Central Ohio SCI is Seeking Nominations for
Hunter of the Year Awards

These awards will be presented at this year's banquet, March 31, 2012
Awards are given for:
Youth Hunter of the Year, Female Hunter of the Year, and Male Hunter of the Year
CLICK HERE FOR A NOMINATION FORM
 

CHECK OUT THE PHOTO GALLERY AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Mongolia, Croatia, Russia, Hunt Report - By: Page Mays

Page writes... September and October were busy hunting months with trips to Mongolia, Croatia, and Russia. In Mongolia I hunted Altai Argali, and Siberian Ibex.

Next I went to Croatia to hunt Dalmation sheep on the island of Plaunik in the Adriatic sea. I would highly recommend this trip for a hunting vacation.

Finally I traveled to southern Russia to hunt Mid-Caucasian Tur. There was snow in the mountains, and by the fourth day my boots were soaked. I was so happy to get off the mountain.

Congratulations Page Mays!

Central Ohio Chapter –SCI ...Sponsors Kara Crowley
to the “American Wilderness Leadership School”

Kara writes...I am writing you with deep gratitude and appreciation for your sponsorship to the American Wilderness Leadership School. I just returned from my amazing week in Wyoming full of knowledge & new experiences! Among the things I learned were archery, firearm use & cleaning, the close partnership between conservation, and hunting/fishing, and an even deeper respect for hunters and fishermen. The program was extremely educational, fun, and an experience that I will cherish forever. I cannot wait to teach all of my future students about the things that I have learned and hopefully start a NASP at my school! I surely would not have had this life changing opportunity without your support, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART, AND FROM ALL OF THE STUDENTS I HAVE YET TO TEACH!   ...Kara Crowley

          TEACHER:
          Kara Crowley…

          Firearm Practice
          Archery
          Trap Shooting
          Panning for Gold
          Conservation
          Fishing

Namibia Hunt Report: By: Mark Wehinger

Who: Mark Wehinger, Where: Namiba,
When: August/September 2011, With: Bobby Hanson Safari’s,
Animals: Damara Dik-Dik, Mountain Zebra, Gemsbok, Kudu

I had a great hunt with Bobby Hanson Safari’s with Bobby as my P.H. Namiba is a great hunting destination with great camps, equipment and food. Bobby did a great job as my guide, just as he always does. The highlight was hunting Dik-Dik and Mountain Zebra. If you haven’t hunted in Namiba, I strongly suggest you consider it.
 

Life is short…Let’s go hunting

                  Mark Wehinger

THE "BLUE BAG" PROGRAM - DONATION REPORT:
 Central Ohio SCI donations provide much needed medical supplies to rural Africa

RIGHT: 2011 Blue Bag presented by Laurent Delagrange of Indian Head Ranch and Mark Wehinger, Chapter President.   

Dear Hunters, Members, & Friends
 
Laurent Delagrange of Indian Head Ranch and Mark Wehinger delivered a blue bag of medical supplies to Anne Whittall in Chiredzi , Zimbabwe. Mrs. Whittall nurses to approximately 500 people in the Save Conservancy. The medical care she provides is the only care within 3-4 hours.

Thank you Central Ohio SCI Members for your donations and helping us make this happen.

Mark Wehinger

From a previous report by Mark Wehniger about the Blue Bag program:
"Anne Whittall is a nurse educated in Cape Town at Groot Schuur University.  Mrs. Whittall treats a community of over 500 people whose closest medical care is over 1.5 hours away by vehicle.  Mrs. Whittall has been providing nursing care to the area for over 40 years.  With the problems in Zimbabwe, even providing the most basic medical care has been difficult to impossible due to lack of supplies.  We can't thank the Central Ohio Safari Club enough to allow us the honor of participating in the program and when you see the peoples’ faces, you will quickly understand why SCI and the hunters of the world participate. "  
   

LEFT:  A photo from the 2010 Blue Bag delivery shows some of the much needed supplies that are delivered to Zimbabwe.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WAYS IN WHICH CENTRAL OHIO SCI GIVES BACK,
VISIT THE OUTREACH TAB!

Zimbabwe Hunt Report: By: Mark Wehinger

Who: Mark Wehinger / Laurent Delagrange, Where: Zimbabwe – Savé Conservancy ,
When: August/September 2011, With: Roger Whittall Safari’s, Professional Hunter: Peter Wood
Animals: Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Lioness, Kudu, Zebra, Bush Pig, Genet, Wildebeest, Nyala.

I had a great hunt for Elephant and another wonderful time with P.H. Peter Wood. The Savé Conservancy is one of the greatest hunting destinations in the world. It is a big thrill hunting 3 of the Big 5 in one hunt.

Life is short…Let’s go hunting

Mark Wehinger

Hunt Reports By: Paul & Nancy Heimberger

Paul & Nancy Heimberger write…
We hunted mountain goat in British Columbia with Bear Paw Guide & Outfitters - Dennis Smith in September, 2010. Took this nice mountain goat in BC on the 5-day of hunt. Due to rain & snow couldn't get on mountain the first few days. Excellent hunt!

We hunted brown bear with Baja Alaska LLC - Chuck Chandler in May 2011. Base camp was a 58 ft. boat and took skiff on-shore of the 'ABC' islands south of Juneau. We flew into Tenakee, Chichi of Island on a float plane. On day 7 of hunt I got my brown bear which squared at 8 ft.
Another Excellent hunt which we highly recommend.

BC Lion Hunt Report– By: Jack Klein

Jack writes…
I hunted with Dave Fyfe of North Island Guide Outfitters on Vancouver Island, B.C. Canada. This is the second time I have hunted with Dave, and I will go back. They have 2700 square miles of hunting territory and a huge Island Black Bear population.

This hunt was for mountain lion hunted with dogs. As good fortune would have it I had multiple houndsmen and dogs and we treed 2 cats the first day. I took my lion with iron sights and a Winchester Model 95 in .270. This cat was described as a medium sized animal and we were hunting for a larger one when the weather turned on us. Dave conducts the hunts in the 3 winter months and they are weather dependent so it requires some flexibility on the hunter's part.

Dave can be reached at fyfe@elkbear.com and his hunting web site is www.islandbear.com . Dave is a Safari Club Member and is very active in the BC Outfitters Association. In addition to bears and cats the island has a good population of Roosevelt Elk.
          Jack Klein

Newfoundland Hunt Report - By: Tim McKelvey

NEWFOUNDLAND MOOSE HUNT, SEPTEMBER, 2011

Mark Wehinger, Barry Casoli and I purchased the three man Newfoundland moose hunt at our 2009 Central Ohio SCI Chapter banquet. This particular hunt was offered by Trevor Keough, owner of Rock Camp Outfitters. We all took very respectable moose (one each , that is) and Rock Camp Outfitters certainly proved to be a fine choice. The camp conditions, dinning facility and separate sleeping quarters were all very comfortable and the food was hearty and tasty. Trevor’s wife, Theresa, is the camp chef/ baker and was most gracious to share a number of her recipes. (homemade bread to DIE for. See Barry for that recipe)

Transportation was made easy as their Argo (8 wheel all terrain vehicles) saved us a lot of walking and made packing out the meat an easy task. Our three guides were extremely knowledgeable and very enjoyable to spend a week with. And as an added bonus,, once we were able to get our moose “on ice”, Barry then “wet a few lines” and provided us with some yummy trout.

All in all, a most enjoyable hunt. Trevor Keough and his staff at Rock Camp Outfitters are a real first class operation. Visit their website at: www.rockcamp.nfnet.net 

Tim McKelvey

Hunter of the Year Award 2011:  James Domokos

James Domokos accepts the Hunter of the Year Award from Chapter President Mark Wehinger.

James has won the following achievement awards listed below:
OUR 2011 HUNTER OF THE YEAR AWARD GOES TO CENTRAL OHIO CHAPTER MEMBER, MR. JAMES DOMOKOS.

James began hunting with family members at the age of six and has certainly covered a lot of territory since those early days. He is an SCI Life Member, has hunted on six continents, and his hunting accomplishments are noted in numerous record books.

James first hunted Northern Rhodesia in 1969 with the legendary professional hunter and world renowned author, Peter Capstick. Other international hunts have taken James to six continents and he's had the opportunity to hunt with many of the legends of our sport; Dr. Jim Conklin, Andrew Samuels Jr., Craig Boddington, and Jim Carmichael, to name a few.
 

Over his many years in the field, James has managed to compile a most impressive resume which includes:
 

(6) SCI GRAND SLAM AWARDS

(12) SCI INNER CIRCLE AWARDS

 THE AFRICAN BIG FIVE AWARD

THE DANGEROUS GAME OF AFRICA AWARD

THE SCI PINNACLE OF ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

NUMEROUS ROWLAND WARD, BOONE AND CROCKETT AND SCI RECORD BOOK ENTRIES

JAMES HAS ALSO MANAGED TO MAINTAIN AN ACTIVE ROLE IN MATTERS OF CONSERVATION AND LEADERSHIP THROUGH VARIOUS PROGRAMS WITH THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA AND DUCKS UNLIMITED.

Congratulations James!

Youth Hunter of the Year Award 2011:  Ben Webster

Ben Webster accepts the Youth Hunter of the Year Award from Central Ohio Chapter President, Mark Wehinger.

Ben H. Webster

Our 2011 Youth Hunter of the Year Award Goes to Ben H. Webster.

Ben got an early introduction to outdoors and hunting activities, as his Dad, Chapter member, Dr. David Webster, would load Ben into his backpack and take to the fields.

Ben completed his Hunter Safety Course in 2010 and took a nice 8 point buck this past season while hunting with his Dad and Grandfather. He's also gone on two SCI Banquet Hunts where he shot his first alligator in Louisiana and took a nice red stag (bronze level) in New Zealand.

Ben's other interests include science and biology, visiting new places, going on grand adventures, and hunting rabbits and groundhogs.

Congratulations Ben!

Nepal Hunt Report: by Page Mays

I just returned from one of my most demanding hunts. The Himalayan Blue Sheep, and Himalayan Tahr live high up in the steep foothills of the Himalayan mountains, and to hunt them involves a significant mental and physical challenge. I survived with the help and encouragement of my Sherpa guides...Plus I improved my stamina with daily doses of high altitude medicine (Diamox), and tried to maintain a positive mental attitude. Over the 14 days the porters who carried 60-70 pounds each, moved camp 10 times, and I walked about 40 miles hunting and hiking in the steep mountain terrain.

   

The success on this hunt brings my total of mountain animals to 44 (19 sheep, and 25 goats and Ibex). My next hunt is in Mongolia in early September for more mountain animals.

Congratulations to Page Mays! ...those are magnificent trophy animals.

Vancouver Island Bear Hunt Report: by Barry Casoli

Hunt Report by Barry Casoli

Hunters: Barry Casoli, Larry Todd & Mark Wehinger
When: May 2011
Where: Vancouver Island, Canada
Outfitter: Sean Lingl’s Canadian
                  Guide Outfitters 250-230-4868
Game: Coastal Black Bears
(LIVE AUCTION ITEM for 2012 Banquet)

We arrived on Vancouver Island to some of the
most beautiful scenery you have ever seen.
Sean put us up in a beautiful lodge with all of
the amenities and we started hunting the next day. The hunt was a spot and stalk hunt that was one on one. Five bears were taken and each of us took a bear that squared over 7’ and two were well over 6’. This is one of the best bear areas I have ever seen, and Sean and his guides were excellent in all ways. Everything was above expectations. If you are looking for a truly big black bear, this is the place to go.

Indianhead Ranch Hunt Report:  by Mark Wehinger

Hunt Report
Mark Wehinger / Barry Casoli

Where: Indian Head Ranch Del Rio, Texas
When: March 2011
Guide: Darren Carr / Austin McMahon
Animals: Scimitar Oryx, Eld’s Deer, Dama Gazelle, Alligator Gar

Another wonderful hunting trip at Indian Head Ranch, we had a great time enjoying wonderful food, comfortable rooms, great company and a super hunt to top it off. A very interesting part of the trip was bow hunting for Alligator Gar. If you haven’t tried it, it should be on your list as a must do experience.

Life is short…Let’s go hunting
Mark Wehinger

Central Ohio SCI Chapter founder Tony Gioffre wins the “highest honor in the world of hunting” the 2010 prestigious Weatherby Foundation Hunting and Conservation Award.

CONGRATULATIONS TONY from all of your friends in  Central Ohio Chapter!

 2010 Weatherby Award Winner – Tony Gioffre

Tony Gioffre of Delaware, Ohio is the 2010 winner of the 54^th Annual Weatherby Foundation International Hunting and Conservation Award. This highest honor in the world of hunting will be presented to him on Tuesday, January 25^th 2011 at the Silver Legacy Hotel in Reno, Nevada.

First presented in 1956, the Weatherby Award annually recognizes an individual for outstanding support of wildlife conservation, lifetime hunting achievement and dedication to the principles of ethical sport hunting.

Tony is the CEO of Gioffre Companies, Inc., a general contracting firm located in Dublin, Ohio. The firm, established in 1977 by Tony and his brother John, specialized in commercial contruction in the U.S. and Canada. In addition to his successful business endeavors, Tony is an avid and passionate philanthropist and civic leader in the central Ohio community. Serving on a multitude of boards and as a mentor to hundreds of small business owners, students, and associates, Tony has earned many awards of distinction.

It is this same passion and leadership ability that has led to his recognition in the worlds of hunting and conservation. Tony has expressed an overwhelming gratitude for his Weatherby Award and is honored to be this year’s recipient. As Tony has so eloquently put it…“I am humbled by this distinction and am very much looking forward to celebrating in Reno…Let the party begin!”

KUDOS TO ALL THE NOMINEES
In addition to Tony, the following five men rounded out the six nominees in contention for the 2010 award:

Craig Boddington of Paso Robles, California
Ralph Cunningham of Houston, Texas
Tom Hammond of Oakland township, Michigan
Larry Higgins of Gaylord, Michigan
Ed Yates of Writesville, Pennsylvania

HUNT REPORT -- By: Tom Moore -- South Africa (Eastern Cape)

    
Left: TOM MOORE with his Blue Duiker taken one mile from the Indian Ocean in the Eastern Cape.
Right: NORM CAMPBELL (SCI member) with his record-book Blesbok

Tom Moore & Norm Campbell had a fantastic 7-day hunt with W. Kemp of “Africa Anyways Safaris” this past April. The hunt took Place in the eastern Cape near Seven Fountains. “Kemp” is a supporter, and annual donor to our Central Ohio SCI Chapter, a fantastic PH, and is extremely knowledgeable about the region, fauna & flora. We took Cape Kudu, Blesbok, Springboks, Duiker, Steenbok, Warthog, Blue Duiker, Cape Grysbok, Gemsbok, and Genet Cat. I highly recommend Kemp and African Anyways Safaris, PO Box 481, Grauff-Reinet, 6280 RSA.
Cell: +27-82-373-9810 TELL: + 27-49-891-0263 www.aasasafaris.com

AFRICAN HUNT REPORT -- By: Bill Lukaskiewicz

In September, 2009, my wife, Sammie and I spend 10 days with Professional Hunter Wayne Birch and Burchell Safaris in Thabazimbi, South Africa. I took an SCI Gold Medal Gemsbok, an SCI Bronze Medal Kudu with bow and a huge Warthog with a rifle that we named old fighter as he had many scars, was missing an eye and was very, very old. We hunted from fixed blinds, elevated stands and pop up blinds. Sammie accompanied me on every hunt. Wayne’s knowledge of the game, habitat and his wide access to property were instrumental in our success. It did rain one day so we spent that day game viewing in Marakele National Park. We spent an afternoon/evening at Sun City where we took an elephant backed safari that included riding, feeding and petting elephants from Zimbabwe. We also visited the De Wildt/Shingwedzi Cheetah and Wildlife Ranch where we saw cheetahs during their morning training runs and observed the morning feeding and actually got to pet a cheetah! Wayne and his staff were very professional, the food was great, and the accommodations were spectacular. We stayed in a beautiful lodge nestled against the Waterberg Mountains and Marakele National Park and a tented camp, both were fantastic. We made some lifelong friends there and we cannot wait to go back!
                              Bill and Sammie Lukaskiewicz

Hunter of the Year Award 2010:  Jeff Hunter

Jeff Hunter ...receives the Hunter of the Year Award from Central Ohio SCI Chapter President Mark Wehinger.

Jeff has hunted 39 of his 44 Years, and has hunted in So. Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Canada, Mexico, England, the Middle East, South America, and the good ole’ USA.

Jeff has 117 entries in the SCI Record Book, and also 34 Top Ten animals in the SCI Record Book. Included in his awards are (10) ten Grand Slam Awards. Congratulations Jeff on all of your hunting achievements, and your recognition as Hunter of the Year in Central Ohio Chapter-SCI 2010.

CONGRATULATIONS JEFF!

Female Hunter of the Year Award 2010: Bobbette Carlisle

Archery hunter Bobette Carlisle accepts the Female Hunter of the Year Award from Central Ohio Chapter President Mark Wehinger.

Bobbette is being recognized for her outstanding hunting achievements on three continents.

She has been on 6 African Safaris, hunted in 2 Canadian provinces ( Alberta & Saskatchewan ), hunted in Australia, hunted in Mexico, and 5 states in the USA.
 

CONGRATULATIONS BOBBETTE!

Youth Hunter of the Year Award 2010: Kevin Fisher

Kevin Fisher accepts the Youth Hunter of the Year Award from Central Ohio Chapter President Mark Wehinger.

Kevin Fisher started hunting on his 12th birthday. Oh what A 1ST year to was. Taking rabbit, squirrel and his 1st whitetail all within a few weeks of that birthday. Soon after that 1st season in Ohio Kevin started practicing rifle shooting for a trip to Africa @ The SAVE conservatory in Zimbabwe. While in Africa Kevin was able to take 10 species including a Franklin, guinea foal, Africa hare, black back jackal, impala, waterbuck, wildebeest, kudu, eland and his original goal a zebra. Kevin has since added I whitetail buck and additional same game native to Ohio. He is looking forward to hunting elk in south western Colorado in October 2010.

CONGRATULATIONS KEVIN!
 

Zimbabwe Hunt Report: By:Dr. Larry Todd Jr.

June 2010 Zimbabwe - Roger Whittall Safari's with PH Guy Whittall

This was my first trip to Zimbabwe hunting elephant, with PH Guy Whittall, and it turned out to be a very successful one. We were hunting in The Chirisa Conservancy, along the Sengwa River Basin. After 5 days of hiking 15-22 miles a day, I came face to face with my Bull Elephant. We had seen several on previous days, but my PH and myself decided this one was the one. Standing 15 yards away, facing him, I took him with one frontal brain shot, with my Krieghoff .470 Nitro Express. He immediately collapsed. What a rush!

After that, on day 6, I took my first Cape Buffalo, and on day 7, a nice Civet. We then decided to travel to Humani Conservancy, where I proceeded to take a Burchell Zebra, Wildebeest, Impala, and a 57 inch Kudu. What a trip!

I also had the chance in representing our Central Ohio SCI Chapter, by presenting Anne Whittall with The Blue Bag, full of much needed medical supplies. Anne, herself being a nurse, directly realizes the huge impact these medical supplies make on the community she lives in.
What an experience to stand among the giants of Zimbabwe.

          Dr. Larry Todd Jr.

NOTE: to see photos and learn more about the Blue Bag project, please visit our "Outreach" page.
    

Artic Musk Ox Hunt Report -- By:Tim McKelvey

ARCTIC MUSK OX HUNT, 2010, by Tim McKelvey
While many in Central Ohio were enjoying the first really warm Saturday in early April, five of us, all Central Ohio Safari Club Chapter members were checking our gear at Port Columbus and heading for a Musk Ox hunt in the Arctic. Tony Casagrande, Barry Casoli, Dr. Larry Todd, Chapter President, Mark Wehinger and I purchased this Musk Ox hunt offered by CANADA NORTH OUTFITTING at our January, 2009 Central Ohio SCI banquet and we were finally on our way.

Our final destination was the Inuit Indian village of Cambridge Bay, Nunavut Provence, Canada, (pop. 1400) located on Victoria Island, 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle. After stops in Chicago, Edmonton, Alberta and an overnight in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, we flew directly north the final 600 miles to Cambridge Bay. It’s interesting to note that the only routes to Cambridge Bay are by air or boat. Since boats can only be used during the eight to ten weeks in late summer when the ice pack breaks up, virtually all travel is by air.

CANADA NORTH staff members met us at the airport and took us into town to purchase our licenses and then to the hotel where we were introduced to our Inuit guides and discussed the particulars of the hunt. Fortunately, Tony and other Central Ohio Chapter members had been on this and/or similar Arctic hunts and their recommendations regarding gear, weather conditions, etc. proved to be very helpful. One example: It was strongly recommended we rent the heavy insulated outer wear offered by CANADA NORTH right there in Cambridge Bay. No sense to purchase and/or pack all of our own heavy outer garments when we could rent their commercial ¾ length goose down parkas and insulated bib overalls for $125. a week. This proved to be a great deal and we were certainly well suited for their cold weather. (no pun intended)

The terrain of the Arctic tundra is certainly interesting. Not a tree to be found and nothing but white as far as you could see. Although the temperatures can get as low as 40 below during the winter months, we lucked out as the average temperature during this late season hunt ranged from zero during the day to the low minus teens at night. We were also fortunate to have beautiful blue skies, very limited wind and with the black parkas and bibs soaking up all that solar power, we were quite comfortable. Another interesting aspect of the hunt was the fact that, this far North, we only experienced 4 hours of actual darkness, with the sun setting at 11:00 P.M. and rising around 3:00 A.M.

Our base camp for the hunt was an unoccupied summer fishing camp used by the local Inuit natives to stock up on fish during the short period of open water. It consisted of a number of small plywood fish shacks and many wooden open air drying racks. The local Inuit Council and Guide Association built a larger (approx. 20’ X 20’) one story insulated building which serves as a bunkhouse and dining area during the winter Musk Ox hunting season.

We were up and out of town early the first morning with each of us in a sled being pulled by our respective guides on their snowmobiles and travelled along the coastline in a westerly direction before splitting up. Tony, Larry, Mark and their guides continued along the coastline while Barry, our guides and I headed inland. The travel was a bit rough as we traversed the crusty and rocky ridges but the caribou hide blankets served as pretty good cushions once they were rolled up. (the fact that Larry is a spinal surgeon didn’t comfort me at all)

During the course of the hunt we covered quite a bit of territory and had the opportunity to view wolves, Arctic fox and ptarmigan. Once Musk Ox were spotted, we’d begin the stalk and move to the best possible position to insure a clean shot. We all took very nice bulls, four of us with rifles (Mark and Larry took two), and my hero,, Tony Casagranda did it again with only “stick and string”. All of the Musk Ox taken were in prime condition and the meat was very much appreciated by the Indian families back in Cambridge Bay.

All and all... another wonderful hunt combined with great memories and plenty of laughter.  
 

HUNT REPORT -- By: Rick Zwayer -- Ohio Whitetail Deer

Central Ohio Chapter member Ken Garloch and I hunted the property together in the early morning hours of October 12, 2009.  Ken had already tagged his buck a week earlier and was in search of a doe. Ken and I tend to share some luck when we hunt deer and elk together, so we had some confidence the morning might show promise.

Ken and I watched from different stands as the wide 8 point walked 50 yards from Ken’s stand along with another smaller buck.  The deer fed in the soybean field and later made their way to my stand and the 8 point presented a shot.  Interestingly, we checked the trail camera on the opposite side of the bean field after the hunt and found that the 8 point buck’s photo was captured as he left the woods (and as we were just arriving to our stands) roughly an hour before I shot him.  As it turns out it was an exciting hunt for both of us, just watching it all unfold.

This whitetail deer was taken on a self-guided hunt in west-central Ohio on land privately owned and managed by Rick and his father Richard Zwayer Sr. 

HUNT REPORT -- by Page Mays

...a beautiful 9 point main frame Whitetail deer. He was 27” wide inside spread, and scored a whopping 177 5/8 SCI typical.  I took him at 235 yards with my .330 Dakota rifle.

Heartland has the most beautiful lodge, and best service I have ever experienced!  I highly recommend this hunt.  

          Thanks,  
          Page Mays

HUNT REPORT -- by Katie Wehinger -- Hunter Safety Camp at Indianhead Ranch

I would like to thank the Central Ohio Safari Club for sponsoring me to go to the youth hunter education course at Indianhead Ranch this summer.  It was an amazing experience!  I got to meet people from all over the US and learned about hunter safety, conservation, and survival skills such as tracking, using a GPS, and much more.  I really enjoyed the delicious food and comfy rooms while at camp.  There were amazing views and plenty of warm weather.  What was really nice is if you got too hot you could just go jump in the pool. 

My favorite part of my trip was harvesting my own Axis doe, which my family and I will be enjoying for a while!  Once again, thank you for sponsoring me to go to the youth hunter education course and I look forward to my next hunting experience!

 By:  Katie Wehinger
 

AFRICA HUNT REPORT -- by Joe Wehinger

 

June/July 2009 South Africa – Bobby Hansen Safari’s with PH Bobby Hansen

12 Animals Taken:  Hartebeest, Black Wildebeest, White Springbok, Springbok, Black Springbok, 2 Mountain Reedbuck, Steenbok, Common Blesbok, White Blesbok, Gemsbok, and Waterbuck

I just completed a very successful hunt with Bobby Hansen in South Africa.  Everything about the hunt was brilliant from the professional staff and accommodations to the manner in which Bobby conducted the hunt.  On this particular hunt I was able to get 11 new species for the trophy room I had never hunted for in the past; notably, a spectacular 31.5” Waterbuck and a 40+” Male Gemsbok.  I have nothing but good things to say about Bobby Hansen Safari’s and I look forward to many successful hunts with them in the future.

June/July 2009 Zimbabwe – Roger Whittal Safari’s with PH Peter Wood

14 Animals Taken:  Elephant, (2) Bushbucks, Cape Buffalo, Eland, (3)Impala, (3)Zebra, Baboon, Bush Pig and Warthog. This was my second trip using Roger Whittal Safari’s with Professional Hunter Peter Wood and once again it was quite successful.  I had the opportunity to go along on an elephant and buffalo hunt with my Uncle Mark in Northern Zimbabwe along the Zambezi River and he was successful on both counts.  We then traveled down to Humani Conservancy for the remainder of our hunt.  Of the 5 animals I got, the Bush Pig, Warthog, and Eland will be new species in my trophy room.  With the donations from the Central Ohio Safari Club, Mark and I were once again able to represent our Chapter in presenting the “Blue Bag” with much needed medical supplies for the local community.   Again, a phenomenal experience and I can’t wait to get back to Africa!

    

WYOMING HUNT REPORT -- by Tim McKelvey

Tim McKelvey writes... Chapter members Ken Shaffer, Joe Mesenburg and Tim McKelvey just returned from a very successful two week hunt  in Wyoming.  The first week was spent hunting antelope and mule deer on Ken’s friend’s 54,000 acre ranch north of Casper.  Despite temperatures dropping into single digits and constant snow squalls, all three filled their antelope and mule deer tags.

The second week was spent in Northern Wyoming where Joe drew a bull elk license in the Big Horn Mountains above Buffalo, WY.  Unfortunately, the same storm they’d experienced  during the first week had dumped two feet of snow on the elk camp and driven the elk off the mountain range and down to open meadows on a very private adjoining ranch.  So,, after a number of days  glassing  the large grazing herd from a distance of two miles and absolutely no activity on the mountain,  the decision was made to break camp and head home.

All in all... a wonderful Western hunt with many great memories and some fine trophies.

       
Tim McKelvey's Massive Wyoming Antelope                              Joe Mesenburg's Wyoming Mule Deer

      
Ken Shaffer's Wyoming Antelope                                              Joe Mesenburg's Wyoming Antelope

ARGENTINA HUNT REPORT -- by Tim McKelvey

Chris, Mark, Mike and Tim with their 1000 Dove a Day Trophies

Chris Fisher, Mike and Mark Wehinger and Tim McKelvey just returned from a fun filled bird shoot in Argentina.  The hunt was with Paco Riestra in Cordoba and was a live auction item at last year’s banquet.

Cordoba is located in Central Argentina and is the home to some of the finest wing shooting in the world.  The healthy local dove population accounts for a 20% crop loss so there’s never a shortage of birds.  As a matter of fact…  1000 birds a day is the norm.  Oh,,, Mike would be disappointed if we didn’t mention that he was high man with a one day tally of 1261.  Just ask… he’d love to show you his trophy.

The next time you’re thinking about a fun guy trip… say… a golf outing to Florida or the Carolinas… FORGET ABOUT IT!!  You’ve owe it to yourself to head on down to Argentina where the birds never stop flying, the grilled steaks are served at least twice a day and the laughter is non-stop. 

BLUE BAG PROGRAM -- by Mark Wehinger

Mark, and Joe Wehinger traveled to Zimbabwe to hunt with Roger Whittal Safaris with Peter Wood as our Professional Hunter.  As part of the trip, we got together with the Central Ohio Safari Club’s board to participate in the humanitarian program...“The Blue Bag”. 

With funds provided by the Central Ohio Chapter, we donated a huge duffle bag of medicines and bandages that are almost impossible to get in this area.  The supplies were donated in the Save Conservancy in Zimbabwe to be administered by Anne Whittall, who is a nurse educated in Cape Town at Groot Schuur University.  Mrs. Whittall treats a community of over 500 people whose closest medical care is over 1.5 hours away by vehicle.  Mrs. Whittall has been providing nursing care to the area for over 40 years.  With the problems in Zimbabwe, even providing the most basic medical care has been difficult to impossible due to lack of supplies. 

We can’t thank the Central Ohio Safari Club enough to allow us the honor of participating in the program and when you see the peoples’ faces, you will quickly understand why SCI and the hunters of the world participate.      

          Regards,
          Mark Wehinger,  President Central Ohio Chapter

BANQUET DONOR REPORT -- by Jim Priday

Banquet Donor Update…  Briarwood Sporting Club
The Briarwood Sporting Club is making 2 donations to the 2010 Central Ohio Chapter SCI Sportsman's Banquet …    (a Club Membership, and a Deer Hunt Package)

The most fortunate thing that happened to me this year was being “High Bidder” for the annual membership to the     Briarwood Sporting Club at the SCI –Central Ohio Chapter Sportsman’s Banquet.  For me this relaxing, natural environment to get away from it all was a lifesaving event.  I retired in May, 2009 and Briarwood became my life...catching large numbers of monster trout, photographing deer, and making the transition from a working international hunter, to becoming an avid retired angler with a “fly rod” instead of a rifle. 

Our friends at Briarwood in Bellefontaine, Ohio have also generously donated a 3-day hunt for a Whitetail Deer. They have spent several years compiling the industry’s best genetics to provide their clients with the largest whitetails in North America. While hunting at Briarwood, you will also have access to Ohio's best fishing. Try your luck in one of eleven lakes for trophy largemouth bass, or cast a fly in one of their many trout streams. Included is lodging, meals, beverages, guide, and a $2,000.00 credit towards a trophy fee. Hunt to be taken October 3 - December 30, 2010. Rifle , bow, or muzzleloader. Taxidermy and gratuities are not included. See Chris at the Briarwood booth at the banquet. Donor Value: $2,500.00            ...I highly recommend that you bid on this  Briarwood Sportsman's Club membership, and deer hunt at the 2010 SCI-Sportsman's Banquet  (March 27, 2010)  Or call: (937) 593-8045 to join now.                                Thanks,  Jim Priday          www.BriarwoodClub.com
     
Briarwood Sporting Club—231”  19 points                              Luke Hutson with his 145” Whitetail deer

HUNT REPORT -- Page Mays

This beautiful Southern Roan was the last animal Page Mays needed to achieve the
Diamond Level of the SCI- “TROPHY   ANIMALS OF AFRICA”. 

Page Mays writes...  Finally after 19 trips to Africa I have completed the Trophy Animals of Africa at the
“DIAMOND” Level.  This required the harvesting of 80 animals from 36 different categories.  The last Animal I needed was a Southern Roan, and I got a beautiful one. My professional hunter was Fanie Steyn, owner of Thaba Mmogo Safaris.  Fanie is a long time donor of hunts to the Northwest Chapter, and based on my experience...he is one of the best Professional Hunters in the business.  To book a hunt with Fanie / Call Jeff Rhees at 419-594-2410.  While with Fanie and his associates I also collected : Limpopo Bushbuck, Sharpe Greysbok, Southern Kudu, Damara Sheep, Civet, Genet Cat, African Wildcat, and Bat-Eared Fox. 

It was an outstanding hunt!        Thanks,  Page Mays