2015 WFI LIVE Auction
Hunts - Deer
4-day / 3-night Whitetail Deer Hunt
This donation is for a 170-inch whitetail deer on Texas' largest hunting ranch. To be taken in 2015, this 4-day/3-night hunt from Recordbuck Ranch is for one hunter and one non-hunter. Recordbuck harvested a record number of whitetail deer and exotic animals in 2014. 350 whitetail were taken, including 200 that scored over 165". 90 were taken over 200". 95% return hunters accounted for the beautiful hill country ranch to be sold out of deer hunts in August.
The legendary ranch holds 50 different species of exotics from around the world, with a huge number harvested including many new #1 records in 2013. The method of take is rifle, bow, crossbow, or handgun. Included are beautiful lodging, chef-prepared meals, full bar, 1x1 guide, and field prep. Not included are the license fees ($25 Texas and $315 out of state), packing and shipping of animal, taxidermy, and gratuities. The hunt may be upgraded. Arrival and departure point is RecordBuck. Must set date early because of repeat hunters preference. Must be used in 2015.
http://recordbuck.com
Value: $10,200
Art
Two Original Oil Zebra Paintings
This donation of two original oil paintings is from Linda Besse, SCI Foundation's 2014 Conservation Artist of the Year. These two paintings, each measuring 36"x15" before custom framing, are a modern take on one of Africa's most iconic animals: the zebra. Painted by layering dozens of glazing washes on hand-gessoed hardboard, the luminous oil colors will make these pieces a wonderful addition to your home, office, or trophy room.
The story of Linda Besse's relationship with art springs from her deep appreciation of nature. Her lifelong fascination with wildlife has taken her to all seven continents and continues to drive her craft. With field sketches and photographs as reference, Linda strives to capture the inherent artistry of nature in the places she has researched in her travels.
Linda's Bachelor and Master of Science in Geology degrees give her a unique perspective in the understanding and exploration of varied environments. Landscapes and wildlife from the high mountains of Alaska to the remote tundra of Labrador to the dry river beds of Africa to the frozen expanse of Antarctica have guided her inspiration. It was a chance encounter in Hawaii in 1990 that led Linda to art. After spotting an artist painting outside, she decided she wanted to learn to paint. She went home, bought oil paints, and began.
Complete devotion to her full-time painting career leads to the authenticity Linda is able to portray in her paintings. She has been juried into prestigious art shows, including Birds in Art at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum; and the Endangered Species - Flora and Fauna exhibit, whose tour included the Department of the Interior building in Washington D.C. Collectors on four continents own and value her work, and she is a Signature member in the exclusive Society of Animal Artists. However, these accomplishments are all secondary to the feeling she gets when huddled in the field observing her earliest passion: animals in their pure and natural habitats.
http://besseart.com
Value: $10,000
International Hunts
10/11-day Russian Hunt
ProfiHunt Ltd has donated this 10- or 11-day Russian hunt for 1 hunter for Kuban Tur or Mid-Caucasian Tur, including seven (7) days of hunting. Caucasian Chamois can be added for an addition $6,500. The hunt includes full service from/to Mineralnyi, Vody, and must be taken August-November 2015. The donation does not include air fare, gratuities, or accommodations before and after the hunt.
http://profihunt.com
Value: $12,500
Hunting
Televised Hunt from Rugged Expeditions and J. Alain Smith
Join J. Alain Smith on a 10-day Cape Buffalo hunt in Michel Mantheakas' Lukwati concession of Tanzania, where you will take a Cape buffalo on camera for an episode that will air on Alain’s hit television show Rugged Expeditions during the 2015 season.
High bidder will join Alan Sackman and J. Alain Smith on August 6th, 2015, to begin this hunt of a lifetime. If you are not interested in having fun, do not bid on this hunt! Dates cannot be changed or altered. Included are: daily rate for 10 days, trophy fee for one Cape buffalo. High bidder can take any other species available in the concession on a 14-day license. The high bidder will have to purchase the 14-day license as well as pay the trophy fees on any animals collected other than the Cape buffalo. The hunt cannot be extended to more days in this camp; however, arrangements can be made for the high bidder to book with the outfitter for alternative hunting opportunities in Tanzania at their own expense.
Hunt does not include air charter fees or any other flights. A charter fee is typically $5,000.00. It may be possible to split the charter price with another hunter. Hotels before and after the hunt are not included. Hunter needs to arrive in camp the afternoon before the hunt and depart the day after the hunt is completed. Michel Mantheakas can assist with making internal charter or commercial flight arrangements, but those costs are not included in this donation. Also not included are any other flights, hotel before and after the hunt, Government hunting license and optional trophy fees.
Dates are 6-15 August 2015.
http://ruggedexpeditions.com
Value: $60,000
Vacation Packages
Cabela Home Visit
Come spend two days and two nights with Mary Cabela as she personally escorts you through a private tour of her home and trophy room. This once-in-a-lifetime experience, for four couples, is good for the calendar year of 2015 and includes all meals as well as accommodations at Mary's home. Upon arrival into Denver (either DIA or the private airport near Mary's home), you will rent a car and make the 2.5-hour drive to Mary's home in Nebraska. Enjoy dinner with Mary at a restaurant of her choice.
The following day, tour the Cabela home with Mary as your guide and listen to the stories that inspired Dick and Mary to build this dream home. Hear the echoing sounds of the wildlife as you roam through the Rainforest to the South Pacific, meanwhile a rain storm moves in, complete with crashing lighting and thunder that gives your heart a skip and for a moment you forget you’re inside. The trophy room encompasses 15,000 square feet, featuring mountains, caves, authentic trees, more than 500 animals and 300 birds, waterfalls, a swimming pool/lagoon, a changing sky full of stars at night and billowing white clouds during the day. Throughout the home each room has been designed to fit into the overall theme, with woodwork by master craftsmen, Julian and Sons. The entire home breathes through indigenous artwork, as well as paintings and sculptures by such world-class artists as John Banovich, Guy Coheleach and Doug Van Howd. The Cabela home has to be seen to believe it. It is more than a trophy room, even more than a house. It is a dedication to the outdoor traditions to pass down to future generations. After the tour, enjoy cocktails and a catered dinner there at the home.
Following breakfast the next morning, you'll drive back to your airport of choice and head home! The winning bidder MUST schedule this trip immediately, as Mary travels quite a lot and this trip is only good for the 2015 calendar year. Please contact info@weatherbyfoundation.com with any questions.
Value: Priceless
Inside the Home
Table Scenario
Here is your opportunity to own original sterling silver Patrick Mavros pieces. This stunning collection includes the following: a pair of wine coasters, one depicting an elephant scene and the other a hippo scene; twelve (12) animal place-card holders, from sables to crocs to guinea fowl; and two (2) pairs of hippo salt & pepper shakers. Don't allow this fantastic donation to be bought by anyone other than YOU! These phenomenal and stunning pieces are donated in memory of Casey Clem.
http://patrickmavros.com
Value: $15,680
Art
Banovich ORIGINAL painting: "Fengxong Xai" 16” x 20” Oil on Belgian Linen
John Banovich is a long-time donor to the Weatherby Foundation, and is best known for painting bold, dramatic scenes of iconic wildlife and nature in its most essential form, and has achieved extraordinary popularity across the globe. Through his own conservation work with the Banovich Wildscapes Foundation, and through his breathtaking visual narratives, the artist has brought the plight of wildlife and wild places to the attention of an international audience.
“The Giant Panda is known as the Symbol of Peace to the Chinese people, as it is believed to be the only bear that does not kill. Its diet is almost entirely vegetarian, with bamboo making up nearly 99% of its forage. As a guest of the Chinese government last fall, I had the privilege to visit the breeding center in the "Green City” of Chengdu in the Sichuan Province and search the mountains of the Fengxong Xai Nature Reserve for this gentle giant. I passed through the extraordinary mountain vistas in Baoxing County, the place where the Panda was first discovered by French Missionary, Armand David. Today it is highly endangered, with approximately only 1600 remaining in the wild and relegated to high mountain regions where the Shong Mao (Mandarin name for Panda, meaning Bearcat) seeks to find a peaceful sanctuary. These pandas have found a little slice of paradise next to a small stream, a scene similar to one I experienced in the nature reserve.” ~ John Banovich
The framed dimensions of this piece are 22.5" x 26.5".
http://johnbanovich.com
Value: $17,000
International Hunts
10-day Plains Game Safari
Enjoy the ultimate South African safari experience with Hannes Els of Limcroma Safaris. With nearly 200,000 acres of privately-owned and closely-managed hunting concessions, Limcroma Safaris operates full-service safari adventures in the Limpopo Province - the premiere hunting destination in South Africa. This exclusive donation includes 10 days of hunting for the Spiral Horn Slam: Kudu, Eland, Nyala, and Bushbuck.
Included are daily rates for one (1) hunter and one (1) observer, trophy fees for Kudu, Eland, Nyala, and Bushbuck, licensed professional hunter, tracker, skinner, camp staff, and daily laundry service. Guests will enjoy delectable cuisine prepared in traditional South African fashion, wild game dishes, and beverages including famous South African wines and local beers. Accommodations include luxurious native thatched five-star chalets with ensuite baths. Upon arrival at Or Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, guests will personally be met by a Limcroma Safaris representative and transported to their private game lodge.
Limcroma Safaris' well-equipped camp, located in a rich game area, combined with the skills of Hannes Els and his well-trained trackers and camp staff, will ensure an unforgettable safari in the African bush with luxury, comfort, and the best quality trophies South Africa hunting has to offer. Even noted bow hunter, rocker, and conservationist Ted Nugent has hunted with Limcroma Safaris and described his safari with Hannes as nothing less than a "perfect" experience.
Safari can be upgraded to include additional Plains Game and Dangerous Game species as per current price list prepared at a reduced rate exclusively for the winning bidder from the Weatherby Foundation International 2015 Gala. This exclusive safari is available for scheduling during available dates March-November 2015 or 2016.
Additional hunters are welcome at the reduced rate of $400 per day, and additional observers at the rate of $250 per day.
Hunters & Obersvers are responsible for the following:
*airfare to and from Johannesburg International Airport in South Africa
*round-trip transportation from Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport to Limcroma Safaris' private game lodge at the rate of $600 per group
*Any pre- or post-safari accommodations
Tips and gratuities for the professional hunter, tracker/skinner, and camp staff are appreciated. Please note this donation may not be sold, transferred, or assigned to another party without the express written permission of Limcroma Safaris and the Weatherby Foundation International Gala where the donation was purchased.
http://limcroma.com
Value: $19,200
Vacation Packages
Jackson Hole Vacation
This donation is from Buck & Ann Woodruff, and is for a seven-night, eight-day stay at their property The Cabin in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. A three-bedroom, two-bathroom home that sleeps 10, The Cabin is a lovely 1940s log home set into a hillside on the slopes of Snow King, the original ski mountain in downtown Jackson. Green lawns, wildflowers and woods apron The Cabin; towering shade trees keep it cool and secret in summer and brimming with sunlight in winter. Summer concerts at Snow King fill the house with music; the Alpine Slide is within walking distance, and the bustling boutiques, restaurants and galleries of Jackson are just down the hill.
The Cabin is fully and beautifully updated, with handcrafted furnishings and rich Great Camp décor. An atmosphere of elegance, warmth and welcome pervades the house. Thick log walls are adorned with vintage photos and glowing oil paintings. Old oak floors are spread with antique Navajo rugs; skylights flood the house with light.
The Cabin is tucked in to a hillside just above town, a rare and graceful retreat in Jackson Hole’s vibrant center. Everything is quickly and easily accessible from here – downtown Jackson, the rodeo, the Teton County Fair. And yet the property is a true sanctuary, screened with trees and a yard big enough for lawn games, outdoor dining, fireside ghost stories - even campouts, lit by lanterns and a million stars.
The Cabin comes with a fully-equipped kitchen and a full set of linen and terry. The winning bidders are also welcome to use the concierge service, which can set up activities, grocery delivery, and anything else they may need!
No pets, no smoking.
For more details on the property itself, click here http://www.theclearcreekgroup.com/property-details/?unitcode=1621-63963&defaultdate=12-10-2014 for all the specs.
Value: $5,600
Art
Verdite Sculpture of Native Zulu Chief
From Call of Africa, this donation is an incredibly detailed and beautiful original verdite sculpture by renowned Zimbabwean sculptor James Tandi. The sculpture measures 20"h x 11"l x 10"w and depicts native Zulu chief Dingane kaSenzangakhona Zulu (ca. 1795–1840) – commonly referred to as Dingane or Dingaan.
Dingane was a Zulu chief who became king of the Zulu Kingdom in 1828 after assassinating his half-brother Shaka with the help of another brother. They were traditionally said to have killed Shaka because of his increasingly brutal behavior after the death of his mother Nandi. The assassination took place at present-day Stanger. Some modern historians have assessed Dingane as the king responsible for the decline of the Zulu military superiority in southern Africa. He was a popular leader among the people and came into power at a challenging time; the fall of the Zulu kingdom to the European colonists might have occurred even under Shaka's rule, as numerous ethnic European colonists were entering the area from the Cape Colony, and they possessed guns and weaponry far superior to the Zulu spear.
In November 1837, Dingane met with Piet Retief, leader of the Voortrekkers. In return for their recovering some stolen cattle, Dingane signed a deed of cession of lands (written in English) to the Voortrekkers. After two days of feasting, on 6 February 1838, the chief had Retief and his diplomatic party killed. At the same time, Dingane's forces ambushed and killed Retief's trek party, about 500 Boers, including men, women and children. The Boers called this the Weenen massacre. The nearby present-day town of Weenen (Dutch for "weeping") was named by early settlers in memory of the massacre.
Dingane also ordered his army to seek and kill the group of Voortrekkers under Andries Pretorius. The Zulu impis attacked the Voortrekker encampment, but they were crushingly defeated in the ensuing Battle of Blood River. An estimated 3,000 Zulus were killed, while three Voortrekkers were slightly wounded. Dingane's commander at the battle was Ndlela kaSompisi.
In January 1840, Pretorius and a force of 400 Boers helped Mpande in his revolt against Dingane, which resulted in the latter's overthrow and death. At the Battle of Maqongqo many of Dingane's own men deserted to Mpande's army. Dingane had his general Ndlela kaSompisi executed. With a few followers he sought refuge in Nayawo territory on the Lubombo mountains. A group of Nyawo and Swazi assassinated Dingane in Hlatikhulu Forest.
He was succeeded by Mpande as king, who was half-brother to both Dingane and Shaka. His grave is in the near Ingwavuma in the Hlatikulu Forest - an hour drive from Tembe elephant park.
Sculptor James Tandi continues to amaze collectors and critics alike with his masterful sculptures of Africa’s native people and wildlife. Under the tutelage of his older brother, Nicholas Tandi, James quickly showed a natural talent for sculpting. James works in the classical method using hammer and chisel to beautifully capture the native African people and indigenous wildlife of southern Africa in verdite.
Known as the “green stone of Africa”, verdite is highly sought-after by artists. Only the more experienced sculptor will dare to sculpt from this hard stone. Verdite rates between a 7.0 and a 9.0 on the universally-used Mohs hardness scale (hardness depends on the amount of Corundum industrial ruby inclusions in the particular piece of stone). Verdite’s color is unique in that it boasts an emerald-looking quality with beautiful brown, blue, and green striations. Verdite is fast becoming rare, and is difficult to find.
Each sculpture begins with James visiting the verdite mine, where he selects his own stone. Unlike marble, which can be cut to accommodate the subject of the sculpture, verdite comes from the mine in a variety of shapes which will invariably dictate what will be created. James refers to this process as “revealing the spirit which is within the stone”. After painstakingly removing layer upon layer of stone and carving each minute detail, the sculpture is wet-sanded and fired to a high temperature before applying stone wax. Each piece is then hand-polished to a beautiful luster.
James has participated in international one-man and group exhibitions. His list of collectors has grown steadily over the years, and his works can be found in both African and North American museums.
http://nativevisions.com
Value: $11,999
Vacation Packages
Trophy Bass Fishing Retreat
Ten miles from the center of Athens, TX, past an empty white shack that used to be May's Cafe, you'll find a county road with a number but no name that leads to an electric gate, accessible only to those who know the code. You think you are in the middle of nowhere, in what looks like an outpost of some long-forgotten neighborhood. Only you aren't. You are at the gates of one of the oldest hunting & fishing clubs in North America. There is a 40-year waiting list with a former President vying for membership! This is one of the last bastions of true Texas society.
This donation is for a three-night, four-day stay at one of the oldest, most prestigious private hunting and fishing clubs in the United States. Club members Wilson & Susan Stout have generously donated this stay, which is good for one couple during the 2015 or 2016 calendar years. They will be your hosts to make your weekend magical! While dates are open, the fishing is best in March, April, and May. Catch & release trophy black bass in a lake donated by a former Texas governor. Bass are catch & release only, though crappy and brim can be eaten or taken home. This donation includes a fishing guide for your expeditions. Stay with the Stouts at their cabin after arrival in Dallas (fly into DFW or a private landing strip if coordinated). The dates are to be mutually agreed upon and there is a real possibility to hunt alligator as well. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the lore of this hallowed hunting ground. This donation includes lodging, fishing, food & drinks, fun, and a possible alligator hunt.
Value: Priceless
Hunts - Hog
Hog Deer Hunt
This hog deer hunt from Moro Game Reserve for one hunter in Karachi includes airport transfers, rifle hire, room & board, trophy, field preparation of trophy, and services of the camp staff. Non-hunters may be added at a price of $300 per person per day. The hunt can be upgraded to take a black buck, a jackal, a boar, an Axis deer, or a nilgai. Contact Salim Khan for details. Weapons: wide range or rifles. The donation does not include tips & gratuities, any stay or expenses in Karachi, any other expenses, or any observers, and must be taken January, February, or March 2015/2016.
Value: $8,000
2015 WFI LIVE Auction
Inside the Home
Elephant Candelabra Pair
Patrick Mavros is recognized as one of the world's most accomplished sculptors. Each of his pieces are individually hand-made using the age-old art of lost-wax casting, whereby the mould is only used once. Working with silver allows Patrick to express both the precious nature and essential purity of his subject: wildlife. This pair of elephant candelabra is exquisite in detail and splendor. When lit, the candles allow the sculpture to come alive! Coveted by many, this is an opportunity to own a stunning piece that will enhance any area. This pair of candelabra is donated in memory of Casey Clem.
http://patrickmavros.com
Value: $27,000
Medium - Sculptures
Markhor Bronze
This beautiful markhor is an original bronze from Doug Van Howd on a black granite base, measuring 25" high x 24" wide x 14" deep. Doug is well-known worldwide for his wildlife and western creations. He has twice been received as a guest of the government of Taiwan to present his works to President Chiang Ching-Kuo and President Lee Teng-hui. His bald eagle “Masters of the Wind” is displayed in the office of the Secretary of the Interior, Washington DC, and his portrait of Attorney General Edwin Meece hangs in the Hall of Justice.
http://dougvanhowd.com
Value: $7,500
International Hunts
Capra Specie Hunt
Kaan Karakaya from Shikar Safaris has donated this hunt for one (1) Capra specie for one (1) hunter is very flexible. The luckiest bidder will choose one of the following countries and species:
*Turkey - Anatolian (Bezoar) Ibex - up to 7 days, up to gold medal - arrival & departure city is Istanbul, and season is November to March
*Spain - Beceite, Gredos, Ronda or Southeastern Ibex - up to three (3) days, up to silver medal - arrival & departure city is Madrid, and season is November to March
*Azerbaijan - Eastern Tur - up to five (5) days, any size - arrival & departure city is Baku, season is December to March
*Pakistan - Himalayan Ibex - up to seven (7) days, any size - arrival and departure city is Islamabad, season is December to March
Each hunt is scheduled for 3-7 days hunt + two days traveling, and the hunt can be tabken in the 2015-2016 season. This hunt can be upgraded to include any other Asian & European big game such as any species of Ibex, Markhors, Argalis, Urials, Mouflons, Stags, and Chamois. Ask Khan about all the options and to schedule the hunt.
Included in this hunt are:
One (1) trophy fee (up to the mentioned size), 1x1 guiding, hunting licenses, all hunting organization, full board accommodation during the hunt, daily fees, gun import permit, infield trophy case, visa invitation, and airport handling. This hunt must be taken during the 2015/2016 season.
Not included with this hunt are hotels and sightseeing tours before/after the hunts, all international/domestic flights or charters or fast trains (in Spain), trophy shipments, visa fees, and insurance.
http://shikarsafaris.com
Value: $17,500
Fine Jewelry
Floating Semi-Precious Faceted Stone & Diamond Necklace
Sands Point Jewelers has donated this stunning 14kt white gold necklace set with 7.25ct of round brilliant cut diamonds also features:
Two (2) 14x12 oval blue topaz faceted
One (1) 10mm round madeira topaz faceted
One (1) 9x7 pear-shaped faceted green tourmaline
One (1) 16x12 pear-shaped faceted amethyst
One (1) 12mm cushion smoky topaz faceted
One (1) 15x12 oval citrine topaz faceted
One (1) 12x10 octagon amethyst faceted
One (1) 13x10 oval peridot faceted
One (1) 12mm cushion-shaped blue topaz faceted
One (1) 18x12 pear-shaped rose quartz
One (1) 9mm round faceted peridot
One (1) 9x7 pear-shaped faceted pink tourmaline
http://sandspointshop.com
Value: $38,000
International Hunts
21-day Dream Safari
Eric Pasanisi and Tanganyika Wildlife Safaris have donated a full 21-day Ultimate Safari in Tanzania in honor of 2014 Weatherby Winner Renee Snider. The safari will be in one of their fantastic Selous Reserves Concessions. In the Selous Reserve you will not find any permanent residences, villages, or cattle: only real wild Africa. You will hunt from deluxe tented camps with flush toilets and showers. All species on the Tanzania hunting license for the Selous will be on the hunter license.
The 21-day safari is for one (1) hunter and one (1) non-hunter. The value of this donation is $72,850, and includes one (1) PH, preparation of trophies per license, veterinary treatment, packing, crating, documents, customs, long-distance tax per hunting vehicle, and some alcoholic beverages. The non-hunter can upgrade to a full hunter by paying the normal fees of the TWS price list. The safari can be taken in 2015, 2016, or 2017.
The clients will need to pay transportation to and from the country, government fees, hunting license, air charter, gratuities to the camp staff & car crew, gratuities to the PH, any French wines/champagne/special liquors/celebratory drinks offered to the staff, a $20 per person departure tax unless prepaid by your travel agent, a $120 import tax per firearm payable at the airport in cash, and ammunition tax of approximately $30 per 100 rounds, all per the TWS price list ($34,040). The hunter only pays trophy fees on game killed or wounded plus a 30% contribution for the expansion of Tanzanian villages. For clarification, please closely read the footnotes on the TWS price list, and contact info@weatherbyfoundation.com for a copy. (The price list and details are included as image numbers 2 and 3 above.)
Tanganyika Wildlife Safaris is Africa’s largest Safari Company, established over 47 years ago in Tanzania. For further information or questions on this donation, please contact Eric Pasanisi at ericpasanisi@hotmail.com. PLEASE NOTE: Any ivory taken during this hunt is NOT importable to the United States, but IS importable to any other country.
Value: $72,850