a change of heart?

many years ago i was introduced to the sport of hunting. there was nothing like getting up early and retreating into the african bush with a rifle and accompanied by a experienced tracker. starting out at sunrise, in the crisp winter air ,walking slowly looking for prey.
for those of you that are having a heart attack at the thought of such barbarity ........all i shot i ate .
the main aim of the hunt were impala, warthog and if they presented themselves ,kudu.

 this photo was taken in the kruger park.... so this one lives....unless a lion got him or he died of old age.


the meat is tender and can be turned into a most delicious venison roast and  superb biltong.
now ,now you anti hunters stop licking your lips at the thought.
as per my previous discussion i spent the week-end away in the bush. fortunately or un  i had no rifle and it was a reserve..... so no hunting.
i must now confess that that did not deter me.

                     sunrise sunset???

at six in the morning i was up with the birds, dressed and ready to shoot.
i checked my equipment and loaded for bear i set out.it was a lovely quiet time of the morning.the sun coming over the hills, the sound of birds and not a breeze.(she was still sleeping) perfect for hunting.
the first thing to look for was spoor.

                          he went that way------>

slowly i followed revelling in the hunt, loving the solitude and appreciating the beauty surrounding me.

                   big enough to shoot.

suddenly i heard am impala ram snort in warning ...i froze.... started forward slowly. still no breeze.( sleeping?)
then i saw them about 150 metres away. a small herd of zebra and impala. the grass being a bit long i had to settle for a zebra.i aimed, focussed and shot.

                      it too still lives


so the change of heart, my rifle for a camera. will it last? i don't know..... will i still eat biltong and venison ? yip!
 did i enjoy the hunt ? very much.
i will definitely do it that way as much as possible.