Report by: Jack Brittingham
Location: Selous Game Reserve
Date: 09 July 2006
Greetings for the banks of the Luwegu River in the Selous Game Reserve. I am writing you after the completion of our second day of hunting, and the action could not possibly have been any better.
On day 1, Cody Idol, Dick Idol’s son, had some incredible action with one of the largest hippo to come out of this area, and the largest ever taken by one of Professional Hunter John Greeff clients. This bull was stalked and shot from a rocky outcropping on edge of the Luwegu River. After the initial hit, the bull submerged and then came charging out of the water at no more than 15 feet from where Cody and John were standing. Several subsequent shots secured the huge bull, and Cody had his first African trophy. What a bull it was too, with more than 12” of tusk showing, and it’s estimated that the extracted tusk will measure around 28”. With the hippo secured, much game meat for the camp and its staff was obtained, and we also have a very good supply of bait for both crocodile and hyena, which are both high on Cody’s list.
As for me, I have spent the last two days chasing hippo as well. I have been very close to several exceptional bulls, but due to the fact that I am bow hunting, and the bull must be out of the water, no shot opportunities had presented themselves, until this evening. After several long walks, covering miles of river, everything finally fell into place. At about 5:00 this afternoon, we had a bull cross the river and head almost straight to our position as we hid in the rock formations on the opposite side. With all hunting, luck plays a major role, and tonight luck was on our side. We repositioned to intercept the bull as he exited the river, and he came across at about 40 yards. I waited until he moved away from the waters edge and caught him square in the shoulder with the arrow delivered from my BowTech Tribute, set at 101 pounds. It buried almost to the fletching, and the huge bull became very wobbly, within 30 seconds of the hit. He reversed directions and went back into the water, where a large bull that was guarding several females came over and initiated a fight with a very weak hippo. The resulting fight hastened the end, as the dominant bull chomped down on my bull’s neck, driving him under water for the last time.
Now we will concentrate our efforts on setting up bait for lions and leopard, as well as shifting our attention to cape buffalo.
To digress, I should report that our camp is set up on one of the most scenic locations I have ever seen. The staff of the Tanzania Wildlife Company has put together one of the most comfortable camps I have had the pleasure of sleeping in. Our camp is on the banks of the Luwegu River, and we are serenaded each evening by the music of hippo and bushbaby. We have also been treated to the sounds of hyena as well as the rough coughing call of the leopard.
More reports to follow. All the best from the wilds of Tanzania.
Sincerely, Jack Brittingham