Ghana,
Africa, the bush, Greater Accra plains...
If ever I
have met a person who meets the description of this title, it belongs
to my friend George, the greatest Hunter. 40 years he lived in Africa,
of which he has spent nearly every weekend in the bush.
A special bond is between us, we found friendship in the early days.
This event took place on a Sunday morning, 1987. I remember the time
well it was 08.00AM. As usual we left our homes 03.00 AM, with all the
gear strapped in our jeep. Going early meant we would find the
"Adanko", the wild Togo Hare in abundance.
Entering the bush is always an adventure, as George used to put it :"
Respect the regulations of respecting". In comprehendible English it meant : " Show respect for the bush, heed to our
regulations". This was always necessary as you never knew what you will
encounter in the wilderness.
The dark night around us, the beams shining far, we rolled into the
savannah, jumping over Termite hills. Always on the lookout for game,
driving was not easy. You have to concentrate on both terrain and a
possible encounter with game.
George is a Master in hunting, the "Okinini Obuomomfo", the greatest
hunter, as he was called by the natives. We all knew the villagers, the
chiefs, the Fulanis (cattle herders).
During the night, George shot his first hare, then a second. The grass
had been burnt down, the bush fires still smoldering in the distance.
All the land had a burnt scent, the ashes flying high when we passed
the trail..
Daylight breaks, the sun rising with a deep orange on the Horizon, the
bush awakes. Only those who have witnessed such event can understand
the immense passion one develops for the bush. Nothing can compare to
this spectacle, a powerful display of our Nature.
As always George prepares our coffee,and we listen to the sounds of
Nature all around us. Unforgettable sounds.
From 06.00AM we hunt Stone Partridge, they normally invade the Manioc
plantations and cause devastation there. Because of this, the farmers
are always happy when George appears. 5 Partridges appear, sprawl and
George gets all of them out of the sky.
By 07.30AM the sun is rising, the temperatures increase. We walk
through the Manioc (Cassava) as they call it. We are drenched in sweat
by the time we are on our way home.
My friend has taken over the drivers seat, his 12 bore shotgun placed
on his right in a specially made holder. I sit on the back seat, high
above and enjoy a good view of the surroundings, the real reason of
going to the bush.
Swerving right, left in order to avoid the Termite hills which can
knock out your suspension, I am used to it, my shotgun across my knees.
In an instance I hear a sharp hissing sound, unknown to me, the jeep
still moving. In a rapid action, my friend has grabbed his 12 bore, the
vehicle running at normal speed, the steering wheel free. Rapidly I
hear 2 shots, throughout the hissing sound never stopped.
The last moment before the shots rang out, I noticed the large, black
Cobra, 6 feet long at least, its head erect, expanded, the eyes turned
to us, yet moving away with great speed. The hissing sound is a warning
to would be predators. Not for George in whom she found her match, full
speed. from the jeep, splitting her in to half, killing the Cobra
instantly.
I was like mesmerized, could not say a word. In a split second the
event. was over, the snake lay dead. We can not say what ones feeling
should be, but I was stunned by 2 things : The hissing sound of the
Cobra and the incredible speed at which the shots rang out.
The . years have passed, George has retired and I go no longer to the
bush. In those days, he would tell me :" One day you will sit in the
rocking chair, and your grand children will come and ask you, tell us
how it was in the bush, you and this hunter, the "Okinini Obuomomfo",
the greatest of all Hunters...George..
I will honor him throughout my life for giving me wisdom. May god bless
him.
from : Hunting in
the African bush, H.R..
