Leopard land

Of the entire near pristine wilderness areas, Private ownership accounts for more than double of State owned area. When viewed from this perspective it is blatant how important the citizen contribution to conserving fauna and flora is. Land use models that allow private owners to hold back the ever increasing demand for natural resources and food security are fundamental to the conservation of wild land. On top of the list for the least ecological impact is trophy hunting. Fewer infrastructures are required in order to generate comparatively large revenue. The cost, by no means trivialised, are the lives of select animals. Like in nature the magnified view of the life/death cycle is remorseful………………but the view of the entire system is beautiful. 

Leopard territory

In time the growth and expansion of this young Baobab (Adasonia digitata) will swallow up the aged sign of a territorial leopard, but for now I welcome the slight windbreak for my pitched tent and the mental images of his outstretched claws cutting into the tree flesh.

Gascon Saintongeois

Scenthound pups

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

The .416 Rigby evokes the romance of the African safari like no other with the possible exception of the .375 Holland & Holland. Introduced in 1911 it was the first cartridge to use a .416” bullet. Sending a 400 gr projectile out at 2300 fps, the Rigby gets high marks in any comparison of stopping rounds. While its impressive dimensions demand a true magnum action, it is interesting to note that perhaps the most famous .416 rifle - that of PH Harry Selby - was built on a standard Mauser action. This CZ 550 is a variant of the true magnum Mauser properly proportioned to accept the modern big game cartridges. 

Xosha bushveld hounds