In the closing stages of booking an Ele hunt via Wes Hixon with Peter Chipman in Luangwa for Sept 2008 (will inc Buff, PG and hopefully Leopard altho no quota left right now)

Any views on these guys or any other thoughts welcome - I was in Lower Lupande last year with ano outfit so know the area and whats there

Thanks

David

I hunted with Wes for buff in 05. I saw plenty of elephants and some very nice bulls. I don't know anything on how to judge ivory weight but my PH said some of them would go 60lb. It was a great area to hunt. A decent ele there would be a sure bet.

We cancelled our hunt with Wes and Peter when we found out we could not import the the ivory into the USA. They were working on getting the rules changed but not so far.

Poaching in general, and elephant poaching in particular, has been on the increase in Zambia in recent years.

I am not sure why, other than the usual reasons of governmental corruption and cronyism that permits connected politicians and military people to flout the law and skims money meant for anti-poaching controls.

Be sure to find out from references whether good bulls are truly available in sufficient numbers to provide a decent chance of success, would be my advice.

And of course, I am assuming, without knowing, that you, unlike we Americans, will be able to import the tusks if you are successful.

David,

I hunted Lower Lupande in '98. There are lots of elephants there but you need to be aware of a couple of things. First there are lots of people in the area and if you are looking for a true wilderness experience Lower Lupande is not the place. Also you will be hunting elephant by spot and stalk. There is no tracking. You will cruise around until you find an elepahant and then try to make a stalk. They have always hunted the Luangwa in this manner so if you are expecting a traditional tracking hunt you won't find it in Lupande. These are not necesarily criticisms just somethings you should be aware of. The Luangwa is one of my favorite places anywhere but I like it better further up the river as it is much more wild.

Mark

Thank you all for the advice

Mark I had a feeling Peter was Upper Lupande but could be wrong - near Myloti Gate

I know the spot and stalk vs tracking - I'll just maximise the walking and leave vehicle now and again

David

Hollis

Unless Wes has a new area they have been hunting Lower Lupande since the huntng reopened in '02. Bill C and lb404 have both hunted there with Peter Chipman.

Mark