Dream come true
#145359
05/21/2014 9:57 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey
OP
Shootist
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OP
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715 |
I never thought I`ed see Africa again and then I retired. Lets see how much money can I put together.... the hell with it...I`am going.... My package was a five day hunt for a Cape buff and red hartebeest, two critters I`ve wanted to handgun for a long time. First day in the field we spot the buff at 70 yards but I took to long getting my scoped 475 from its holster and he was gone. The idea was to use my scoped FA`s 475 from 100 to 50 yards and my iron sight FA`s 500 Wyoming from 50 and under.... The rest of the day was tracking. The next morning was more tracking and then a move to another area where I made a 102yd shot on a bush buck that was quartered toward me. I hit the back leg with a 400gr XTP and he went into the thorns. Come back with tracking dogs. Buck was 30yds inside thicket. Before he could stick the dogs I put two more XTP`s in him. After a short walk we spot a nyala on the hillside and made 72yd shot off of BogPod PSR with scoped 475 and 400gr XTP`s. A most beautiful African animal... I feel great.... Day three was a washout with rain most of the day of my five day hunt. The clock was ticking.... Day four starts with tracking when we spot two buff in the thick stuff. My God are they big.... One of the trackers lets my PH know they are heading our way. He was quite sure of where they would exit so we set up 40 yards away. I unholstered my open sight 500 confident of making a good shot IF they came out where they were suppose to. A minute after setup he had me turn 180* after a kudu broke out. A minute after that we turned back to our original position because of sounds coming from the thick stuff. My mouth was dry as bone in anticipation. All that was going through my mind was to align the sights, squeeze the trigger and to keep shooting after the first shot. Over and over and over..... Then he steps out as big and black as a steam locomotive. In my hand is an open sight 500WE loaded with 420gr Punch bullets. Some may say its not the perfect choice for one ton of Africa`s meanest. Time slowed at the first shot as I watch his back legs buckle after the hit. As he fell I put two more into him. My next shot, that I clearly remember, was a miss blowing up the dirt five feet in front of the buff from jerking the trigger with the next one hitting home. I reloaded as I watched the buff, who was watching me, try to get to his feet. One more shot to the heart and then another in the front of the chest. The next sound I heard was the famous death bellow that every buff makes before he gives up the ghost..... Dear God the dugga boy was mine. My emotions were quite visible as I kissed my PH on the cheek..... To say I was a happy handgun hunter would be an understatement....... Later that evening, while night hunting for duiker I shot a decent warthog with my scoped 475. As we drove up on him the PH said to hit him again and then we climbed down from the truck. For whatever reason, an apprentice PH who was along decided to reach for the hogs tusk and in an instant the critter twisted his head and stuck the young man on the back of his hand. That was a hard lesson to lean but one he will never forget. Day five had us looking for hartebeest. When we found the first male I took a good look at the terrain they liked and wondered if I would ever get a 100 yard or less shot from my revolver. Made a stalk and was busted by a female. Kept walking down a tree covered hillside and we were spotted by another male before the sticks could be set up. Did not look good for a revolver shot on a hartebeest. Go to another area and spot a lone male from a hilltop. Down we went and walked a good mile or so through the thick stuff. We set up and I make the shot which was 112 yards. If I had known the distance I would have held higher. Anyway the shot breaks his leg where it meets the body and passed low through the brisket. He lay down and after a minute got up and ran for 50 yards where he would lay down again. He kept doing this until the PH got his tracking dog who stopped the animal for a finish shot. Thank God for dogs... That evening I was able to take a duiker by spotlight which was a most exciting way to handgun hunt. I wish I could tell you more but this is where my adventure ends. Africa is calling......
Last edited by jamesfromjersey; 05/21/2014 11:33 PM.
Life member-NRA-SCI Member-HHI #2900-HHASA #067 Colt-Ruger-Freedom Arms-and S&W Collector Assoc.s "I have more guns then I need but not as many as I want" "Handgun hunters HAVE to be good"
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: jamesfromjersey]
#145362
05/21/2014 10:54 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,116
GlennS
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,116 |
That's awesome buddy!!! I wish a few of us were there with you!
"Better to Remain Silent and Be Thought a Fool than to Speak and Remove All Doubt"
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: GlennS]
#145364
05/21/2014 11:15 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,861
Franchise
Distinguished Expert
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Distinguished Expert
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,861 |
You my friend are the definition of a handgun hunter. I just wish I could have been over there too!
The Eyes are Useless, When The Mind Is Blind
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: Franchise]
#145365
05/21/2014 11:35 PM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,378
Darrell H
veteran
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veteran
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,378 |
Sounds like an awesome adventure James! Congratulations on the many fine handgun trophies that you took on this trip...in 5 days! Wow!!!
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: jamesfromjersey]
#145366
05/21/2014 11:36 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608 |
Sweet! Thank you for sharing James.
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: GlennS]
#145367
05/21/2014 11:37 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey
OP
Shootist
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OP
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715 |
That's awesome buddy!!! I wish a few of us were there with you! So do I.....
Life member-NRA-SCI Member-HHI #2900-HHASA #067 Colt-Ruger-Freedom Arms-and S&W Collector Assoc.s "I have more guns then I need but not as many as I want" "Handgun hunters HAVE to be good"
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: Franchise]
#145368
05/21/2014 11:39 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey
OP
Shootist
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OP
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715 |
I just wish I could have been over there too! So do I....
Life member-NRA-SCI Member-HHI #2900-HHASA #067 Colt-Ruger-Freedom Arms-and S&W Collector Assoc.s "I have more guns then I need but not as many as I want" "Handgun hunters HAVE to be good"
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: jamesfromjersey]
#145369
05/21/2014 11:56 PM
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,596
racksmasher1
veteran
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veteran
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,596 |
LIVING THE DREAM,AWESOME JOB,CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR RETIREMENT.
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: racksmasher1]
#145371
05/22/2014 12:35 AM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,048
wvhitman
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,048 |
Nothing like Africa to keep the juices flowing and dreams alive. Congrats, friend.
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: racksmasher1]
#145372
05/22/2014 12:37 AM
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,669
Chance Weldon
Distinguished Expert
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Distinguished Expert
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,669 |
James, you are one lucky son of a gun. Awesome job!
Formerly TN Lone Wolf
"We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided." - J.K. Rowling
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: Chance Weldon]
#145374
05/22/2014 12:58 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,155
Gregg Richter
Distinguished Expert
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Distinguished Expert
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,155 |
Outstanding, James! Great trophies and a great hunt.
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: Chance Weldon]
#145375
05/22/2014 1:03 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,399
Vance in AK.
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,399 |
Vance in AK.
Matthew 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: Chance Weldon]
#145377
05/22/2014 1:08 AM
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,757
cottonstalk
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,757 |
congrats on your trophies,sounds like you made some great memories
"If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence,try orderin' someone else's dog around" unknown cowboy
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: Vance in AK.]
#145378
05/22/2014 1:09 AM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625
Raptortrapper
Shooting Master
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Shooting Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625 |
That is great!!! I can't wait to get there for Kudu and warthogs. Always wanted to take that trip, and always enjoying reading stories from those who have been.
Great job!!
A lot of people are like a slinky: Not much fun till you push them down the stairs!
Lifetime Member of the NRA! Wish I'd a done it sooner.
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#145386
05/22/2014 2:25 AM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963
KRal
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963 |
You are having one awesome retirement, my friend! Congrats! That was a lot of action in five days.
It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#145387
05/22/2014 2:26 AM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 271
dvan
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 271 |
Way to go James. Looks like a very successful hunt.
T/C's~Ruger's~Striker~XP~S&W & the Quest Continues
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: dvan]
#145390
05/22/2014 2:56 AM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 310
Snyd
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 310 |
Holy Smokes!! THAT is intense! Congrats to you. Thanks for sharing.
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: jamesfromjersey]
#145391
05/22/2014 3:34 AM
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,006
Zee
Shooting Expert
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Shooting Expert
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,006 |
"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: Zee]
#145393
05/22/2014 4:22 AM
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,057
Gary
Distinguished Master
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Distinguished Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,057 |
You can't wait any longer. Join the NRA and start writing your Congressmen and Senators.
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: Gary]
#145396
05/22/2014 5:20 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,101
Bearbait in NM
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,101 |
Fantastic. Watch that first step off of cloud 9, I here it is a doosey...
Craig
Northern born and Southern bred
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: Bearbait in NM]
#145398
05/22/2014 7:04 AM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 312
SEAK
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 312 |
The boss on the buff is great what a trophy,congrats.
Enjoying to circle of life
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: SEAK]
#145399
05/22/2014 10:42 AM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,359
SChunter
Shooting Expert
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Shooting Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,359 |
James,
Absolutely fantastic! Congratulations on a dream come true...
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: SChunter]
#145400
05/22/2014 12:26 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,725
500WE
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,725 |
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: 500WE]
#145406
05/22/2014 3:18 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836 |
FANTASTIC!! Very nicely done, James! You have again made us proud!
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: Whitworth]
#145407
05/22/2014 3:48 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 533
Duke3026
addict
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addict
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Posts: 533 |
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: Duke3026]
#145410
05/22/2014 5:04 PM
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 408
Seasons44
addict
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addict
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 408 |
Congratulations on a fantastic safari
Simple, Elegant, but always Approachable
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: Seasons44]
#145412
05/22/2014 7:42 PM
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,020
tradmark
Shooting Expert
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Shooting Expert
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Posts: 3,020 |
Wow. Great job and a wonderful hunt. Im so glad ya got to experience it. Thats the kinda thing africa is all about
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: jamesfromjersey]
#145417
05/22/2014 8:53 PM
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,374
cmnash
veteran
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veteran
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,374 |
Now that is gettin it done! That is a bunch of hunting in 5 days. Congratulations on making some handgun hunting history of your own!
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: jamesfromjersey]
#145421
05/23/2014 2:44 AM
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 204
TCScout
member
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member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 204 |
James... my sincere congratulations.
Post Tenabras Lux
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: TCScout]
#145448
05/24/2014 3:11 AM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 249
PythonHunter
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 249 |
Congrats James. The retirement would be nice enough, but to celebrate with great trophies on a safari. Awesome!
PH
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: PythonHunter]
#145454
05/24/2014 4:51 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,642
BBwheelgunner
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,642 |
As the others have said already, congratulations on a great hunt!
We are all lucky that we can live vicariously through you guys and learn a lot from your experiences. Great animals, congrats again.
Last edited by BBwheelgunner; 05/27/2014 1:24 AM.
"If you are going to go through all the trouble to put a hole in something, why not make it a big one?"
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: BBwheelgunner]
#145465
05/24/2014 7:24 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey
OP
Shootist
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OP
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715 |
I never thought I would have as many friends in my life as I do here. You guys are the best. Thank you all for your wonderful comments......
Life member-NRA-SCI Member-HHI #2900-HHASA #067 Colt-Ruger-Freedom Arms-and S&W Collector Assoc.s "I have more guns then I need but not as many as I want" "Handgun hunters HAVE to be good"
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: Chance Weldon]
#145489
05/25/2014 4:15 AM
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,276
cfish2
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,276 |
James, you did it. I'm looking forward to seeing the mounts. You know what this means, either an addition to your home or a new home with a trophy room. Congrats Sir. One hell of a hunt.
Life Member NAHC HHI Member #7149 NRA Member
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: Chance Weldon]
#145495
05/25/2014 1:36 PM
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 554
ratgunner
addict
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addict
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 554 |
Congrats. What a wonderful "dream come true" hunt.
Hunt hard,Shoot straight,Kill clean,Apologize to no one.
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: ratgunner]
#145522
05/26/2014 10:12 AM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 750
bluecow
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 750 |
thanks for sharing. love it
Everything before "but" is B.S.
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Re: Dream come true
[Re: Bearbait in NM]
#148981
08/23/2014 4:48 PM
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,020
tradmark
Shooting Expert
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Shooting Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,020 |
Cant believe i didnt comment sooner. Congrats. What a great hunt! I love the story especially the honesty about the pulled follow up shot on the buff. Ive done that before. Boy the adrenalin gets kicking. Thanks for the write up
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