Off to Africa

**Rich Lucibella** · April 24, 2000, 09:52 PM

Well, preparations are almost completed. I leave Thursday night for Atlanta and catch a Friday morning flight for the Republic of South Africa. From there, a day of rest, then off to Nelspruit on the border of Kruger Park.

14 days of hunting at Engonyameni with hosts Danie and Karen Van Graan. Those of us lucky enough to make the trip will assist Colonel Cooper in celebrating his 80th birthday in the hunting fields! It should be a memorable occasion indeed.

I will be toting the Steyr Scout, a Glock 29 and the Mad Dog Bayou Hunter #001 (a most generous gift from Kevin McClung). Ammunition will consist of Federal 180gr Woodley Weldcore .308's and Georgia Arms 180gr Gold Dot 10mm's. I had hoped to be testing Randy Garret's 45-70 offerings in a modified Marlin breakdown action built by Ashley Emerson and David Cole. Unfortunately, Ashley trashed the barrel last week after trying everything under the sun to get it to shoot properly given Marlin's infuriating habit of stamping "Warning" messages into the thinnest areas of their octagonal barrels. Needless to say, a new barrel has been commisssioned....but the 45-70 will not be going along to Africa.

We will be hunting primarily for plains game, though there is no scarcity of heavy rifles should the opportunity present for such additional hunt. The laptop and cyberspace remain at home; TFL in DC and Staff's capable hands. Pictures and narrative are sure to follow on my return circa May 15.
Rich Lucibella

bk40 · April 24, 2000, 11:36 PM

Rich,

Have a great trip and good luck hunting!

Art Eatman · April 24, 2000, 11:43 PM

Good hunting!

And don't cram yourself so full of antelope and all that sort of yummy that you, yourself become extra baggage!

, Art

45King · April 25, 2000, 04:53 AM

Happy hunting, Rich. Sounds like a great trip. Good luck to you and all the party.

------------------
Shoot straight regards, Richard at The Shottist's Center

Al Thompson · April 25, 2000, 08:07 AM

Check your email Rich.

Giz

Coinneach · April 25, 2000, 11:21 AM

Bon voyage, boss.

Dr.Rob · April 25, 2000, 12:21 PM

I'm so jealous I could just.. wish you the best time you can possibly have. Use enough gun and don't be afraid to shoot twice.

Dr.Rob

The Mohican Sneak · April 26, 2000, 01:27 AM

Knock'em nekkid Rich!

Best of luck!

------------------
>>>>>>>>------------TMS---------------->>>

Kent White · April 26, 2000, 03:09 AM

You lucky dog. Have fun!

**Bud Helms** · April 26, 2000, 09:48 PM

Good luck, Rich. Be Safe.

Long Path · April 27, 2000, 08:03 AM

I'm proud of Rich, and envy the marvelous time that I know he'll have, but folks, I don't yet feel worthy of such an adventure in such company, and thus don't even feel overtly jealous. Strange...

Come back to us with fine reports and vivid pictures, friend!

Matt.

Jeff Thomas · April 27, 2000, 10:53 AM

Rich, that's super ... have a great time! And, I know you'll greatly enjoy helping Col. Cooper savor this birthday.

Congratulations on having such moments to treasure. Have a safe trip, and take care.

Regards from AZ

Slowpoke_Rodrigo · April 27, 2000, 01:16 PM

My best wishes to the entire party for a safe journey, a safe stay in RSA, and a safe hunt.

------------------
Slowpoke Rodrigo...he pack a gon...

Vote for the Neal Knox 13

I'll see you at the TFL End Of Summer Meet!

fubsy · April 27, 2000, 04:08 PM

Have a safe journey, a great hunt ,,,,it sounds like your going with theright people......fubsy.

Hueco · April 27, 2000, 04:20 PM

Just wanted to wish you good shooting! Get them before they get you!

Hueco

deanf · May 17, 2000, 04:37 AM

Are you back? Please, regale.

------------------
"Anyone feel like saluting the flag which the strutting ATF and FBI gleefully raised over the smoldering crematorium of Waco, back in April of ‘93?" -Vin Suprynowicz

**Rich Lucibella** · May 17, 2000, 02:20 PM

Hey, guys. I got back yesterday. Details will follow in a few days, once I get pictures developed. Here's some highlights:

I took Bushbuck, Red Duiker, Impala, Zebra, Kudu and Wildebest. With the exception of the Zebra, I was pretty satisfied with my shooting. Ranges were from 25 yards on the Duiker to 283 yards on the Wildebest.

Weapons of choice were the Steyr Scout in .308 and Pseudo Scouts in 30.06. While these got the job done, I've concluded that quick kills with the .308 on 600lb animals allow inadequate margin of error on the first shot. If one needs to put a wounded, running animal down with a "Texas Brain Shot", the .308 is not adequate and the 30.06 not optimal.

The landscape, scenery, accomodations and food were all first class. Our PH, Danie van Graan is now a friend for life: http://www.africanhunting.com/engonyam.htm
Trackers Gugwon, Elmond and Robert can track a mouse across granite...no kidding!

Our private celebration for Colonel Cooper's birthday was both historic and moving. It's hard to put it in words.
Rich

[This message has been edited by Rich Lucibella (edited May 17, 2000).]

Mendocino · May 17, 2000, 04:14 PM

Welcome back Rich!
I look forward to stories of the bush.

Highpower1 · May 17, 2000, 06:35 PM

Rich,

Welcome Back, it is truly good to hear of your safe return. I look forward to hearing about your African experience.

Gunslinger · May 17, 2000, 09:03 PM

Glad to see you made it back in one piece Rich.

------------------
Gunslinger

TFL End of Summer Meet, August 12th & 13th, 2000

The Mohican Sneak · May 17, 2000, 11:25 PM

Rich,

I'm glad you had a safe and enjoyable trip. Good to have ya back, and I can't wait to read the details and see the pictures!!!

Welcome home, bro...

------------------
>>>>>>>>------------TMS---------------->>>

Long Path · May 18, 2000, 10:39 AM

Pictures! You've had your fun! Now get to slaving over a hot digital scanner! :-)

--Matt

Spectre · May 18, 2000, 10:52 AM

Glad you're back. I hope to take a Cape Buff w/ my new 1895G someday. Let us know how you like the Ashley mods!
-----------------

Take me down to the Paradise City!

April 24, 2000, 09:52 PM	#1
Rich Lucibella Staff Join Date: October 6, 1998 Location: South Florida Posts: 10,229	Well, preparations are almost completed. I leave Thursday night for Atlanta and catch a Friday morning flight for the Republic of South Africa. From there, a day of rest, then off to Nelspruit on the border of Kruger Park. 14 days of hunting at Engonyameni with hosts Danie and Karen Van Graan. Those of us lucky enough to make the trip will assist Colonel Cooper in celebrating his 80th birthday in the hunting fields! It should be a memorable occasion indeed. I will be toting the Steyr Scout, a Glock 29 and the Mad Dog Bayou Hunter #001 (a most generous gift from Kevin McClung). Ammunition will consist of Federal 180gr Woodley Weldcore .308's and Georgia Arms 180gr Gold Dot 10mm's. I had hoped to be testing Randy Garret's 45-70 offerings in a modified Marlin breakdown action built by Ashley Emerson and David Cole. Unfortunately, Ashley trashed the barrel last week after trying everything under the sun to get it to shoot properly given Marlin's infuriating habit of stamping "Warning" messages into the thinnest areas of their octagonal barrels. Needless to say, a new barrel has been commisssioned....but the 45-70 will not be going along to Africa. We will be hunting primarily for plains game, though there is no scarcity of heavy rifles should the opportunity present for such additional hunt. The laptop and cyberspace remain at home; TFL in DC and Staff's capable hands. Pictures and narrative are sure to follow on my return circa May 15. Rich Lucibella

April 24, 2000, 11:36 PM	#2
bk40 Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 1999 Location: Mississippi Posts: 1,004	Rich, Have a great trip and good luck hunting!

April 24, 2000, 11:43 PM	#3
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	Good hunting! And don't cram yourself so full of antelope and all that sort of yummy that you, yourself become extra baggage! , Art

April 25, 2000, 04:53 AM	#4
45King Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 1999 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 1,033	Happy hunting, Rich. Sounds like a great trip. Good luck to you and all the party. ------------------ Shoot straight regards, Richard at The Shottist's Center

April 25, 2000, 08:07 AM	#5
Al Thompson Staff Alumnus Join Date: May 2, 1999 Location: South Carolina Posts: 3,611	Check your email Rich. Giz

April 25, 2000, 11:21 AM	#6
Coinneach Staff Alumnus Join Date: February 23, 1999 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 4,272	Bon voyage, boss.

April 25, 2000, 12:21 PM	#7
Dr.Rob Staff Alumnus Join Date: July 28, 1999 Location: Denver Posts: 2,454	I'm so jealous I could just.. wish you the best time you can possibly have. Use enough gun and don't be afraid to shoot twice. Dr.Rob

April 26, 2000, 01:27 AM	#8
The Mohican Sneak Member Join Date: June 7, 1999 Location: Soperton, GA Posts: 76	Knock'em nekkid Rich! Best of luck! ------------------ >>>>>>>>------------TMS---------------->>>

April 26, 2000, 03:09 AM	#9
Kent White Member Join Date: January 10, 1999 Location: Hawkinsville, GA USA Posts: 66	You lucky dog. Have fun!

April 26, 2000, 09:48 PM	#10
Bud Helms Senior Member Join Date: December 31, 1999 Location: Middle Georgia, USA Posts: 13,198	Good luck, Rich. Be Safe.

April 27, 2000, 08:03 AM	#11
Long Path Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 1999 Location: N. Texas Posts: 5,899	I'm proud of Rich, and envy the marvelous time that I know he'll have, but folks, I don't yet feel worthy of such an adventure in such company, and thus don't even feel overtly jealous. Strange... Come back to us with fine reports and vivid pictures, friend! Matt.

April 27, 2000, 10:53 AM	#12
Jeff Thomas Senior Member Join Date: December 9, 1998 Location: Texas Posts: 4,753	Rich, that's super ... have a great time! And, I know you'll greatly enjoy helping Col. Cooper savor this birthday. Congratulations on having such moments to treasure. Have a safe trip, and take care. Regards from AZ

April 27, 2000, 01:16 PM	#13
Slowpoke_Rodrigo Senior Member Join Date: May 23, 1999 Posts: 607	My best wishes to the entire party for a safe journey, a safe stay in RSA, and a safe hunt. ------------------ Slowpoke Rodrigo...he pack a gon... Vote for the Neal Knox 13 I'll see you at the TFL End Of Summer Meet!

April 27, 2000, 04:08 PM	#14
fubsy Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 1999 Posts: 1,363	Have a safe journey, a great hunt ,,,,it sounds like your going with theright people......fubsy.

April 27, 2000, 04:20 PM	#15
Hueco Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 1999 Posts: 561	Just wanted to wish you good shooting! Get them before they get you! Hueco

May 17, 2000, 04:37 AM	#16
deanf Senior Member Join Date: June 5, 1999 Location: N47º 12’ x W122º 10' Posts: 1,599	Are you back? Please, regale. ------------------ "Anyone feel like saluting the flag which the strutting ATF and FBI gleefully raised over the smoldering crematorium of Waco, back in April of ‘93?" -Vin Suprynowicz

May 17, 2000, 02:20 PM	#17
Rich Lucibella Staff Join Date: October 6, 1998 Location: South Florida Posts: 10,229	Hey, guys. I got back yesterday. Details will follow in a few days, once I get pictures developed. Here's some highlights: I took Bushbuck, Red Duiker, Impala, Zebra, Kudu and Wildebest. With the exception of the Zebra, I was pretty satisfied with my shooting. Ranges were from 25 yards on the Duiker to 283 yards on the Wildebest. Weapons of choice were the Steyr Scout in .308 and Pseudo Scouts in 30.06. While these got the job done, I've concluded that quick kills with the .308 on 600lb animals allow inadequate margin of error on the first shot. If one needs to put a wounded, running animal down with a "Texas Brain Shot", the .308 is not adequate and the 30.06 not optimal. The landscape, scenery, accomodations and food were all first class. Our PH, Danie van Graan is now a friend for life: http://www.africanhunting.com/engonyam.htm Trackers Gugwon, Elmond and Robert can track a mouse across granite...no kidding! Our private celebration for Colonel Cooper's birthday was both historic and moving. It's hard to put it in words. Rich [This message has been edited by Rich Lucibella (edited May 17, 2000).]

May 17, 2000, 04:14 PM	#18
Mendocino Senior Member Join Date: August 4, 1999 Posts: 403	Welcome back Rich! I look forward to stories of the bush.

May 17, 2000, 06:35 PM	#19
Highpower1 Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 1999 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 113	Rich, Welcome Back, it is truly good to hear of your safe return. I look forward to hearing about your African experience.

May 17, 2000, 09:03 PM	#20
Gunslinger Junior member Join Date: January 5, 1999 Location: Springfield, Missouri Posts: 2,105	Glad to see you made it back in one piece Rich. ------------------ Gunslinger TFL End of Summer Meet, August 12th & 13th, 2000

May 17, 2000, 11:25 PM	#21
The Mohican Sneak Member Join Date: June 7, 1999 Location: Soperton, GA Posts: 76	Rich, I'm glad you had a safe and enjoyable trip. Good to have ya back, and I can't wait to read the details and see the pictures!!! Welcome home, bro... ------------------ >>>>>>>>------------TMS---------------->>>

May 18, 2000, 10:39 AM	#22
Long Path Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 1999 Location: N. Texas Posts: 5,899	Pictures! You've had your fun! Now get to slaving over a hot digital scanner! :-) --Matt

May 18, 2000, 10:52 AM	#23
Spectre Staff Alumnus Join Date: October 23, 1998 Location: ATL Posts: 3,277	Glad you're back. I hope to take a Cape Buff w/ my new 1895G someday. Let us know how you like the Ashley mods! ----------------- Take me down to the Paradise City!