Epic Bushbuck Hunt with Shingani Safaris

Larry Goodwins's Bushbuck

Larry Goodwin’s Epic Bushbuck Hunt with Shingani Safaris

For Larry Goodwin, hunting with Riaan Vosloo of Shingani Safaris is more than just a passion—it’s a tradition. Over the course of seven unforgettable trips, Larry has explored the wilds of Africa alongside Riaan, bringing home incredible trophies to display in his showroom. Each hunt has been a testament to their shared love for the chase and the beauty of the African bush. But this latest adventure, featuring a thrilling pursuit of a legendary bushbuck, might just be the most memorable yet.

A Hunter’s Resilience

Larry’s journey with Shingani Safaris hasn’t been without its challenges. Five years ago, tragedy struck when his house burned down, taking his prized trophy collection with it. For many, that might have been the end of the story. But not for Larry. When his insurance finally paid out, he knew exactly where he wanted to go: back to Africa, back to Shingani Safaris, and back to hunting with Riaan Vosloo. With his showroom ready to be rebuilt, Larry set out to fill it again with the finest African trophies.

This time, Larry didn’t hold back. Over the course of the trip, he successfully hunted an astonishing 27 trophy animals—a haul that speaks to both his skill and Riaan’s expertise as a professional hunter (PH) and outfitter. But among all these triumphs, one hunt stood out above the rest: the pursuit of a massive bushbuck that had eluded Riaan for three long years.

The Elusive Big Bushbuck

This wasn’t just any bushbuck—it was the bushbuck. A wary, cunning ram that had thwarted every attempt to bring it down. For three years, Riaan had tracked it, studied it, and come up empty-handed. Determined to succeed this time, he devised a new strategy for Larry. The plan was simple but daring: set up an ambush. Larry would wait patiently with Riaan at a strategic tree while Riaan's team moved through the bush, hoping to flush the bushbuck out and into Larry’s line of fire.

Everything went like clockwork. The team executed their part flawlessly, and soon enough, the bushbuck burst from the thicket, charging straight toward Larry at full speed. Heart pounding, Larry took aim, his sights perfectly aligned for the shot of a lifetime. He pulled the trigger—and heard nothing but a disheartening click. In the heat of the moment, the rifle had no bullet loaded. The bushbuck, unscathed, disappeared back into the wilderness.

A Test of Persistence

Undeterred, Larry and Riaan spent the next two days scouring the bush for another shot at the elusive ram. Despite their best efforts, the big bushbuck remained out of reach. On the third day, Larry took down a different bushbuck—a fine trophy in its own right, but not the giant they’d been chasing. It was a bittersweet moment, but it only fueled their determination to try again.

Riaan, ever the observant PH, noticed something intriguing. He spotted fresh tracks where the big bushbuck had entered and exited an area they’d previously dismissed as unhuntable—dense, overgrown, and nearly impenetrable. It was a long shot, but Riaan suggested they give it one more go. With a reminder to Larry to double-check his rifle this time, they set the plan in motion once more. The team would push through the thick bush, hoping to drive the bushbuck out of hiding and into the open.

Triumph at Last

As the team moved through the dense cover, the tension was palpable. Then, in an instant, it happened—the big bushbuck exploded from the thicket, giving Larry a clear shot. This time, everything aligned perfectly. The rifle was loaded, Larry’s aim was true, and with a single, well-placed shot, the bushbuck went down. The moment was electric. When they approached the fallen ram and measured its horns, the result was jaw-dropping: 19 and a quarter inches—a true monster of a bushbuck and a trophy worthy of the epic chase.

A Hunt for the Ages

For Larry Goodwin, this hunt was more than just another trophy—it was a testament to resilience, teamwork, and the thrill of the pursuit. It was the culmination of years of effort for Riaan Vosloo and the Shingani Safaris team, and they were finally rewarded with success. Together, they turned a near-miss into a triumph, proving once again why Shingani Safaris is the ultimate destination for hunters seeking adventure and world-class trophies.

Larry’s showroom will soon have a new centerpiece, and the story of the big bushbuck will undoubtedly be told and retold for years to come.

Ready to write your own chapter in the Shingani Safaris legacy? Contact Riaan Vosloo today and start planning your next African hunting adventure!