After reading Jim’s blog post ‘A Real Trophy’, I once again realized that there is so much more to hunting a plains game trophy in Africa than just securing your anticipated list of trophies. Jim hunted two trophies that was not on his wish list i.e. the Zebra and the Red Hartebeest.
Jim Wilson
Jim Wilson or Sheriff Jim Wilson is a native Texas with many talents and a vast amount of life experience and interests which makes for very interesting as well as entertaining conversation on a hunt as well as around the campfire. Add to it a Professional Hunter who shares the same interest and you have a winning combination in every way. They had a ball and just watching them was a treat. Jim is not only an avid hunter, but also a singer, a songwriter, a retired Sheriff and a gun-writer for the NRA. Jim Wilson’s album, Border Bravo is a collection of cowboy songs and border ballads that focus on the American Southwest and the changing frontier. Wilson co-wrote three of the album’s songs, and carefully selected the rest to tell some tales of the border country, one of the last frontiers.
Take-aways from Jim’s hunt
- Come with your wish list but be flexible / open minded. Take what Africa offers! You might be presented with opportunities to hunt animals that is not on your list, but are still good trophies and make for a great hunting experience. Take time to enjoy and savor the experience instead of rushing through a rigid list of trophies.
- Experiencing the animals in their authentic environment is very different and often influences the hunter to change his mind regarding his preferences.
- The difficulty of the hunt always makes for a desirable trophy. When you work hard for your trophy, you always appreciate it more.
- African plains game is tough: ‘These critters are tough to hunt and tough to put down.’ Jim Wilson. Hence shot placement can’t be emphasized enough.
Zebra and Red Hartebeest
The Zebra and Red Hartebeest were the trophy animals Jim had no intention of hunting. But after seeing them he changed his mind.
Red hartebeest – Alcelaphus buselaphus
Red Hartebeest make for great trophies as well as a superb hunt. They are gregarious animals which add to the appeal of hunting them. Although very different in appearance from other plains game in Africa, they have their own unique attractiveness and like Jim said: ‘The hide is beautiful, the horns are impressive and grilled hartebeest back strap is mighty appealing, too.’ Read more about Jim’s Red Hartebeest hunt: Here
Read more about Jim’s Zebra hunt: Here
Read more about Jim’s Red Hartebeest hunt: Here
Anecdotes on Safari
Fort Richmond Safaris PH Leon du Plessis, the winner of our Professional Hunter contest, being presented his Moore Maker knife by the winning team… Jim Wilson and Linda Powell.
Jim Wilson, PH Leon du Plessis and Linda Powell