2026 South Africa Hunting Prep will start soon

[xphunter]

Still have not set dates yet, but I plan to take a small group of folks (All handgun hunters) to South Africa in the Summer of 2026.
I took a 357 Mag revolver and a problematic XP-100 last time which created all kinds of headaches (The XP), despite good success.
Next year, there will be no Bog Gear, and I will deciding between two tripods.
They both are excellent tripods.
One is much more compact and lighter , while the other is a big one. Same one I used in Texas this past January for hunting at night.
I also will be deciding between running a small frame on the tripod head or my 10" round carbon fiber plate on whichever tripod I take.
Then, I will be deciding which "game changer" bag I will be using (Light fill or heavy fill).
Practicing with both out to 400 yards standing will determine that.
Then I am going to be practicing with two center grip specialty pistols (17" 6.5-284 with 140 AB's (MV 2784 fps) & and a sub 16" 6.5 Leopard/WSM with 127 LRX).
The rear grip will be a sub-16" 6.5 PRC with the with the 127 LRX, 130 AB, or 140 AB.
The determining factor of which pistol I will take will be how fast/accurate (has to be within 10") I can be at 200, 300, and 400 yards, from the standing position.
I will be running a suppressor as well with all three.
As I start the process, I may limit standing shots (On Steel) with the tripod to 350 yards or even 300 yards.
I am pretty sure 400 is a realistic.
The other things is learning how much more I will need to back off of the optic when using a suppressor, since it doesn't have the same recoil reduction as a brake.
Who knows, I may just stay with the brake...This is all to be decided, which is kind of fun.
I get to learn more stuff.

 

[Guy Miner]

Interesting!

Have fun with the planning/prep, and enjoy the hunt.

Guy

 

[xphunter]

The PRC and WSM should run 130 grain & class bullets around 2900-3000 fps in sub 16" barrels.
I have typically ran 18" barrel in these chamberings, so time will tell

 

[xphunter]

Interesting!

Have fun with the planning/prep, and enjoy the hunt.

Guy

I will.
I am not sure who is really coming with me yet.
Surgery's and life have pushed the time frame down the road.
You want to come Guy? I have plenty of XP's (Thinking my 308 Winchester XP-100 for you), and you have some nice revolvers

 

[salmonchaser]

I think that makes four of us so far heading to Africa in 26.

 

[Blkram]

Questions:

1. Where?
2. Who with? (Outfitter)
3. For what animals?

 

[xphunter]

South Africa
Big Waters Safari
Plains animals
I have hunted with them before. True fair chase hunting. Spot and stalk and still hunting. No shooting from vehicles or blinds.
You are going to cover a lot of ground each day.
Large piece of property-See Below

Big Water Safaris Home

The largest hunting area of 83000 acres in Central South Africa

www.bigwatersafaris.com

Big Water Safaris have the exclusive rights to hunt on Laohu Valley Reserve which was established in 2002. The reserve spans both sides of the Gariep River with more than 38 Km (23 miles) of riverfront and consists of 33000 hectares (83000 acres). It is situated halfway between Philippolis and Colesberg, two small towns in the upper Karoo region.

 

[salmonchaser]

That is a good looking hunt.

 

[Blkram]

Looks like a great place!
Any special animals on your list this time?
Ones you did not get previously?
Or ones that you will hunt again as you had so much fun with them on your previous trip(s)?

 

[xphunter]

Going for some trophy Springbuck (springbok). They are so flighty...Like squirrels on crack.
Going for the regular colored ones and the odd colored ones
Impala
I have always like the look of the impala.
Then, I will hunt some of the animals in my package deal.
A trophy Gemsbok or a exceptional kudu may be up as well

 

[xphunter]

Learned some things today...
I will be using my smaller and lighter weight RRS tripod with my 10" carbon fiber plate for hunting in Africa.
Center grips are out for standing shots with a tripod.
I have one other trick I will try, that will use a bi-pod to help stabilize the center-grip design, but the rear grip are 3-4 times steadier.
i also have several other lightweight PRS bags coming in, which might keep them in the running, but I doubt it.
I just used a rear-grip 223 Remington XP, but I was hitting all the way out to 600 yards (Not every time...) on ten inch steel...I didn't even try to go further.
We had great conditions.
Next up, will be a rear-grip 6.5-284 and a rear grip 6.5 PRC with brakes.
I might use some other rear grips for practice as well, but the first two will be from what I choose from for the trip..
Arca rails will be put on both of these rigs.
Both barrels will be under 16"
I had soooo much fun!!!
It was like a mini-vacation.

 

[Slimfinn]

Sounds like it will be a fantastic hunt. Looking forward to hearing more

 

[Blkram]

I enjoyed watching Susan get her springbok last year. And it was super tender and extremely tasty!
I am going for a copper and a black springbok on next years hunt. Love their colours!
The Kalahari subspecies would be fun too. Looks like the common, but I guess is a little bigger, and heavier in the horn department. I couldn't see the difference myself, but then again, I am not experienced in them enough to see the difference yet.

Watched a hunting show recently where the hunter took a King springbok. Never heard of that one before, and they did not talk about it, or how it differed from the common or Kalahari subspecies. Still need to look that one up. Might have more white on its face???

 

[salmonchaser]

I think that makes four of us so far heading to Africa in 26.

Just firmed up my dates. Arrive Port Elizabeth/on to Bedford area on 5-15-26. A former partner who was my corporal for many years, recently retired, will be going with me on his first African trip. 10 days of hunting, head home on the 26. On my first trip I went looking for four animals, came home with 10. My buddy has a list of four; we’ll see what happens-he killed three elk last year, can’t imagine he won’t take an extra with me and the PH saying things like “oh thats an exceptional Nyala. It’s bigger than both I have in the living room.
Buddy will use an 06 unless he adds an Eland, then he will bring his 300wsm.
I’ll bring the 300 HH and very likely the 275 Rigby.
One year from today I’m on a plane. PH thought this Nyala was too small.

 

[Vince]

I’m waiting to buy my tickets next month as I’m thinking I’ll go the end of May/ beginning of June.
Have 1/3 of the hunt paid for already.

Vince

 

[Blkram]

We have confirmed our hunt dates:
Arrive in Johannesburg and travel to Free State hunt camp May 10/26, hunt May 11-16, and return to Jo'burg on 17th.
Travel to Limpopo hunt camp May 18th and hunt to May 19-25, and return to Jo'burg for trip home on May 26th.
Now to confirm flights...

 

[salmonchaser]

Perhaps we'll be in Joburg heading home the same time. We fly home on the 26 as well.

 

[Blkram]

Perhaps we'll be in Joburg heading home the same time. We fly home on the 26 as well.

Be cool if we can meet up!
I'll let you know once I get the flights booked, when we'll be in Jo'burg.

 

[salmonchaser]

Be cool if we can meet up!
I'll let you know once I get the flights booked, when we'll be in Jo'burg.

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