land left behind

Namibia, a country four times the size of great Britton and less densely populated than Chernobyl ground zero, one of the worlds last true wilderness areas and home to numerous species of game animals of spectacular trophy quality. This was to be the destination of my final hunting trip of yet another unforgettable year of hard hunting and filming for African Video Productions and the culmination of my second year with the company.

I was privileged enough to be involved in my first Black Rhino hunt, which took place in the Waterberg Plateau Park. Black Rhino hunting brings completely new aspects of adrenaline, anticipation and frustration into big game hunting.

Needless to say, I loved every second of it, including the 8 hour marches tracking the animal through thick bush, much like that of Botswana, with senses and nerves strained to breaking point trying to detect the rhino before he detects you. On the 8^{th day of remorseless tracking and many miles underfoot, with the weight peeling off hunters bodies and sweat pouring into the eyes, we were successful in taking a fine Black rhino bull .}

Next stop in the journey took the crew west stopping 80km inland of the skeleton coast to the Torra conservancy, a contrasting land of harsh and exquisite beauty, home to sunsets painted by the hand of God, night skies so grand in splendor they feel almost close enough to touch, and never ending untouched wilderness.

Here we were to take a Desert lion of monstrous proportions! As always in hunting many curve balls were thrown our way, from lions feeding at night and moving off the baits before dawn to misfires on our first real opportunity at shooting the lion. Despite these frustrations and hindrances, after a grueling and dangerous game of hide and seek the majestic beast now lies in the salt ready to be preserved for all eternity.

What a way to conclude a spectacular year of hunting.!

By Matt Walker