Ernest Gilbert Joins Eastcape & Karoo Safaris on a Memorable Safari

September 17, 2013

Ernest Gilbert was the winner of our annual hunt competition for 2013. Ernest joined us on a memorable safari in September of 2013 and had an awesome safari taking six animals in the 4 days with us.

Ernest brought his Sauer Cape gun, a double comprising a 7×57 and a 16 bore. A rifle that proved to be perfect for the safari.

Day 1 – Ernest only needed a single shot to check the scope on the bench. Thereafter we set out after impala or blesbuck. We embarked on several stalks before sneaking up on some impala rams. Ernest took a great shot and downed this impala ram.

Day 2 – We set off early in the morning with the aim of finding the illusive kudu. The kudu generally move back into the thicker bush just before/after first light. This proved to be the case as we were fortunate to find and stalk 5 kudu bulls feeding back towards the thicker bush. We planned and stalked the bulls and got ourselves in a position where we got ahead of them. Ernest took a great shot and downed this kudu bull at approximately 180 yards. Well done Ernest!!

After the great excitement of hunting the kudu bull we tried several stalks on various herds of blesbuck but without any success. We were slowly travelling through the bush when we bumped a herd of mountain reedbuck. We stopped and scoped for a possible good ram. Fortunately we found a good ram and Ernest shot him free handed. What a great shot!!

This magnificent mountain reedbuck ram was hunted with Ernest Cape gun at approximately 90 yards.

That afternoon we set off to sit in a blind with the hope of hunting a bushpig. We got into the blind at 18h30, and 2 hours later two boars rapidly approached the bait. Very quickly and quietly Ernest managed to get set up, and took a shot as the light flashed onto the bushpigs. It was a matter of a few seconds and the boar moved a mere 10 yards after being shot right through the lungs. A great adrenalin hunt.

Day 3 – A leisurely start to the day after a late night following the bushpig hunt was in order. We had a hearty breakfast and head out with the intension of hunting a good blesbuck ram. These blesbuck had proved to be quite a challenge as they were moving in large numbers. We tried several plans comprising stalking and then sitting in various positions. Our plan finally paid off and Ernest shot this blesbuck ram at approximately 170 yards. Great shot!! We head back to the lodge for lunch and tied for a bushbuck that afternoon.

Day 4 – We left the lodge early to head out to an area where we could possibly hunt a good fallow deer stag. It is approximately and hour and half drive from the lodge. The weather was not that great as it was hot and windy. We bumped several stags and after passing up on a few, we were fortunate to stalk up on a herd that comprised of several good stags. Ernest took a great shot through the brush and downed this stag with a single shot to the heart. Another great shot!!

Well Ernest, well done on the safari. It was great to meet and spend time with you!!