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DIE BONTEBOK
HUNTING IN THE DRAKENBERG
The dream of hunting the Drakensberg Mountains started many years ago whilst watching a documentary on Eland living high up in the mountain range. It was fascinating how they braved the cold and high altitudes. What enticed my curiosity even more was driving through Golden Gate National Park and seeing them in this habitat. This was rugged country and not meant for the average hunter. So the years went by until the idea of such a hunt was re-awakened by a PH and old family hunting friend Christo Roos of Bokpoort Safaris. By Andries De Klerk
I
grew up in the Eastern Freestate. Ficksburg overlooked the Maloti’s which was a prelude to the Drakensberg. We also had a farm with numerous species, but the Copper Springbuck was the main quarry Christo brought his clients for. Early last year Christo told me about the Eland coming down from the mountains to graze in the winter time when food is scares. I was all ears. “Oom, and how do you go about getting to those who live at altitudes where my legs won’t carry me? “Easy” came the reply. “Horses of course”
Then and there I was sold. I have dreamed of a horseback Safari for some years. I have even paid a deposit to another PH for such a hunt. Sadly it never happened. So this started to look alot like a combined hunt of my “To do list” hunts. It was 6 am on a Saturday morning. I drove from Ficksburg to the other side of Clarence. It was starting to get light for what was to be a cloudless day. There was a wind blowing in my face and it was very crisp. I recall the mercury dropping to -4 that morning. The nice thing about the Eastern Freestate is when
the sun is up, you start to shed you layers rather quickly. A stout built figure made his way over a winter lawn. A right hand greeted me with a firm handshake and a left one handed me old school style spurs. “Morning Oom Christo You sure don’t beat around the bush! “Let’s have a coffee while they get the horses ready” he replied. Over my shoulder I could see the silhouette of the mountains showing. I wondered what any animal would do that high up and surely we won’t be going that far! Holding the cup between both hands to warm them it was now
