Black Death in Limpopo with Chris Barker

In this episode, Kyle Stelter and Chris Barker continue their South African adventure from the Limpopo province with a story that neither of them saw coming. What began as a plains game safari quickly turned into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hunt Cape buffalo — one of Africa’s legendary Big Five.

Chris shares the full story of how the hunt unfolded: the unexpected phone call, the pressure surrounding an escaped buffalo bull, the patience required to stalk through swirling winds and wary cows, and the incredible professionalism of their PH, Jacques. From the tension of the final approach to the emotion of walking up on an old buffalo bull, this conversation captures the weight, respect, and responsibility that comes with hunting dangerous game.

Kyle and Chris also reflect on the deeper lessons from South Africa’s wildlife management model, the role of private land stewardship, the value of wildlife, and the abundance of game on the landscape. While very different from the North American model, their experience sparks an honest discussion about conservation, investment, habitat, science-based management, and what hunters back home might learn from other systems around the world.

This episode is about much more than pulling the trigger. It is about opportunity, trust, reverence for wildlife, hunting culture, friendship, and making memories that will last a lifetime.

Presented by:

@sitkagear

Supported by:

@yeti

@zeisshunting

@frontiersmengear

@onxhunt

@stoneglacier

@wild_tv

@schnee_hunt

@precision.optics

@gunwerks

Episode Sponsor:

Stone Glacier