Trust Your PH

Trust Your PH

by Larry W. Smith

That advice is always good to follow! After all, they know the country and animals you are hunting.

I was the lucky winner of a donated hunt from Sun Africa Safaris. They are located a few hours east of Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Through email, we agreed on early June, 2024 for our 10-day hunt. Upon arrival in Port Elizabeth, I was greeted with torrential rains that followed me the entire way to camp – nearly 150 miles. It rained two and a half inches that day. I was told this amount is more than they usually get all winter. Roads were near impassable and the first day of the hunt was washed out.

Although not on the list of donated animals, a top priority was a cape kudu. The sky cleared and the ground dried enough so we could go kudu hunting on the second day. After an hour or so drive, we entered a ranch and parked the safari vehicle. The PH, myself, and tracker sat on a hill and glassed for kudu. After approximately a half hour, the tracker spotted a kudu. It appeared to be at least a mile away. The PH indicated, “He is a shooter.” So off we went. We made a stalk that took at least an hour and got to a point where we located the kudu once again. We could get no closer.

This is where things got real fun. The PH told me the range was just over 500 yards. Normally I would not attempt a shot at this distance. However, I was using the PH’s rifle; a Sako thumb hole laminated stock in 270 Win., topped with a top-notch scope that could be dialed in for that range. The PH dialed it in. I was in a good solid prone position. We both had confidence that I could make the shot. I took my time and breathed slowly. The animal did not know we were there. I squeezed the trigger and heard a distinct hit.

At this time, the tracker drove the truck around to the animal and found it. It was ten yards from where I shot it. The PH and I stated walking toward the tracker and kudu from where I shot. It took over an hour, through thick brush, trees, and over fences. We had to cross a rain swollen creek to reach the animal. We located him with help from the tracker, and indeed, one shot through the heart. A very fine, old, mature kudu.

As we positioned the kudu for photos, my PH Matt said, “I have a confession to make to you.” “What is it?” I asked. “I lied to you about the range.” He said, “It was 660 yards, not 510 yards.” I smiled and said, “I would not have taken that shot, had I known it was that far.” He replied, “I know, that is why I said it was 510 yards.” I could not be too upset. All is well that ends well. However, as another saying goes, “Trust, but verify.” I guess that goes for your PH as well.

Thank Matt, for a great stalk and having confidence in my shooting abilities.

P.S. That was by far the longest shot on an animal I have ever made.