Wow there have been so many things to do to get ready for this hunt. Shooting is just a small part!

 Center (4) shots were with the Lead Sled rest, the other (2) were offhand at 200 yards

Been shooting my Browning 338 Win Mag and have it grouping nice out to 200 yards. Feel pretty good that I can take a clean shot out to about 300 yards. Used a Lead Sled to get the rifle dialed in on the Federal Ammo and then started shooting offhand at 200 yards to practice.

I found this ballistic chart from Federal right on for my rifle with the 225 gr ammo at 200 yard sight in

Plan to shoot off sticks in the next few weeks for some additional practice before leaving on the hunt.

 Hunt Paper Work/Planning

Also had to complete the SAP 520 form to import a rifle into the South Africa. This required getting a 4457 form filled out from US Customs to prove you owned the rifle and don’t have to pay duty on it when returning to the US. I went to the Port of Tacoma office no issues they made the process pretty easy. Hint here (go in first and tell them you have a rifle first don’t walk into the building with it!)you might get to eat their concrete floor with some glocks pointed at you! I also had them record the info on the scope, my cameras and binoculars all on the same 4457 form to avoid any issues with paying duty on my return.

Other than that you need to take the 4457 and a photo copy of your passport to the bank and get a notarized (certified to be true copy) done by the notary to sent in with your SAP 520 form. Not a big deal. You will also need the letter of invitation from the Professional Hunter (PA) in Africa and a copy of your travel itinerary to sent with the forms.

From there it was off to Fed X to have the forms sent to Henry Durrheim at riflepermits.com. Expect that Fed X bill to run $85.00. He will meet me at the Airport in Johannesburg and walk me through the rifle import process with the South African Police Service. Should make the process go fast and smooth. Bring the original 4457 and the rest of your paper work with a copy of the SAP 520 form with you. If fact make an extra copy of all the forms and put them in your rifle case.

It’s also a good idea to check your passport it needs to be valid for at least 6 months from the date you leave South Africa and have at least 3 blank pages in it.

 Last I needed to insure the rifle just in case it disappears during travel. I went with Safari Club International gun insurance program, it was very reasonably priced and will cover the rifle for loss why out of the country. For travel I’m using a SKB gun case with built in TSA locks for transporting my rifle to Africa. This gun case has a proven track record.

I made an appointment at the Travel Clinic in Tacoma 253-428-8754 to get a prescription for malaria drugs. This was quick and easy and they know what vaccinations you need for any country you want to travel to.

Paul and I also took out a medical policy from Global Rescue can’t be to careful if hurt anywhere in the world they will dispatch medical team and aircraft to come get you. Their motto is anytime anywhere! There a Salt Patrol supporter and we use them regular on our trips abroad. They will fly you out of wherever you’re at to a hospital of your choosing in the states and best of all their very reasonably priced.

Your allowed to bring rifle ammo in your check in luggage but it has to be in a locked box. The box can be plastic as long as it locks. I went with a small fishing tackle box. You still need to declare the ammo at the airport and show the box when checking in.

Well most of the leg work is out of the way, been checking prices with local taxidermy shops and the one my PA recommends in Africa Life Form Taxidermy.

Also been checking out the trophy fee prices supplied by my PA. So far my game slections are marked with * But that could change!

2010 Trophies fee’s at Engonyameni Safari's for Plains Game are:

Kudu $ 1950 *

Zebra $ 1850 *

Bushbuck $ 1360

Klipspringer $ 1280

Bluewildebeest $ 1430

Impala $ 450 *

Warthog $ 450 *

Grey Duiker $ 450

Red Duiker $ 1480

Mountain Reedbuck $ 1260

Baboon $ 150

Now it’s just a counting down the days and some packing for the trip. The PA says bring (3) sets of clothes, Deet mosquito repellent and a good pair of boots. Just bought some new Rocky Boots and I’m working on breaking them in now.

Also needed to bring a 220V to 120V adaptor to charge the camera batteries you can pick those up at Radio Shack.

Can’t wait to get on with this hunt!!!!

Capt John