2006 SCI Banquet and the start of this fine adventure!!

I would be remiss if I didn't mention SCI's role in our fine adventure. A year ago last spring at the annual SCI banquet I was the opening, and lucky for me, the only bidder on a 4 man 10 day hunt to South Africa. The trip was donated by Angelo Joanno of Big Time Safaris. The trip includes 8 trophies (2 kudu, 2 blesbok, 2 bushbuck, 2 impala) and a bunch of taxidermy from Edwin at High Country Taxidermy. Truly a trip of a lifetime for me and my compatriots! Deals like this don't come around very often and you have to jump on them when you can. (fortune favors the bold!!) If this sounds like a plug for SCI, it is!! I now have the opportunity to go to Africa with 4 of my best friends and the original 4 of us are in for only $2,500 a guy!! You can't get a mule deer hunt for that price. Anyway, this is my formal thanks to all the good people at the Wisconsin Chapter of the SCI for giving me and my best friends this chance! Bill

Shootin', Forms, Buffett

This weekend, the group gets together for some shooting practice, some South African Police Firearms Form 520 fillin' out, and then off to a little Parrothead Madness. All thanks to our host, Billy.

Under 20 days until the trip, and most of the i's are dotted and t's crossed. Now the nervous energy can really start building...Steve

What happens when I become Anxious?

Here we go. We are 1 month away. I had my first sleepless night related to the trip. Thinking about everything involved, expectations, etc. This being my first trip outside the continental US, it adds an extra level. A 15 minute phone call with Bill yesterday evening brought this all forward.

I've been so busy with work and family, I haven't allowed myself to really stop and think about what we are about to do.

HOLY COW!

My apologies to squire Bill for not externalizing my up till now repressed excitement. This trip is going to be awesome. While my spouse and children will get tired of me bringing up the trip at every possible turn for the next 30 days, I say tough. Commence with the planning, discussing planning, executing planning, and rechecking planning.......Steve

Gathering of the hunters

A modern day Yalta Conference was held this past weekend in Stevens Point. Drawn together by the siren song of the GTO, our 5 intrepid hunters met face to face for the first time. Though the focus was golf, drinking and smoking some hunting was discussed and many issues were vetted on friday. It seems that most everyone is caught up with shots (lyle has 1 more) and paperwork. The need to get to the benches and start shooting off sticks was the hot topic of the weekend. The milwaukee based contingent of Hatari Safari has been a few times while the "north of hwy 10" group vows they will get out and start practicing asap. I highly suggest the shooting off sticks practice session. It is uncomfortable and a bit humbling at first but it is necessary for a good trip. Hopefully we will get out there to practice this weekend. The next big meeting will be at the Buffett concert july 28th.....a fine birthday present from my lovely spouse andrea. Bring your long irons...we shoot before we head to margaritaville!!
bwana bill