References

On Target – Capital Area Sportsmen’s League Newsletter

WAS THIS THE HUNT OF A LIFETIME?

Do all men harbor the fantasy of going to Africa to hunt big game? Dan Kelley had such a plan, and it included hunting with a bow. The dream became a reality when in the summer of 2008 he and his close friend, Jeff Ladd landed in Namibia, Africa. Their outfitter, http://www.agagia.com,  features hunts with bows only. It was winter there, the dry season, so they had every reason to be optimistic. The lack of water forces almost every animal to go to watering holes which were few and far between. Blinds had been set up offering archery shots in the ideal 15-20 yard range. Dan and Jeff settled in for 10 days of great shooting, good food and drinks. Life IS good!

The hunting gods have been known to smile on us, (well...some of us) on occasion. So, what would constitute a

hunt of a lifetime? Dan harvested seven trophies, 2 warthogs, 2 gemsboks, a kudu, a Red Hartebeest and a Blesbook. Dan is fortunate to have a home large enough to display these trophies.

There are 9 foot ceilings in the basement with a 2 story ceiling in the living room. (What do you think the odds are that he had those trophies in mind when he decided to buy his home?)

Dan wanted to get a Blue Wildbeest so he borrowed a rifle and traveled to the ranch of the outfitter’s brother who has some on his property. He struck out on the Wildebeest but was elated to spot a handsome Blesbok which is pictured here.

The red hartebeest was his most memorable trophy. They are one of the fastest runners, often post sentries on high vantage places like anthills and can go without water gaining all the moisture they need from their food. Dan and his guide had fallen asleep in the blind and were startled when they awoke to see a trophy red hartebeest a mere 15 yards away heading for the waterhole. The hunting gods smiled that day. When asked if this was the hunt of a lifetime Dan responded with an answer that sheds a lot of light on the kind of father that he is. “I hope not. My boys are 12 and 14 and 5 years from now I want the three of us to return to Africa so they can experience the thrills that I enjoyed.” That may not be what he said, exactly, but it is obvious that he is a good father and a friend to his boys.

Lindsay Wollmann from South Dakota

Carin, Tielman, and all of your staff,


I am finally getting around to writing you regarding our trip to Namibia and hunting at Agagia.  Thank you all for a great experience. The trip was truly unforgettable. Even though Etosha and Swakopmund were fun, by far the high point of the trip for me was my time at Agagia.  The variety of game available was amazing and hunting was incredible.  But, the hunting is only one aspect of Agagia.  The friendliness of your staff, the amazing meals, and the experience of Bush Camp all made this trip unforgettable.  Just looking through the pictures that I took brings back great memories.  The best way  to describe how I feel is to say that I've been home for about a week now, and I've already started planning my next trip Agagia.  I am seriously planning to be back in 2011. Please pass along my sincere thanks to all of your staff.
If you do travel to South Dakota in January, I would like invite you to my house for dinner and meet my wife.

Lindsay Wollmann

Quinn & Lisa  Westpfahl and Brain & Linda Westpfahl

Carin,

We all want to thank you and Tielman for the wonderful time in Namibia.  We had a great time and will always remember it and you.  Give Tielie a hug for us.  Please pass our hello on to Ronnie and Jason, too.  I know Quinn and Brian enjoyed the time/hunts (Hartmann Zebra, Blue Wildebeest, Oryx, Redhartebeest,Caracal) spent withthem.
Thanks again for everything!

Quinn & Lisa  Westpfahl

Hello!  Just wanted to drop a note and tell you we made it home safe and sound and have quickly gotten back in the routine of work, etc!  Vacation is  over! :)  We had a great time/ hunt (Kudu, Black Wildebeest, Oryx, Warthog)  with you and are already talking of when we can come back!  Thanks again and  have a great summer!

Brain & Linda Westpfahl

STEVE BUNKERS

Tielman and Carin,

I want to thank you again for a wonderful visit in early June of this year.

Still thinking of all the sites we saw while touring. The arrangements you made were perfect.

The hunting was great. The 22 in. Red Hartebeest will look good in my living room. I was surprised by the number of good hartebeest I saw.

Really fun to see the cheetah. Beautiful animals. My biggest prize was the 28.5 in. waterbuck I shot. You were right, when you see a really big one there is no doubt that you want to pull the string back.

The rest of the animals were "icing on the cake." Cannot wait to  to come back next year.

Steve Bunkers