This hunt was an auction donation hunt given by Pelser Bowhunting Adventures to the Dallas Safari Club Convention in January 2017. This was a 10-day bowhunt for hunter & non-hunter for five species (bush pig at night, mountain reedbuck, blue wildebeest, impala and baboon). This hunt provided me an opportunity to hunt 2 previously hunted species and 3 new species.
What attracted me to this hunt was the fact that it is an exclusive bowhunting only concession. The only time a firearm is use is possibly during a recovery of a wounded animal.
Pelser Bowhunting Adventures is owned and operated by two very experienced bow hunters, Willie Pelser and Corey Schaefer. The facility has a very nice lighted practice facility which includes a repair area for working on bows and arrows.
Pelser Bowhunting Adventures hunts a max of six hunters and only hunt during the dark moon. Each hunter is provided a private chalet for lodging. A large common building is the gathering facility and where meals are provided. Willie’s wife, Janice, does a great job with providing evening meals with a variety of African cuisine, vegetables and deserts. I share my hunt with two crossbow hunters from Michigan. Both hunters were former vertical bow shooters, but due to age and physical limitations they had converted to crossbows.
The concession offers 12well-constructed, roomy blinds on the waterholes. Average shot distance is 12-20 yards. The waterholes offer animals water, mineral blocks, lucerne (alfalfa hay) and protein pellets. Game cameras are utilized to provide info on what species are visiting the various waterholes. I hunted seven different waterholes during my hunt and saw 6-8 different species of game per day.
Pelser Bowhunting Adventures utilizes modern transportation vehicles and excellent trackers and skinners. The hunt is conducted in a professional and reliable, punctual manner.
During the hunt the wind and cooler weather were factors in game movement. In spite of the less than favorable weather conditions I shot seven animals and recovered five animals. I lost two baboons. I would like to express my appreciation to both Chief 419 and Bigpizzaman for their great tips and advice for hunting baboons. Hunting baboon was a truly humbling experience. I hunted bush pig at three nights, but did not score. All five of my recovered animals were trophy grade quality. Two of my animals scored SCI Silver (blue wildebeest and klipspringer). The other three animals (warthog, waterbuck and impala) scored Bronze Medal.
Willie is a SCI Certified Master Measurer. Corey is a measurer for Trophy Game Animals of the World. Therefore, animals can be measured before ever departing South Africa. This is a great service for hunters interested in obtaining measurement of animals. I have already submitted my entries to SCI for hopeful approval.
This was a fun hunt and I enjoyed hunting a totally different terrain than what I have never hunted in Africa. Even though I did not collect all of the animals in my package deal, but I did add two new species to my animal species list and I upgraded my trophy scores for two species I had previously taken. In summary, I would define my adventure as a success.
What was your arrow setup on this trip ?
I has pass thru's on warthog, blue wildebeest, impala and klipspringer. Buried shaft to arrow wrap on waterbuck (quartering away shot).
Are the horns on your waterbuck broomed, or is it just the camera angle? Also, is there a drying period for SCI animals similar to P&Y and B&C?
No 60-day waiting on SCI unless it is a "Top-10" I believe, then another 60-day measurement required. My animals were measured in Africa, I brought my forms home with me and have already submitted apps/photos to SCI. They received them this aft.
When looking at the SCI record book in African game, Nico Pelser's name probably appears more than any other PH's name.
I can assure you that the acorn, Willie, did fall too far from the tree. He is one of the youngest certified PH's in RSA. He was certified at 14, began guiding at 16 and was DG certified at 21. He is now only 38. A real gentleman and top-notch PH.
Mark
Eland bull has an estimated 2 more years of breeding left then he will no longer be protected and will be a "free agent". Estimated at about 2200#
I never had the urge-I've got 2 beautiful eland on the wall. I just enjoyed photographing and watching him.
You took some great animals, got to hunt with new people and hunted in the Waterburg Mts. in RSA. It doesn't get much better. I shot my kudu in the Waterburg Mts. Beautiful scenery to hunt in. Glad you had another trip of a lifetime.
