African Hunting Gazette

Our Objective is simple and clear - to promote hunting in Africa. And everything we do, focuses on this central mission. We believe that for the passionate hunters they are either hunting, or spend their time wishing they were hunting. This publication helps them get through that time when they are not actually in the bush. Our reader is more committed, more passionate and has tremendous interest in just about everything to do with the African Safari. From cover to cover the AHG brings you everything you need to know about hunting the great continent of Africa. From the southern tip of Africa to the northern reaches of Ethiopia, we go about pursuing our simple and unambiguous objective.

African Hunting Gazette

Editorial

From the Stone Age to the Present – HUMAN PREDATORS OF ELEPHANTS • With the ongoing debate about the impact of elephant numbers on biodiversity in protected areas, divergent views have been aired about what to do about the situation. These range from the clearheaded observations and suggestions of field rangers, ecologists and botanists to the outrageous claims of animal rights activists, and their cheerleaders in the media, that the ‘overpopulation’ situation is being exaggerated and manipulated by those who only want to kill elephants for financial gain.

The 5 DAY rollercoaster • It was the third day of my eight-day hunt, and I was full of excited anticipation at the thought of getting a shot at a magnificent sable bull. I had spent the first two watching a number of good quality sables yet struggled to close the distance within an ethical bow range.

Memories of a ZIMBABWEAN Buffalo • It was the first day in a 10-day safari in early September 2009. My youngest son and I were in Zimbabwe to hunt Cape buffalo and plains game. It was Jordan’s first safari and my first hunt for dangerous game. Jordan took a very large Cape eland with spiral horns of 41 inches around the curves.

SUMMER, SUN, & SAFARI – My First Trip to South Africa • Vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. The black silhouettes of the acacia trees and giraffes. Perfect Lion King sunsets. One of the best experiences of my life was on my first trip to South Africa.

RED, BLACK and GOLD

It’s the… JOURNEY

The Golden Gemsbok of Ukujabula, in pursuit of South African Gold • We were prospecting for gold in Limpopo Province. It has been done before, but we were on a mission with the target being the golden gemsbok. The goal was a "Crystallized Memory" in honor of the gemsbok, with paired pedestal mount trophies highlighting the two major color phases of the Oryx gazela.

Who Needs a MAGAZINE Anyway? • My trip began with ceremony - ringing the Opening Bell at the London Stock Exchange. I was hopeful that my journey would end as it began, with a celebratory toast of champagne. Soon after, I was bound for Heathrow and en route to Johannesburg for my first African safari. My Gunwerks Magnus rifle in 7mm PRC was in the hold, with detachable three-round magazine, and, of course with me, a copy of African Hunting Gazette.

PONDORO’S “ An All Around Rifle” choice • I read John Taylor’s African Rifles and Cartridges, and on page 208, bottom paragraph I was struck by his choice of the .450-400/3” as his “All Around” cartridge. However, it was close to the .375 H&H.

Valleys, Kloofs and Vaalies • I am privileged to have grown up in the Mankazana Valley, outside the small town of Adelaide in the Eastern Cape. This area is world-renowned for its quality of hunting and this is where I cut my teeth in the hunting industry. My dad, Frans Bussiahn, is the owner of Mankazana Safaris, and taught me everything I know about the outdoors. I recently joined the company which has afforded me incredible opportunities.

CAT in a cave • July is the tail-end of the dog season and it was July when we loaded up the...