Top_Heavy's World

Working my way between massive rock outcroppings I couldn't help but feel a hint of fear. I chose that word for the definition, but it wasn't quite it. It was small, just a hint really, a deep inner "anxiety" I had never experienced before. I have hunted the west, the Rocky Mountains, around mountain lions and black bears, and never felt it. I have hunted in Alaska and Canada, among wolves and grizzlies, and never felt it. I have been involved with some activities, while hunting an armed and dangerous individual, and almost felt it. What I felt, was the deep seated connection to the basics of life, the actual food chain, where I was now a true part. I was sneaking through thick brush where leopards roamed, in high numbers. I slipped along huge piles of rocks where lions have been seen stalking, feasting and resting. The open country I was skirting was home to cheetah, jackal and hyena, all more than able to make a short fight out of a 6'2" morsel from the United States. I was a part of the landscape in a way I haven't ever been before. I only wish I could feel so alive back home stalking whitetails. I was still hunting, slowly moving followed by long pauses full of intense visual searching. The intensity was at an all time level due to looking for a trophy for me, but also desiring to avoid anything that might look at ME as a trophy.
There on the next outcropping was a huge troop of baboons. Dozens of man like figures scampered, jumped, sat and existed. I was only dozens of yards from the edge of the group and I had no misconseptions, this was a very dangerous position. I was only carrying a bolt action rifle, and it had a 20X scope, not exactly set up for close combat with 20 or more angry baboons! I had been hunting into the wind, so that was mildly in my favor, I chose to stay hidden and enjoy the show. The grooming, as seen on TV is fascinating, each animal cleaning and comforting another. The pecking order was easily seen, the dominant male was in a position of great vantage and security. The younger males were seated lower and to one side of the females with young. One large male was just below the alpha, and it visibly annoyed the elder. I watched, hoping for a fight, until they bared their teeth. I was taken back by the size of those canine teeth, almost 2" long. I decided after many tense minutes, that I was going to take one of the bigger males. Grant Olson, a good friend from back in Iowa had asked for a skull, so I figured this was the perfect time to gather one. I slipped my rifle onto a flat spot and dialed up the scope, the focus was way off due to the range. Leupold makes fantastic equipment, and with a turn of the objective lens, I was in perfect focus at under 50 yards. The biggest male of the bunch was amongst females and young, so he was not a target here. I would surely get a pass through, I was not going to risk wounding a youngster or lacktating female. I settled on the next male in line, he was clear and I figured the old boy might have another year of peace if this challenger was removed. I settled the cross hairs on the chest, between the arm pit and the nipple, about 10" below the joint. I figured the upward angle would put the bullet into the vitals with that point of aim. Shooting an upright target is definately different than a horizontal animal such as a deer or elk.
The shot was true, but the reaction was almost comical. The baboon threw up one arm as though pointing towards the sky, and his other arm grabbed for the center of his chest. It was a move almost identicle to the over exaggerated moves of the old west movies, where the cowboy gets shot and then double somersaults into the dirt. This baboon did that exact move! He reached, grabbed and flopped. I had to look around to see if that was real, it was so silly it almost seemed fictional and I expected to see someone with a camera come running out to laugh at my reaction. I actually laughed out loud as the rest of the troop scattered, vocally expressing their dislike for me and my gun. When I was sure I was safe, I moved upto my trophy, what I saw was eery at least. The baboon is the most man like thing I have ever killed. The physical similarities are startling and the forward facing eyes... I remember the forward facing eyes like nothing else! I sat and admired the beautiful beast, still a little in shock. Minutes passed before I had the nerve to actually touch it, but once I did, I had to examine his entirety. The muscularity and bone structure is almost human, course hair, long fingers and opposing thumb. I really like baboons, they earned my respect in many ways on this trip.

Baboon skulls like this one, with forward facing eyes and huge teeth, are some of my favorite pieces from my safari.