South Africa —
South Africa, a land that will never be tamed or civilized by man. It is a hard place to live for it is very unforgiving.
Africa is every hunters thought of paradise, even if the odds can turn on your, and you become the hunted! The beauty of the mountain tops in the clouds and the lire of the African bush can touch your soul, for you fall in love with her like a beautiful woman, although she is deadly treacherous. Everything there will either stick or bite you.
A young man of 11 years old started on an adventure that most men only dream of, going on a safari into Africa, where some never return.
After landing in Johannesburg, South Africa from flying from Indianapolis one hour to Chicago then to London, England 8 hours and another 11 hours to Africa, the well selected safari outfitter was waiting to greet this young hunter from America.
Cobus Van Vuren had high expectations for this young man. He had to have nerve to face dangerous big game, be able to shoot a large-caliber rifle at a very long distance and to make a split second decision on when to shoot, and place the shot in the perfect spot.
After spending a long day of sight seeing in London England and flying for 20 hours, Cobus suggested he get a good night sleep to shake off the jet lag as well as the 2 1/2 hours bumpy drive to the hunting camp that was located on the crocodile river in the Limpapo region.
The next morning brought good weather for hunting in the African bush because it was over cast with a promise of rain, the temperature held at about 80 degrees which is cold for that region, after all it was starting into their winter and everything was full bloom and green. Yes the animals all lay up when it is hot, but in cool temps they move and feed even more.
Before an outfitter lets you journey off into the bush you must prove you can shoot accurately after all that one shot may save your life. Cobus set up a shooting range of 100 yards to test this young man’s skills along with his fathers also. A 30-30 caliber rifle was chosen which is a hand full for such a young man. What Cobus did not know was the young man had practiced with his dad before leaving home becoming an excellent marksman, which he had professional counseling from a close friend “Bill Klass” also. A 308 caliber was given to dad to use and it would kick like a mule.
After many shots was taken by both, Cobus said with a big smile there is no doubt your son can shoot much better than you!
The big day was finally there and as they headed out Cobus said he had been scouting for some nice warthogs which was on top of the list. They traveled in a four wheel drive truck with seats set up in the back or bed of the truck to be able to look for game while driving through the grassy plains or the thick bush. One of Cobus’ bushmen or trackers was along to help recover any game that was shot.
The decision was made to set up “a blind” at a water hole where several warthogs had been visiting. Cobus and the tracker built the hunting blind with every detail in mind like direction of the wind. How to be the most concealed with natural grasses and trees and most of all the distance the warthogs may come into the water hole.
While arriving at the water hole, some warthogs went running off so we knew the right place had been chosen. The truck was parked far away and the tracker stayed with it knowing it a shot was heard to be ready if needed.
It takes a lot of patience for a young man to set in a hunting blind for hours totally different than school although his teacher Miss Athey does a wonderful job.
Cobus, dad, and son set up in the blind with checking guns to be loaded and the safety’s on as well as setting up the shooting sticks for the right height shooting sticks help you hold your rifle very still.
After setting for two hours, dad couldn’t take it any more and decided to take a little cat nap. Well you guessed it he was woke up from Cobuses firm hand on his shoulder and the young man setting the rifle on the shooting sticks with a very nice warthog at 55 yards away and being very cautious.
When the hammer dropped the warthog did not know what hit him with dropping in his tracks, not taking a step.
More than harvesting an animal happened at that moment for the dad’s heart burst with joy and his soul could not hold back the tears of pride, you see, it was the young man’s first day, first animal ever taken, and with the first shot! and of all places but Africa. That moment will be relived thousands times in the future, while setting around a campfire.
Cobus glowed with pride for his young client with many hand shakes and pats on the back going all around.
That night setting around the campfire, many stories were spun with none topping that day’s hunt for Jerrilynn the young hunter’s mother was glowing with pride as bright as the campfire.
The next morning was clear and promised to be a warm day so they needed to start the hunt early and today an impala was next on the list. There again Cobus done his homework and there they went to an area about five miles away with him saying there was a very large trophy impala in that area and he had a very good feeling about it. The wind direction was checked and this time they did not build a blind, but set on the ground behind some trees. That ground gets hard after a couple of hours.
After setting for a long time Cobus said he was going after the truck, so set still until he returns. About 30 minutes after he left a very nice impala was spotted coming out of the bush along with another behind him the same size. While waiting for them to get closer, to their surprise a very large record book type impala steps out and catches up with the other two. Dad was as nervous as a mouse in a lion’s den with the young man having to take a 100 yard shot.
The hammer was pulled back with the gun resting on shooting sticks and the young man waited for that perfect shot while being cool and calm and dad going into convulsions.
The hammer dropped and once again the animal did not know what hit him with not taking another step.
Father and son were hugging each other as Cobus came driving up and the tracker in the back yelling something in the African lango that meant huge or very big impala. Cobus walked up shaking his head while shaking hands saying he personally has never taken an impala that big, a major trophy.
While writing these words, we are at the south tip of Greenland at 36,000 feet going 600 miles an hour and 2,219 miles to go to Chicago.
My young man is setting next to me with his head on his mother’s shoulder asleep, while I hope dreaming of the hunt we just finished. With just a glance at him my heart warms with pride for he is my son Seth Bayless.
Sports Columns
REDNECK QUAKER: African trip makes for lasting memories
- Sports Columns
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Hughes, News & Views: Terre Haute ‘hacker' accomplishes Mark’s Par Three first
It’s no secret that Mark’s Par Three is not the most difficult golf course in Vigo County.
But it’s enjoyable for beginners and golfers of modest skill levels and it doesn’t lack for activity during warm-weather months.
Open since 1964, it’s had its fair share of players test their skills, probably several better than 43-year-old Brian Brown of Terre Haute. -
RAMBLIN’ RECK: Catching up on some things
Catching up — on all-state softball honors and a new basketball coach in Illinois.
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TODD GOLDEN: Golf ... the beast within?
Like many sports fans, my interest in professional golf is confined to the four major tournaments. Many prefer the Masters, some like the back-to-roots British Open, but I’ve always liked the U.S. Open the best.
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Trackside: Midgets could be on rise in Wabash Valley
With Indiana Midget Week taking center stage this week at Wabash Valley ovals, it’s time to talk midget racing.
More specifically, it’s time to examine its status in the Hoosier State and what the future might hold for one of open wheel’s most competitive but yet overlooked forms of racing.
It’s no secret the mighty, little midgets have suffered from hard times in recent years. Spiraling engine costs and resulting smaller car counts have led to a sharp reduction in the number of races for the midgets.
Terre Haute Action Track supporters of the midgets know first hand. They lost their popular Hut Hundred a few seasons back and hope of them returning to the local half-mile clay oval remains a question mark. -
RAMBLIN’ RECK: South grad helps VU to national golf title
Vincennes University’s men’s golf team claimed the junior college national championship last week with a Terre Haute South Vigo grad in the lineup.
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FROM THE PRESS BOX: Close, but no cigar, theme for ISU sports in 2012-13
When I covered my first event of Indiana State’s 2012-13 season — ISU’s opening football game at Indiana — I was the first one in the press box at IU’s Memorial Stadium. I’m never the first one in the press box.
Maybe the prospect of ISU’s season had me so pumped that I decided to get it started close to three hours early? (Or more truthfully, maybe I was over-vigilent about predicted traffic horrors on the Indiana 46 bypass that never came to pass.) -
TRACKSIDE: Bad weather gives time to reflect
With weather-related issues continuing to plague the Wabash Valley racing scene, the lack of on-track activity presents an opportunity to offer an overall assessment of the 2013 campaign to date.
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Ramblin’ Reck: Indiana gave Heat ‘all-stars’ all they wanted
The prelims are over and the finals begin Thursday in the National Basketball Association with Miami going for a second straight title against San Antonio, looking for its first championship since 2007.
The Indiana Pacers gave the all-stars from Miami all they wanted and then some before the Heat took charge to win the seventh game Monday. -
REDNECK QUAKER: Another African hunting adventure well worth the trip
Here I sit in a hunting blind in South Africa with an adventurous soul, Mack Adams. The dove and guinea fowl are calling with the sun warming the morning chill.
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Hughes, News & Views: Pacers, 500, NFL on mind of curious columnist
One previous time, I believe, my annual May questions column ran one day late into June.
Can you forgive me for this being the second time?
With apologies out of the way, below are questions that have been taking up valuable space in my head lately.
Some are serious, some not so much. Most are sports-related, but don’t blame me if a few are not. After all, newspaper sportswriters don’t eat, sleep and breathe sports 24/7 (contrary to what my Lisa might tell you).
Here we go:
• How funny will the reaction of the national media be when the Indiana Pacers knock off the unbeatable Miami Heat tonight and Monday to take the series and head to an NBA Finals showdown with the San Antonio Spurs? Hint: Several ESPN “experts” will need to change their underwear next week. -
TODD GOLDEN: MVC Tourney can be ISU success story if work is done
Prior to last week’s Missouri Valley Conference baseball tournament at Illinois State’s Duffy Bass Field, fear and loathing prevailed in some corners of the conference.
It seemed that Missouri State, Creighton, and most notably, Wichita State, had a monopoly on the season-ending tournament since the Coolidge Administration. (It had actually been since 1998.) How could the tournament make it without playing in one of the three aforementioned universities’ big venues? -
TRACKSIDE: Burton’s death shows tragic side of racing
The tragic chain of events that had unfolded the previous night at Bloomington Speedway had cast a pall over what should have been an enjoyable night of racing at LPS.
Word had circulated the Putnam County racing facility that earlier in the day that young Josh Burton had succumbed to injuries from an accident the night before at Bloomington.
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RAMBLIN’ RECK: Each lead change made Indy a thrill
The 97th running of the Indianapolis 500 and will be remembered as one of the best races in recent history.
It won’t be memorable for a close finish but rather for a record 68 lead changes and 14 different drivers taking their turn at the front of the pack.
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Redneck Quaker: Crappie bait available if you keep looking
For those wanting to catch catfish on the river or crappie in a lake, there is a great place in town to pick up your live bait.
Inland Aquatics is located at 10 Ohio St., at the intersection of the Wabash River and Ohio, but you can’t get to it from Ohio Street. It is easily accessed from Wabash Avenue cul de sac, directly behind the Courthouse. The alternate parking is at the other end of Fairbanks Park from the boat ramp with plenty of room for trucks pulling boat trailers.
They have sold tropical fish for 20 years. There is always feeder goldfish and red wigglers available for the aquarium customers and a lot of fishermen stop to pick up some last-minute bait supplies. They became aware of the need of live bait in Terre Haute since Gander Mountain closed its bait shop. -
RAMBLIN' RECK: Sunday promises to be big day in Indy
Sunday promises to be a super day in Indianapolis.
It’s the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500 followed by Indiana vs. Miami in the third game of the National Basketball Association playoffs. -
TRACKSIDE: Local drivers, owners looking to have strong night at Tony Hulman Classic
In its rich 43-year history, the Tony Hulman Sprint Car Classic has long carried on a strong local racing tradition.
From its early beginnings starting in 1971, the U.S. Auto Club-sanctioned event has been the annual centerpiece of the racing calendar at the Terre Haute Action Track as well as a key stop on the USAC sprint schedule and one of the most sought after wins in big league sprint-car racing. -
Shooters compete to fight cancer
A team of employees at Taghleef, formally A.E.T, would like to give a personal invite for you to join in on a lot of fun while helping save lives.
Cindy and Mark Wilguess are the inspiration behind the Taghleef Team. Cindy herself fought this battle with cancer and won. Last year she led her team to be the No. 1 fundraisers in the Relay for Life. -
TILL IT'S OVER: Terre Haute Triathlon's new race director seeks more events for his hometown
Today is the day for the Thunder in the Valley, and the Terre Haute Triathlon is under new leadership in 2013, the 28th year for the event at Hawthorn Park.
A former Terre Haute North track and cross country standout, Ethan Page is the race director as the race falls under the reign of Page’s new company, Crossroads Events. -
TODD GOLDEN: Don't give up on ISU baseball just yet
If you had to pick one word that would describe the 2013 Indiana State baseball season, it would have to be frustration.
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TRACKSIDE: Terre Haute's Carmichael enjoying strong spring in modifieds, stocks
It might have been cold and blustery at Charleston Speedway on Saturday night, but for Terre Haute driver Kenny Carmichael the evening couldn’t have been more pleasant.
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From Terre Haute to the major leagues: Phegley's play could earn him promotion to Chicago
Josh Phegley's debut in the Major Leagues could be coming to a ballpark near you.
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There's an expert at Parker's Archery
As I was driving the winding roadways of southern Indiana, a rustic building caught my attention and the sign on the front revealed it to be an archery shop called Parkers Archery.
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TRACKSIDE: Rain still a pain for Wabash Valley racing organizers
Soggy weather conditions, which have rightfully drawn the ire of Wabash Valley race fans and crews in recent days, continue to plague promoters where it hurts the most — their pocketbooks.
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RAMBLIN’ RECK: Pacers having a ‘Garden Party’
The Indiana Pacers are back in form and looking good.
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KENNY BAYLESS: Sponsors sought for 'Ladies Only' event at Terre Haute Sporting Clays
Sponsors are being sought at the Ladies Only event at Terre Haute Sporting Clays on Saturday at 10 a.m. Sponsors should be willing to donate $1 or more for every broken bird. Each lady is allowed 25 shots. Flat donations are gladly accepted. Also, organizers are looking for more ladies to participate. Ammo, clay birds, and guns (if needed) will be furnished.
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College Report: Lively earned collegiate upgrade with strong play
Hillary Lively signed to play Division II basketball at Maryville (Mo.) during her senior year at North Vermillion, but those plans changed and she would up at nearby Danville Area Community College — where she recently concluded an outstanding two-year career.
Lively was impressive enough to earn a Division I scholarship to Southeast Missouri State of the Ohio Valley Conference, and both her future and past college coaches think she will continue to succeed there.
“She fits what we need,” SEMO coach Ty Margenthaler said. “She has college experience, she is strong and physical and plays well around the basket and moves well.
“Her strength, rebounding and touch around the basket will be a big help. On the defensive end, she’ll be able to guard a true center.” -
RAMBLIN' RECK: It’s May … a time for horses and horsepower
It’s the first day of May, a great month for sports.
It begins with the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. My Old Kentucky Home is played before the start of the race on which hundreds of bets will be placed by folks who ordinarily don’t bet on thoroughbred horse racing.
A week later, practice begins for the Indianapolis 500.
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Terre Haute runner sets up race to help Boston
Having competed in the Boston Marathon once before in 2003, 35-year-old Majel Wells of Terre Haute thought she should give it another try in 2013.
“My goal was just to finish and enjoy Boston,” she reflected this week. “I had an injury [runner’s knee] beforehand, so I wasn’t too worried about beating my time from 2003 [4 hours, 10.20 seconds].
“But nobody cares about what your time is at Boston anyway.”
From what I’ve heard over the years, she’s right. Unless you’re a super-serious runner, the Boston Marathon has been more about taking in the atmosphere and having fun than placing in the top 50, although Wells was pleased that she beat her previous time by finishing in 3:55.19 on April 15.
Obviously, her race time wasn’t the most vivid memory that Wells took away from her 2013 Boston experience. -
Amey Takes Aim: NHL playoffs to put TVs to good use
If Jenny had known, she probably wouldn’t have bought that TV.
But four or five years ago, my Fathers Day present — for those unfamiliar with Amey family traditions, the Fathers Day one is “let’s get something we all really want and pretend it’s a gift for Dad” — was a 42-inch Vizio. It’s been used even more than the cell phone I never would have bought for myself, or the TomTom that disappeared since Jenny’s smartphone arrived.
And it came with high-def.
I’m not going to insult you by telling you how great high-def is, because to do so would be to imply that you are even farther behind the technological curve than I am. I’m guessing, however, that not all of you have yet discovered what it does for hockey. -
Foot Notes: ISU track athletes looking to keep improving at Drake Relays
Indiana State’s track schedule has helped its men’s and women’s teams escape the glacial Wabash Valley weather and enjoy warm days in Auburn, Ala., and Knoxville, Tenn.
With the Sycamores’ track facility basically laid to rest for competition and construction on a new one planned near the Wabash River to begin in 2014, major kudos go to everyone involved for continuing to produce athletes that are NCAA contenders who race with some of the world’s best.
Some of ISU’s current athletes are hoping for season-best performances this weekend against strong competition in the Drake Relays.
Former Sycamore NCAA pole-vault champion Kylie Hutson, who competes professionally for Nike and trains in her hometown of Terre Haute, also has been in Des Moines, Iowa, to compete in the Pole Vault in the Mall on Wednesday night. - More Sports Columns Headlines
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