I will try to make this brief. 15th safari.
Just returned Sat. Booked with Wendell.
12 day elephant hunt with SSG.
Booked Phillip Smyth as my PH.

First and formost I booked with the agreement no one else would be in camp. I took 3 observers and knowing the area was small to beging with I did not want anyone else to chase any elephants away.

After deposit paid I get a call that an buff hunter would be in camp. It was more of a heads up call but presented like asking my permission. What choice did I have. I thought well he is not a ele. hunter so maybe they can cut a tract and let me know.

We were booked in the Safari area not the communal area. 1st day driving near the border of the Safari and Communal area who do we bump into but Nixon with his client hunting elephant in the Safari area. I know this because I asked the hunter what he was hunting. Chris from NJ.
Well I let it be know I was calling the charter plane if it happened again. When we got in touch with Nixon's mananger he said "this is a blunder"

I think had I not raised holy hell this would have continued. It did happen again but the excuse was given Nixon was checking on our camp.

Maybe true, maybe not. In any event. I turned down a 50 pound elephant on the 9th day he was broken on one side. Had it not been broken I would have taken him. He is the only ele. we saw on our side of the river in 12 days.

This is my opinion based on what I saw and heard in 12 days of hunting. Elephants come in late at night and leave early am. You can get really lucky as some on this site have been.

I think if your with Nixon and have paid for buff, you see a big elephant he sells it on the spot. Kind of like a drive by shooting. This way he has a elephant hunter in camp always and this is why I think he is shooting some big ones from time to time. I know this has happen to some on this site.

You may have better odds in Vegas. Some do hang around but few and far between.

Camp staff, once they all got there, the day after we arrived were excellent, food was very good. Phillip and I got on very well, we started early and stayed late hunting every day. Phillip is a guy I would hunt with again without hesitation.

Simon, Nixon's son hunted the buff hunter and was very nice and professional. Chris from NJ partner was hunting buff.in the communal area. He was with another of Nixion's PH. That PH and the hunter were both hit by a buff. the hunter took the worst of it with a gash to his leg. He was driven to Har. on the way back they crashed the car, nothing serious but he left for good.

Some here may not like this report because they book hunts for Nixon. I don't care. I am telling you honestly what I saw and my personal opinion. Wendell knows what I was told and so does Phillip. my 3 observers know what they saw.
I would not hunt with Nixion again or in this area. His Ph that was hit by the buff. It was the second time in a year. Don't know the story on the first one or the details of the second other that what I have told you.

Now let the pissing contest begin

quote:

Originally posted by jeff h:
I will try to make this brief. 15th safari.
Just returned Sat. Booked with Wendell.
12 day elephant hunt with SSG.
Booked Phillip Smyth as my PH.

First and formost I booked with the agreement no one else would be in camp. I took 3 observers and knowing the area was small to beging with I did not want anyone else to chase any elephants away.

After deposit paid I get a call that an buff hunter would be in camp. It was more of a heads up call but presented like asking my permission. What choice did I have. I thought well he is not a ele. hunter so maybe they can cut a tract and let me know.

We were booked in the Safari area not the communal area. 1st day driving near the border of the Safari and Communal area who do we bump into but Nixon with his client hunting elephant in the Safari area. I know this because I asked the hunter what he was hunting. Chris from NJ.
Well I let it be know I was calling the charter plane if it happened again. When we got in touch with Nixon's mananger he said "this is a blunder"

I think had I not raised holy hell this would have continued. It did happen again but the excuse was given Nixon was checking on our camp.

Maybe true, maybe not. In any event. I turned down a 50 pound elephant on the 9th day he was broken on one side. Had it not been broken I would have taken him. He is the only ele. we saw on our side of the river in 12 days.

This is my opinion based on what I saw and heard in 12 days of hunting. Elephants come in late at night and leave early am. You can get really lucky as some on this site have been.

I think if your with Nixon and have paid for buff, you see a big elephant he sells it on the spot. Kind of like a drive by shooting. This way he has a elephant hunter in camp always and this is why I think he is shooting some big ones from time to time. I know this has happen to some on this site.

You may have better odds in Vegas. Some do hang around but few and far between.

Camp staff, once they all got there, the day after we arrived were excellent, food was very good. Phillip and I got on very well, we started early and stayed late hunting every day. Phillip is a guy I would hunt with again without hesitation.

Simon, Nixon's son hunted the buff hunter and was very nice and professional. Chris from NJ partner was hunting buff.in the communal area. He was with another of Nixion's PH. That PH and the hunter were both hit by a buff. the hunter took the worst of it with a gash to his leg. He was driven to Har. on the way back they crashed the car, nothing serious but he left for good.

Some here may not like this report because they book hunts for Nixon. I don't care. I am telling you honestly what I saw and my personal opinion. Wendell knows what I was told and so does Phillip. my 3 observers know what they saw.
I would not hunt with Nixion again or in this area. His Ph that was hit by the buff. It was the second time in a year. Don't know the story on the first one or the details of the second other that what I have told you.

Now let the pissing contest begin

Jeff,

I am very sorry to hear you have not been successful in getting your elephant.

Reporting the facts is what we like to hear, it does not matter what they are.

Thanks for putting the info out.

Was Ishmael the PH that got hit by the buff?

hunted Sengwe2 (Pelandaba Safaries-Aubrey Kent) with him last year and knew he was working with Nixon some.

SSR

[]

Jeff,

I am very sorry to hear you have not been successful in getting your elephant.

Reporting the facts is what we like to hear, it does not matter what they are.[/QUOTE]


Saeed, no worries I got two already I just like to hunt and track them only happend twice on this trip in 12 days gets old fast. this is what I like about your site you can get the facts. Thank you for all you do.

quote:

Originally posted by Sean Russell:
Was Ishmael the PH that got hit by the buff?

hunted Sengwe2 with him last year and knew he was working with Nixon some.

SSR

Pretty sure that was his name.

Thanks Jeff

Sorry your hunt didn't go well.

Hate to hear Ishmael got hit, but cant say i am too surprised.

SSR

Sorry about your hunt - you're taking it better than I would have.

Don't worry about backlash on your report as we all need to know the facts. My experience with SSG was different from yours, but I appreciate you taking the time to report back.

Damn Jeff, I feel mixed sympathy and relief since it looks like I dodged a big bullet on my first elephant hunt this year. I had originally considered SSG for a hunt in August and due to some poor communication skills from SSG and some sterling recommendations for Phil Smythe I decided to hunt with him at Sengwa Research next to Chirisa. Was very successful as can be seen in his "Mid Season Hunt Report". I'm Gordo in that report BTW.

Sorry for your fiasco of a hunt and I'm glad to hear that you would still hunt with Phil. He is a great guy.

Sorry brother.

Interestingly, there as a version of Nosler's Magnum TV on last night that was filmed with Nixon.

Nixon has lots of "blunders". Simon Dzingai is not licensed as a dangerous game p
PH.

quote:

Originally posted by jeff h:
I will try to make this brief. 15th safari.
Just returned Sat. Booked with Wendell.
12 day elephant hunt with SSG.
Booked Phillip Smyth as my PH.

First and formost I booked with the agreement no one else would be in camp. I took 3 observers and knowing the area was small to beging with I did not want anyone else to chase any elephants away.

After deposit paid I get a call that an buff hunter would be in camp. It was more of a heads up call but presented like asking my permission. What choice did I have. I thought well he is not a ele. hunter so maybe they can cut a tract and let me know.

We were booked in the Safari area not the communal area. 1st day driving near the border of the Safari and Communal area who do we bump into but Nixon with his client hunting elephant in the Safari area. I know this because I asked the hunter what he was hunting. Chris from NJ.
Well I let it be know I was calling the charter plane if it happened again. When we got in touch with Nixon's mananger he said "this is a blunder"

I think had I not raised holy hell this would have continued. It did happen again but the excuse was given Nixon was checking on our camp.

Maybe true, maybe not. In any event. I turned down a 50 pound elephant on the 9th day he was broken on one side. Had it not been broken I would have taken him. He is the only ele. we saw on our side of the river in 12 days.

This is my opinion based on what I saw and heard in 12 days of hunting. Elephants come in late at night and leave early am. You can get really lucky as some on this site have been.

I think if your with Nixon and have paid for buff, you see a big elephant he sells it on the spot. Kind of like a drive by shooting. This way he has a elephant hunter in camp always and this is why I think he is shooting some big ones from time to time. I know this has happen to some on this site.

You may have better odds in Vegas. Some do hang around but few and far between.

Camp staff, once they all got there, the day after we arrived were excellent, food was very good. Phillip and I got on very well, we started early and stayed late hunting every day. Phillip is a guy I would hunt with again without hesitation.

Simon, Nixon's son hunted the buff hunter and was very nice and professional. Chris from NJ partner was hunting buff.in the communal area. He was with another of Nixion's PH. That PH and the hunter were both hit by a buff. the hunter took the worst of it with a gash to his leg. He was driven to Har. on the way back they crashed the car, nothing serious but he left for good.

Some here may not like this report because they book hunts for Nixon. I don't care. I am telling you honestly what I saw and my personal opinion. Wendell knows what I was told and so does Phillip. my 3 observers know what they saw.
I would not hunt with Nixion again or in this area. His Ph that was hit by the buff. It was the second time in a year. Don't know the story on the first one or the details of the second other that what I have told you.

Now let the pissing contest begin

Very UNFORTUNATE...this would leave me in a bad state of mind for certain....lots of time and money down the drain.

Jeff - I too am sorry to hear of your disappointment, I am obviously not aware of all of your arrangements for the safari.

I did however book Chris from NJ, and the buff hunter who was hit by the buffalo - they are hunting partners/friends. The buff hunter is doing fine back home, but like Butch - he rode the buff and lived to tell about it. He is a very nice bull, but it was most unfortunate that the hunter was injured.

As for Chris from NJ, I talked to him today for about 30 min. He was thrilled with his hunt, thought Nixon did a fabulous / hard working job, and felt as though he missed opportunities at big elephant bulls because of bad luck/bad timing? He commented on passing a 42" buff, but it was immediately after his partner had been hit - so understandable. He too is an AR member, so perhaps he will choose to chime in - I'm not sure.

Again, sorry for your mis-fortune on this particular hunt - no one likes to hear about a client who's not happy.


Regards,

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Bunduki:
Nixon has lots of "blunders". Simon Dzingai is not licensed as a dangerous game p
PH.

Bwana - That's not correct.

Jeff,
Sorry to hear the hunt turned out as it did but it's always good to be honest and lay it on the line - people liking it or not. Hunted with Phil last year...great PH and no doubt you guys got along.

I disagree.

My experience tells me that when loyalty comes in conflict with truth, it is the truth that ultimately carries the day.

Thank you for such an honest assessment of your hunt. Reports like this are what makes subscribing to this site so useful.

The beginning of the end.

Fairgame the bargainns and deals will keep this outfit afoat as we discussed in Munyamadzi in 2011. As you can tell the defense is already riding to the rescue.

Jeff

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Bunduki:
Fairgame the bargainns and deals will keep this outfit afoat as we discussed in Munyamadzi in 2011. As you can tell the defense is already riding to the rescue.

Jeff

I guess the significant potential for outstanding trophies has nothing to do with it?

Do you have a SSG story to share?

I'll pass thanks.

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Bunduki:
I'll pass thanks.

Obviously, that's your prerogative. But it's hard to see how negative commentary without factual back-up (unlike the OP) is in any way better than "the defense riding to the rescue."

I will however answer a question with acquestion. How many elephant were taken in the first 7-8 elephant hunts this 2013?

Jeff:

I hear from sources in Zim that the first few hunts were not productive for Nixon nor his neighbors.
Something like 0 for 6

That sure doesn't seem like good odds

I watched part of Nosler's Magnum TV with Tim Herald on it last night that was filmed there. I don't recall them taking an elephant. I did miss part of it. I might be wrong.

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Bunduki:
I will however answer a question with acquestion. How many elephant were taken in the first 7-8 elephant hunts this 2013?

I'm not sure what question you answered or who was asking it.

As to your question, I don't know for sure, but I heard things not inconsistent with Larry's info. If you were on one of those hunts, sorry to hear it.

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Bunduki:
I will however answer a question with acquestion. How many elephant were taken in the first 7-8 elephant hunts this 2013?

I was told zero ele taken

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Bunduki:
Fairgame the bargainns and deals will keep this outfit afoat as we discussed in Munyamadzi in 2011. As you can tell the defense is already riding to the rescue.

Jeff

Jeff - My friend, I personally am not riding to the rescue, not at all. As I said, I don't know of the exact circumstances of the hunt booking/safari in question. I only know what my client "Chris" who was there at the same time, told me just today regarding his hunt. He got his elephant, was happy as heck with Nixon - and thought he was unlucky not to get a bigger jumbo. He thought the buffalo hunting opportunities were fabulous, raved about the big Nyala he saw on several occasions - and was glad that Nixon had a camp gun, as the airlines left his in NY from the get-go! That's what I know, as I recall the conversation.

I don't know of your personal experience with SSG or the areas, no idea? I am fairly certain that Andrew has never been anywhere near the place, so his opinion is probably not very valuable.

Guys - For those that do know me, I am always honest about the hunts I offer. Unlike a lot of agents, I have pretty much been everywhere, with everyone, I represent before sending clients to them. So, with that said - and from a guy with 32 DG safaris as experience to draw on, let me give what I think is a fair/accurate assessment of SSG Safaris/Nixon Dzingai.

To go to SSG Safaris, I would not suggest one be a "needy or picky" type client. If everything has to be perfect, or your way all the time, this is not for you. I am NOT saying that as the paying client you are not entitled to that, I am just saying that if you are included in the above, going elsewhere would be a better idea. Sometimes at SSG you gotta "role" a bit, if you get my drift?

Ideally, I think it would be better if as a hunter - you were somewhat experienced/familiar with DG hunting already. Probably not the best place for the very first timer. Frankly, I love it - cause I don't need anyone to judge em, ID em, size em up, or tell me when to shoot em. Just track em, and get out of my, way - is how I like it. But, certainly not for everyone.

Camps are average, food is pretty decent and the staff are very nice/accommodating, as long as you tell them what you need/want.

However, and here it is for me! As I have personally experienced, as many of my clients have now experienced, and as we have all seen on AR - one does have a REAL CHANCE at some exceptional trophies!!!

I shot an 82lb x 84lb elephant, I've personally seen a buff there as big as 47" (in the hunting area too, but I will not shoot at the vehicle - so I let him go) I personally passed a 65lb elephant, my client/friend Danish last year when we were there together took a 60lb+ elephant, and a 44" buff. I have had 3 clients shoot buff over 45" in the past 15 months at SSG. Last year alone I had 2 clients shoot elephants over 80lbs!!!!

Guys, not to mention all the other big trophies we have seen come from SSG in the past 2-3 yrs. So yes, I'll agree/concede its not a Zambezi Hunters type - run operation. There are some punches to roll with, but if you are willing to do so - you are fishing where the big fish are!!!! For some guys this works great, and for others - not so much.

Factor all of the above, with prices set accordingly (IMO) and its still a pretty darn good hunt.

I think that's the best I can do to say it accurately/honestly, without sounding biased. I hope everyone takes it that way?

Bwana - Simon is licensed to PH buffalo.

quote:

Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:
Jeff - I too am sorry to hear of your disappointment, I am obviously not aware of all of your arrangements for the safari.

I did however book Chris from NJ, and the buff hunter who was hit by the buffalo - they are hunting partners/friends. The buff hunter is doing fine back home, but like Butch - he rode the buff and lived to tell about it. He is a very nice bull, but it was most unfortunate that the hunter was injured.

As for Chris from NJ, I talked to him today for about 30 min. He was thrilled with his hunt, thought Nixon did a fabulous / hard working job, and felt as though he missed opportunities at big elephant bulls because of bad luck/bad timing? He commented on passing a 42" buff, but it was immediately after his partner had been hit - so understandable. He too is an AR member, so perhaps he will choose to chime in - I'm not sure.

Again, sorry for your mis-fortune on this particular hunt - no one likes to hear about a client who's not happy.


Regards,

Aaron not to start a pissing contest with u but I was told u were aware of the details of my safari. I was told u sent a message to Nixon to ask him to stay out of our area after we caught him. This came from Nixon's manager and at the time I heard this I was glad u did it.

I booked this hunt largely on what I read here. I should have known better. Seems to me like SSG will take all comers tell u what u want to hear and the very few large ele. Taken here are blown out of proportion.
I saw one elephant on the shooting side of the river in 12 days. From what I can tell u would have to night hunt to get one and that was not legal in the safari area. I too would like to hear from Chris too

I have been there twice and my hunting buddies (2) have been there once each. Aaron's assessment of SSG and Nixon is accurate and should give prospective clients a good idea of what to expect. Bobby Lowe does not book for Nixon anymore-has not shared why. I would go back to hunt with Nixon or Simon.

quote:

Originally posted by twoseventy:
I have been there twice and my hunting buddies (2) have been there once each. Aaron's assessment of SSG and Nixon is accurate and should give prospective clients a good idea of what to expect. Bobby Lowe does not book for Nixon anymore-has not shared why. I would go back to hunt with Nixon or Simon.

Neither does Bobby's predecessor.

I"ll pipe in.
Hunted with Nixon last year.
Everything Aaron says is how it was.
Not a fancy camp, but clean and great service, all PH's were great guys, Nixon is One tough SOB and also great guy to hunt with especially his jokes and interest in US politics.
Would hunt with him again without question and to ride the river with anywhere.
We all know that hunting areas along park borders can be tough, but like Aaron says the potential there for lifetime trophy is excellent.
My first six days were tough. Movement only at night, didn't see nothing, but being hunter I know it's hunting and from the get go I told Nixon not to worry if we don't get nothing.
And we ran into the other two groups while hunting couple of times and I never thought about being upset. Opposite, we talked about hunting, what we saw, laughed and pointed each other to other areas
Ultimately all of us here on AR know, that no PH will never be able please every client and not every client will be able to get along with his PH.
Simply Life in general.
Some of us expect more and some of us less and some of us none.

PS Sorry to hear about Ishmael. Glad he is OK. He is such a pleasant guy and sometimes he reminded me college professor.
So proper with his English and very knowledgeable.

quote:

Originally posted by jeff h:

quote:

Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:
Jeff - I too am sorry to hear of your disappointment, I am obviously not aware of all of your arrangements for the safari.

I did however book Chris from NJ, and the buff hunter who was hit by the buffalo - they are hunting partners/friends. The buff hunter is doing fine back home, but like Butch - he rode the buff and lived to tell about it. He is a very nice bull, but it was most unfortunate that the hunter was injured.

As for Chris from NJ, I talked to him today for about 30 min. He was thrilled with his hunt, thought Nixon did a fabulous / hard working job, and felt as though he missed opportunities at big elephant bulls because of bad luck/bad timing? He commented on passing a 42" buff, but it was immediately after his partner had been hit - so understandable. He too is an AR member, so perhaps he will choose to chime in - I'm not sure.

Again, sorry for your mis-fortune on this particular hunt - no one likes to hear about a client who's not happy.


Regards,

Aaron not to start a pissing contest with u but I was told u were aware of the details of my safari. I was told u sent a message to Nixon to ask him to stay out of our area after we caught him. This came from Nixon's manager and at the time I heard this I was glad u did it.

I booked this hunt largely on what I read here. I should have known better. Seems to me like SSG will take all comers tell u what u want to hear and the very few large ele. Taken here are blown out of proportion.
I saw one elephant on the shooting side of the river in 12 days. From what I can tell u would have to night hunt to get one and that was not legal in the safari area. I too would like to hear from Chris too

No, that's not exactly accurate. Jeff I was called on the phone, AFTER YOU WERE ALREADY IN CAMP - and was told you were not happy with your situation. As the caller is a good friend of mine, I e-mailed SSG and asked them to make sure all of your wishes/agreements were adhered to as best as possible. I was simply trying to do both the caller, and you a favor - the best I could. But obviously you/I have never discussed your hunt, nor did you book with me, so I most certainly was not familiar with your safari details. That's all I was trying to say.

Again my friend, sorry you were not happy - nobody wishes that for you.

My turn. Jeff h, sorry you had a bad experience. I have hunted with Nixon twice, both hunts produced excellent results and Nixon is a fantastic PH. Camp is more than adequate and food and equipment is very good.
Nixon hunts every day and his operation is a family and friends affair and the bookings and details are handled from his home while he is out hunting and as in every outfit blunders happen.
Simon holds a PH "B" license which allows him to hunt Buff but not Elephant.
Nixon was voted PH of the year last year by the association, with excellent Elephant and Buff taken.
Nixon's success on Elephants is directly dependent on the traffic from the adjacent Parks, some hunts and some years go better than others. Taking any Elephant much less a big one is not a given.
Nixon has an enormous Buff quota of 60, so the deals will continue despite the doubting Thomas'.
Bobby Lowe is not a booking agent and specifically says so when he assists you with Nixon, I know, he helped with my first hunt.
I don't know who Bobby's predecessor was but it might be an agent from Wyoming named George, if so he is still sending hunters to Nixon, because I met one of his hunters going to Nixon on the flight over in July.
Nixon now has several very aggressive booking agents that he didn't have just two years ago and he is being booked very heavy and it is entirely predictable that blunders happen.
The Buff there are cheeky SOBs, out of the 3 I have shot there 2 came for me and one got me, that is hunting DG and better men than me have died hunting them. I am booked for a father/son 2/3 buff hunt next July and might even get in on a drive by Elephant while I'm there.
Nixon's biggest sin is that he works hard and produces better than average results for a cost below the competition. His operation is not perfect but damn good.

Lucky you are alive Butch.

I agree Bwana. I visited Jerusalem on a pilgrimage only 5 months before my rodeo at Nixon's and I am convinced that I picked up a guardian angel while there. I continue to be very thankful.

quote:

Originally posted by boarkiller:
We all know that hunting areas along park borders can be tough, but like Aaron says the potential there for lifetime trophy is excellent. My first six days were tough. Movement only at night, didn't see nothing, but being hunter I know it's hunting...

These animals are not stupid. They soon learn it's not safe to leave those areas where they're unmolested and move into areas where they're shot at and killed.

The stupid one's that do move away from safety (i.e., the National Parks) soon get Darwinzed, and the hunting over time gets tougher and tougher. Often these areas are excellent at first - when relatively virgin - but become frustrating for those hunters that come later.

This is something to take into consideration when planning an expensive, time-limited hunt.

Booked with SSG August 17 through August 26, 2013.

I can only add my own personal experience to the discussion and I can certainly understand that things can go differently than planned because it has happened to me once in the past.

I was hunting buffalo. I had a reaction to my malaria meds and struggled with the tracking several days while I was there. Hence, I concentrated on buffalo and Ishmael showed me a couple dozen to choose from. I took two that I am proud of and I passed on opportunities at very good kudu, waterbuck, and nyala. The fact that I was not hunting elephants may make my comments irrelevant to this discussion except to say that my PH (Ishmael) and tracker (Rabson)worked very hard for me.

When I asked to see Sengwe I and Sengwe II my wish was respected and I was shown the area. I saw another hunter at Sengwe I and made sure he knew I was not hunting in Sengwe I while he was there.

I found the camp to be well run and the staff to be friendly and helpful.

While I had a good experience and one I would repeat, I respect that someone with a different experience has every right to express his concerns if he feels he didn't get what was agreed to. Fortunately for me that was not the case.

60 Buffalo a year seems a bit excessive however there has been some very fine trophies taken out of the area.

Just wonder if that is sustainable?

Time will tell.