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Elephant hunting..!
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Yes..what is it with these animals that make us nuts about hunting them...size, appearance..intellect...??

I must confess to be addicted, to the extent that I (well almost..) don't care so much about other hunting..buy too many large bore rifles and spend too much time reading about the subject and shooting and testing rifles..boy oh boy...what a fun, albeit expensive hobby... Big Grin

Wife says I am deranged.. Confused



 
Posts: 3974 | Location: Vell, I yust dont know.. | Registered: 27 March 2005Reply With Quote
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Hunting elephant is one of those things that if you have not experienced it...you will not understand.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
J. Lane Easter, DVM

A born Texan has instilled in his system a mind-set of no retreat or no surrender. I wish everyone the world over had the dominating spirit that motivates Texans.– Billy Clayton, Speaker of the Texas House

No state commands such fierce pride and loyalty. Lesser mortals are pitied for their misfortune in not being born in Texas.— Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to Texas in May, 1991.
 
Posts: 38124 | Location: Gainesville, TX | Registered: 24 December 2006Reply With Quote
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Agreed Lane...now I understand why the (ivory)hunters of yesteryear were so obsessed by hunting them..



 
Posts: 3974 | Location: Vell, I yust dont know.. | Registered: 27 March 2005Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by Pondoro:
Agreed Lane...now I understand why the (ivory)hunters of yesteryear were so obsessed by hunting them..


100%


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
J. Lane Easter, DVM

A born Texan has instilled in his system a mind-set of no retreat or no surrender. I wish everyone the world over had the dominating spirit that motivates Texans.– Billy Clayton, Speaker of the Texas House

No state commands such fierce pride and loyalty. Lesser mortals are pitied for their misfortune in not being born in Texas.— Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to Texas in May, 1991.
 
Posts: 38124 | Location: Gainesville, TX | Registered: 24 December 2006Reply With Quote
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It is the purest form of hunting not to mention dangerous as hell.
 
Posts: 12116 | Location: Orlando, FL | Registered: 26 January 2006Reply With Quote
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Might be a slight hope of Botswana opening on buffalo and ele...seems the new president cares more about people, their crops etc. than wildlife..

Botswana now have some 230.000 elephant...madness..!



 
Posts: 3974 | Location: Vell, I yust dont know.. | Registered: 27 March 2005Reply With Quote
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If I may ask, by way of small diversion, how do you guys who have done both rate elephant hunting against buff hunting ? I have never contemplated ele hunting but have hunted buff which is in my top tier of hunts I would, and am doing again.


Hunting.... it's not everything, it's the only thing.
 
Posts: 2098 | Location: New Zealand's North Island | Registered: 13 November 2014Reply With Quote
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I get asked this question many times.

And the only answer I found that seems satisfactory to non hunters is the fact that both elephants and buffalo are so big, it very hard to miss them.


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Posts: 68911 | Location: Dubai, UAE | Registered: 08 January 1998Reply With Quote
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I would only hunt ele's the rest of my life if I could afford it. Addicting is not quite enough word or explanation.
 
Posts: 2752 | Registered: 10 March 2006Reply With Quote
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+100



 
Posts: 3974 | Location: Vell, I yust dont know.. | Registered: 27 March 2005Reply With Quote
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I think they are different in that elephant is more physical- you walk further usually. Buffalo are more predictable IMO than elephant, and I think the elephant is probably more dangerous.

That said, stalking a elephant and a dagga boy is quite similar.

I enjoy both. Can’t say one or the other is always preferred.
 
Posts: 11107 | Location: Minnesota USA | Registered: 15 June 2007Reply With Quote
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Oh Boy, I miss it, Andre and Lane, I hear you
I’m due to go again
Larry is right as well
No one can understand Elephant hunting until they do it


" Until the day breaks and the nights shadows flee away " Big ivory for my pillow and 2.5% of Neanderthal DNA flowing thru my veins.
When I'm ready to go, pack a bag of gunpowder up my ass and strike a fire to my pecker, until I squeal like a boar.
Yours truly , Milan The Boarkiller - World according to Milan
PS I have big boar on my floor...but it ain't dead, just scared to move...

Man should be happy and in good humor until the day he dies...
Only fools hope to live forever
“ Hávamál”
 
Posts: 13376 | Location: In mountains behind my house hunting or drinking beer in Blacksmith Brewery in Stevensville MT or holed up in Lochsa | Registered: 27 December 2012Reply With Quote
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During my more active days of hunting, mainly in Tanzania, I would always ask my PH (George Angelides, Nicky Blunt, Gerard Ambrose, Mike Branham, Andre de Kock, Ronnie McFarlane):

If you had to pick one animal to hunt in Africa, what would it be? Not one of them even hesitated in their answer: Elephant.
 
Posts: 277 | Registered: 14 July 2006Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by ledvm:
Hunting elephant is one of those things that if you have not experienced it...you will not understand.
tu2 tu2
 
Posts: 186 | Registered: 28 February 2006Reply With Quote
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Will probably make me bankrupt one day but...elephants cannot compare with any other hunting! The better part of 250 days after them and never get tired.


diego
 
Posts: 645 | Location: madrid spain | Registered: 31 October 2007Reply With Quote
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To me elephant hunting is a unique experience and can't really be compared to buffalo or anything else. Joe Coogan who apprenticed with Harry Selby, spent many years hunting Botswana and as a gun scribe told me that approaching an elephant with rifle in hand intending on killing that elephant was a very special thing. For me truer word were never spoken.

Mark


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Posts: 13050 | Location: LAS VEGAS, NV USA | Registered: 04 August 2002Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by MARK H. YOUNG:
To me elephant hunting is a unique experience and can't really be compared to buffalo or anything else. Joe Coogan who apprenticed with Harry Selby, spent many years hunting Botswana and as a gun scribe told me that approaching an elephant with rifle in hand intending on killing that elephant was a very special thing. For me truer word were never spoken.

Mark


I have said that exact thing to many people over the years. There is nothing else like hunting elephants. The only downside to elephant hunting is that, it has ruined me for most other hunting. I enjoy hunting plainsgame or deer here in North America, but after elephant hunting they don't get my heart rate going like they did in the past.

That being said, I still love hunting buffalo. Stalking in close to dagga boys in thick bush, now that still gets the heart rate up.


Go Duke!!
 
Posts: 1299 | Location: Texas | Registered: 25 January 2009Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by 30.06king:
If I may ask, by way of small diversion, how do you guys who have done both rate elephant hunting against buff hunting ? I have never contemplated ele hunting but have hunted buff which is in my top tier of hunts I would, and am doing again.


I have done a lot of both. Those are my two favorites to hunt in Africa. I prefer the elephant personally. To me, it is for several reasons.


First and foremost is that it is the truest form of hunting in the sense that we are tracking/hunting a single animal. We do that by following his unique track. Granted there may be others around but we are on that unique track. We are not following a herd or group like one often does with buffalo.

We often have to get far closer to an elephant to even make a determination which is the right animal, far closer than one ever would with a buffalo. I have been within 10 yards of elephants just trying to determine if he was the right one. This greatly increases the element of danger. Slipping in and out of the elephants without them knowing that you are there is very exciting.


I love the physical aspects of elephant hunting. The further we walk the better. Generally, I walk much further elephant hunting than buff hunting. The most I have ever done was getting on tracks just after daylight. We followed them all day. We caught them about sunset. I turned the bull down. How far did we walk? A long damn way! Certainly at least 25 miles.
 
Posts: 12116 | Location: Orlando, FL | Registered: 26 January 2006Reply With Quote
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The word I would use to try to best describe my elephant hunting experience is fulfilling.At its best it involves tracking a single, very large,intriguing and wonderful animal over many miles.The area covering all kinds of terrain, villages,etc...this I believe due in part to its large foot print or spoor.One gets a feeling of having an immense territory exclusively reserved for your hunting experience.Once the elephant is down the adventure does not end and is quite an experience in itself.That said, after going 20 days without seeing a shootable bull I doubt that I would do it again.In Moz I hunted with Rich in an area that was new to him and that made the hunt even more challenging and thus rewarding.I feel we were very lucky to get that bull.IMO there are just not that many around and I am not that crazy about the idea of hunting ele in areas bordering national parks or ele that have been identified and hanging around to be shot-if that be the case.If we could go 10 or 15 years back I would do it again.It might not have cost as much and I would not be worried about coming back empty handed.Tuskless hunts have never interested me but I might consider one in the future.
 
Posts: 11651 | Location: Montreal | Registered: 07 November 2002Reply With Quote
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In 2014 we followed the same elephant for four days. Never did see him.
Elephant for me.
I don’t know if I will ever spend what it takes for another Trophy bull, but there are tuskless in my future. You lose the aspect of tracking a particular animal, but sorting out a shooter without a dependent calf in a herd in thick Jesse is really intense.
 
Posts: 1981 | Location: South Dakota | Registered: 22 August 2004Reply With Quote
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Stop already....now you guys just make me want to go elephant hunting again! I can't take all this temptation.


Aaron Neilson
Global Hunting Resources
303-619-2872: Cell
globalhunts@aol.com
www.huntghr.com

 
Posts: 4888 | Location: Boise, Idaho | Registered: 05 March 2009Reply With Quote
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For those of you who haven't tried it...try hunting them at night...that really gets the adrenaline flowing.. Smiler

Richard Harland wrote a chapter about it in his splendid book Ndlovu..



 
Posts: 3974 | Location: Vell, I yust dont know.. | Registered: 27 March 2005Reply With Quote
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I have only hunted elephant once. Shot my bull on Day 13 of a 14 Day hunt. By Day 10 I honestly felt, for the first time on any hunt in my life, that if I went home without pulling the trigger I would not have any regrets, as I had truly hunted elephant. I will echo the others-until you have done it, it is very hard to understand the difference.


"Never, ever, book a hunt with Jeri Booth or Detail Company Adventures"
 
Posts: 489 | Location: San Antonio, Texas | Registered: 09 November 2010Reply With Quote
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Originally posted by Marty:
In 2014 we followed the same elephant for four days. Never did see him.


Deep Crack


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2015 His & Her Leopards with Derek Littleton of Luwire Safaris - http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/2971090112
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DIY Brooks Range Sheep Hunt 2013 - http://forums.accuratereloadin...901038191#9901038191
Zambia June/July 2012 with Andrew Baldry - Royal Kafue http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/7971064771
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Namibia Sept 2010 - ARUB Safaris http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6781076141
 
Posts: 7624 | Location: Alaska | Registered: 05 February 2008Reply With Quote
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Ele hunting has left me with little desire to hunt other species. I don't know that I can put it into words as to why. It's the pinnacle.

My last ele hunt was for a trophy bull in Dec. 2013 with CMS. That's the last animal I've pulled the trigger on. I've hunted a little for whitetail deer locally since but I haven't shot anything since that last trip to Zim. And no, I've not gone soft or had any great change of heart towards hunting. I guess the best way of saying it is that all else pales in comparison and I've lost interest, at least temporarily.

That said, my oldest son and I are planning on doing a buff hunt with Buzz next summer. Maybe that'll get the juices flowing again. If not, I suppose another ele will have to be scheduled at some point. Like most, I just haven't figured out a way to pay for hunting eles as much as I'd like to ... at least so far.
 
Posts: 8525 | Registered: 09 January 2011Reply With Quote
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I have not read a post from an ele hunter above that I disagree with.

Hunting buff is great. The best I can describe it is this: Take everything you like about buffalo hunting and multiply it by 10.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
J. Lane Easter, DVM

A born Texan has instilled in his system a mind-set of no retreat or no surrender. I wish everyone the world over had the dominating spirit that motivates Texans.– Billy Clayton, Speaker of the Texas House

No state commands such fierce pride and loyalty. Lesser mortals are pitied for their misfortune in not being born in Texas.— Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to Texas in May, 1991.
 
Posts: 38124 | Location: Gainesville, TX | Registered: 24 December 2006Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by Todd Williams:
Ele hunting has left me with little desire to hunt other species. I don't know that I can put it into words as to why. It's the pinnacle.

My last ele hunt was for a trophy bull in Dec. 2013 with CMS. That's the last animal I've pulled the trigger on. I've hunted a little for whitetail deer locally since but I haven't shot anything since that last trip to Zim. And no, I've not gone soft or had any great change of heart towards hunting. I guess the best way of saying it is that all else pales in comparison and I've lost interest, at least temporarily.

That said, my oldest son and I are planning on doing a buff hunt with Buzz next summer. Maybe that'll get the juices flowing again. If not, I suppose another ele will have to be scheduled at some point. Like most, I just haven't figured out a way to pay for hunting eles as much as I'd like to ... at least so far.


Well, you're pretty good on mule deer with a muzzleloader too buddy! Smiler


Aaron Neilson
Global Hunting Resources
303-619-2872: Cell
globalhunts@aol.com
www.huntghr.com

 
Posts: 4888 | Location: Boise, Idaho | Registered: 05 March 2009Reply With Quote
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I consider myself a relaxed cool calm hunter but getting close to Elephant makes me tremble with excitement and fear
 
Posts: 5886 | Location: Sydney,Australia  | Registered: 03 July 2005Reply With Quote
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What bullets do you gentlemen prefer on elephant..? Personally I have use Woodleigh, Hornady DGS and Rhino brass bullets...all worked well.

I plan on trying 500 grain Barnes banded next time in my .470..if I can get them to regulate in the Krieghoff..



 
Posts: 3974 | Location: Vell, I yust dont know.. | Registered: 27 March 2005Reply With Quote
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Cutting Edge Bullets Safari Solids or North Fork Solids.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
J. Lane Easter, DVM

A born Texan has instilled in his system a mind-set of no retreat or no surrender. I wish everyone the world over had the dominating spirit that motivates Texans.– Billy Clayton, Speaker of the Texas House

No state commands such fierce pride and loyalty. Lesser mortals are pitied for their misfortune in not being born in Texas.— Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to Texas in May, 1991.
 
Posts: 38124 | Location: Gainesville, TX | Registered: 24 December 2006Reply With Quote
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Elephant hunting is good but if money was no object I would still like my next hunts to be buff or leopard or lion.If you don't think cat hunting can be exciting just read Corbett.I am not a gambler-at least I think so but I believe a little risk or challenge has big pay back.If a hunt is made easy it is not much fun.Things like hunting buff out of large herds, pre baiting cats and locating ele bulls before a hunter arrives don't make a great hunt. Hunting in an area that is known not to contain game doesn't either.
 
Posts: 11651 | Location: Montreal | Registered: 07 November 2002Reply With Quote
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I second the choice of CEB solids for Ele ( tu2 Lane). I have taken my last 3 with their bullets in 458Lott, 458B&M and 500NE; all 3 required only the insurance to close the deal. I prefer the frontal brain as I have found nothing to compare with tracking up on an Ele intending to use that particular shot.

I had Ele on quota with Buzz for this past April-May but had to cancel when I experienced my first ever Migraine w/Aura and the Docs said NO GO. My SIL went alone and took another Ele and another Hippo. He had a second Ele on quota. Spent the next 6 days searching but they couldn't find another one without a dependent calf. Apparently a great calf survival rate the past two years due to good rains. Should make Ele hunting good for some years in Dande.


Mike
______________
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DRSS (again)
SCI Life
NRA Life
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Mzuri
IPHA

"To be a Marine is enough."
 
Posts: 3577 | Location: Silicon Valley | Registered: 19 November 2008Reply With Quote
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If I could do anything all of the time, it would be on the track of an elephant. Of all the hunting I have done, elephant hunting has been the most exhilarating, emotional and challenging.


Tim

 
Posts: 592 | Registered: 18 April 2009Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by Pondoro:
What bullets do you gentlemen prefer on elephant..? Personally I have use Woodleigh, Hornady DGS and Rhino brass bullets...all worked well.

I plan on trying 500 grain Barnes banded next time in my .470..if I can get them to regulate in the Krieghoff..

WOODLEIGH Hydros from a double and plain FMJs for a bolt action rifle.
 
Posts: 5886 | Location: Sydney,Australia  | Registered: 03 July 2005Reply With Quote
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Ivan Carter once wrote that hunting tuskless cows in the Zambezi Valley jesse was as dangerous as hunting gets. After one such hunt with Ian Gibson, I heartily agree. Wish I could afford a dozen more.
 
Posts: 427 | Registered: 13 June 2012Reply With Quote
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I must say, I am in agreement that ele hunting is my numero uno!,,

Very fortunate to have done quite a few hunts and taken multiple cows as well as bulls, all
Up close with open sighted double rifles.

There just isn’t anything quite like it!!

Buff is in second place, but a big gap...

I book at least one ele hunt per year, sometimes 2. I am booked in annually till 2021 so far.."..

I guess you could say I am addicted!!!!!

In my book, it is the pinnacle of dangerous game hunting...

As to projectiles, I’ve taken them with Hornady DGS solids, Woodleigh conventional FMJ, woodleigh HYdros
and also CEB 13 solids.

All did the job adequately , preference is for the last 2 mentioned mono metals though.
 
Posts: 47 | Location: Here and there ....... | Registered: 27 February 2018Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by ledvm:
Cutting Edge Bullets Safari Solids or North Fork Solids.


Yes - the CEB impressed me on the one elephant I have shot. I will use them again !

Morten


The more I know, the less I wonder !
 
Posts: 1144 | Location: Oslo area, Norway | Registered: 26 June 2013Reply With Quote
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Go back about a dozen posts. Todd Williams nailed it!!
Nailed it!! Nailed it!!
 
Posts: 505 | Location: Farmington, New Mexico | Registered: 05 January 2008Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by 2PIPE:
I must say, I am in agreement that ele hunting is my numero uno!,,

Very fortunate to have done quite a few hunts and taken multiple cows as well as bulls, all
Up close with open sighted double rifles.

There just isn’t anything quite like it!!

Buff is in second place, but a big gap...

I book at least one ele hunt per year, sometimes 2. I am booked in annually till 2021 so far.."..

I guess you could say I am addicted!!!!!

In my book, it is the pinnacle of dangerous game hunting...

As to projectiles, I’ve taken them with Hornady DGS solids, Woodleigh conventional FMJ, woodleigh HYdros
and also CEB 13 solids.

All did the job adequately , preference is for the last 2 mentioned mono metals though.


I am curious to know what rifles and calibres you use on elephant..?



 
Posts: 3974 | Location: Vell, I yust dont know.. | Registered: 27 March 2005Reply With Quote
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.500 NE and .458 WM


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
J. Lane Easter, DVM

A born Texan has instilled in his system a mind-set of no retreat or no surrender. I wish everyone the world over had the dominating spirit that motivates Texans.– Billy Clayton, Speaker of the Texas House

No state commands such fierce pride and loyalty. Lesser mortals are pitied for their misfortune in not being born in Texas.— Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to Texas in May, 1991.
 
Posts: 38124 | Location: Gainesville, TX | Registered: 24 December 2006Reply With Quote
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