Mozambique Swamp Buffalo
As we exited the BV I was told I was the first one up, meaning I would be the first to stalk a Cape Buffalo with the Ruger “Magnum” .375 H&H. I really had not anticipated being first, but I was definitely excited for the opportunity.
We started our stalk by going from Palm Island to Palm Island to determine where the Buffalo were. Dylan and Alby were looking for the white Egrets that follow the Buffalo. As we got closer, we would crawl from Palm Island to Palm Island to not be seen in the open expanse of the Islands.
At one point we were pinned down by a curious Waterbuck. It seemed like an eternity as my hand and then my arm that I was resting on started to go to sleep. The Waterbuck was watching us from about 40 yards and because of Alby and Dylan’s ability to hunt the wind, the Waterbuck couldn’t catch our scent. Woody believes we were pinned down for approximately 30 minutes. We couldn’t move, we couldn’t make any noise and it was so difficult to not look up and watch the Waterbuck. The Waterbuck left, but then the Baboons moved through and they are Africa’s alarm system. If they see you or sense you, your hunt is over. We passed the Baboon test and then the Waterbuck came back! That was one intense Waterbuck and a beauty, but we were hunting Buffalo so again we waited until he was finally satisfied.
The Buffalo had moved further away now and were out of view behind tall grass except for the Egrets. We started our stalk again from Palm Island to Palm Island. We finally got to some palms that were close enough to see the herd. Just as we settled in, a Warthog jumped from under the palms and set off across the grass. Thankfully, it didn’t spook the herd.
Dylan then told me we were going to crawl about 50 yards to the next patch of grass where we’d try to get close enough to determine if there was an old bull in the herd and get a shot. We made it across the rock hard ground and set up behind a small patch of grass about 3 to 4 feet high. Dylan watched the herd and I stayed low at this point, in the shade and gathered my thoughts and imagined the shot.
One old bull came out on the left side and Dylan had place the rifle on the sticks and we discussed which bull he was looking. Dylan said “He’s the one on the left side of the herd behind the calf and there’s an egret on his back.” I patiently looked through the scope at the herd and found the bull Dylan was watching. He moved several times, but we never had a clear shot and he moved farther to the left out sight due to the grass.
Just as that old bull moved on, a magnificent bull pushed to the front of the herd and Dylan instantly said’ “Do you see the one with the flat boss?”. “Yes”. Dylan, “We’re going to watch him for a moment and see if he’ll present broadside”. It was only a few moments and Dylan made sure again we were talking about the same bull. Dylan, “He is quartering ever so slightly to the right and there’s a blade of grass between his front legs.” “Yes, I see him.” Dylan, “If you feel comfortable, take the shot.” Dylan is ever so patient and calm which helped me to remain extremely focused and he had set me up in a sitting position on the sticks that was very comfortable and stable.
I took the shot and hit him on the on the shoulder joint and watched him spin and try to turn with the herd. Dylan said, “Reload, but don’t shoot yet.” I watched as the bull spun and blood flew from his nose and mouth, it wasn’t an easy thing to watch, but I was glad I had hit him well. Dylan said, “He’s done. Excellent shot!”. I couldn’t believe it, one shot with the Ruger 375 H&H with a Swift A Frame bullet had quickly killed this old bull.
We waited a few moments then started our approach to the bull. I’m still very emotional thinking about those moments approaching the bull. Would he be dead? What would he look like? How would I feel?
Dylan and I walked side by side as we approached. Dylan pulled the bull’s tail and double checked that the bull had expired; he had.
He was an incredible sight! The stalk, the hunt, the shot, the bull was so much more than I could ever have imagined.
I must give acknowledgement to the people who made this possible.
To Craig Boddington, who was the first in camp to congratulate me (think about that moment!), I would never have know where to place the bullet and understand the shot if I hadn’t read his book, “Buffalo” and watched his videos and shows explaining shot placement and what it’s like to hunt these magnificent animals. I now know why he loves to hunt these old bulls.
To Donna Boddington, who was the second in camp to congratulate me and hugged me full on even though I had been in the swamp all day and had every imaginable bull fluid on me. Donna took the time at the DSC Convention to speak to us about Buffalo hunting and personally walked us over and took the time to introduce us to Mark Haldane and Zambeze Delta Safaris. Then she said, “You need to go with us.” Really?! We were in!!! What an inspiration Donna is and a lot of fun too!
To Dylan and Alby, what an incredible PH and tracker. Alby was always working, always tracking, always encouraging. Dylan is my PH for life! What an incredible understanding he has of the animals, the hunt and the client. He took the time to get to know us and understand what we wanted from the hunt. He always got us in excellent position so the shot was not rushed and made sure we were comfortable. He also trusted me to make the shot, he gave me a confidence I may never have had with another PH. I can never thank Dylan enough for such an incredible experience.
To my husband Woody, another incredibly patient man. First and foremost, he shared his love of hunting with me. He believed in me and my ability to join this wonderful world of hunting. He ever so patiently taught me how to shoot, starting with an air rifle all the way up to the .375. He took me to the range, helped me with snap caps at home and always cleans the guns and makes sure everything is in order. I have to admit, all I have to do is show up! He’s always so encouraging on every hunt and is as thrilled as me when I get my animal. I would never have known what I was able to accomplish and would never have understood the world of hunting, conservation and met the incredible people who make such a difference in this world.