DATE AND PLACE OF HUNT

OUTFITTER, GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS

Outfitter (or safari company): Richard Holmes; Mulberry Grove Safaris. PO Box 713; Cradock; 5880; South Africa; Tel. 011-27-48-881-2814; Fax: 011-27-48-8814145; Email: holmes@intekom.co.za; Web www.mulberrygrovesafaris.com Personal Guide (if any): Richard Holmes and Lalase Maso Booking Agent (if any): Trip Arrangements (if self-guided): License Required:

GAME DESCRIPTION

Major Game Animals Taken: Kudu - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: East cape kudu. Two. 29 X 29 and 28 X 28. Gemsbok/Oryx - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Two. Good. Blesbok - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Two. Very good and good. Springbok - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Two. Good and average. Game Sought But Not Taken: Game Condition Comments: Excellent, mature animals.

SERVICE RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor)

Quality of Outfit: Excellent Guide/PH Ability: Excellent Condition of Camp: Excellent Condition of Equipment: Excellent Quality of Food: Excellent Trophy Care: Excellent Name of Airline: South African Airways Airline Service: Good Airline Comments: Custom Travel Ltd did a great job, really good seats.

COSTS

Hunting Fees: For two hunters and two non hunters. Amount: $8600 Trophy Fees: Included. Amount: $0 Permits/Licenses: Included. Amount: $0 Commercial Airfares: $2,200 each for four. Amount: $8800 Charter Airfares: Amount: $0 Other Costs: Amount: $0 Total: $0

SUMMARY REMARKS

Problems of Hunt: Highlights of Hunt: My daughter made a 490 yard heart shot kill on her gemsbok in a 30 mph cross wind. My son missed two good kudu bulls on the first and second days. He then calmed down and shot his gemsbok, blesbok and springbok. Mr. Holmes and Lalase allowed my son to continue to try for a kudu and he got it on the last day. Equipment Recommendations: Bring what they recommend. Would You Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? Yes Why? I've hunted with many outfitters and I don't think many would have tried as hard to get a hunter his trophy after two missed shots, I was very impressed.

HUNTER INFORMATION

Hunter Name: Fred Marino Contact Information: Tel. 615-890-2572 - 1034 N Highland Ave, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 E-mail: marino41@msn.com Hunting Experience: Alaska, Africa, New Zealand, British Columbia, Montana, Wyoming, California. Physical Condition: Good.

IMPORTANT NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt)

Notified Outfitter? Notified Personal Guide? Notified Booking Agent? Seeking any kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter or guide? If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought?

ADDITIONAL HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL

Comments by Erica Marino: My African hunting experience actually started a year earlier in Wyoming. My Dad had taken my brother Joe and me up there for an antelope hunt. I had a shot at three hundred yards. I missed. At the end of the hunt I came home empty handed. It was my first missed shot and I was devastated. I started second guessing myself. I tore myself up about it. Dad had started planning our trip to Africa months before Wyoming and at the time I was really excited, but after "the miss" I didn't want to go. I was full of doubt, but I couldn't tell my folks that I didn't want to go. Dad had put a lot of work into arranging the perfect trip for his family. So on July 5th my family, along with their reluctant daughter, boarded the plane that would eventually take them to Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Richard picked us up at the airport two days later, escorted us to the Toyota pickup, and drove us the three hours to the ranch. The whole way there he told us about himself, his childhood, the land and the history of it. I was beginning to feel at ease and when we pulled up and the whole family was there to greet us all apprehension left me. They were wonderful. Richard, his wife Marion, his son Mitchell, his mother-in-law Karin, along with LaLase, QueQue, Brighton, and Zepher - I couldn't have asked for more friendly people. We hunted Kudu the first day. Joe went with LaLase and I went with Richard. It was my first shot since "the miss". I thought too much (as is my habit) and missed the first shot. Richard calmly told me to look away from the animal, clear my head and start over. The second shot brought him down. On the way to look at the kudu Richard told me something I will never forget. He said, "Be careful, it's the dead ones that will get you." Meaning of course that the animals who we believe to be dead and approach too readily while still struggling for life are especially dangerous. Joe, on the other hand missed two times. He was so discouraged but we had to move on, there was nothing to be done. The hunt had to continue and we would return to kudu if there was time. Next on the list was blesbok. This time we were both able to get wonderful old satellite bucks. They were exactly what we had headed out to hunt. Gemsbok hunting was the only time that Joe and I hunted together. LaLase dropped the three of us off (Joe, Richard, and me) and we laid there for thirty minutes without moving before making our stalk. Being the nice sister I was, I gave Joe the first shot. I must admit, I fell asleep waiting for Joe to shoot. Once he had, it was my turn. I crawled up to where Richard was and Joe descended to below us I had been. The herd had moved away a bit but had not left. Richard explained, as he so often did, that this specific animal would stick around to try and get the wounded one up. He pointed me at the one to shoot and, calmly and quietly I took my shot. It ran a bit then died. The three of us walked over to our animals. Over the horizon the Toyota came with LaLase, Dad, Mom and Zepher. We took our pictures and gutted the animals. Meanwhile Dad and Richard found out how far my shot had been. Dad walked it; Richard used his range finder. It worked out to be a 480 yard shot with a good eastern wind. No wonder Richard had told me to aim for the top of the hip. Our last animal was the springbok Joe got his first day and I got mine the second. LaLase hunted with both of us for this animal. He was able to get us within a 150 yard shot or less each time. With the extra two days they took Joe back out for the evasive kudu. We had seen a beautiful one on the way back from springbok hunting. LaLase and Joe went to find it. They were successful and this time Joe hit the mark. Upon his return our trip had officially accomplished all we had set out to do. Between these hunting excursions were extra things that made this trip especially memorable. Or the wonderful meals that we had every night (like warthog pie which I ate two helpings of) which followed the bonfire. The boys and I played a lot of Rugby also; we ended up getting three Rugby balls to bring home. Marion showed us her cattery, where she breeds endangered cats; now I am by no means a cat person but even I found it really interesting. It was so wonderful how they were willing to open up their lives to us, I am from the South and even I was impressed by their hospitality. The day LaLase drove us back to the city was a somber one. Mitchell had left with Richard to go back to school earlier that morning and so we had quietly packed our things, said our goodbyes, and loaded up after a few last minute pictures and hugs. I was surprised that despite my reluctance to go on the trip I had an even greater aversion to going back. I had enjoyed my two weeks in South Africa. Richard had always taken time to explain to me about the animals we were hunting or the ones we saw. LaLase and Zepher had begun to teach me Koza, their native language. I had grown attached to people who, two weeks ago, I didn't know existed. I had grown fond of the place that only two weeks ago I had dreaded going to. LaLase and I talked on the drive to the airport about when I would return. I told him I hoped it would be very soon, and I meant it with all my heart.

Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Mulberry Grove Safaris Hunts

Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.

DATE AND PLACE OF HUNT

Report ID: 2215 Weapon Used: Rifle How Hunt Was Conducted? Guided Date of Hunt: April 14, 2001 to April 23, 2001 Place of Hunt: South Africa Northwest of Cradock

OUTFITTER, GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS

Outfitter (or safari company): Richard Holmes; Mulberry Grove Safaris. PO Box 713; Cradock; 5880; South Africa; Tel. 011-27-48-881-2814; Fax: 011-27-48-8814145; Email: holmes@intekom.co.za; Web www.mulberrygrovesafaris.com Personal Guide (if any): Richard Holmes Booking Agent (if any): Trip Arrangements (if self-guided): License Required:

GAME DESCRIPTION

Major Game Animals Taken: Wildebeest, Black - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: Not measured yet; on the way to taxidermist. Lechwe - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: Red lechwe. Reedbuck - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Mountain reedbuck. Rhebok, Vaal - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: Springbok - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Black and common. Game Sought But Not Taken: Game Condition Comments: Excellent condition, large areas with a lot of feed.

SERVICE RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor)

Quality of Outfit: Excellent Guide/PH Ability: Excellent Condition of Camp: Excellent Condition of Equipment: Excellent Quality of Food: Excellent Trophy Care: Name of Airline: Lufthansa and South African Air. Airline Service: Excellent Airline Comments:

COSTS

Hunting Fees: Purchased at SCI aouction in Santa Clara, California. One hunter plus companion. Amount: $11000 Trophy Fees: Amount: $4750 Permits/Licenses: Amount: $20 Commercial Airfares: Business class, Lufthansa two for one. Amount: $1500 Charter Airfares: Amount: $0 Other Costs: $750 for tips and $500 for airport pickup. Amount: $1250 Total: $0

SUMMARY REMARKS

Problems of Hunt: Having to ford five feet deep (400 feet wide) river to reach hunting area. It was no problem for Landcruisers. Highlights of Hunt: Equipment Recommendations: Flatshooting rifle with quality scope. Would You Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? Yes Why? Very professionally done and thoroughly enjoyable.

HUNTER INFORMATION

Hunter Name: Hans F. Aberg Contact Information: Tel. 707-447-1626 - 7581 Locke Road, Vacaville E-mail: codycreek@conl.net Hunting Experience: I have been hunting since 1948. I have been in Sweden, Norway, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Western US and Alaska. Physical Condition: Well above average.

IMPORTANT NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt)

Notified Outfitter? Notified Personal Guide? Notified Booking Agent? Seeking any kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter or guide? If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought?

ADDITIONAL HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL

Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Mulberry Grove Safaris Hunts

Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.

DATE AND PLACE OF HUNT

Report ID: 1120 Weapon Used: Rifle How Hunt Was Conducted? Guided Date of Hunt: September 16, 1999 to September 24, 1999 Place of Hunt: South Africa Cradock

OUTFITTER, GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS

Outfitter (or safari company): Richard Holmes; Mulberry Grove Safaris. PO Box 713; Cradock; 5880; South Africa; Tel. 011-27-48-881-2814; Fax: 011-27-48-8814145; Email: holmes@intekom.co.za; Web www.mulberrygrovesafaris.com Personal Guide (if any): Booking Agent (if any): Trip Arrangements (if self-guided): License Required:

GAME DESCRIPTION

Major Game Animals Taken: Gemsbok/Oryx - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Good Kudu - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: Bronze medal Bushbuck - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: Silver medal Rhebok, Vaal - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: Silver medal Impala - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Good Lechwe - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Gold medal Springbok - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Bronze medal Reedbuck - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Bronze medal Game Sought But Not Taken: Game Condition Comments: That

SERVICE RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor)

Quality of Outfit: Excellent Guide/PH Ability: Excellent Condition of Camp: Good Condition of Equipment: Excellent Quality of Food: Good Trophy Care: Excellent Name of Airline: American Airlines, South African Airline Service: Excellent Airline Comments: Very business like and cooperative about my guns.

COSTS

Hunting Fees: Purchased at SCI auction Amount: $900 Trophy Fees: Amount: $7100 Permits/Licenses: Amount: $20 Commercial Airfares: Amount: $1500 Charter Airfares: Amount: $0 Other Costs: Amount: $0 Total: $0

SUMMARY REMARKS

Problems of Hunt: None. Richard Holmes is a very thorough, competent guide. He does everything right. Highlights of Hunt: We hunted neighboring ranches and briefly visited with the owners in their charming, 1900 vintage Dutch estates. Absolutely marvelous experience. Equipment Recommendations: 200-300 yard shots. I took eight out of 10 missing two. Bring your shooting eye. Would You Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? Yes Why?

HUNTER INFORMATION

Hunter Name: Richard Grisser Contact Information: Tel. 415-883-4579 - 1249 Cambrigde Street, Novato, CA 94947 Hunting Experience: Extensive experience. Physical Condition: Excellent for my age, 68 years old.

IMPORTANT NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt)

Notified Outfitter? Notified Personal Guide? Notified Booking Agent? Seeking any kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter or guide? If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought?

ADDITIONAL HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL

Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Mulberry Grove Safaris Hunts

Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.

DATE AND PLACE OF HUNT

Report ID: 1117 Weapon Used: Rifle How Hunt Was Conducted? Guided Date of Hunt: May 13, 1999 to May 19, 1999 Place of Hunt: South Africa Karoo Desert Southern Cape

OUTFITTER, GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS

Outfitter (or safari company): Richard Holmes; Mulberry Grove Safaris. PO Box 713; Cradock; 5880; South Africa; Tel. 011-27-48-881-2814; Fax: 011-27-48-8814145; Email: holmes@intekom.co.za; Web www.mulberrygrovesafaris.com Personal Guide (if any): Richard Holmes Booking Agent (if any): Trip Arrangements (if self-guided): License Required:

GAME DESCRIPTION

Major Game Animals Taken: Impala - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: Average Springbok - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Gold medal black springbok. Blesbok - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: Bronze medal Springbok - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Average white springbok. Reedbuck - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Silver medal Springbok - Availability: Scarce - Trophy Size: Bronze medal Bushbuck - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: Bronze medal Lechwe - Availability: - Trophy Size: Top ten Rhebok, Vaal - Availability: Scarce - Trophy Size: Gold medal. Not many bucks seen. Wildebeest, Black - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Top ten Cat, Genet - Availability: Scarce - Trophy Size: Game Sought But Not Taken: Duiker - Availability: Missed shots. Steenbok - Availability: Missed shots. Game Condition Comments: Note: Hunter also took a cape fox and a bat cared fox. Lots of game generally in excellent condition.

SERVICE RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor)

Quality of Outfit: Excellent Guide/PH Ability: Excellent Condition of Camp: Excellent Condition of Equipment: Excellent Quality of Food: Excellent Trophy Care: Name of Airline: South African Airways Airline Service: Good Airline Comments: Beter than domestic carriers.

COSTS

Hunting Fees: Two hunters and two observers, includes four animals Amount: $4000 Trophy Fees: for additional animals Amount: $4150 Permits/Licenses: $20 per person for four people Amount: $80 Commercial Airfares: $1,250 per person Amount: $5000 Charter Airfares: $200 per person Amount: $800 Other Costs: Amount: $0 Total: $0

SUMMARY REMARKS

Problems of Hunt: Most of the problems on this hunt resulted from my equipment selection. Highlights of Hunt: Taking my 14 year old son along on our first safari. Seeing him shoot well including a top ten lechwe. Equipment Recommendations: Locktite! Everything seems to come loose or apart between the air travel and safari car 4 x 4. Would You Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? Yes Why? If you want a high scoring example of indigenous southern cape species, this would appear to be the place.

HUNTER INFORMATION

Hunter Name: Kenn Womack Contact Information: 5100 Garden Valley Road, Garden Valley, CA 95633 E-mail: womacks4@jps.net Hunting Experience: I have hunted for over 40 years but only three overseas trips. Physical Condition: Good. This hunt does not require more. Actually the majority requires much less.

IMPORTANT NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt)

Notified Outfitter? Notified Personal Guide? Notified Booking Agent? Seeking any kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter or guide? If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought?

ADDITIONAL HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL

This was my first African hunt. I have no basis for comparison to other African operations. I am frankly not a fan of safari-car experiences. This kind of hunting does not compare with true foot hunting. Our hunt for bushbuck was the one animal taken in the style which appeals to me. The PH, Richard Holmes, advised bushbuck, nyala and kudu are the species hunted in the manner which I prefer. Richard Holmes is a true type A personality. He is driven to be successful. He appears to have a very efficient operation. He will put you in front of a lot of game. This intensity was at times discomforting for me. Others may not be as effected. If success is measured by quantity of game taken or numbers of high scoring trophies, this hunt was a big success. Richard will work from dawn to dark and beyond to make sure you take the game you want. He is not one to laugh at or enjoy the glitches.

Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Mulberry Grove Safaris Hunts

Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.

DATE AND PLACE OF HUNT

Report ID: 726 Weapon Used: Rifle How Hunt Was Conducted? Guided Date of Hunt: May 31, 1998 to June 8, 1998 Place of Hunt: South Africa Karoo Cradock

OUTFITTER, GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS

Outfitter (or safari company): Richard Holmes; Mulberry Grove Safaris. PO Box 713; Cradock; 5880; South Africa; Tel. 011-27-48-881-2814; Fax: 011-27-48-8814145; Email: holmes@intekom.co.za; Web www.mulberrygrovesafaris.com Personal Guide (if any): Carolton Holmes, Richard Holmes Booking Agent (if any): Self Booked. Trip Arrangements (if self-guided): License Required:

GAME DESCRIPTION

Major Game Animals Taken: Kudu - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: Good cape kudu. Hartebeest - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: Good red hartebeest. Springbok - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Good. Gemsbok/Oryx - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Fair. Impala - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Good. Blesbok - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Good. Reedbuck - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: Good. Wildebeest, Blue - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Good. Wildebeest, Black - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Good. Game Sought But Not Taken: Duiker - Availability: Not enought time. Game Condition Comments: Game numbers on increase as more landowners sell off domestic animals and allow land to revert to natural habitat.

SERVICE RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor)

Quality of Outfit: Excellent Guide/PH Ability: Excellent Condition of Camp: Excellent Condition of Equipment: Good Quality of Food: Excellent Trophy Care: Excellent Name of Airline: South African Air and American Airlines Airline Service: Excellent Airline Comments: Food and service on South African Airways is very good.

COSTS

Hunting Fees: $175 per day for a hunter, $100 per day for a non-hunter Amount: $2200 Trophy Fees: $7,200 plus $20 trophy handling each trophy Amount: $7200 Permits/Licenses: Amount: $20 Commercial Airfares: South African Airways round trip with SCI discount Amount: $1280 Charter Airfares: Amount: $0 Other Costs: Pickup and return to Port Elizabeth Amount: $200 Total: $0

SUMMARY REMARKS

Problems of Hunt: Not spending more time with Richard Holmes. If you book a hunt, request Richard as your PH. Highlights of Hunt: Getting the kudu. My hunting partner was along as a non-hunter and the stalk, chase and hunt was exceptional. Equipment Recommendations: "Good" walking boots. Practice freehand shooting and with shooting sticks. Would You Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? Yes Why?

HUNTER INFORMATION

Hunter Name: Thomas D. Brennan Contact Information: Tel. 209-577-4303 - 823 15th Street, Modesto, CA 95354 Hunting Experience: I have hunted for 36 years and this is my first time in South Africa. Physical Condition: Good.

IMPORTANT NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt)

Notified Outfitter? Notified Personal Guide? Notified Booking Agent? Seeking any kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter or guide? If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought?

ADDITIONAL HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL

«« Back to the Report List

Get Instant Access to Our Complete Database »»