I have posted a few articles about practice and what should be done and how it should be done. That is what I do, and would advise our guests and friends coming to hunt in Africa to be proficient and well versed in this practice, because this is what happens in the field and might be the difference between a good hunt and a exceptional hunt.

There are many many training techniques and skills to be learned but the moral of the whole story is the more you practice the better you will become. There is no beating around the bush when it comes to this age old statement and non more true.

I participate in our local contests held by BASA Big Bore Association of Southern Africa -http://bigbore.org 

These days are filled with just enough targets to make your hands quiver and your heart beat that much that you think your in the field, but in the same breath they are designed to make you use your rifle and more importantly make you LEARN how to use your rifle. What ever the caliber, make, model, bolt or double.

Mark with an example in the movie below.

Mark Wakeford  DGS 2016 shooting his 460 Wetherby he is left handed ( BASA practice)

There are many range layouts, with stagnant and moving targets. Some charging and some running away.These are thrilling and the most fun to shoot, I think most of the crowd will agree.

However as i have said these are learning days where you can prepare for the worst outcome, they do not replicate the charges completely as we are shooting 2D  moving paper targets.  This is just a fun and exciting tool in the over all picture of gaining experience to be fully competent in hunting.  If one can ever become fully competent. Each one is different and will require you to do and understand different situations.

They are a must if you have time, and a worth while day out. The rules are easy to follow with all aspects of safety thoroughly covered so you can enjoy a day on the range with a bit of meaning. You can find all the rules and regulation on their site and also the upcoming shoots –http://bigbore.org/members/

Hope to see you there 26th November 2016 Fred Evertt Range http://bigbore.org/members/

Once a year Safari and Outdoor https://www.safariandoutdoor.co.za a major retailer here in SA has a Dangerous Game Shoot or DGS the rules are very similar. I have an understanding around the rules which are similar to the BASA contests.First and for most Accuracy then time are the two major factors that will count in your corner. A super fast Zero still scores Zero.

in the field it does not help if you shoot fast but don’t hit the mark. A charging Buffalo will not go down if you  hit him in the wrong place fast. You need to hit the mark to stop any dangerous animal on charge.

I attended the DGS last year and it was a rip roarer day, the ranges moved fast and the festivities were outstanding i ended up in 5th place from 150 entries, so when the invite was sent out for this years DGS i rounded up my friends that shoot with me and that was that.

Jono Joseph at the Lion Range 2015 470NE

Adriaan Wepener Lion range 2015 500NE

The contest for the 2016 DGS was 4 ranges that never exceeded 40 meters, 4 shots at each range and there where different postures you had to shoot form for example one had to kneel on the 4 shot at the lion range. Each range had a compulsory reload to try and match the Double and Bolts up evenly which makes this type of training real, and lets you understand how your rifle works by putting you under a pressure.

Dan Perry Lion range 2016 375H&H

This was once again a resounding success and i must hand it to Safari and Outdoor. Thank you for a great day everything was run well, the venue was great and i look forward to next years shoot and more like this

Jono Joseph at the lion range 2016 470NE

Jono with 1st prize and Hancke Hudson from Safari and Outdoor

I did take the top spot and won an outstanding prize of a CZ 30-06 with a Leupold scope.

Thank you very much Safari and Outdoor https://www.safariandoutdoor.co.za/ and to you Hancke for a really great day also Brain and Stephan thank you guys

Still lined up is the PHASA convention and the BASA AGM

The rain is starting to fall and we are all hoping for the best

PH Jono