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| Newsletter
Safari Season 2002 |
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| The view from my office window | |||||||
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This past year has been our best ever and quite remarkable in terms of what we have achieved by way of service to our clients and the exceptional quality of the trophies taken, the majority of which made the SCI record book with ease. Our 2002 season really began in December 2001 when I approached good friend and businessman Gareth Westerdale, and asked him to join Jacqueline and I, with a view to helping us take a rapidly expanding Stan Burger Safaris to its full potential.  |
Gareth is a seasoned campaigner and he took, over the marketing and financial management of the company in early January. With Jacqueline tasked to handle administration and public relations. This gave me the freedom to concentrate all my energy on my passion and what I do best... hunting.  These developments have had a significant impact on our already excellent customer service, professional approach, top quality record book trophies and attention to the smallest details, that make us so popular with our clients worldwide. |
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| We feel
very privileged indeed to live an work in the wildlife paradise which
is Africa and regard it as our duty to ensure the sustainability of
our environment by managing our concessions so that we consistently
achieve our stringent conservation targets. Every day is filled with the most incredible 'view from my office'... Africa. I invite you to share the most unforgettable experiences of your life. Apart from our ultimate objective of outstanding trophies, our focus this year has been on the upgrading of our vehicle fleet and on emphasizing the African |
experience. That sudden
surge of adrenalin and the thrill of the hunt. Experiences that will always live on in the minds of our clients and be retold over and over to envious friends. The lion that roared outside the tent last night or the elephant that wandered uninvited through the camp. At times like these it is reassuring to know that you have an experienced professional hunter at your disposal. Here then is the 'view from my office window' for the 2002 season. Feel welcome to call any of our clients for references and their experiences, memories and adventures. |
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| Then book a hunt with us so that you can tell the stories instead of listening to them. | |||||||
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| Gary
and Sheryl Erickson, Farmington New Mexico |
 Arguably the best liver of all to eat, ask Gary. YUH! Must have brought him luck as he took a 55" kudu the same afternoon. Gary took eland, kudu, impala, gemsbok, hartebeest, warthog and baboon. All exceptional trophies which will place high in the record book. For me the highlight was the eland and an exceptional shot on the gemsbok. After the hunt it was off to Cape Town for some photographic and scenic revelations with Gareth lending me moral support. Gee guys it must have really been tough roughing it in the Mount Nelson. After Table Mountain, wine tasting, game viewing, Cape point, sea air, seals and the good life in Cape Town, it was back to reality. I'm sure we will see you back here again. |
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Gary and Sheryl arrived here not knowing what to expect in Africa, but soon felt welcome and they both settled into life in their new luxury safari tent. ‘A room with a view' - Gary called it. Good exercise too. They soon forgot about lipstick, blow dryers and make up and let their hair down. Gary's first African animal was a big old male baboon, so we postponed his "blooding" as I felt that eating baboon liver was beyond the call of duty. We finally got Gary blooded on day two, with his wildebeest.  |
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| Email from
Sheryl Erickson: ' We cannot tell you how much we appreciate the wonderful time you made possible in South Africa. We have bragged on your hospitality. We want you to know how blessed we feel that our life paths crossed with yours and that we were able to share your country with you. I wish everyone could have the opportunity to experience the great time we had. We will always continue to dream of Africa... ' Letter from Brandee Sperry, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation: 'I am writing in reference of a phone call from a very pleased member of the RMEF. Gary Erickson called me today to highly recommend your services. Not only was his hunt successful, he praised your food as the finest and also mentioned that you took him to some amazing places. |
I hope Stan Burger
Safaris will continue to enjoy an outstanding reputation among sportsmen
of all kinds. Sheryl and Gary Erickson Tel. 505 327 4140. |
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| Brenda and Brent Travelsted- Bowling Green | |||||||
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| After 3 years of soft talking Brent and I finally managed to get Brenda to savour the delights of Africa first hand, no mean feat I'll have you know. Their sojourn in Africa was a short sweet one, but we packed in some days of fantastic bird shooting over English pointers. The doves, guinea fowl and francolin never knew what hit them when Brent gets it together - eyes bright - right chokes - right leads - the birds of the world better watch out!  We also managed to get a really good impala after a great stalk. While the boys played hunting, Jacqueline and Brenda went sightseeing - the cycads at Mojadji - |
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high tea at the plantations at Magoebas kloof. After that Brent, Brenda and I went to Zambia to see Victoria Falls and do some whitewater rafting on the mighty Zambezi. After we wiped out at rapid nr. 9, there was no way Brenda would bungi from the bridge, but she can vouch that the Zambezi river water tastes real good. Brent will be back with his bow next time. While being here, Brent renamed a few of the places we stayed: Poltergeist (Potgietersrus), Tarzan (Tzaneen) and Tanzinizi (Zambezi) - do phone him to ask where that is. Brenda and Brent comments from several emails: • 'We had such a blast in Africa, who knew that having fun could be so tiring’ • ‘We haven't talked about much other than our trip since we returned home. We miss you all and remain grateful for your hospitality.'• 'We want to come again...I really want to bow hunt African game!” Brent and Brenda Travelsted Tel. 270 535 4276. |
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| Jeroen
Bennema - The flying Dutchman and taxidermist of note Netherlands |
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| Jeroen
Bennema Tel. +31 592 341 1912 |
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| Günther
Riessberger and Gabi Leser, Kapfenberg Austria |
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| When Günther, an old client and good friend came out with a request for a tahr and a barbary sheep, I was taken by surprise, but a few quick enquiries taught me that it was not only possible but also offered some of the best hunting fro those species available anywhere. Günther is a man from the Alps, so climbing a mere hill, the size of the Table Mountain, to get his trophy is no problem.  |
To get these trophies you have to be superbly fit with the tenacity of the best sheep hunter. On top of this you better be able to shoot over 300 yards. This man can do all of the above, is still joking when the job is done and has Gaby there next to him taking the photo's and video right at the top of the mountain. I thought the wind would literally blow us off the mountain. We made it and got great trophies of tahr and barbary sheep. What a hunt, I am going back for more. After that we got a great big old bull eland, with a mob on his forehead to round things off. I'm sure we'll hunt together again in Africa and Austria. The nyala is still waiting for you. Günther Reissberger & Gabi Leser Tel. +43 38 622 5342 |
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| Ray
and Nancy Malech Coyote California |
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 After a highly successful hunt in Namibia, Nancy and Ray Malech joined Stan Burger Safaris for 3 days of photo graphics in the Lowveld. First stop for 2 days at Tshukudu in Hoedspruit found them walking with elephants, lion and cheetah! Just the right tonic after a hard hunt. The last night was spent in the stately appointed Cybele Forest Lodge along with a great dinner in the restaurant. |
En-route back to Johannesburg, we rose early for a quick stop in the Kruger National Park, where we were all amazed to see four of the ‘Big 5’ in just 2 hours! |
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Comment: Thank you so much for your great hospitality! We look forward to seeing you both again!  Ray and Nancy Malech Tel. 408 463 0549 |
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| Lady
Marian Curry and her merry men Jerry Curry, Terry Mulkey and Rod Huskey,
Denver Colorado |
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 This continuous action safari stands out because of the absolute intensity and pace it was conducted at. The characters made it so enjoyable, their humor, constant leg pulling and practical jokes that only friends who have a special bond, and have hunted together for years, seem to have.  The highlights were without doubt Rods first afternoon 55”kudu bull and his brilliant McNab: a reedbuck, a goose and at last light a beautiful rainbow trout on fly, all on the same day. What Rod enjoyed most |
was the AMBIENCE! The look on Terry's face, is unforgettable, when his black wildebeest finally lay down in the long grass after a long shot and Terry's unadulterated joy when he shot his kudu.  His confusion with left and right, as in shoot the one on the right, also caused him to be at the wrong side of the tree, at the wrong time during the dove hunt. He couldn't get enough of it, and enjoyed himself all day long.  |
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Jerry's unfailing sense of humor 24 hrs a day, inexhaustible one liners kept us all on our toes. The obvious uninhibited enjoyment of everything this man does just makes you love him. He did some serious damage to the birds though.... |
Marian the special lady in Jerry's life, who always had a ready smile, a kind word and a hug when it was needed most when her merry men returned home exhausted from our daily adventures. One of Marians goals in life is to make other people happy. Thank you for doing this so well! |
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| Surely
we needed long hip boots at night around the fire when the BS started
flying and the boys got going after some fire water. Fortunately Gareth was on hand with his own brand when they wore me out. Jacqueline, Danielle and Susannah joined for a few days at the end of this safari to make one big happy family complete. The total score for this safari gentlemen: 15 big game animals for Rod and Terry in 5 days, 778 Birds recovered made up of 4 duck species, 2 goose species, guinea fowl, 2 species of francolin, 4 species of doves and 1 five pound rainbow trout. The local population will be eternally grateful for the unexpected free supplementary protein.  |
It took three years
to book this one-thanks for putting your trust in us. You'll have
to come back for the McNabs and the warthogs. Then we will do it all
over again. Emails from Marian and Jerry: 'Marian and I want to thank you all for a lifetime experience (which we intend to repeat). I could not believe the thought and care that you put into planning our African bird safari. I could go on about the trip and the fun we had but I will save some of that for when you are here. All our love..' 'We are still smiling and enjoying our memories, not ready to put anything away, and planning our next visit! ' '...we have said it several times, thank you for a lifetime experience with you in South Africa. We must, and WILL, do it again! Marian and Jerry Curry Tel. 303 678 7439 Terry Mulkey Tel. 970 535 4276 Rod Huskey Tel. 303 791 4090 |
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| David,
Chris and Becca Loeffler, Albuquerque New Mexico |
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We met David at the RMEF convention in Albuquerque. In July he was finally in Africa to make his lifetime dream of taking a good cape buffalo come true and to share his dream with wife Chris and youngest daughter and hunter in her own right, Becca.   There are no easy buffalo and David accompanied by his girls worked for his. Walking, tracking and glassing. We even forded the mighty Panhame. At last light 4 old daga boys crossed in front of us. David was not found wanting. He made the shot of a lifetime on a daga boy of a lifetime in virtual darkness. A 50 yards bush breaking run and then music to a hunters ears... the |
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last bellow. It was pitch dark when we got to him. With the buffalo in the salt we hunted warthog, looked at hippo and crocodile sunning themselves and fished the Zambezi for tiger fish and Chris and Becca hammered them. The Loefflers left for South Africa for their photographic safari with Jacqueline and Susannah sightseeing, game viewing, singing lullabies. Chris loved the Zulu culture and tribal dancing. In Hluhluwe a leopard obligingly crossed the road and walked around the vehicle. It simply doesn't get better than that.   |
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 I made it back for the plains game hunt with David and Becca doing the shooting and Chris the photographing. Highlights: Becca's gemsbuck and her blooding. One shouldn't have to slab the client. David's pregnant male springbuck got him hook, line and sinker! |
A wonderful hunt
with excellent trophies to boot. David and Chris you are rightfully proud of your daughter. It was a privilege to spend this special time with you all.  Chris and David Loeffler Tel. 505 2298 6459 |
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| Antonio
Nobile, Luciano Grini and Pascal Valentin Italy |
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 The Italians were back again in Africa. Pasta, sausages, olive oil and all. A wonderful buffalo hunt. Great fun, cooking pasta and hunting buffalo, hippo and  |
warthog. It was a good hunt and exciting in the stunted mopani on the blood spoor. We emerged unscathed and victorious once again. Bravo my friends.  See you next year for buffalo and elephant. Don't forget the pasta, gentlemen. |
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| Jim
Rose and Steven Dearien, the boys from Phoenix Arizona |
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| This hunt was booked for us by Dale Blakely and saw the boys from Phoenix arrive here for a short but action packed hunt.  Jim had a smoke pole and a plastic gun with him and by the end had managed to bag 9 animals including a monster gemsbuck and two magnificent kudu bulls, when the smoke cleared one over 58" , and a beauty of a springbuck with a muzzle loader.  |
Hard hunting _ hard walking and stalking _ but oh so satisfying. I am sure he will be back with his bow. Steve hunted with Johan, same area_different style. Some hunters walk and others sit on cooler boxes. In the end the results were the same, 9 magnificent trophy animals and a match made in heaven. Steve we'll never forget your gemsbuck and the way Johan drove over his own cooler box and made us drink all the beer before it got warm.  I don't hve all the details but I believe you were both suitably entertained by Gareth in Johannesburg after the hunt. It was a pleasure to hunt with you guys and you are welcome back anytime. There is still some scotch left at Johan's bar in Hoopstad. |
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| E-mail from
Jim Rose: 'Steve and I have arrived home in one piece, but wish we were still in your care. I have to tell you that since we have had time to soak up the experience it only gets better as the days go by. Tuesday morning as I commuted to work I asked myself Stan's patented question: "How do you like the view from my office?" I have to confess I was not pleased with my thoughts.  |
 'I did discover something in Africa that I had been searching for since my teen years... I believe in my heart I would have been one hell of a PH and Stan would have been a great teacher. |
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| Jim Rose Tel. 480 969 8134 Steve Dearien Tel. 480 830 2132 |
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| A year of practice and preparation preceded the arrival of serious hunters and marksmen Dale and Ted, accompanied by Dale's wife Lynny, as the official photographer for the hunt.  Dale had two rifles one of which was a 458 win mag he wanted to get to know a bit more intimately before using it on a buffalo hunt in the near future. Dale concluded that African animals are tough and they don't read the ballistics. We blooded him on day one with a fine blue wildebeest and whit in a few though hunting days, walking and stalking added an impala, zebra, kudu, gemsbuck and springbuck. All magnificent trophies that will make great memories for years to come. Africa has a few surprises for Lynny too, in the form of the odd spider and Dale performing foot surgery on Ted's blisters, but like the good sport she is, took it in her stride. |
Ted came out here with two rifles and slowly fell in love with the pretty little Winchester and once he decided that it was his heart rifle, she never let him down. We blooded Ted with his big eland bull, just when he thought I wasn't going to do it. Gee Ted I was just being a nice guy. You can't make a man eat zebra liver, he may never come back again. 
Ted ws great fun and took kudu, impala, zebra, blesbuck, hartebeest, springbuck and gemsbuck. All great trophies. He redeemed himself by shooting a big old warthog, he'd scared the night before. The cherry on the cake was that waterbuck at last light after hunting him for a week. You did him a favor. |
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See you
next time with your dad for another chapter of you're your great African
adventures. Dale, there is a big old warthog and ornery old buffalo
bull still waiting here fro you. Thanks for the fun we had together. I had the pleasure of taking Lynn, Dale and Ted off to Cape Town for three days of Photographics. Poor Lynn needed the r&r after Dave and Ted´s antics over the past ten days! We were blessed with the finest day to take the cable car trip 3000 feet up Table Mountain. What spectacular views of Cape Town and the Pennisula! From there we went on a boat trip to seal island and had lunch at the Hout Bay beachfront. |
After lunch, Lynn and
Dale took their first walk on a beach and waded trough the sea! What
an experience to share this magic moment with them! From here, we
moved of to Riebeeck West Valley Hotel and spent another awesome day
on the wine route, with Dale learning the art of wine tasting - HIC
... HIC ... HICCUP! (I managed to keep the soles of my feet!) Our last day together was spent at Cape Point culminating in a great lunch at The Brass Bell in Kalk Bay, overlooking False Bay, with Southern right whales breaching 300ft offshore! I cant't wait for next time guys! (G.J.W.) Dale and Lynny Perkins: 'Thanks so much for a wonderful, awesome, dream-come-true adventure'. Ted Simmons: 'Thanks for a wonderful safari.' Dale and lynny Perkins, Tel. 505 833 5230 Ted Simmons, Tel. 505 869 8315 |
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The Titus and Melendres arrived here from the Garlic Capital of the world for a short 5 days hunt and a few days of photographic safari. The group split at the airport_ Ralph and Robert off to hunt, Karen and Julie one night luxury stay in JHB and after that to |
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and Ralph Titus, Julie and Robert Melendres, Gilroy California |
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the Victoria Falls in Zambia and Sun City for a good time, while the poor husbands had to rough it in Johans hunting camp. That's what they would like the ladies to believe anyway. Ralph, a seasoned hunter and Robert on his first hunt after 20 years of doing other things, go down to do the business. Excellent trophies were taken by both gentlemen_ gemsbuck, springbuck, impala, blesbuck. A stunning red hartebeest by Ralph and a real black wildebeest by Robert were bagged. Five days flew by so fast we all wondered were they went. |
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One spare afternoon had us bird shooting having as much fun as it is possible to have standing up. We even managed to shoo a few birds. Husbands and wives joined up and left for the Kruger National Park to see the big five fro a few days and of course don't forget the shopping wow. I believe it was quite something. NO pressure, great fun, hasting memories. Come back again, we are waiting for you. Are you brave enough? See you in 2003. Robert Melendres:' Thank you for a great safari and all the effort you went through until the last at the airport... you help me convince them (the family) to join us on our next trip to Africa. We had a wonderful experience and can't wait until our next trip.' |
Robert and Julie Melendres Tel. 408 749 5165 Ralph and Karen Titus Tel. 408 847 7062  |
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Tom Tinnin, good friend and prominent businessman from Albuquerque, was back again for his second trip with Stan Burger Safaris. This time on his own to escape his hectic life at home and to take a few animals for his new trophy room, which he had to extend after his last safari with us in 2001. It was very quiet this time without his girls and Robbie, and we missed them. 7 days of non- and great trophies were taken: he kudu bull and warthog then 2 zebra in 3 minutes with 2 shots, one right between the eyes, steenbuck, duiker and my favorite... the bushbuck. I love it when a plan comes together. On the last day Tom took the blesbuck, he never knew what him once we finally got the rifle problem sorted out. That big bushpig is still waiting for you Tom. Hope to see you next year again with the whole family. After 7 days of hard hunting and bargaining, Tom and myself went down to Sodwana in search of a 500LB black marlin  |
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| Tom
Tinnin, Albuquerque New Mexico |
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... all we got was a stormy sea, hayfever and lots of wind. Change of plan saw us spending an awesome day in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve, St. Lucia and a trip in the enormous "King Cat" to view 20ft plus crocodiles and huge hippos. Next time to hunt, Tom?  The return trip from Zululand took us through Swaziland and the beautiful Ezulwini Valley, in all its splendor to Jatinga Country Lodge at White River. The trip was finished in style with a great dinner at Jatinga and some successful gambling at the casino in Nelspruit. See you in 2003! (G.J.W.)  Tom Tinnin Tel. 505 342 1106 |
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