Africa 2026

[Vince]

DrMike,
I’m just seeing this.
I’m in Port Elizabeth and flying to Johannesburg later today. What can I do for you from here? What do you need?

 

[DrMike]

DrMike,
I’m just seeing this.
I’m in Port Elizabeth and flying to Johannesburg later today. What can I do for you from here? What do you need?

I believe everything is cared for. They just need time to heal so they can fly home. Insurance will cover everything for them. Have a good flight back to the States, Vince.

 

[Vince]

It’s almost 0400 HRS here in South Africa.
I wake up early. Just saw the post. I will of course be praying for them.

Vince

 

[NYDAN]

I was awakened early this morning with a phone call from South Africa. It was Gil (posting here as BlkRam). He and his wife Susan have had a successful hunt. As they were in a vehicle going up a mountain to look for eland, the truck slid on loose rock, rolled down the track and hit either a large rock or an termite mound before rolling over. Gil was seated in the high chair in the back and Susan was seated in the front with the PH. When the truck rolled, Susan was thrown out and Gil was thrown off. However, the truck rolled over on Gil. The roll bar crushed his legs. At this time, both Gil and Susan are in hospital. Susan is in ICU with multiple broken ribs and some other complications. Gil has had several surgeries and will require some other surgeries on his legs and shoulder upon his return to Canada. The orthopaedic surgeon estimated that he will be wheelchair bound for at least twelve weeks. Gil did want to let the members here know why he wouldn't be posting for a bit to show the results of the hunt. I'm certain both he and Susan will appreciate your prayers for their recovery and quick return to Canada. They have at least a week or so before they can travel home.

I am so sad to read this. I will be praying for them.

 

[DrMike]

Thought I'd give a quick update on Gil and Susan. I had a call from Gil yesterday. The couple likely won't be home for at least another two weeks, or possibly even three weeks. Gil has had three surgeries on his leg and anticipates at least one more surgery, and a surgery to repair his shoulder. He will need to stay off his heel for up to twelve weeks. Susan has thirteen broken ribs and a partially collapsed lung. They have removed the two drains that were inserted, though they may need to put a drain in before they fly back to Canada. She is out of ICU, and they don't anticipate the need for her to face anymore complex surgeries. In all, this is a rather long process for both of them. Gil will likely face at least one more surgery on his leg upon return to Canada. A major challenge for him is getting around in their house because of the layout. I'm sure the problem will be worked out shortly.

I explained how hard it is going to be for Gil to shoot his rifles, and I graciously offered to go over to his house and retrieve his rifles. Those I didn't want, I'd sell to Gerry or some other leftie, keeping only a small fee for my services. Imagine my dismay when Gil declined my generous offer! As you might surmise from my light-hearted banter, both Gil and Susan are in good spirits, though they are ready for a change of scenery. I assured Gil, and my good lady assured Susan in a later communication, that we are praying for their complete recovery, standing ready to do whatever they may require to ensure they are comfortable when they return home.

 

[RL338]

Thanks for the update.
I’m sure he’ll think your offer over

 

[salmonchaser]

Thought I'd give a quick update on Gil and Susan. I had a call from Gil yesterday. The couple likely won't be home for at least another two weeks, or possibly even three weeks. Gil has had three surgeries on his leg and anticipates at least one more surgery, and a surgery to repair his shoulder. He will need to stay off his heel for up to twelve weeks. Susan has thirteen broken ribs and a partially collapsed lung. They have removed the two drains that were inserted, though they may need to put a drain in before they fly back to Canada. She is out of ICU, and they don't anticipate the need for her to face anymore complex surgeries. In all, this is a rather long process for both of them. Gil will likely face at least one more surgery on his leg upon return to Canada. A major challenge for him is getting around in their house because of the layout. I'm sure the problem will be worked out shortly.

I explained how hard it is going to be for Gil to shoot his rifles, and I graciously offered to go over to his house and retrieve his rifles. Those I didn't want, I'd sell to Gerry or some other leftie, keeping only a small fee for my services. Imagine my dismay when Gil declined my generous offer! As you might surmise from my light-hearted banter, both Gil and Susan are in good spirits, though they are ready for a change of scenery. I assured Gil, and my good lady assured Susan in a later communication, that we are praying for their complete recovery, standing ready to do whatever they may require to ensure they are comfortable when they return home.

I’m a lefty

 

[DrMike]

I’m a lefty

He has accumulated some fine looking firearms! Just saying.

 

[NYDAN]

Ah, I would like to be at the top of the list for the LH 338 Federal(s).

 

[Slimfinn]

My daughter is a Lefty if there is an extra....

 

[salmonchaser]

When I was in swat there was a tradition, when a guy left the team it was a free for all on his locker, especially if he was promoted or retired. When I retired I walked out of the team room, down the hall, remembered I had left my KBar on the bench. None of the guys were on duty so I didn’t worry about it right away, stopped to talk to a few folks. About 15 minutes later I walk into the room KBar, insulated nomex gloves, goggles, bdu all gone.
I think in Gils case only us left handed folks should get to play. I think thats fair.

 

[DrMike]

Ah, I would like to be at the top of the list for the LH 338 Federal(s).

I'll keep that in mind, Dan. I'm sure Gil would be thrilled to think his handiwork went to a good home.

 

[DrMike]

My daughter is a Lefty if there is an extra....

I'll be sure to keep her in mind. Gil won't mind! Just saying.

 

[sako2]

Thanks for the update Dr. Praying for a full recovery. They have a long road ahead.

 

[wvbuckbuster]

The generosity of the folks on here, even the left-handed ones is over whelming

 

[Blkram]

Okay, my camera, lenses and binos will go in my carry-on. Hopefully the 375 Model 70 makes it in checked baggage... Gulp!

Guy

My Leica Geovids went in my carry on bag on all of my trips (Africa X2 and New Zealand). Not just for security, but also so they didn't get abused by baggage handlers. (Susan had her Kahles in her carry on too)

 

[Blkram]

I know it's middle of the night, 0730 Saturday morning here. Red Lechwe, 300hh, 180 Accubonds, one and done

Nice mass!

 

[Blkram]

Missed a Gemsbok bull but did manage to take a cow.
Been hunting them for three days and had about six busted stalks. There was one really skittish cow and two zebra running with the herd that kept busting us.

Adds to the adventure!

 

[Blkram]

Today, Tuesday was anticlimactic. At dinner last night one of the PH told my PH about a herd of 12 or so Gemsbok he had seen. This morning we drove into the area and instead of driving the road decided to take a walk around a big basin, on x showed it to be a 4 mile loop, we should find something. 10 seconds later we see the Gemsbok, about 700 yards to our east. With sufficient cover we quickly closed to 300 but we had been spotted. It took a little bit to sort out a bull and then make sure we were looking at the same animal. I hit him hard, down he went with legs kicking. Then he was up, angled down the hill toward us. I missed a shot then dropped my next round in the dirt grabbed another round and folded him.not my best shooting.

We all have those moments...But you got the job done, and that's what matters!

 

[Blkram]

Had a little adventure today, Wednesday. PH asked if I was interested in taking a hike on an 8000 acre cattle ranch the outfit is thinking about acquiring the rights to. They are still evaluating the hunting potential. Sounds great I said. Spent three hours hiking saw Kudu, Black Wildebeest, lots of springbok and Impala, Red Heartabeast, warthogs, waterbok and more. Walked 3.9 miles, shot a nice Impala Ram and a mountain Reedbuck. Land owner asked we shoot a wort hog for staff, got one for the workers. Both the Impala and reed buck were 300 yard shots.

Nice mass on those antelope!