The Origins Foundation Podcast

Episode 593: Landon Lee – Your First African Hunt
Date: September 16, 2025
Host: Robbie Kroger (Origins Foundation), with Landon Lee and the Trophy Destinations crew: Carl Battenhausen, Oliver Battenhausen, and Ewald (Carl's cousin)

Episode Overview

This special field-recorded episode captures an informal, vivid recap of Landon Lee’s first hunting trip to Africa, specifically a week spent in the Northern Cape region of South Africa. As the winner of an Origins Foundation Springbok Slam hunt, Landon—and a group of experienced local hosts—chronicle the experience, discuss the realities of African hunting (including conservation, tradition, and ethical considerations), compare it to American hunting, and share both humorous and memorable moments from the trip. The episode aims to demystify African hunting for newcomers and show its value to conservation and personal growth.

Main Discussion Points and Insights

1. Introducing the Hunting Crew and Setting

• Hunting takes place on family-run sheep farms in the vast, mountainous Karoo region.
• “We're sitting next to a little river, it's lunchtime. We've been hunting for five, six days already…it's raw, it's authentic.” (Robbie, 00:59)
• The land-holdings are large (13,000+ hectares, aggregated to 50,000+ acres when family plots join), mostly low-fenced for sheep, offering a traditional, free-range African experience.

2. Backstory: How Landon Won the Trip

• Landon Lee is a first-time African hunter, having won the ‘Springbok Slam’ hunt in a transparent Origins Foundation Christmas raffle.
• The surprise was arranged through Landon’s wife and filmed:
  “Completely caught off guard, completely in shock. And then, you know, it's just great that we've actually, you know, made it happen.” (Landon, 11:59)
• Old friendships rekindled: Landon and Robbie first bonded as poor, young, local whitetail hunters in the US.

3. African Hunting Realities: High-Fence vs Low-Fence

• High-fence game ranching: Common in South Africa, allowing intensive management but also requiring introductions/rotation of animals.

• Low-fence, family-operated land: Free range, relying on naturally sustained herds; no seasons or quotas, animals are owned through enclosure laws.

• Animal populations and genetics are carefully managed for sustainability and trophy quality—supplemented only when needed.

  “We didn't want to do the put and take hunting…We called quite a few animals out and brought in some new blood.” (Ewald, 14:00)

4. Wildlife and Conservation Efforts

• Wild Species: Mountain reedbuck, springbok, steenbok, wildebeest, kudu, impala, nyala, sable, blesbok (with color variations).
• Stocking and natural movement: Some species (like kudu) come in naturally; others have been introduced or restocked over decades.
• Ethical harvest and selective hunting are emphasized over maximizing financial return.

5. The “Springbok Slam” and Hunt Stories

What is the Springbok Slam?

Hunting all four color phases: common, black, copper, white springbok.
“I had to Google it. No idea.” (Landon, 17:54)

Breakdowns of Notable Hunts

A. The Best Springbok Hunt

• Landon's favorite was the common springbok:
  • Required stalking within 115 yards, carefully identifying a mature animal.
  • “You had, what, 40 animals right there…they were just zigzag, moving, fighting.” (Landon, 19:59)
  • Challenge of shot placement with so many animals and need for patience.
  • After the shot, took an opportunistic warthog due to their pest status.

B. The Wildebeest Winding Chase

• Initial stalk ruined by an earlier shot; wildebeest herds moved far and kept moving.
• Shooting from rocks with unfamiliar quad shooting sticks, at 270-360 yards.
• Required follow-up; legendary resilience of African plains game:
  • “I've never seen an animal...once he got his feet under him, he was gone. The toughest thing I've ever seen.” (Landon, 32:15)
• Ultimately successful with teamwork and careful tracking across the extensive property.

C. Blesbok Patience Game

• Located at a distance and stalked to within 110 yards.
• Waited an hour for bedded animals to stand:
  • “Literally on the hour mark, for some reason, a crow flew over...both bless bucks stand up. Boom.” (Robbie, 39:21)
• Emphasis on teamwork and observing animal behavior.

D. The Copper Springbok Stalk

• Required multiple repositionings, crawling and creative approaches.
• Tight shot windows, reliance on teamwork for animal identification, and communication complexities.
• The emotional moment when a record-class animal is downed:
  • “Always a good sign when the professional hunters say wow and start...want to grab it before you do.” (Landon, 46:26)

6. Measuring Success and Trophy Records

• Landon’s animals measured among the top ever taken:
  • Common springbok: 23rd biggest by rifle in the world (as per SCI records).
  • Copper springbok: 8th for rifle, 13th overall worldwide.
• “You know you’re not allowed to come back to Africa, right?” (Robbie, 48:12)

7. Cultural Traditions and African Hospitality

• Sharing foods like “Fit Cook” (deep-fried dough stuffed with mince, jam, or cheese):

  • “It's basically a dough, like a donut type of deal. We call it mince—you deep fry it.” (Oliver, 24:49)

• Daily routines involve 8-9 miles of walking—even with the aid of vehicles for access.

• Practical discussions on hunting ethics: shooting from vehicles, “hunting hard” vs “hunting easy,” and how different clients bring different motivations.

  “If you want to hunt hard, you can hunt hard. If you want to hunt medium, you can hunt medium. If you want to hunt easy, you can hunt easy.” (Robbie, 27:15)

8. Reflections and Advice for New African Hunters

• Landon summarizes:
  • “Once if you figure [travel] out, it's easy… Just say, hey, I want to go with you.” (Landon, 50:15)
  • Recommends going with someone experienced and choosing a reputable outfitter.
  • Expresses gratitude for the opportunity, camaraderie, and conservation perspective gained.

9. Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• “There’s a perception around who hunters are, what we’re supposed to be…a feminist that works for a nonprofit...has only eaten wild game for the last 20 years is likely not the thing people think about when it comes to a hunter.” (Robbie, 02:37)
• “Sheep will bug you up. Constantly.” (Robbie, 22:15)
• “You brained...a warthog.” (Robbie, 23:28)
• “You could have hunted 10% of this place on foot without the cruiser.” (Robbie, 26:08)
• “That was the best shot of the trip...straight through the heart, dropped down within 10 yards, was done.” (Robbie, 46:07)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• 00:59-05:24 – Introductions, setting the scene and the team’s background.
• 05:16-12:16 – Landon's backstory, winning the trip, Christmas surprise, and arrival.
• 12:16-16:15 – Explanation of hunting models, ranch management, conservation, and property descriptions.
• 17:47-21:26 – What is the Springbok Slam? Landon's introduction and hunt breakdown.
• 22:15-24:46 – Warthog management and shot recap.
• 25:33-28:13 – Vehicle vs foot approaches, hunting styles & physical challenges.
• 28:13-35:20 – Wildebeest hunt story, the challenge and ethics of follow-up shots.
• 35:50-41:06 – Blesbok stalk and the disciplined wait.
• 41:06-47:01 – Copper springbok hunt, teamwork, and trophy measurement.
• 49:45-51:16 – Wrap up, advice for first-timers, and gratitude.
• 51:30-51:42 – Contact info for Trophy Destinations.

Closing Thoughts

This episode is more than a hunt recap—it’s a field diary on the meaning, culture, and conservation impact of authentic African hunting. The team’s transparency, camaraderie, and humor make it a valuable listen for hunters and non-hunters alike wanting to understand why hunting in Africa is unique, challenging, and often misunderstood.

For more information:

• Trophy Destinations: www.trophydestinations.com
• Contact: Instagram and Facebook DM, or via the website’s form.

Standout Quote:
“Come. I mean, excellent. It’s hectic—travel, accommodations. But once you figure that out, it’s easy. Now I've been through it...You open up your world.”
— Landon Lee (50:15)