After talking with Louwrence Dunbar, owner of Waterval Safaris in South Africa, for two years, I finally booked a hunt with him. Louwrence has always boasted that he had one of the best long-range concessions in Africa — if not the world. All I can say is that I was skeptical at such a statement, but I would later realize that Louwrence was not far off! Not to mention that his accommodations and food were just as good as the hunting.
On this hunt we decided to test out new products of our own and from a couple other companies. We had along with us the new Night Stalker stock from Manner Composite Stocks. From our knowledge, this trip would be its first time in the field. The next product that we took was the new Leupold VX4-HD. This optic was just released before the hunt, so we were excited to put it to work. The next product was the Sig Kilo Range finding binos. Last but not least, we had our Pure Precision Rifles Carbon Ascent. We decided on a 7MM PRC utilizing Hornady 180 Match factory ammo. The next chambering we went with was a 6.5 Creedmoor utilizing the Berger 130 grain Hybrid factory ammo offering. Now, I can feel the comments coming about using “Match’’ ammunition for hunting, but in the video, you will see the results.
After three days of travel, we ended up at the front gate of Waterval Safaris. To my surprise, the mountains in this country were unreal! This was not going to be your typical African Safari. The other thing that surprised me was the lack of high fences. Africa is known for its high fence hunting preserves. There are a lot of reasons why hunting concessions utilize high fences; not wanting to get in the weeds about it, but Waterval was pretty wide open. We settled in, shot the rifles at the 1,000-yard range, and ate like kings that night. The next morning, we were baptized by the hunting gods with the most action-packed days of hunting I have ever had!
In seven hunting days, Scotty and I took 23 animals between the two of us. We walked, on average, six miles a day and climbed 3,000 vertical feet. Each night we all sat for the best dinners I have ever had. We then would spend time next to the fire pit talking about our days’ adventures. Everyday, our clothes were washed and pressed. The “Recovery” team, as we called them, would pack entire animals off the mountain to preserve the hide and meat.
Going back to what Louwrence said about Waterval being a long-range hunting paradise, I would have to agree to this. We were able to take animals all the way out to 850 yards — and not because we wanted to see how far we could shoot. It was literally the closest we could get without blowing the stalk. I typically wouldn’t recommend everyone shooting that far, but we were confident with our gear and ourselves.
In closing:
Night Stalker rifle stock from Manners Composites was very comfortable and easy to shoot. The adjustable LOP allowed for everyone in camp to shoot the rifle comfortably. It also made transport of the rifle easy.
Sig Sauer Kilo10k-abs HD GenII Range Finding Binos
I loved how it would give me my ballistic solution quickly and accurately. I also loved how the wind hold feature works. The glass still has that blue tint in it that we are used to Sig Sauer having. All in all I would recommend these to anyone.
Leupold Mark4-HD Scope
This optic for the price is an awesome deal. The scope tracked great and held zero very well. The glass quality is about what you would expect with this price point of optic. It seemed like the scope had a little tighter eye box than what I am used to running, but wasn’t horrible.
Two Vets The Kit
I have never used anything from Two Vets Tripods so I was a little skeptical. All I can say is that I was missing out, because The Kit tripod is legit. Lightweight and sturdy, it’s a solid product.
Helix6 Carbon Fiber Barrel
These barrels have been producing great results for Pure Precision for a while now. They are accurate, lightweight, and have one of the sexiest carbon patterns on the market.
Garmin Xero
This little chronograph really shines for us. It is so small and easy to transport, it doesn’t make sense not to take it everywhere we go. It worked great to verify our ballistic solutions before going hunting. It is also handy, in case you have to switch ammo or have to use another rifle because your luggage and gear got lost.
MDT CKYE Pod Double Pull Light
This piece of gear was the most surprising. I will never go on a hunt without this thing. This bipod is the most versatile bipod ever created, and it is very light for its size. There is some sticker shock on this one, but don’t let this stop you. This will be the last bipod you ever buy!