the constructs of modernity, of Newtonian science, or Judeo-Christian beliefs. These concepts were already fully formed when the hand-held spear was still being thrust through the mammoth’s ribs. ★ Born and raised in Newfoundland, Shane Mahoney is a leading international authority on wildlife conservation. A rare combination of scientist, hunter, angler, historian and philosopher, he brings a unique perspective to wildlife issues that has motivated and inspired audiences around the world.
SUMMER 2016 HUNTER’S HORN 37
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Hog wild in the kitchen Feral Feast, Swine Time, Swine Dining BY SCOTT LEYSATH THE SPORTING CHEF
40 HUNTER’S HORN SUMMER 2016
S
pend some time at a barbecue competition and you’ll discover that the folks in the dirty
aprons are passionate about the “proper” way to prepare any pig, wild or domestic.
Experts in the field will often insist that there is only one correct way (their way) to
get it done and, if you stray from the path, well, it’s just sub-standard barbecue. It really isn’t all
that complicated. Turning wild hogs into exceptional table fare requires only minimal skill, a little patience and the willingness to make a few adjustments.
Given that wild pork and other ingredients to is leaner than farmed, the pot before simmerthe simplest way to ing until the meat can be make it suitable for the broken apart with minitable is to cook it “low mal pressure. and slow,” using low If you are unfamiliar temperature over sevwith Sous Vide cooking, eral hours. Although it’s worth a closer look. cooking with an outThe process involves door grill or smoker will vacuum-sealed foods impart more f lavor to that cook in a precisely the meat, a conventioncontrolled water bath. al oven works just fine. There are free-standSlow-cookers can turn ing Sous Vide units that your otherwise chewy pig cost hundreds, even into something tasty and thousands of dollars. tender. Braising, smokA more economical ing and indirect grilling choice, a portable unit, will also, over time, break will set you back only down lean feral hogs into about $175 and does moist morsels that can be pretty much the same If the expression, “You are what shredded for sandwiches, thing as the expentacos and the like. sive models. Sous Vide you eat,” holds true, then feral If the expression, “You cooked meats are suhogs should taste like, well, about are what you eat,” holds per-tender, but lack any true, then feral hogs exterior crust or “bark” the polar opposite of a corn-fed should taste like, well, that adds so much to the about the polar opposite meat eating experience. whitetail… and, as it turns out, of a corn-fed whitetail. Place a seasoned chunk most folks can overlook a pig’s diet But the same can be said of vacuum-packed wild for domestic swine and, hog in a 145-degree while savoring the salty flavor of a as it turns out, most folks sous vide bath for a few crisp piece of bacon. can overlook a pig’s diet hours and it will indeed while savoring the salty be tender, but plan on flavor of a crisp piece of bacon. To the uninformed, any mention post-searing in a hot cast iron skillet or grill to give it some of “wild boar” may evoke an expression of fear and apprehension. texture on the outside. They’ll ask, “Is it really gamey?” No it’s not, however, sometimes Most discussions about cooking feral hogs include a discussion a wild hog can be accompanied by a distinct aroma, and not a about trichinosis. While the chances of contracting trichinosis good one. To reduce unpleasant flavors, older male hogs should from eating an undercooked wild pig are almost non-existent, it’s be trimmed of most visible fat and it’s a good idea to cook out- a smart practice to freeze the meat below 5 degrees for at least 30 doors to reduce lingering odors in the kitchen. As off-tasting days before cooking it to a minimum of 145 degrees. For those who fat is rendered from an old boar hog, it can be replaced with still insist on overcooking any porcine product, wild or domestic, flavorful ingredients. For stews and chilis, it’s best to cube it, slow-roasting or braising is the better option than overcooking a brown it, pour off the liquid as it browns and then add stocks chop or roast until it is shoe-leather tough and dry.
SUMMER 2016 HUNTER’S HORN 41
hog wild in the kitchen Brining and Soaking
Soaking butchered hog parts in an ice water bath for a day or two will mellow out the flavor and give the meat a lighter color. Add 3/4 cup of cider vinegar and 2 cups of lemon juice to the ice water and change it out every 12 hours or so until the water is clear. If the meat takes on a blue tinge and gets darker in color, drain the water, refill and add a little less vinegar. After soaking, pat the meat dry and thoroughly clean the cooler with hot water and a mild bleach solution. Submerging a hunk of wild hog in a brine solution will add flavor and moisture. Wild hogs can use a little extra help since their diet is based on whatever they can scrounge up and they are less fatty than domestic hogs. Spending the better part of the day rooting up crops and flower beds burns fat off feral swine. It also increases one’s desire to rid their property of these four-legged trenching machines.
Pork Butts and Pulled Pork
Contrary to what some might think, pork butts are actually shoulder roasts, not hindquarters. The name comes from the barrel that pork parts were packed in before and during the Revolutionary War. Not that it matters all that much, just thought it might clear up any confusion. Mastering the “art” of turning tougher cuts of a wild hog into moist, shredded, fall-apart delicious hunks of meat is easy. Low heat and extended cooking time is what makes it happen. Anybody, and I mean anybody, can turn a tough hog roast into something fit for a sandwich, taco or burrito. If, after several hours of slow-cooking, your boar is still not fit for the dinner table, add some liquid or sauce, cover and continue to cook. The magic will happen, but sometimes it takes many hours to get there. If you’ve experienced pulled pork that isn’t moist and tender, it just should have been cooked longer. Do keep in mind that the process cannot be rushed. There is no shortcut that will accelerate the cooking process. Only low temperature and hours in a grill, smoker or oven will do the trick.
42 HUNTER’S HORN SUMMER 2016
APPLE ROSEMARY BRINE Allow smaller parts to brine for 6–12 hours. Large roasts are best brined for 12–24 hours. ingredients
1 gallon cold water 1 cup coarse salt (Kosher, sea salt, etc.) 2 12-ounce cans frozen apple juice concentrate 1 cup coarse salt (Kosher, sea salt, etc.) 2 teaspoons black peppercorns, crushed 1 cup fresh rosemary leaves, minced 1 medium onion, chopped 6 garlic cloves, minced preparation
Heat a cup or two of the water in a saucepan. Add salt and stir until dissolved. Allow to cool and combine cooled mixture with remaining ingredients in a glass, ceramic or plastic container. When brining, keep refrigerated or in an iced cooler with the temperature between 34 and 40 degrees.
hog wild in the kitchen PULLED WILD HOG SANDWICH As any Southerner knows, you can’t eat a pulled pork (or wild hog) sandwich without first topping it with crunchy coleslaw. Cheap burger buns or sliced white bread are required. Dipping sauce optional. ingredients
1 wild hog shoulder or hindquarter roast, bone in or out Rub 1/4 cup Kosher salt 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup paprika 2 tablespoons each of black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper Glaze 2 cups barbecue sauce Plastic wrap Heavy-duty aluminum foil Dipping Sauce 1/2 cup red wine vinegar 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon hot sauce Serve with Burger buns Coleslaw
preparation
1. Combine rub ingredients and evenly coat roast. Wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours and up to 48 hours. 2. Smoke, roast or grill (covered) at 225 degrees for 6 to 8 hours or until the internal temperature away from the bone is 180 degrees. If desired, first brown the roast evenly in a hot oven or on a hot grill. This will give the roast additional flavor and extra crunch on the edges. 3. Place the roast on top of two or three long sheets of heavyduty foil. Pour barbecue sauce over roast and wrap snugly with foil so that sauce will not run out. Place back in the 225-degree oven, smoker or grill for another two hours. 4. Combine Dipping Sauce ingredients in a tight-fitting jar and shake vigorously to mix. Remove roast and allow to cool enough to handle. Shred meat with fingers, tongs, or forks. 5. Place a mound of pulled meat on the bottom half of each bun. Top with slaw and serve with Dipping Sauce on the side.
1
2
4
3
Top left, clockwise: 1. Seasoned and Tied Shoulders 2. Adding BBQ Sauce to Cooked Shoulder 3. Tender and Ready to Shred 4. Pulled Feral Hog Sandwich with Slaw
SUMMER 2016 HUNTER’S HORN 43
The Lion’s Share BY JAN HEILBUT
D
uring Saturday night’s live auction at the 2015 convention in January, a window opened to fulfill a long cher-
ished dream — to hunt lion. Thandeka Safaris had donated a five-day male lion hunt while Serapa Safaris had presented us with a 10-day lioness hunt along with plains game. Both outfitters are located in the Northwest Province in South Africa. I bought both hunts and spent subsequently the best part of October 2015 in the Southern Hemisphere. I decided to take the opportunity to check a few extra boxes on my bucket list, apart from hunting lion, and spent the first days in Cape Town with superb food, outstanding wines and excursions to Table Mountain, Hout Bay, Cape of Good Hope/Cape Point and Cape Agulhas. At the latter I deviated from my original plan to stand with one foot in the Indian and the other in the Atlantic Ocean. The heavy rollers coming in to a very rocky coastline made me decide that it was not worth dying over romanticisms. Thandeka’s donation included transfer from/to Johannesburg and PH Johan picked me up, followed by an interesting 6–7 hour drive to the lodge. I had hunted in South Africa before, but never in the Northwest, so something new to be seen. 44 HUNTER’S HORN SUMMER 2016
A safari dream fulfilled in South Africa
SUMMER 2016 HUNTER’S HORN 45
I
still have difficulties expressing what exactly I felt that moment. I just looked up into the sky expressing my gratitude to the Big Guy on the top floor.
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The lodge is very beautiful, very Africa, with very nice thatched roof cabins containing all the amenities one could wish for. The terrain is flat to slightly rolling, covered with vegetation that, if it doesn’t prick you, it will hook you — in other words bush, and realization is kicking in swiftly that you are at the beginning of the Kalahari Desert. Lots of sometimes pretty deep sand to walk on. It was unusually hot in that part of the world for the season. Just spring time and already in the 100s, but with the extreme low humidity I found it fairly easily sustainable. For the best part of the time I was hunting, at both locations, a very strong wind was blowing, which made tracking very challenging, sometimes even for the bushman. All the hunting was walk and stalk. No dogs, no bait. Just the way I wanted it. On the second day we picked up a big track, which we followed for the entire day. Eventually we saw a big, beautiful cat in the deepest brush. He saw us, too, but, for now, he stayed in his refuge. We kept our distance and walked all around him, trying to figure out if he had an obvious escape route, but we could not tell. Ultimately we told the trackers to throw a piece of timber in his direction. I could see through my binoculars how his eyes immediately picked up that flying object, so to speak. Now he was annoyed with us and with a very impressive MGM roar he showed us that he had an escape route. Lion 1, hunter zip. Lesson learned. The little gadget on my wrist revealed to
me that we had covered his tracks for 8.5 miles that day. The next morning we moved out as early as sensible, trying to be in the bush before the wind was kicking in again. Late morning we picked up a track, which we followed rigorously and soon after we spotted for mere seconds another gorgeous lion. He immediately took off, us in pursuit, but we could not see him. We came to a very open, sandy area with just a couple of old acacia trees. We followed the track and then we all froze. That big, male cat was sitting in one of those acacias, about 30 yards away. Bushman placed the shooting sticks and I was glassing to figure out if I had a shot, since the tree’s forage obscured most of the lion’s body. However, the leaves from two different twigs framed a rectangular window, and within that window was the perfect shot. I placed my Merkel .470 NE open sights on the sticks, swiftly glassed another time to reassure myself, aimed and squeezed one off. I still have difficulties expressing what exactly I felt that moment. I just looked up into the sky expressing my gratitude to the Big Guy on the top floor. On one hand, of course, there was this indescribable excitement, the joy, the triumph and on the other the somber feeling seeing this breathtakingly beautiful, majestic animal dropping out of a tree. I did not have a cameraman with me, but in my head is a HD video with one of the most unforgettable moments in my life. My first African lion hunt. The remaining days I hunted for plains SUMMER 2016 HUNTER’S HORN 47
THE LION’S SHARE : BY JAN HEILBUT game harvesting copper and Kalahari springboks and a very respectable Eland. Thandeka had also volunteered to take care of my transfer to Serapa, so needless to say, everything went very smooth and easy. The Serapa lodge is mind-boggling, likely one of a kind on that continent. A mixture out of Africa and designer Europe with bubbling water, housing coys, in the front, also thatched roof cabins, simply stunning. The donated hunt at this location included, apart from the lioness, impala, red hartebeest and warthog, so while we were out for cat, we could be a little opportunistic when spotting something desirable. And indeed, the first kill at Serapa was an absolute monster hartebeest. In the pursuit for the female lion, the wind seemed to be even more of a
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challenge at this place. For the first three days we could not pick up any usable track at all. Also here we decided to try to beat the track-eliminating, fast-moving air by hitting the bush early. We were rewarded with a fresh track of a big cat on a mission. She covered enormous terrain and we drove blocks trying to determine her whereabouts. And then everything went extremely fast. I spotted her crossing the dirt road we were on about 3-400 yards ahead of us. We went to that location and turned into the direction we saw her heading to and the next thing was the driver slamming the brakes. She bedded down right ahead of us. We swiftly re-tracked a few hundred yards, got off the truck and started stalking. When we got a visual again, she had not moved. We carefully moved in closer when she got up and started moving. Time was of
absolute essence. Now I had a shot but she walked towards thick brush. I aimed the double rifle, free handed, 20 yards and I was blessed with the same overwhelming feeling. I had successfully hunted my lioness. Unforgettable. Ultimately I completed my springbok grand slam and harvested a very nice blue and black wildebeest. Beautiful old bulls. At both places, Thandeka and Serapa, I enjoyed unbelievable hospitality in an almost family-like environment, superb food and beverages, and at no time did I ever have the feeling I was on a donated hunt. I like to thank Tommy and Marinda van Vuuren and their daughters, Bianca and Tanya, and PH Johan at Thandeka as well as Yolande, Francois and PH Gielie at Serapa for creating all the necessary prerequisites for a lasting, unforgettable experience. ★
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SUMMER 2016 HUNTER’S HORN 51
Ne w HorizOns MO RE TH A N I n AfricA S A F A R I S If a summer safari is on the horizon for you this year, consider expanding upon your African adventure by getting a taste of something different.
f
or many sportsmen from around the globe, an African safari is the ultimate hunting experience. The feeling of observing and hunting a Cape buffalo or white rhino on the African plains
is, for some dedicated outdoorsmen, beyond compare. Of course, the safari experience is about more than just the act of hunting itself. There’s also the sundowners, the lodges, the vast landscapes, and the feeling of experiencing firsthand one of the wildest places on earth. It’s no wonder then that Africa continues to attract hunters and their families for safaris and sightseeing year after year. 52 HUNTER’S HORN SUMMER 2016
It’s true that an African safari is a oneof-a-kind experience, but it’s also true that there are many alternative — and equally as thrilling — experiences to be had on the sprawling African continent. From mild (a scenic road trip through South Africa’s wine country) to wild (cagediving with great white sharks), there’s plenty to choose from when crafting a custom Africa travel itinerary. If a summer safari is on the horizon for you this year, consider expanding upon your African adventure by getting a taste of something different. Not sure where to start? Africa is incredibly diverse, so to make it easier, we’ve rounded up our favorite African activities and destinations based on traveler style. From the extreme north of the continent to the very southern tip, prepare to be dazzled and delighted by the vastness and variety of Africa.
THE BEACH BUM
Did you know that Africa is home to some of the most scenic and secluded beaches on the planet? If sunbathing, swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, and sailing sound like an appealing way to spend your days, head to Africa’s eastern islands. Seychelles is a dreamlike archipelago made up of 115 separate isles. Aquamarine waters line the soft white shorelines, while palm trees stretch out from the jungle behind the beach and sway above the sand. Many travelers choose to plane-hop between the various islands, soaking in views of as many picture-perfect beaches as they can. You can also visit the Aldabra Atoll, one of the largest (and most un-touched) coral atolls in the world. If you’re seeing a true “Robinson Crusoe” experience, head to Fregate, a fully private island with only 17 villas spread across 7 stunning beaches. Unlike Seychelles, Mauritius is made up of a single island, and is home to bountiful coral formations, beaches, and jungles. It is known worldwide for its unique collection of exotic birds, tortoises and other animals. While plenty of beach time is a given, Mauritius also has a distinct culture, which many travelers find fascinating. The island’s creole cuisine is considered to be some of the best in the world.
Fregate Private Island
THE ADRENALINE JUNKIE
Perhaps you’re an ocean lover with a wild side; someone who needs more thrill and excitement than simply lounging on the beach for a few days. We’re happy to tell you that Africa won’t disappoint! Gansbaai, a fishing town in the Western Cape of South Africa, is known for its extreme cage diving adventures. Adrenaline junkies from around the globe flock here to dive with great white sharks, the world’s largest predatory fish. Not for the faint of heart, this experience is an easy add-on for travelers planning a safari in South Africa, and is just a two-hour drive from beautiful Cape Town. For the outdoorsman who wants to take their love of the natural world below sea level, it doesn’t get any more intense than this!
THE FOODIE
Speaking of South Africa, did you know that the Cape Winelands region is home to some of the most splendid scenery in the country? Perhaps more importantly, it’s one of the most renowned wine-producing regions in the world. Foodies from around the globe agree that the vineyards just outside of Cape Town produce some of the best wines and accompanying cuisine in all of Africa. It’s easy to arrange an independent visit to the vineyards, although a private or group wine tour equipped with a designated driver is highly recommended. Spend an afternoon tasting the local wines and specially-prepared food pairings, such as trout, pork belly, and lamb dishes. Give yourself a few days to sample the local delicacies, and discover new recipes you can recreate for your friends and family back home. Don’t forget to bring back a bottle of your favorite Cape wine, too. A trip to South Africa’s wine country could easily be a full trip in and of itself, or it works as an easy add-on for sportsman traveling to South Africa for a hunting expedition. SUMMER 2016 HUNTER’S HORN 53
NEW HORIZONS IN AFRICA: MORE THAN SAFARIS
54 HUNTER’S HORN SUMMER 2016
NEW HORIZONS IN AFRICA: MORE THAN SAFARIS
THE CULTURE LOVER
Compared to Africa’s southern countries, the north of Africa often feels like an entirely different planet. For many travelers, this contrast in culture and way of life is what makes destinations such as Morocco so fascinating. Explore the colorful markets of Marrakech, taste the local cuisine, and shop for handmade goods and textiles. Then, escape the madness of the city and head out into the vast emptiness of the Sahara Desert. Spend the night in a mobile luxury camp, and soak in the moonlight in the middle of the desert as you enjoy freshly prepared Moroccan foods. Tour pretty Casablanca, as well as the imperial “Garden City” of Rabat. Visit historical sites such ruins, tombs, and monuments. Even with a limited amount of time, travelers can get a taste of Morocco’s vibrant culture and rich history by touring some of its greatest cities.
THE NATURE ENTHUSIAST
Eager to explore a different side of Africa’s wilderness? Consider yourself to be the “adventurous type?” Dreaming of heading somewhere entirely off the beaten path? We have one word: Madagascar. This island country is a hotspot for biodiversity. In fact, 90 percent of its wildlife is found nowhere else on earth. The diverse ecosystems and one-of-kind plant and animal species make Madagascar the ultimate natural playground for outdoorsmen and nature lovers. Pristine rainforests, crystalline rivers, stunning beaches, harsh deserts, and unique baobab trees dot the landscape, each offering its own set of sights and adventures. Stay in a luxury rainforest retreat and spot lemurs, chameleons and tropical birds, or opt for a remote river camp where you can soak in the rugged mountain views. Whatever you choose, you’ll be quick to notice the diversity and beauty of Madagascar’s natural world.
THE SAFARI ADDICT
Despite the wide variety of adventures that lie in wait for visitors to Africa, for some people, there’s truly nothing more appealing than heading out to the wildest corners of the planet and catching a glimpse of the native flora and fauna. To them, nothing can come close to competing with the safari experience. We completely understand; after all, who doesn’t love getting up close and personal with nature and wildlife? However, while there are many “hunting families” (where the entire crew is hooked on hunting) we know that for many families, it’s split: one or two people travel for the hunt itself, while the rest simply tag along. So, how about approaching safaris in a way that everyone can enjoy? There are plenty of non-hunting safari experiences throughout Africa, from Kenya to Namibia, and from Botswana to South Africa. Family members of all ages and from all generations can enjoy a sightseeing or photo safari on the African plains. Keep an eye out for lions, zebras, wildebeest, and other species. Photography lovers will especially enjoy this scenic experience, and this could make a great starting point for future sportsmen who aren’t quite ready to head out on their first hunt yet.
Africa will likely always be synonymous with safaris. It’s true that the African plains and wildlife roam there are one of the greatest draws for visitors from across the globe. But travelers who dare to think outside the box, and who open their eyes to the continent’s diversity, will be rewarded with once-in-a-lifetime experiences that friends back home won’t believe. From the pristine tropical beaches of Seychelles to the endless deserts of Morocco, and from the wild scenery of Madagascar to the rolling hills of South Africa’s wine country, there’s a world of adventure waiting to be explored on the continent, and a side of Africa that everyone will fall in love with.
Interested in booking a one-of-a-kind African getaway? Need help planning your pre- or post-safari adventures? West University Travel can provide inspiration, planning, resources and support from start to finish. Contact us at info@ westutravel.com to speak to one of our knowledgeable travel advisors. ★ SUMMER 2016 HUNTER’S HORN 55
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HSC’s President’s Circle Thank you 2015–2016 Members!
Northwestern WT 337”
Experience Exceptional
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DAN L. DUNCAN
Scholarship 2015-16 Recipients John Leonard
L
ike many people pursuing a career in wildlife science, I was initially drawn to the field by the promise of outdoor adventure and interaction with animals. In this regard, my career as an aspiring wildlife biologist has been anything but a disappointment. My field jobs and graduate projects have had me mist-netting songbirds throughout the United States, sampling catches aboard commercial fishing vessels in Alaska, capturing reptiles in the Bolivian Amazon, establishing a marine-protected area in Fiji, flying around in small airplanes, and trapping ocelots in South Texas. The experiences of seeing two Steller Sea Lions fight over Pollock on an Alaskan fishing boat, of snorkeling on a pristine coral reef in Fiji, of catching my first coral snake in the Amazon, or of holding a live ocelot in my arms are all experiences that I will never forget and that I value immensely. Experiences like these inspire young undergraduates to consider a career in wildlife biology. As any Ph.D. student in wildlife science can attest, however, experiences like these make up only a small fraction of one’s graduate experience, and conducting a wildlife research project can involve far more time reading dense scientific literature and analyzing data. As I’ve learned more about the issues facing wildlife populations 60 HUNTER’S HORN SUMMER 2016
throughout the world, my interest in wildlife conservation has matured and become more focused. While the sheer joy and excitement of observing wild animals in their natural habitats still drives me and inspires my work, my primary motivation is now to conduct quality research that will lead to the conservation of imperiled wildlife species and their habitats. To this end, I have found myself spending countless hours indoors perfecting skills that I never thought I would need for this field. My graduate project as a Ph.D. student at Texas A&M University-Kingsville involves spatial ecology and conservation genetics of the endangered ocelot in South Texas. For three field seasons I have helped Dr. Michael Tewes, my graduate advisor, capture these remarkable felids on the East El Sauz Ranch, fitting GPS collars on the cats and drawing blood samples for genetic analysis. While capturing and handling a live ocelot is, by far, the most exciting part of my graduate research, I spend far more time glued to a computer screen, focused on teasing patterns out of the data we have collected. The GPS collars we now use to track ocelot movements have given us an unprecedented insight into their behavior. For the first time, we are able to answer questions relating to fine scale movement and habitat selection for this elusive species.
We can now observe ocelots and bobcats at whatever temporal scale we choose as they move through their environment. Tiny accelerometers built into these collars give us continuous estimates of animal activity, allowing us to correlate movement patterns to time of day, season, temperature, moon phase, and any other variables we choose. Though this technology drastically reduces the amount of field work necessary to conduct a wildlife-telemetry study, the sheer volume of data produced greatly expands the amount of statistical analyses needed to make sense of the data and ask meaningful questions. To deal with this inundation of data, I have had to teach myself the R statistical programing language, a skill I never thought I would need as a wildlife biologist. For certain applications, programs and packages have already been developed that a graduate student can easily apply to his or her particular data set. In other cases, however, today’s graduate students are on the cutting edge of the field and have no choice but to develop their own programs and methods for asking the questions required by their projects. This reality often requires graduate students to step outside their comfort zones and venture into such fields as computer programming and statistics. In addition to the revolution in wildlife science brought about by modern GPS collars, the exponential growth of genetic sequencing capability over the past decade is changing the way we ask questions related to genetic drift and inbreeding in isolated wildlife populations. As is the case with many isolated and declining wildlife populations throughout the world, the two remaining Texas ocelot populations are rapidly losing genetic variation. It is a well-documented fact that isolated and declining wildlife populations tend to lose genetic diversity through a combination of drift and inbreeding. Maintaining connectivity between animal populations in order to facilitate gene flow is now a major conservation strategy. Most studies of genetic diversity in animal populations have used neutral genetic markers, especially non-coding stretches of DNA known as microsatellites. Microsatellites vary in length between individuals and are often used as a “molecular fingerprint” to identify individuals and determine parentage. Microsatellite analysis has long been a staple of population genetics
as it allows us to measure overall genetic variation and study demographic history. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that such measures of genetic diversity often provide only a weak correlate for variation in genes that are under intense natural selection. Significant losses of genetic diversity have already been observed in the remaining Texas ocelot populations using microsatellites. This loss of neutral genetic diversity is already cause for concern; however, studies of other isolated and declining wildlife populations have shown that such populations can often retain genetic diversity in portions of the genome that are subject to balancing selection, even as variation elsewhere in the genome declines to critically low levels. One genetic region that has been found to be under intense balancing selection and which correlates strongly with population health is the Major Histocompatibility Complex, or MHC. The MHC is a genetic region known to play an important role in the immune response. High levels of variation in this region are believed to be critical for maintaining a population’s resistance to infectious disease. Through selective mechanisms that are still somewhat mysterious, isolated wildlife populations are often able to maintain relatively high levels of MHC variation even as variation elsewhere in the genome is lost. Because MHC diversity plays a major role in population fitness, quantifying the level of MHC variation remaining in Texas ocelot populations is critical for the effective management of these populations. Part of my research is devoted to using Next Generation sequencing to investigate changes in ocelot genetic diversity within the MHC region. Studying this genetic region in ocelots has involved an enormous amount of trial and error, as detailed protocols for amplifying my gene of interest and preparing samples for Next Generation sequencing have only recently been published. Molecular research can be tedious, seemingly consisting of nothing more than pipetting tiny drops of liquid into other tiny drops of liquid. Likewise, the data analysis can involve juggling terabytes of data. Though the actual process of conducting a major genetics project can be incredibly monotonous, the potential behind this type of research
is astounding. We have already identified ocelot MHC alleles that are new to science, and have found specific portions within this genetic region that show a high probability of positive selection, demonstrating that functional variation in this gene has been strongly selected for in the past. This is an incredibly exciting time to be a graduate student in wildlife science, and I believe the field is on the cusp of discoveries that previously never would have seemed possible. However, this new era in wildlife science often requires students to find satisfaction and excitement in the struggle to produce new knowledge. Being able to actually capture and handle wild animals is still my favorite aspect of being a graduate student in wildlife science. However, I have learned to find just as much satisfaction in reading a newly-discovered DNA sequence for the first time, or in developing a new mathematical model to explain ocelot activity patterns. A life conducting wildlife research is certainly a life of adventure, and to me, scientific discovery is the greatest adventure of all. ★ SUMMER 2016 HUNTER’S HORN 61
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DAN L. DUNCAN
SCHOLARSHIP
March 8, 2016 Dear Houston Safari Club Members, I was a recipient of the Dan L. Duncan Scholarship for 2015-2016. Much has happened since last September when I met ya’ll at the monthly meeting and picked up my check. I am close to completing my second year as a Master’s student at Texas Tech University and am currently in my second field season studying the ecology of lesser prairie chickens in Conservation Reserve Program lands. I am also taking courses that will greatly benefit me in my future career. I took a basic statistics course and a remote sensing course for the fall 2015 semester, and I made an A in both classes. Learning statistics will be crucial to conducting my research, and a knowledge of landscape remote sensing is always a desired skill. This semester, spring 2016, I am taking a restoration ecology course. I have learned how to control invasive species, restore rangelands through seeding and various management treatments, and learned about the components of a successful restoration plan. I will also help write a real restoration plan for a shortgrass prairie pasture near Lubbock. In addition to coursework, I have also made exciting progress in my thesis research. I obtained preliminary results following my first field season, and I have given my first two professional presentations. My first was a poster addressing lesser prairie-chicken movements and space use at the Prairie Grouse Technical Conference in Nevada, Missouri in October of 2015. I also gave an oral presentation over lesser prairie-chicken habitat selection at the annual meeting of the Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society in San Antonio in February. In addition, I also wrote an article about prairie chickens for the Texas Wildlife Association’s magazine, and it will be published this coming April. Since I have results from my research, I have begun to share my findings both with the public and other scientists. Thank you all so much for awarding me the Dan L. Duncan scholarship. College is getting more and more expensive by the day it seems, and any sort of financial aid is always a blessing. Both my family and I are greatly appreciative. Your generosity has helped me pursue my childhood dream of being a wildlife biologist. Thank you. Sincerely, Sam Harryman Graduate Research Assistant Texas Tech University
SUMMER 2016 HUNTER’S HORN 63
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SCHOLARSHIP
March 1, 2016 Houston Safari Club, I was lucky enough to be selected as a recipient of the Dan L. Duncan scholarship this last fall. The following is the project update requested by Mr. Gary Rose for Dan L. Duncan scholarship recipients. With my project, “Nutrient reserve dynamics of female northern pintails wintering along the Texas coast,” comes a lot of lab work, including taking molt samples, plucking, necropsying, drying, grinding, extracting fat and ashing all the pintails that have been collected. Last December I was able to complete all the lab work on the 421 pintails that were collected over the three years of this study. I will be working on finishing classes and my thesis for my planned graduation in December 2016. Over the last six months I have been able to present my research at multiple conferences. Last fall, I presented a poster in Corpus Christi at a student research symposium. In February I gave my first oral presentation at an international meeting, the North American Duck Symposium in Annapolis, Maryland. I also gave another oral presentation at the Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society meeting in San Antonio. This last year, my advisor, Dr. Bart Ballard started two more projects with three new graduate students investigating sandhill crane and greater white-fronted goose movement and migration. As my field work has been completed, I spent a lot of time this last winter helping the new students catch cranes and geese to attach satellite transmitters. We used a variety of methods, such as foothold traps, noose lines, and rocket nets. I have also been able to help a few other students in the department this last semester with their field work. I was able to spend some time catching and banding kestrels, as well as attempting to catch and attach radio transmitters to turkeys. This spring I was able to help put out black-bellied whistling duck nest boxes on the Welder Wildlife Foundation for a future study looking at nest parasitism, nest success, and genetic fitness. Texas has continued to provide me with invaluable research experiences that are preparing me for a future career working in the wildlife management field. If there is any additional information you would like to hear about on the progression of my research, feel free to contact me. Kind regards, Matthew Garrick
SUMMER 2016 HUNTER’S HORN 65
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2016 Houston Safari Club Sporting Clays Tournament Wrap-up BY JEFF BIRMINGHAM 2016 HSC SPORTING CLAYS CHAIRMAN HOA & TEAM WINNERS HOA – Male: Bobby Sczech HOA – Lady: Rose Hinz HOA – Junior: Timothy Diehl; Dylan Anderson HOA – Veteran: Mike Lewis HOA – Shoot Off Champion: Brad Alford • A CL ASS •
1st
place team:
2nd
The goal for this year’s Sporting Clays shoot was to get our members, families, and friends out for a day of fun and fellowship while raising money for HSC’s mission of preserving the sport of hunting through education, conservation, and the protection of hunter’s rights. With the help of a little rain and lightning this goal was achieved. We had everyone huddle up under the pavilion and share lots of stories and raise lots of money! This year we had over 240 shooters on hand at Greater Houston Gun Club and the management and staff of GHGC took care of every detail, going out of their way to make sure the shoot ran smoothly. Even though the lightning ran us off the clay courses prematurely and complicated the results a little, overall the day was a success. I watched fathers and sons, husbands and wives, and many friends come together for a great day of fellowship. I always get a little rain drop in the corner of my eye when I see the Veteran teams show up that Matt Pyle helps coordinate. How could the day be anything other than a success when later in the day you get to see the same group of Veterans come forward and pick up their mounted trophies from hunts with HSC throughout the year? I hope everyone was as impressed with the exhibitors that came out and displayed their assorted goods and services as I was this year. They added to the festive atmosphere that helps set our shoot apart from the growing number of shoots. Equally impressive this year were the unique and worthwhile items offered in the raffles and auctions. A big thank you to everyone that helped out with this. The funds raised are for programs benefitting habitat and species preservation, youth education, veteran’s programs and more. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all of our sponsors, members, exhibitors, volunteers, staff and attendees for making the 2016 shoot a big success.
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Tech Fab (234) Cameron Cox Justin Greenwood
place team:
CBY 2 (232) David Esslinger Chris Schwarz John Warren Todd Buster • B CL ASS •
1st
place team:
2nd
Capital Farm Credit 1 (198) Mike Tippit Matt Mann Thomas Gafford Brittain Griffith
place team:
Metal Kitchens (196) Larry Oaks Glen Propes Sharon Propes Al Kastner • C CL ASS •
1st
place team:
CBY 1 (176) Corey Power Craig Power Russell Barnett Taylor
2nd place team: Champagne Goes Bang (173) Rose Hinz Noel Orsak Victoria Smith Amanda Mount
T OUR NA MEN T SPONSOR S
Youth Team Sponsor
HOUSTON
•
DALLAS/FT. WORTH
•
SAN ANTONIO
•
AUSTIN
Honor Our Veterans Sponsor
Honor Our Veterans Sponsor
Silver Team Sponsor
STATION SPONSOR S
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Ralph & Deb Cunningham
Henderson Ranches
King Design Group, Inc.
Merle & Ray Petty SUMMER 2016 HUNTER’S HORN 67
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9 1. Great Crowd! 2. Monica Williamson, Greg Mills 3. Awards sponsored by Beck & Masten 4. Darrell Kainer, Mark King 5. Gene Human, Barbara Belobrajdic, Carrie Schwager, Armando DeLeon, IV 6. Event Chair Jeff Birmingham, Brad Alford 7. HSC World Champion Title Belt! 8. David Kalich, Jessica Welch, Susan Kalich 9. Plenty of Raffles & Auctions!
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18 10. HSC Merchandise Booth 11. Trey White, Chuck White, Rudy Nix 12. The Gun Boards were very popular! 13. Mark King, Kevin Comiskey, Jeff Bearden, Kevin Ormston, Prentiss Burt 14. Live auction to raise funds for Veterans. 15. Incredible AR build and donation from ROMTAG Riflewerks! 16. Brad Thielen, Donald Guillory, Timothy Diehl. Deer Park High School Shooting Team 17. William Kelsey, Kevin Ormston 18. Clay Shock, Vince Petrenella
SUMMER 2016 HUNTER’S HORN 69
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1. GHGC’s Kevin Dougherty 2. Michael Beeson, Susan Kalich 3. Championship Round Competitors 4. Cameron Cox, Justin Greenwood, Kevin Ormston 5. Great Silent Auction items! 6. Matt Pyle 7. Chad Braun, Greg Petru, Trey Nicholson 8. Brandi Ratliff, Estelle Mostyn, Sheila Birmingham 9. Monica Myska
70 HUNTER’S HORN SUMMER 2016
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1. Veteran Team Participants 2. Kyle Burts with Raffle Ladies 3. Alexandra Ellis, Frank Ellis, Larry Oaks 4. Noel Orsak, Rose Mareyna, Kevin Ormston, Amanda Mount, Vicki Smith 5. Kevin Ormston & Brad Alford 6. Kevin Ormston & Bobby Sczech 7. Kevin Ormston & Rose Mareyna 8. Kevin Ormston & Timothy Diehl
72 HUNTER’S HORN SUMMER 2016
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