Jim Shockey's Hunting Adventures Season 8 Episode 17 The Omo Valley: Ethiopian Plains Game

When Jim Shockey heads to Ethiopia for plains game, he's in for an unforgettable adventure. The Omo Valley is one of the most diverse places on earth, home to over 16 different tribes. Jim is here for one reason - to hunt. His first target is the greater kudu, a truly majestic creature that has adapted to life in the harsh African wilderness. But these animals are notoriously elusive, and Jim and his team will have to use all their skills to find them.

As they navigate the rugged terrain, Jim and his team encounter a group of tribespeople who are eager to show them their way of life. Jim is fascinated by their customs and traditions, and spends some time getting to know them. He even tries some of the local food, a feast of roasted goat and maize that is cooked over an open flame. It's a humbling experience, and Jim is grateful for the chance to see life through their eyes.

But he hasn't forgotten why he's here. The team continues to search for the elusive greater kudu, and eventually they spot a group of them on a distant hillside. Jim and his guide stalk them carefully, taking care to stay out of sight. But the wind shifts, and suddenly the kudu are alerted to their presence. They bolt, and Jim is left with just a fleeting glimpse of these magnificent creatures. It's a frustrating moment, but it only spurs him on to try harder.

The next day, they spot another group of kudu, this time in a more accessible area. Jim and his guide stalk them carefully, crawling on their hands and knees to get into position. Finally, they get close enough for Jim to take the shot. It's a clean shot, and the kudu goes down quickly. It's a moment of triumph, but also of reverence. Jim knows that it's thanks to these animals that the local tribes are able to survive, and he's grateful for the chance to experience their way of life.

But the adventure isn't over yet. Jim and his team head to a nearby river, where they hope to find some Nile crocodiles. These massive reptiles are one of Africa's most fearsome predators, and Jim is eager to see them up close. Using a canoe, they paddle down the river, searching for any sign of the crocodiles. They're not disappointed - soon they spot several of these ancient creatures, some of them over 15 feet long.

Jim takes the shot, and one of the crocs goes down. It's a thrilling moment, but also a sobering reminder of just how dangerous these animals can be. Jim knows that he's lucky to have survived the encounter, and he's thankful for the chance to experience the wilds of Ethiopia in all their glory.

As they wrap up their hunt, Jim reflects on the experience. The Omo Valley is a place unlike any other, where the people and the animals exist together in a delicate balance. It's a humbling reminder of just how important it is to preserve these wilderness areas for future generations. Jim knows that he'll never forget his time in Ethiopia, and he's grateful for the chance to have been a part of it.