Hunting in Africa

Riley and His Hunting Posse

(from left to right)

Little Black Brother: That is the English translation of his name. He is the nephew of the Tracker. Both of his parents are alcoholics so his uncle has kind of taken him in and lets him come out on the hunts with him. His main job was to hop out of the truck and open and close gates, but he would often help with carrying an animal that was too heavy for just one or two men. Riley gave him his baseball cap when he left. He doesn't get paid for any of the work he does so he was super excited to get this gift.

Long Man: He was a new worker and since no one knew his name (and he was tall) everyone began calling him this nickname. They were told that he was "a willing worker but not very clever." Riley can fill you in on some of the not so clever stories, if you are interested. Long Man's job was basically to help carry the animals and really do anything that he was asked to do.

Mondoy: He was the Tracker. His job is basically what the title implies. He helped find the animals that they were hunting for. He could see things with just his naked eye that Riley could not even see with binoculars. He was also responsible for gutting, cleaning, and carrying the animals.

Werner: Werner is a PH or Professional Hunter. He spent the whole week with Riley and his dad. He made sure that they got a shot at all of the animals that they wanted to get. He helped them track, hunt, and set up a good shot of each animal. He also set the animals up for Riley's 'official' trophy photo. That sometimes even meant that Long Man had to carry the animal a hundred yards or so to get the best background for the shot.

Riley: The hunter.

(I loved all of the pictures that had the whole group in them. While Werner is usually asked to be in several pictures, it was pretty clear to Riley that the other guys weren't often asked to be in pictures. Riley said that they were always excited to get in the picture, and by the end of the week they started tucking in their shirts and getting ready for their pictures before they were asked to join them!)

Riley and Werner checking out one of his animals.

Getting Ready to Shoot

The Tracker carrying the animal back to the truck. Riley said that it was hard watching someone else do the work that should have been his, but was often reminded by Werner that this is their job. They would even be offended if he tried to do it for them.

Riley's Dad Getting Ready to Shoot