Elephant bull is a dream of mine. It looks like it is going to become a reality. I would want to import the tusks. If I cannot, I might pick another dream hunt like Marco Polo or something similar.

I am 41 years old. About 20 lbs overweight but I can fix that, and I can still put in 12 mile days in the reedy marshes chasing pheasants. I’ve been to RSA twice for hunting, and I’ve hunted the Kamchatka Peninsula for snow sheep in Russia. For the past 14 years or so, I also hunt in the western US unguided for elk, mulie, etc. I tell you this so you understand a little about me.

I’d love to do a true tracking hunt. But I also want to take my wife. Although we live rural now, my wife is a city girl. She doesn’t need 5 stars. She’s more of a Hampton Inn type of girl She doesn’t really enjoy camping, so I’d want some decent accommodations. Nice big tents with occasional shower would be preferable at the least.

Like me, she has run previous half marathons and one full marathon. So while she might not like walking 15 miles a day, she can get there with some notice and time to train.

I used to keep better track of this, but currently I don’t even know where importable elephants can be hunted. Namibia? Karl S and a Namibian hunt are currently at the top of the list. But where else is there? Who would you go with? For the best experience and the biggest bulls.

Thanks!

I should have also clarified. I’m not hung up on weight of ivory. I want a fully mature bull, and nice tusks.

Also, the PH must have been a 2023 Nashville SCI exhibitor.

Thanks again!

You are really looking at Namibia and Zim to be able to import. Your next choice is budget. Basically like with Karl (who is a very good option/choice) you are looking at around 40k for a mature 40 pound type bull or you hunt Zim for around say $36k ish for a Mature valley bull in the 40 pound range.
There are a few options at a higher price point ($60-75k in Zim and Namibia) where you can realistically target 60#+ bulls.
Numerous high quality operators in Zim and areas.

quote:

Also, the PH must have been a 2023 Nashville SCI exhibitor.

Why?

Andrew, I was trying to skirt that question . I was the lucky winner of the SCI foundation drawing. I won $100,000 worth of hunts. One caveat is that the outfitter or PH must be an SCI exhibitor.

I want to take this opportunity to do hunts that otherwise I’ll never be able to afford

quote:

Originally posted by bakerb:
Andrew, I was trying to skirt that question . I was the lucky winner of the SCI foundation drawing. I won $100,000 worth of hunts. One caveat is that the outfitter or PH must be an SCI exhibitor.

I want to take this opportunity to do hunts that otherwise I’ll never be able to afford

Have a chat with Alister Norten from Zambia then. Excellent PH and has access to really fine areas.

Karl S with Ndumo Safaris was there and after shooting 3 elephants with him, I can personally attest to his concessions and the overall quality of his operation. Good luck with whatever you choose.

I hunted with Karl in the Caprivi Oct 2022.
I took my 26yr daughter and flew into Vic Falls for a couple days. She lavished on everything there and then Karl picked us up and transferred us to one of his solar powered camps. It was hot but the oscillating fans took the edge off. Food and camp staff were awesome.
Hailey killed a beautiful Zebra and then I killed a bad ass Bull Elephant. Safari Trophy Importers is handling import.
Oh, Ray Buchanan filmed it all, Bamm!! I’m done, it’s Crappie fishing from here on out

+++ for Ndumo.

A nice tracking hunt, I'd talk to CMS for sure. Best to ask around.

I know if I was able to, my next hunt would be an elephant bull with Buzz.

Best of luck and can't wait to hear the report of where ever you end up!!

I'm sure most every name/outfit recommended in this thread, you couldn't go wrong choosing

quote:

Originally posted by bakerb:
Andrew, I was trying to skirt that question . I was the lucky winner of the SCI foundation drawing. I won $100,000 worth of hunts. One caveat is that the outfitter or PH must be an SCI exhibitor.

I want to take this opportunity to do hunts that otherwise I’ll never be able to afford

PM me and I will hook you up with one in Matetsi where you could also enjoy a Matetsi luxury lodge and y’all could experience Vic Falls together.

Nigel Theisen would be the PH…doesn’t get any better than that.

Not sure about the SCI thing but check with Stephan Jacobs of SMJ
safaris. He hunts the NYE NYE conservancy area in Namibia.

Stephan does not have the Nye Nye any longer. New operator there.

I 2nd the suggestion about and for Nigel Theisen. There is none better, and he can get you into some fine areas around Vic Falls area at decent prices. Contact or PM me.

CM has elephant in several units, top notch all the way. Got a bull with them, they love the tracking , classic hunt. If you truly want a tracking hunt, be careful who you hunt with. A lot of them are not real tracking hunts.

Well first off - CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I just booked with Ndumo (Karl Stumpfe) in the Caprivi but have also hunted them in Zim..

I'm not hung up on importing the tusks since I can get perfect replicas and spend the difference on buffalo or a second ele..

Thank you everyone!! I have a lot of thinking and contacting to do. I appreciate the input!

Another +++ for Karl Stumpfe (Ndumo Safaris).

Namibia and Zimbabwe have had the most approved permits since USFW began processing them again. Safari Specialty Importers has brought in 10 elephants between the two countries over the last year.

We are ready to help with the permit/import process where ever you plan on going.

You may want to check with Omujeve Safaris. They were at the show as well. I heard (not confirmed) that they’ve exported the most elephants out of Namibia during recent USFWS issuance. If I was shopping for an exportable elephant, I would ask each operator for a list of references that had successfully exported and vet each individually.

I booked elephant for 2025 with Guav Johnson in Kazuma. Definitely talk with him.

I talked with about every operator that I could last week, and that was who we decided to go with. CMS or Mokore were also in the running. The PH's that I would use in Zambia or in the Caprivi didn't come to the show, so I won't suggest them.

This is a tracking hunt in a forest area where you can't just glass them and see what kind of ivory they carry. You have to find them to judge them. Best we can find, kind of hunt, and it's up to me to say shoot or pass. I have an elephant in mind that I want to shoot. He doesn't have a specific tusk weight, but he gives us a hell of a day. I talked with Guav about this notion, and he was all about it. Buzz would be keen on the same hunting concept as well. I have talked with him a couple of times about a hunt, but just couldn't put it together on my end.

A few things to consider. Are you OK with villages in the area? Is glassing them from a distance OK with you? You say that tusk weight doesn't matter, do you really mean it?

Jeremy
Jeremy

Best hunt. An interesting concept.

Are you talking about price, success or experience?

I'd advise to ditch price from the equation. Taking a cheap hunt because of it's price may mean you got what you paid for, were unsuccessful and just have to go back (as if you won't anyway). Not a bargain.

We all want a reasonable chance of success on any hunt, so that's clearly a consideration, but it is not the end to all end.

The experience is what is most important. A successful hunt certainly adds to that experience, but I've had "unsuccessful" hunts that I'm glad I took for the experience. That includes the place, the folks you hunt with, and what you see.

I had a great hunt with Calitz in Botswana this past summer. I can highly recommend him.

quote:

Originally posted by Pancho:
I had a great hunt with Calitz in Botswana this past summer. I can highly recommend him.

He took 2 100 pounders last year.