I'm seriously thinking about an elephant cow hunt with Buzz Charlton - they look very good value and I think it may be a last chance to hunt ele - at least for me.

Could people comment on Buzz and also on these Zim hunts - how much success etc.

Also, what are peoples views on the possible effects of the Zim political siuation - I'm more worried about losing my deposit and airfare than personal safety.

Thanks in advance.

AussieMike

Mike, Where and when are you thinking to hunt w/Buzz?

I think you'll get a number of favorable replies from guys here on the forum that have hunted with Buzz over the years, including myself. I was in Chewore North last April for a 2-tuskless cow ele hunt and had a great time. I'll be hunting bull elephant with him and two teenage sons this July. Buzz is an excellent hunter, upbeat and energetic, and capable of getting the most out of his hunters. You will feel part of the hunt, not just somebody along for the ride. Do a SEARCH on the forum for "Buzz" and you will find previous posts and hunt reports.

While I have been told by a guy who knows that the number of tuskless are down (as intended by the Parks), I can't imagine somebody getting skunked unless maybe one opts to go very early (March-April) where there is a lot of water in the concession and the bush is thick. Last April it was day 7 before he had one on the ground, and Buzz was panicking as he said he never had a hunter go home w/o a tuskless/cow.

Reg the political issue, the elections are coming up very shortly (March I think), and one would reasonably assume that if anything was going to occur, it would be then. However, for better or worse, the current dictator/leader will likely remain in power, and w/o major incident. I would not be taking my sons if I thought there would be any problem, but of course if there were, I'd be the first to pull out. People have been predicting Zim's downfall for years, and so far the safari industry has held together. The top operators are booked or just about for this year, so go for it now if you can. If looking at 2006, put down just a minimal deposit to hold the dates and cow tag.

Email me if I can be of any help. Good luck whatever you decide.

Bill,

Thanks for the info - it sounds very promising. I'm thinking of 2006.

How arduous is the hunting - I'm usually pretty fit but I'm recovering from a motorbike accident - just waiting on the last of the 10 fractures to heal and bone wise should be back to normal by the end of the year but my knees will be an unknown quantity 'til I get to try them. I figure having an ele hunt booked will be a real incentive to push the rehab.

mike

Buzz is a heck of a good guy and he hunts way more elephants than anyone else in southern Africa (probably all of Africa). Last year I believe his clients took 16 elephants. So if you want an elephant expert, Buzz is the man.

AussieMike,

In August 2004, I was hunting out of the same camp that Buzz hunts out of (Big 5, Chewore North). I was hunting buffalo & plainsgame, but we were dodging elephant every day (multiple times per day). That area is full of elephant. I saw quite a few shootable tuskless cows. I also hunted this area in October 2001, and it was the same thing (full of elephant).

You will have a great hunt, and I have heard that Buzz is one of the best.

Tim

Thanks for the input everyone - i did as bill c suggested and did a search and, seeing all the extremely positive feedback feel a little embarassed to have posed the question.

I've also heard back from Buzz and he keeps the deposit in a US bank account, which is reassuring.

mike

I am with Bill and others, Buzz is one of the most experienced elephant hunters today in Zimbabwe.

More on ele hunting with Buzz here:
Big Game hunting

Most of the ele hunting was done with Buzz.

I was considering a hunt with Buzz and got to talking with Andrew Dawson about him while at the Dallas Safari Club. Andrew said Buzz was the best and nobody knew the area better.

You've convinced me - I ended up booking a PAC bull hunt. I really don't like shooting the ladies, not even ferals.

mike

Mike,

Will your hunt be in ZIM or MOZ?

What area/concession?

What month?

Are you hunting plains game too?

Zim, Dande south (I think. march/April.

mike