Last Updated on Sunday, 31 January 2010 22:24 Written by Steve Kremp Sunday, 31 January 2010 14:35

Jody Maddock and Steve Kremp traveled to the dark continent in August to check out Angus and Jenny's Highveld ranch, then head down to Zululand to bowhunt for Duiker, Bushpig, and Nyala.  

There is no more fitting name for the Highveld ranch than Paradijs.  The views, and scenery are stunning, and the amount of game makes it a true hunter's paradise.  Gemsbok, Zebra, Springbok, Blesbok, Waterbuck, Kudu, Sable, Buffalo, Impala, Reedbuck, and many others were spotted during  the tour.  

Steve was hoping to take a Black Wildebeest while in the Highveld, and he was not disappointed!

The landscape transformed from mountains to bush during the drive to Zululand.  There was just enough time before sunset to take a quick  drive, and the game was plentiful.  Despite the dense bush, Common Reedbuck, Nyala, Steenbok, Warthog, Nyala, and Grey and Red Duiker were all spotted during the brief scouting mission.  As the sun set, hopes were high for the morning,.

It didn't take long to get the first trophy on the ground.  While Angus and Steve checked the river bottom for sign, Jody stayed ahead on the bank, keeping an eye out for any game that was flushed out.  He was rewarded with a great Grey Duiker ram.

Steve was able to connect on a ram of his own, from a tree stand the next evening.

Red Duiker were plentiful, with multiple sightings each morning and evening, but the little "Energizer Bunnies" were always on the move through the thick brush, and getting a shot opportunity was a real challenge.  Jody's patience finally paid off on the third morning.

While Jody was hunting the Red Duikers, Steve was playing his own cat and mouse game with Nyala.  Despite multiple close calls with several mature bulls, last minute wind changes, or bright sun in the face, got in the way of closing the deal.  On the fourth evening in Zululand, a fortunate change in the prevailing winds, and some face paint solved the problem.

While the Bushpigs did not co-operate for Angus, Steve and Jody were able to obtain  their trophy wishes.  The opportunity to hunt the Highveld and Bushveld in the same trip was like having two safaris in one, and was truly the best of both worlds!