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My first hunt with a bow |
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Prepare to hunt and wait.......
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9 August 2003, Women's day in South Africa and the day of my first bow hunt. For some reason or another I woke up early again. Staring at the ceiling bound by the strict instructions from the others not to get up. Trying to pass time until I could go for a jog, I went over everything in my mind that I have learned about archery and hunting. Shot placement, which was so emphasized by my PH, mentor and coach. In my mind's eye I tried to imagine pulling the bow, breathing and releasing the arrow. Mentally, I was prepared for this.
During breakfast we discussed it being Woman's day and the fact that it was a good day for me to go and do my first bow hunt. Even Tuli (the lodges' chef), having witnessed me training for this hunt was excited for me. I gave Muzi, her husband, strict instructions to be nice to his wife on this special day. After breakfast we set out to the shooting range and I shot some broad heads.
Ann, Chris and I set off to the blind and Cindy was quite happy to do her own thing for the day knowing how important this was to me - thanks for that Cindy.
 We arrived at the blind and settled in. Wearing dark clothes are one of the important factors as the animals cannot see into the blind - so ladies - it is not just a fashion statement, there is good reason for it. As the Rookie, I do not yet have camouflage clothing worn by most bow hunters, but all will come in good time. We settled in and peace and tranquility folded like a blanket around us - there is just nothing like the Limpopo valley's tranquility. Red Hartebeest came by but they were very nervous and disappeared without drinking water.
I was just enjoying every moment of it and to pass time, observed every sound, sight, smell and movement. 11:00 am - time for the Warthogs to start moving in. And true to nature a boar entered the clearing. Chris used this opportunity to instruct and show me the exact shot placement.
The boar drank some water and trotted off tail in the air. It was a big one but the one tusk was broken off - this is natural for older animals as they use it to dig for roots. We settled down again.
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