[bsterns]

The Gemsbok I took was a really exciting hunt. We followed a rather large herd in the old ford pickup and finally cut them off. When hunting the Kalahari you can use the vehicle by hiding behind or cutting off a herd on the near side of a sand dune knowing they will probably be heading in a certain direction. That plan worked beautifully and we stopped on top of the dune and watched them pass about 150 yards in front. They stopped and looked at us. The PH said to take the big one that was broadside to us and was cooperating very well for me to get the easy shot. I squeezed off my 338-06 and "click". The firing pin did not even mark the primer. The herd moved off at a fast run. I had left my 280 at the camp so I had to borrow a 300 win mag from the PH. We found the herd again and with manuevering we got into position to shoot again at the same Gemsbok. The problem was that it was facing directly away from me. The PH told me to take a "Texas heart shot" but I told him I had never shot an animal in the butt and did not want to do it. He said we might not get another chance. I waited for it to turn as the herd began to move out.. The Gemsbok ran about 35 yds or so after I shot and was laying in the deep grass. The shot angle was perfect for the animal's position. The bullet entered just back of the rib cage and into the heart/lung area. They are magnificent animals.