I grew up in a family that hunted, as did Micah, so hunting is just something we all do. We enjoy spending that quite time together outdoors, harvesting the meat and then have yummy, venison to last us through the winter. So, you can imagine how excited we were to get the opportunity to go on an African Safari together!
I have been hunting many times but this is the first time I have actually had the opportunity to take an animal. It was really, really fun!
Anyways, this was the second day we had been hunting Reed Buck for me. Each hunter has their own PH (professional hunter), a tracker, and a videographer. Micah and I paired up so that we could see each others kills. It takes quite a while to make a kill. First we had to head out to the pans (where most Reed Buck roam), once we spotted some, we had to first see if there was a male and if there was, we had to make sure it was old enough. If we were lucky enough to find the 'perfect' Reed Buck, we had to quickly set up our shooting sticks, get it in our scope and get steady before it moves or runs off. After getting set up several times, only to have my buck move too far, I finally got the opportunity to get this one. I shot it at about 200 yards. It was pure adrenalin. It was awesome. I wish you could see the look on the tracker's face...he did not think I was gonna hit it!
It is customary at camp to get 'tattooed' with the blood of your first kill. Most of the time it is just a little smudge on your cheeks and nose...my sweet PH, LJ, liked to pick on me and went a little overboard (all the guys liked to pick on us women...good thing we are used to that). This all happened right before lunch, and they make you keep this on your face until dinner. I was hot, sweaty and smelled like raw meat the rest of the afternoon.
Oh yeah, it is also tradition to eat the raw liver of your first Arican kill as well. At first, they brought out this huge platter and told me I had to eat it all. I called their bluff and only had to down a little piece...I couldn't even taste it. Thankfully, I do not get grossed out easily, because this was a very funny and exciting memory!
About hunting in Mozambique...
It is illegal to hunt in the bush without a license. In order to get a license, you go to school and study to become a PH, a professional hunter. Anyone who hunts without this is considered to be a poacher. All this to say, all meat from the animals killed go to the natives. Not an ounce is wasted. The natives DO NOT EVER get to eat meat. The only way they get it is from camp. This is huge blessing to these people, as you can see how malnourished many of these families are. In fact, it is very common for children to die before even becoming a toddler and the life expectancy is only around 30.
Trackers are a lifesaver. Trackers are natives that come to work for the camp. This job is considered very prestigious among the community. They not only get compensated generously, but they feel it is an honor to work with the clients.
A tracker is in charge of helping spot animals and tracking them/their blood once they have been shot. In cases like mine, when the animal is shot a good ways from the safari vehicle, they are also in charge of carrying the animal to the vechicle. These men are very strong and very good at what they do, however this is also very hard work. I loved my tracker and truly appreciated his eagerness to work hard with a smile always on his face.
2 comments:
That is awesome!! You are brave to eat a piece of liver!! :) Enjoying reading your posts!!
Oh my goodness! I cannot imagine! I could never be as brace as you.
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