|
Part 4A
Day 3 continues... After a good lunch, we returned to the field. We found a herd of Red Cape Hartebeast so we attempted to slip within rifle range (I had my .280) but too many eyes so they were out of there. I saw a large male down below the ridge we were on and it appeared that his intention was to skirt around us in the heavy bush. We ran to attempt to cut off his escape but he vanished. As we started to make our way back up the ridge, I saw the lead element of the Hartebeast herd heading up the same ridge along another finger. We quickly found some brush to hide in and I readied myself. The best bull was located within the center of the herd (looks like an old Elk trick to me, I thought). When they stopped, Meyrick ranged him at 297 yards, so I held just below the top of his mid-shoulder. He stepped clear of the other Hartebeast and I squeezed off a 160gr Accubond. You could hear the distinct "hiss" of the bullet and a loud thump when it found its mark. The old bull reared up and spun. He only made it about 10 yards and collapsed. My bullet took the heart and exited on the far side, breaking the far shoulder. What a weird looking animal! I've mounted a good number of them but to see one in person is a real rush. They have their own gait when they run, man can they run. The sunlight really brings out the beauty of their coat. Strange looking yes; but a real trophy from the African Cape area. I was very pleased with the performance of Federals Vital Shok load. Even more surprised at how well the penetration was on a medium large African Antelope using the Nosler Accubond. Continued....
|