Honeymoon Hunt…..
When Marc Hewston met me at the Dallas Safari Club convention a few years ago and told me he had some big news, I wasn’t to sure what to expect. Marc had hunted with John X Safaris for more than 10 years and he had spent a fair amount of time hunting in our various concessions throughout the East Cape.
Marc expressed his desire to hunt Cape Buffalo, and then the BIG NEWS – he was getting married and wanted his wife to join him on safari in South Africa. We had all met his fiance, Madonna, on a previous hunt and knew we were in for a great time.
After many discussions and countless emails later we finally found a break in Marc’s hectic work schedule. We immediately looked towards our Mozambican Concession for Cape Buffalo for his 2009 Safari.
Marc joined Carl on Safari in Mozambique during 2009. A well deserved Cape Buffalo.
He added this great Sable to his Mozambican hunt. With the team Marc, Richard, Nazoe & Gotchi.
For their 2010 honeymoon we arranged a South African safari with a twist. Marc had been a great client and friend over the years, we wanted to ensure that he and Madonna have a fantastic honeymoon and added some flavour by including a Lioness to their hunt.
The newly wedded couple joined Professional Hunter, Ed Wilson, on their safari in the East Cape. The hunting party started in the south with Marc’s main interest being an old Lioness and Madonna’s target being her first East Cape Kudu.
Marc wasted no time in executing a textbook shot on his Lioness after an exciting stalk. With Lion hunting, it’s often the follow-up that provides the most action. Many a hunter will warn you that the most nerve-racking period of a Lion hunt lies in the final few meters of approaching a presumably dead cat.
Ed, Marc and Carl with Marc’s monster Lioness.
An excited Marc with his Lioness.
Madonna joining in on the action with her magnificent East Cape Kudu. Something tells me it wont be her last!
After their success in the south the hunting party headed north in search of new species and terrain that they had never hunted before. On previous hunts Marc had hunted a variety of Springbuck but had never hunted the sought after Copper Springbuck.The hunters joined good friend Neil and experienced the opportunity of hunting one of the best Copper Springbuck herds in the country.
The terrain in which the Copper Springbuck thrive.
Marc & Madonna with their world-class Copper Springbuck.
From Neil the party headed into the Stormberg in search of the elusive Vaal Rhebuck. Vaal Rhebuck only occur on our high ground, starting from 5000 feet above sea level. They are a mono species, having no links/relation to any other species. They can best be described as an antelope with the coat, tail and ears of a Jack Rabbit, with thin straight horns. They boast incredible eye sight and amazing agility at top speeds in difficult terrain.
Getting to grips with the high country. The truck can only take you so far, from there its you and the thin air.
An understandably proud Marc with a great Vaal Rhebuck.
Finally a Baboon. Hunting a Baboon has been Marc’s priority for many years, he got a “beauty”!
Marc & Madonna – Best of luck to a successful marriage. We enjoyed having you back again. We look forward to seeing you at the Dallas Safari Club 2011 and cant wait to plan your next hunt with the family.
PS: Marcus if you were wondering what’s next, it’s the “Tiny 10”. You’ve started with your Vaal Rhebuck in the mountains, lets hit the coastal forests for some Duikers!
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