Bos en Dal Safaris 2014 Season update

Bos en Dal Safaris

Well-Known Member
Good day all

Please make sure to follow this post as i will keep you updated on our hunting season and will post photos as we go along!!!

First up was Deerpath and a friend Bob on a cull hunt
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We are about to finish the next hunt and i am taking the client back to the airport tomorrow morning. He booked our beginner package and added an extra day to it. He shot exceptional trophies, and in the first four days filled his quota. We had a good day of pigeon shooting and fired around 200 shells in 3hours.

Impala 25 Inches

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Blue wildebeest 27 1/2 Inches

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Warthog 12 6/8 inches

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And a Stallion Zebra as this was his reason for coming to Africa
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I will post more pictures as the season continue
 
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Here is a hunt report from the last client that he posted on a different hunting site!

Growing up in the Midwest, I've been White-Tail and Pheasant hunting plenty of times. But as a kid I had always loved reading the adventures of the true African Gents- Capstick, Hemingway, Roosevelt, the list goes on. However, I always realized these guys were pros (and wealthy) and real African Hunting was never going to be for me.
Well, fast forward 30 years and one day while reading "Field and Stream" the article was titled: African Plains Game Safari- Less Cost Than You Think!". From that point it was my new desire that I could realistically achieve!
Did a lot of searching on the forums and came across a small outfit in RSA, where the gentleman who owns the land, is the outfitter and is the PH all himself- Gerrit Jv Vuuren. I read a couple reviews on Africa Hunting about two folks that had hunted with him, but there was not a lot of info. out there. After contacting the two gents who had hunted with Gerrit, and Gerrit himself, I was sold. Bos En Dal is new in marketing to overseas hunters- he doesn't go to conventions or shows just yet, but is slowly (smartly) growing the business. Long story short, I booked my hunt and then had an anxious wait!
Fast-forward to last week-I land at JoBurg and as I walk out of customs there is a big tall guy with huge grin and a Bos En Dal sign! One thing I liked in the interim is that as a new comer I know I pestered Gerrit with endless questions (reading one too many Boddington books will do that...and he answered all my questions in a timely manner and was very in depth in his answers. Now that I've actually been on Safari, I look back now and think some of my questions were just plain odd!)
I only booked a 5 day hunt and added an extra day on to allow me time to adjust. But one thing that my PH did was always allow me to hunt- we started off on the first day just taking a stroll, walk and stalk, just to stretch my legs really is what I was thinking. Well, just as I get going we step right into a herd of impala about 200 yards off, Gerrit says "I see two nice large males in there, let's see if we can get in closer"...... wind just shifted, they turned a bit, we stalked around to the side, and just as we go to approach from a different angle as we turn our heads the other way- TWO Wildebeest! And at this point I think to myself "WOW! I'm really doing it!!!!!"....we take a quick look and the Wildebeest are young- but how neat it is to have the different game all around. So as we try to out maneuver our impala the wind shifts and they sprint off. Just as I think we're done for the night, as it is getting late, our tracker turns and silently indicates, with a whispy outstretched hand- 2 nice warthogs about 50 meters off to our left on the back side of a tiny creek bed. STICKS UP! My rifle rests up in the sticks and we both watch as they disappear as they see us too. As my disappointment mounts, one more, a big old fellow, runs into the picture and turns to faces- almost as a challenge. Gerrit leans over and whispers in my ear, with his Africaans-laden English, "that's a nice one, take him if you have the shot". Don't need to tell me twice, safety off- Boom! First trophy of my trip!
11 1/2" Warthog, Gold Medal on the PHASA scale!
I can't say that every day was as dramatic as that- but I can say that every trophy I took WAS as dramatic as that! I don't know what they're "putting in the water" over there, but my Impala was 25" and my Blue Wildebeest was 27.5"- both PHASA Gold Medal Scores-
Not being a great writer, I wish I had a better way with words to describe the days we spent together. I really enjoyed my time with my PH, getting to meet his beautiful family and friends, and the time we spent together. We all know these guys have a job to do, and that job is to make the client happy. But my impression were that Gerrit was a true hunter- this was not his job just to pay the bills, but he really enjoyed himself being out in the bush and having fun. I caught him smiling to himself a lot- you could tell he enjoyed his work and was putting his heart into it.
Other impressions of the hunt were very positive. We spent a day pigeon/dove shooting as well as the traditional "guniea fowl off the bakke" shoot. Lots of fun not to be missed. In fact the pigeon shooting is something I had never done before and was one of the highlights of the trip. I never got the feeling I was in a corporate "churn and burn" operation. There was no pressure to take extra game (I opted with his 5 day starter package that is priced quite reasonable and was within my budget). The food every night was amazing- the guest house was nice and clean, ample beverages and a tradition Braai every night, and really just a ton of all around fun.
There were lots of little extras in this package that when added up made a big difference to me. Transfer to/from JoBurg was included, we stopped for lunch a couple days at nice restaurants, I was taken to the Taxidermist and shown the entire operation on the taxidermists day off, billtong all around- etc. I know these things are all part of the operation, but what I'm trying to say is I never felt that my outfitter was trying to pinch a penny or two here or there. Even though I came on a small beginner package I was never treated as a small client. I think that is something that you get with a family type operation as this. All heart- and when the business does well they do well- they realize that and just have a good time with their work. My PH supervised each trophy taken, the skinning and the salting. The Zebra was to be made into a rug that we discussed beforehand so he personally supervised the skinning and caping to ensure I was happy with exactly what I wanted- nice touches that made me smile. Another nice touch; now that I'm home he is following up with me on each item we discussed- my PHASA medals, importation paperwork completion, and is monitoring the email chain between myself and the taxidermist to ensure everything is done properly. It's the little things that really make a difference. As a first timer it takes my mind off being pre-occupied with how the trophies are being handled and finalized.
I've never been on an African hunting trip before- but I definitely will again. The cost of hunting trophies in Africa v. the US is very telling. An African Safari is definitely a do-able trip for most folks.
Anyone with questions about the operation or thinking about this firm please feel free to PM me and I'll give you my number if you'd like to chat. I would (and already have) recommend Bos En Dal to my friends looking for a great experience in an African hunt.
 
Another successful hunt ended yesterday, a client from the USA hunted with us, after two weeks in Zimbabwe taking elephant and leopard he joined us for a plains game hunt.
He had 5 full hunting days and we took 7 animals:
Blesbok, Ostrich, Impala, Common Reedbuck, Black Wildebeest, Blue wildebeest and Springbuck. Here is some pictures.

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Unfortunately the shot on the Blue wildebeest was very high on the shoulder missing all vitals. We ran out of time tracking it and we lost the animal.


Best Regards
 
I am sorry if this is a silly question. How does a Client take a Trophy from an Ostrich? ( If indeed he does ).
Do you Eat Ostrich?
I always think it an unusual Quarry.
Excellent Photographs and an enjoyable Read.
Thanks.

Yorkie.
 
Not silly at all

There is actually a few things you can do with Ostrich, normaly the feet are used for either making lamp stands or bookends
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The skin can be tanned and be made into leather products
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The feathers can be used for some art work or you can make a shoulder mount of the ostrich. The meat is also very good and apparently very healthy.

Thanks for your comment on the photos, it is greatly appreciated

Best Regards
 
  • Here is another report from a different hunting site. I had to remove all the pictures in the report as they have a watermark of that site and i dont think i am allowed to show them here. But enjoy the read. This is the guy that hunted the last trophies in the oictures i added






  • " was going to be passing through Johannesburg and wanted to pick up a plains game hunt while in the country. Two requirements were I wanted the hunt to be within reasonable driving distance of Tambo. (I didn’t want another flight) I also wanted a reasonably priced hunt with an outfitter.



    After seeing the above post I started communications with Gerrit and booked the hunt.

    Gerrit met me at Tambo and after clearing SAPS we headed to the family farm west of Rustenburg. The farm is apx. 8,000 acres. The front part of the farm is fairly flat with open areas. The back of the farm has hills and fairly thick brush.

    I was put up in a 2B/2B guest house that is in great shape. Another guest house is also available for larger

  • Most morning and afternoon hunts were spent driving to a specific location then walking and stalking for 2-4 hours arriving back at the vehicle. If time permitted we would then drive to another spot and repeat the process.

    The blesbok was spotted at 120 yards. We crept up to about 100 yards for the shot. He ran about 20 yards and collapsed. He was with a herd that we hadn’t seen. (Nor they us) They stared at their fallen comrade, ran around and stared some more trying to figure out what his problem was before we moved forward and they

    The ostrich spotted us walking at 50 yards. He ran off to 120 yards and turned to look back. DRT.

    Breast callus

    Claws on the end of ostrich wings.

    The impala was spotted at 100 yards. He kicked like he was shot to far back and Gerrit was concerned of a gut shot. The shot would turn out to be a little low behind the shoulder. We tracked him for 100 yards before finding him. I really like the outwards flare.

    On one of the walks a group of blue wildebeest spooked 25 yards from us. A bull with horns two inches beyond the ear tips stopped at 40 yards trying to figure out what we were. Gerrit didn’t even have to tell me he was a shooter. At the shot he went down kicking. I thought he was down for good. Gerrit told me to shoot him again. He got up and ran off before I had a chance to fire again. We spent the rest of the afternoon and the next morning trying to find him to no avail. There was no blood at all. Gerrit’s German Shorthair (his tracking dog) was away being bred. The family Jack Russells never really picked up the trail. This was completely my fault. I shot to high in the shoulder, probably stunning the spine. I was shooting a 375 with 300g Barnes. This just proves once again what a tough brute these guys are.

    Wildebeest rub.



    A young eland bull carcass found on Bos en Dal. Probably killed from tick fever.

    One morning we went to another farm for black wildebeest and springbok. The second group of wildebeest we saw had a good bull. We watched them for ten minutes but he wouldn’t separate from the others. Finally another good bull made his way up from behind the rest and presented an opportunity. At the shot I lost him in the running herd. Gerrit was watching and said it was a good shot. After 100 yards the bull peeled off and went down.

    Gerrit is a full two meters tall and carries 120 kilos like the former club rugby player he was. It is nice having him around to load a wildebeest for you!


    Giraffes were curious and came within 25 yards while taking photos of the wildebeest.

    A little later we spotted a group of springbok rams. One with nice hooks provided an open shot and went straight down with a less than perfect shot.

    Gerrit didn’t even need my great strength to help load the springbok.


    One afternoon while driving we saw a nice reedbuck. We proceed on, stopped the vehicle then stalked back to find him. He was lying in grass and we got to 50 yards of him. From Gerrit’s lofty height he could see the entire body. Being vertically challenged I could see about three inches of neck up. I took him right below the chin.


    Periodically we would take out the 22 and shoot franklin and guinea. Sadly I forgot to take photos of my few triumphs.

    One of the principal targets of this hunt was nyala. Gerrit has some bulls in the 24-28 inch range and one around 30 inches.

    One day while driving we saw a massive nyala in the shadows with hard flaring horns that would go well beyond 30 inches run off. Gerrit had never seen this bull before. We stalked about 50 yards before seeing him again and he had transformed himself into an immature kudu! Amazing what these animals will do to keep from being hunted. That bull with an nyala cape would make one impressive 35 inch trophy.

    Up until the last day I had not seen an nyala. I was beginning to think Gerrit would come out at night with some nyala hooves and leave some tracks for us to find the next day.

    On my last morning hunt while driving we saw two nyala bulls at 50 yards. One was 24 inches and the other 28 inches. We stopped the vehicle waiting for them to move off. They stared at us then continued browsing. We were afraid to move and watched them for five minutes. We decided to back the vehicle up a ways and commence a stalk. On our approach they ran off. We tracked them for two hours over the wet and rocky ground loosing and regaining the tracks. Finally, my time had run out and I needed to pack to leave.

    I had the opportunity to take mature kudu, warthog, zebra and hartebeest but declined. Gemsbok were also seen but no attempt at a stalk was made.

    Gerrit is a great young PH. His lovely wife Yolandi is a wonderful cook. I had a great time and enjoyed myself in their company. Bos en Dal provided the hunt I was looking for.

    Miscellaneous photos:


    Typical meal served by Yolandi. Even though I walked all day I consumed more calories than I burned off.


    Aloe plants were a common sight.


    Termite chimney.


    Walking stick.


    Dung beetle nest. Eggs are placed in the middle of a ball of dung which is then wrapped in mud. I guess the larva eat their way out. What a way to come into
  • Warthog burrow.


    Spiders were out in force with the heavy rains this year.


    The end of another beautiful day in Africa.


    The end of another great safari. Thanks Bos en Dal!"
 
i love africa will be planning third trip very soon with bow/rifle

Hi gr1ffer

When ever you need some info dont hesitate to contact me maybe we can work something out for you. My builders started today, we are in the prosess of putting up 8 new hides on the property! I will send you pictures when the first one is done.

My Best
 
Some more Photos of recent hunts

First a cull kudu by a client from Qatar who visited us with his family and decided he wanted to hunt something
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Then we had a young guy from Denmark on a day hunt to get him a trophy Impala
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And here is one of Bobs, cull animals he took on his March hunt with Deerpath
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our next hunt starts on Thursday with a client from Australia with his 10 Year old son, to introduce his son to Africa hunting on a 7 day hunt, i will keep you all posted on the progress.

Kind Regards
 
Here is some more pictures of recent hunts, This client from Australia was a father introducing his 10 year old son to Africa Hunting. this was mainly a management hunt just for the experience. But he managed to bag a nice Rowland Ward Blesbuck

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We also had some local guys doing a "blitong hunt" (Meat Hunt) and here is some of the animals they got.
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Hi.
I work with a South African Lady and she brings me Biltong made from Beef. Also a Sausage called 'Droe Wors'. To be honest it is an acquired taste. I intend giving here some Venison to make Biltong. Which cut of Meat is the best to use?
Thank you.

Yorkie.

PS. She is from Durban.
 
Hi Yorkie

we usualy use the backstraps, and the meat on the back legs, rump sirloins and topside meats. For "droë wors" we use all the other meat you can salvage from the carcass, mince it together with some brisket fat/meat from beef! The ratio is normaly about 40% brisket and 60% venison. Then we get some freddy hers or crown spices we mix in there and stuff it into sheep intestines or a sintetic one you get from the buthcer.

Good luck on your quest
to make some good food
 
Here is some pictures of Goathunter1's trip with Bos en Dal Safaris

Iain took a very good Buffalo cow, good 52.5"kudu bull and a nice impala male! Unfortunately the Eland hunt didn't go according to plan and hopefully we will get it next year.

Maybe Goathunter will tell the story of his hunt. In the meanwhile here is some pictures.

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Best Regards
 
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