Have you been concerned about hunting in Zimbabwe since the recent violence surrounding the elections? I wouldn't be. The Hunting Report has received 20 positive reports from subscribers who've hunted there this season.
They've been posted on a forum at www.huntingreport.com
As long as you hunt with a reputable outfitter and make sure they're not on the list of people connected with the government, there should be no problem.
The hunters comments make for interesting reading. Nobody has felt threatened or unsafe. And for the most part, the hunting has been excellent.

I hunted in May and there were NO ISSUES. People were as pleasant as always. Much more open negative talk about Mugabe and the Gov't.

I'm going back in October, evidence of my problem free time and confidence that all will remain ok.

JPK

I guess I am too dumb to worry. I leave in 23 days for Zim. and am not worried.

That's good to hear. I have heard about some camps that had fuel and food shortages. That was from somebody who booked an inexpensive leopard/buffalo hunt. It pays to go with a top outfit.

This will be my 3rd hunt in Zim and the first with my good friend Mark DeWet. We will be hunting next to the Omay on Lake Kariba. I am looking forward to hunting this general area as I got a Buffalo in the Omay a few years back. It is a hard area to hunt. but sucess is very rewarding.

Die,

I too shot a great buffalo in the Omay (south) a few years ago. Very challenging terrain for sure. Like you said very rewarding upon success. Good luck on your trip.

silwane, after hunting the Omay I think any hard boss buf is a trophy. I got min the last day at 1:45PM. I hunted out of the Manilue sp? camp over looking the Ume river. It was a beautiful site but the camp left a bit to be desired.

There are probably at least twenty people on AR who have hunted Zim this year . I'll bet none who hunted with a reputable had any issues. We were there for 18 days in June and drove extensively in the countryside with no problems. Go and enjoy. Adrian

I didn't book in Zim during the last escapade of killing farmers. but booked in Zim this year and sent a number of clients over. No political problems at all..

June found my 18 year old son and I in Omay south for 21 days on a big four hunt. We were in a tribal trust area and had the opportunity to hunt and interact within the community. We had a wonderful time with a first rate outfit. We scored on an elephant bull at 10 yds, 4 buff, a big leopard, kudu, etc.
I like to joke we were there as election observers (June 27), but frankly there wasn't much to observe except some one-sided politics. I have yet to hear of a hunter in trouble when they hunt with a quality outfit. The people suffer, but they are extremely tough. We wouldn't survive a week in their situation.

I leave tomorrow from Dallas. I'm counting on a good hunt and a smooth return. Right now I'm more worried about a sore back than Mugabe.

We went twice this year: first during elections and second time about 90 days later; no problems. shortages are endemic to zim now, so, don't get to wrapped around the axle if your favorite whiskey is not available. just enjoy your trip.

Yes, I am concerned about hunting in Zimbabwe, concerned that others are hunting there now and in the next several weeks and I am stuck here until next year when I can go back . . .

If you are concerned about your favorite whisky, gin etc just grab a bottle in the duty free.

quote:

Originally posted by Die Ou Jagter:
If you are concerned about your favorite whisky, gin etc just grab a bottle in the duty free.

I really enjoyed my stay in Zim.I didn't expect to like it as much as I did.Next time,I will make sure I stay longer and make it a hunting/vacation/ trip.I will go to town shopping with something specific in mind.One thing that I found out is that I would like again to stay at a comfortable or luxury camp like Chirisa and enjoy the company of a group or two of hunters.

quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:
I really enjoyed my stay in Zim.I didn't expect to like it as much as I did.Next time,I will make sure I stay longer and make it a hunting/vacation/ trip.I will go to town shopping with something specific in mind.One thing that I found out is that I would like again to stay at a comfortable or luxury camp like Chirisa and enjoy the company of a group or two of hunters.

Shootaway, did you post a hunting report that I don't know about?

Yes I did, Whitworth!

Just saw it! Congratulations!

MJines:

i got back from Zimbabwae in late july after doing a 20 day hunt...absolutley no problems...what intrigues me is why people want to hunt the Omay, its over hunted, poached to hell and trophy quality is poor at best
Daniel

quote:

Originally posted by M 98:
i got back from Zimbabwae in late july after doing a 20 day hunt...absolutley no problems...

Good to hear. As usual some South Africans have been trying to scare people about Zim in the hope of picking up extra business.

quote:

what intrigues me is why people want to hunt the Omay, its over hunted, poached to hell and trophy quality is poor at best

Because Boddington hunted there and hyped the hell out of it maybe?

Dan
the other possibility is that competition for good concessions is pretty stiff, and those that dont have a good concession go and hunt the last resort....Omay
Daniel

quote:

Originally posted by M 98:Omay, trophy quality is poor at best
Daniel

Although the quality was better years ago, I would disagree with this statement .
Here are just a few from myself and other Aus AR frends.
You are dealing with buff being pushed out of Matusadona Nat Park by Lion.

A 43+ hard boss Bull.






Three lovely Dagaboys in the 35 to 38" class.

Maybe the Omay is too tough for the Tanzanian hunters. The trophies may not have the size (which most people don't care about ) but by and large you will earn your trophy so a 36" or 37" in the Omay is one to be proud of. When talking about trophy size one must take into consideration where the trophy was taken.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by M 98:
i got back from Zimbabwae in late july after doing a 20 day hunt...absolutley no problems...what intrigues me is why people want to hunt the Omay, its over hunted, poached to hell and trophy quality is poor at best
Daniel[/QUOTE

Another good one from Omay

Siwane,

Please tell me about your rifle!

JPK

JPK

PM sent

quote:

Originally posted by JPK:
Siwane,

Please tell me about your rifle!

JPK

Ah, Two guys and their Belgium Doubles.