From First group to First Buck
Posted: Sat Jul 04, 2015 4:42 pm
The day has been coming for some time now. This morning Kristin, Michael, Charlie ( My labby ) and I get set for our hunt. Last time we ran out of time due to exams, but today we were going to get Kristin her buck, and if possible, one for Michael as well. Bag packed with oranges, water, extra ammo, range finder, Bino's, knife and off we go.
After about an hour we eventually get a chance, but we are in catch 22, no trees to use for cover, grass too long to see buck clearly when using bi-pod. Only option is stay lying down and kraal, and that is what we did, 20 min later we are in a good position, Blesbuck are curious, not sure what, but they suspect something. Get a front on shot offered at about 100m, safety off, and for some reason, buck snorts and off they go.
About 1/2 hour later, after following them and moving from tree to tree and getting some chances, nerves getting in the way, buck run off etc etc and they join the main herd, eventually we get a position of height on the buck, the problem is they are 202m from us, but in open space and we have a big rock as a rest. we discuss the things she did when she shoots the 200m gong at home, the .243 is set zero at 200m. We sit, relax and watch as they mill around, some lie down. Good for us, they are unaware of where we are, The ram moves into a clearing, nothing behind him. Bolt is closed safety on. Kristin gets ready, says shes happy, I give the go ahead, safety off and ....... dup. Buck arches and jumps forward, group mills a bit, STRESS levels rise, a little panic sets in, reload, I watch and see him stagger, tell her to open bolt, and She then sees her first buck fall.
The reaction and whole experience was priceless and will savor for ever. We thank the Lord for these times.
The 2 photos are : the shot placement and the other is a proud young girl (12) with her first buck.
After about an hour we eventually get a chance, but we are in catch 22, no trees to use for cover, grass too long to see buck clearly when using bi-pod. Only option is stay lying down and kraal, and that is what we did, 20 min later we are in a good position, Blesbuck are curious, not sure what, but they suspect something. Get a front on shot offered at about 100m, safety off, and for some reason, buck snorts and off they go.
About 1/2 hour later, after following them and moving from tree to tree and getting some chances, nerves getting in the way, buck run off etc etc and they join the main herd, eventually we get a position of height on the buck, the problem is they are 202m from us, but in open space and we have a big rock as a rest. we discuss the things she did when she shoots the 200m gong at home, the .243 is set zero at 200m. We sit, relax and watch as they mill around, some lie down. Good for us, they are unaware of where we are, The ram moves into a clearing, nothing behind him. Bolt is closed safety on. Kristin gets ready, says shes happy, I give the go ahead, safety off and ....... dup. Buck arches and jumps forward, group mills a bit, STRESS levels rise, a little panic sets in, reload, I watch and see him stagger, tell her to open bolt, and She then sees her first buck fall.
The reaction and whole experience was priceless and will savor for ever. We thank the Lord for these times.
The 2 photos are : the shot placement and the other is a proud young girl (12) with her first buck.
