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OPERATION INJURED SOLDIERS GOES AFRICAN
We were off again, this time we were headed someplace where the food was exotic as the game. No
not Texas, we are off to the wilds of South Africa to hunt with Graeme Geldart and Mkhamba Safari’s.
I met Graeme in Atlanta, GA at the SCI Expo. While taking some time for himself to walk the show he
came across our booth, instantly intrigued he asked if he could speak with me more about it at the end
of the night when thing would slow down. As I made my way to his booth I couldn’t help but notice the
great trophy pictures he had on the wall. After saying hello we at down and his question was simple,
“What can I do to help a soldier hunt in Africa?” he wanted to know. The answer for him was simple, I
want to donate a potion of a hunt, 2000.00 of a hunt for a soldier to hunt with him. “Great when do you
want us to come” I asked. End of august was the date set. But that was not the end of the surprise.
Rod Uribe jr, son of Dr.Rod Uribe, a Vietnam Vet of 3 tour with the SF. Wanted to help and pledged
another 500.00 for this hunt. The time was set and the only other obstacle was to find the soldier, no
problem right, wrong.
Going to Africa to hunt I a dream for a hunter, but timing and distance can play a part in deciding
whether or not one of our heroes could make the trip. As I went down the list and call after call, things
were getting a little frustrating, until I called SSG. Dana Reagan. For Dana this would be his first time
hunting, ever. Not to worry I assured him. Things will be fine.
The type of hunting we would be doing would be spot and stalk. As I explained what that was to Dana, I
could hear his excitement coming through the phone. A little worried about his abilities do to his
injuries from Iraq, the loss of an eye and a broken back from an ambush outside of Baghdad, he was
skeptical, I aired him everything would be fine.
After a long plane trip we finally arrived in South Africa. Gathering our luggage proved to be difficult,
mostly because my bow didn’t arrive, luckily I found out later it had never left Grand Rapids. Greeted
by our outfitter Graeme, we headed to a local bed and breakfast in Jo-burg. After our nights stay it
was off to the lodge, a drive of about 41/2 hrs. south. After making sure the rifles were still on we
retired for the night.
The morning came with sunshine and a slight breeze promising a good hunt. Dana was to be the
shooter on this day but elected to sit back and watch wanting to learn from seeing how it was done.
We spotted a herd of Blesbok, the first of the animals we were after and started our stalk. After about
250 yards we were busted. Off went the herd and our stalk started all over again. As we approached
the Blesbok from another angle another herd was spotted of to our right. The wind was in our favor
for this herd so off we went. As we approached the small herd they moved off to our right around a hill.
Coming to the top of the hill it was easy to see why, they had moved in with another herd grazing on
the side of a hill. Sneaking through the brush brought us to a small stream, a perfect way to get to the
ambush point. Making our way along the streambed, brought us to a small group of trees offering us
cover to set up and take the shot. Selecting a good ram from the herd I set the scope on his shoulder
and gently squeezed the trigger on my 300wsm. The Remington sciroco 180 gr. bullet sped on its way
and tore through the rams right shoulder destroying the shoulder and tearing apart the heart.
Struggling to his feet the ram ran off about 30 yards before piling up. One down and now it was to be
Dana doing the shooting.
Day 2 started with Dana confident that he was going to bag his ram before lunch. Good luck I said. As
we made our way around a hill a large herd of Blesbok came into view off to our left. With nothing to
cover the stalk but some tall plains grass we dropped to our hands and knees and began to crawl.
Reaching the cover of what seemed like the only 2 trees in Africa at that point Graeme set the
shooting sticks and told Dana to get ready. As Dana prepared for the shot I taped Graeme’s’ arm and
pointed to a nice ram that had just stood up out of the grass about 120 yards away. A nicer ram and
closer shot than the one Dana was going to take. After pointing the ram out we set for the shot. As
Dana set himself the ram started to move to our left forcing us to move the sticks around, moving into
the new position proved to be more difficult than we had hoped as our movement caught the rams eye
and he stare our way. Holding still for what seemed like an hour but was only about 20 minutes as the
ram continued to stare our way. Finally our break came in the form of another smaller ram coming
over and drawing the larger rams attention away from us long enough for Dana to get set for the shot.
As the smaller ram approached he chose to stop right in the line of fire. Dana let off the rifle and set
himself to wait the 2 rams out. As the larger ram pushed the smaller one out and back to the herd he
once again looked our way to see if he could figure out what we were, all of this was to be in vain for
the ram as he offered Dana a perfect broadside shot. Dana’s 7mm rem mag barked out in its deadly
voice and a 175gr Remington power point spread toward the Blesbok ram which dropped in its tracks.
As we approached the ram we saw why, Dana’s bullet had taken the Blesbok right through the neck.
Dana’s prediction turned out to be correct, we were back for lunch.
After lunch we decided too take in some of the peace and tranquility of the lodge. With the water fall
and the river running right next to the lodge, nestled in a ravine with cliffs on 3 sides of us it was truly a
place of peace where one can relax and be a part of nature. Dana decide to venture down river for the
afternoon while I took a rare opportunity to relax and become one with nature. The great outdoors is
truly one of the most peaceful places on earth for me.
Day 3 showed that winter was not quite ready to let go its hold on South Africa, with a south wind
blowing we headed out to try to claim Dana’s second animal, the graceful Impala. As we piled out of
Graeme’s truck it was soon apparent that game was everywhere, zebra, hartebeest, ostrich, Blesbok,
black wildebeest, and the impala we were after. The trouble with having all these animals around was
the number of eyes there are to spot you when you are trying to stalk into position, and that is exactly
what plagued us. The animals were all in the thick ravines staying out of the cold wind. As we crept
through the brush a herd of zebra spotted us and off they went, the result was everything moving in
several different directions including Dana’s impala. Over the hill we went trying to cut them off only to
find there were 2 valleys over according to our tracker Wart. Over the hills we went only to have the
impala moving with us staying just out of reach, almost as if they were teasing us. The morning
dragged on with no luck. We decide to lunch in the field and make the most of our time instead of
driving back to the lodge. After lunch we were back at it pushing hard to get the impala for Dana. We
had finally managed to get ahead of a herd with no other animal in sight, yet as we moved into position
a small group of hartebeest came up on us surprising us as much as themselves. Luck was with us
though and the impala were not spooked by them and continued to graze along at a steady pace. We
opted to set up our ambush on a road they were working toward and wait for them to cross. The buck
we were after held back as the herd moved across the road and Dana kept his composure as several
nice bucks crossed in front of him, tempting him to take the shot at one of these lesser bucks. Being
the professional soldier he was, showed through, proving that soldiers make some of the best hunters
as they have the patience to sit and wait for the right shot, and the right animal. As Dana’s buck
stepped into the road he once again touched of the 7mm mag and the impala buck dropped in its
tracks. Another neck shot and another tribute to prove that the military knows how to shoot. As photo’s
were taken it was obvious that Dana was another man bitten by the hunting bug. All smiles and laughs
he was definitely having a great time.
To Graeme Geldart, his wife Jacquie and the rest of the staff at Mkhamba thank you for a great time.
To our sponsors for this hunt, Rod Uribe jr and Graeme, thanks for everything, this would not have
been possible if not for you and people like you.
To Dana we would like to thank you for your service to our country, military men and women like you is
the reason we can live in a country like this one.
To our men and women over sea’s, keep up the good work and keep your head down, we are praying
for your safety in this time of need.
To all of those interested in coming on one of our trips please contact me at
tonycovell@injuredsoldiers.net.
If you are interested in making a donation please go to www.injuredsoldiers.org
We were off again, this time we were headed someplace where the food was exotic as the game. No
not Texas, we are off to the wilds of South Africa to hunt with Graeme Geldart and Mkhamba Safari’s.
I met Graeme in Atlanta, GA at the SCI Expo. While taking some time for himself to walk the show he
came across our booth, instantly intrigued he asked if he could speak with me more about it at the end
of the night when thing would slow down. As I made my way to his booth I couldn’t help but notice the
great trophy pictures he had on the wall. After saying hello we at down and his question was simple,
“What can I do to help a soldier hunt in Africa?” he wanted to know. The answer for him was simple, I
want to donate a potion of a hunt, 2000.00 of a hunt for a soldier to hunt with him. “Great when do you
want us to come” I asked. End of august was the date set. But that was not the end of the surprise.
Rod Uribe jr, son of Dr.Rod Uribe, a Vietnam Vet of 3 tour with the SF. Wanted to help and pledged
another 500.00 for this hunt. The time was set and the only other obstacle was to find the soldier, no
problem right, wrong.
Going to Africa to hunt I a dream for a hunter, but timing and distance can play a part in deciding
whether or not one of our heroes could make the trip. As I went down the list and call after call, things
were getting a little frustrating, until I called SSG. Dana Reagan. For Dana this would be his first time
hunting, ever. Not to worry I assured him. Things will be fine.
The type of hunting we would be doing would be spot and stalk. As I explained what that was to Dana, I
could hear his excitement coming through the phone. A little worried about his abilities do to his
injuries from Iraq, the loss of an eye and a broken back from an ambush outside of Baghdad, he was
skeptical, I aired him everything would be fine.
After a long plane trip we finally arrived in South Africa. Gathering our luggage proved to be difficult,
mostly because my bow didn’t arrive, luckily I found out later it had never left Grand Rapids. Greeted
by our outfitter Graeme, we headed to a local bed and breakfast in Jo-burg. After our nights stay it
was off to the lodge, a drive of about 41/2 hrs. south. After making sure the rifles were still on we
retired for the night.
The morning came with sunshine and a slight breeze promising a good hunt. Dana was to be the
shooter on this day but elected to sit back and watch wanting to learn from seeing how it was done.
We spotted a herd of Blesbok, the first of the animals we were after and started our stalk. After about
250 yards we were busted. Off went the herd and our stalk started all over again. As we approached
the Blesbok from another angle another herd was spotted of to our right. The wind was in our favor
for this herd so off we went. As we approached the small herd they moved off to our right around a hill.
Coming to the top of the hill it was easy to see why, they had moved in with another herd grazing on
the side of a hill. Sneaking through the brush brought us to a small stream, a perfect way to get to the
ambush point. Making our way along the streambed, brought us to a small group of trees offering us
cover to set up and take the shot. Selecting a good ram from the herd I set the scope on his shoulder
and gently squeezed the trigger on my 300wsm. The Remington sciroco 180 gr. bullet sped on its way
and tore through the rams right shoulder destroying the shoulder and tearing apart the heart.
Struggling to his feet the ram ran off about 30 yards before piling up. One down and now it was to be
Dana doing the shooting.
Day 2 started with Dana confident that he was going to bag his ram before lunch. Good luck I said. As
we made our way around a hill a large herd of Blesbok came into view off to our left. With nothing to
cover the stalk but some tall plains grass we dropped to our hands and knees and began to crawl.
Reaching the cover of what seemed like the only 2 trees in Africa at that point Graeme set the
shooting sticks and told Dana to get ready. As Dana prepared for the shot I taped Graeme’s’ arm and
pointed to a nice ram that had just stood up out of the grass about 120 yards away. A nicer ram and
closer shot than the one Dana was going to take. After pointing the ram out we set for the shot. As
Dana set himself the ram started to move to our left forcing us to move the sticks around, moving into
the new position proved to be more difficult than we had hoped as our movement caught the rams eye
and he stare our way. Holding still for what seemed like an hour but was only about 20 minutes as the
ram continued to stare our way. Finally our break came in the form of another smaller ram coming
over and drawing the larger rams attention away from us long enough for Dana to get set for the shot.
As the smaller ram approached he chose to stop right in the line of fire. Dana let off the rifle and set
himself to wait the 2 rams out. As the larger ram pushed the smaller one out and back to the herd he
once again looked our way to see if he could figure out what we were, all of this was to be in vain for
the ram as he offered Dana a perfect broadside shot. Dana’s 7mm rem mag barked out in its deadly
voice and a 175gr Remington power point spread toward the Blesbok ram which dropped in its tracks.
As we approached the ram we saw why, Dana’s bullet had taken the Blesbok right through the neck.
Dana’s prediction turned out to be correct, we were back for lunch.
After lunch we decided too take in some of the peace and tranquility of the lodge. With the water fall
and the river running right next to the lodge, nestled in a ravine with cliffs on 3 sides of us it was truly a
place of peace where one can relax and be a part of nature. Dana decide to venture down river for the
afternoon while I took a rare opportunity to relax and become one with nature. The great outdoors is
truly one of the most peaceful places on earth for me.
Day 3 showed that winter was not quite ready to let go its hold on South Africa, with a south wind
blowing we headed out to try to claim Dana’s second animal, the graceful Impala. As we piled out of
Graeme’s truck it was soon apparent that game was everywhere, zebra, hartebeest, ostrich, Blesbok,
black wildebeest, and the impala we were after. The trouble with having all these animals around was
the number of eyes there are to spot you when you are trying to stalk into position, and that is exactly
what plagued us. The animals were all in the thick ravines staying out of the cold wind. As we crept
through the brush a herd of zebra spotted us and off they went, the result was everything moving in
several different directions including Dana’s impala. Over the hill we went trying to cut them off only to
find there were 2 valleys over according to our tracker Wart. Over the hills we went only to have the
impala moving with us staying just out of reach, almost as if they were teasing us. The morning
dragged on with no luck. We decide to lunch in the field and make the most of our time instead of
driving back to the lodge. After lunch we were back at it pushing hard to get the impala for Dana. We
had finally managed to get ahead of a herd with no other animal in sight, yet as we moved into position
a small group of hartebeest came up on us surprising us as much as themselves. Luck was with us
though and the impala were not spooked by them and continued to graze along at a steady pace. We
opted to set up our ambush on a road they were working toward and wait for them to cross. The buck
we were after held back as the herd moved across the road and Dana kept his composure as several
nice bucks crossed in front of him, tempting him to take the shot at one of these lesser bucks. Being
the professional soldier he was, showed through, proving that soldiers make some of the best hunters
as they have the patience to sit and wait for the right shot, and the right animal. As Dana’s buck
stepped into the road he once again touched of the 7mm mag and the impala buck dropped in its
tracks. Another neck shot and another tribute to prove that the military knows how to shoot. As photo’s
were taken it was obvious that Dana was another man bitten by the hunting bug. All smiles and laughs
he was definitely having a great time.
To Graeme Geldart, his wife Jacquie and the rest of the staff at Mkhamba thank you for a great time.
To our sponsors for this hunt, Rod Uribe jr and Graeme, thanks for everything, this would not have
been possible if not for you and people like you.
To Dana we would like to thank you for your service to our country, military men and women like you is
the reason we can live in a country like this one.
To our men and women over sea’s, keep up the good work and keep your head down, we are praying
for your safety in this time of need.
To all of those interested in coming on one of our trips please contact me at
tonycovell@injuredsoldiers.net.
If you are interested in making a donation please go to www.injuredsoldiers.org
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