I was recently on a part of a lion survey being conducted by a hunting company in their blocks and the below is one of several males photographed at a calling station.

Unbelievalbe.....

Spill it...Which safari company??

You can't keep that a secret...

Jeff

It is not a secret; TGT and Wengert Windrose Safaris

I must hastely add that the exact location of the sightings, particularly of old males will be kept confidential by management. The Survey team is made up of contracted professionals not in the employ of the company.

quote:

Originally posted by Bwanamich:
It is not a secret; TGT and Wengert Windrose Safaris

I REALLY admire the way those guys put so much time, money and effort they put into the conservation and management of their areas.

They might not be the cheapest operation in the world but you can certainly see where the money goes.

I understand. They are (TGT) working very hard on their lion populations and the results show. I have an obvious affection for TAWICO and they are managing the same way I believe. It is great to see mother nature respond when you get off her ass a little bit. Thanks for showing thses.

Jeff

Simba mzuri sana bwana!!!! Asante!!!

Brett

What a mane on that cat!

Very impressive!

Nice Lion; certainly not a bush cat.

LH,
What do you mean by bush cat? One that lives in dense bush/scrub?

LH,

These consessions are as 'BUSHY" as it gets. Might want to reel that one back in.

Jeff

To me (and I don't pretend to be an experienced African hunter) it bothers me that such pictures are published -because maybe a lot of people will figure on shooting lions over bait - something that I despise as any way to hunt a magnificent animal) I'm too old to hunt lion today (but I heard that a lion can cover 100 yards in less than 5 seconds. (Judging from what I have seen in so called African films, a lot of clients, unaccustomed to quick shots would have trouble in getting the rifle up)

Lions that exist in heavy thorn bush tend to loose a good deaL of their mane. I'm not talking about jungle or forest cats but those from areas such as the northern area of the Luangwa Valley of Zambia where the thorn bush is virtually unavoidable. I've hunted Lion in Tanzania as well as Zambia, and I find no comparison to the areas and that is directly reflected in the manes of mature male Lions.

Just my opinion and observations. Your mileage may vary.

LH,

Yes and no if you ask me. Sure that heavy thorn thicket can "pull out" mane hair - so that explains the "yes".

However, no way can that be responsible for a "maneless lion". Mane hair, like human hair, grows all the time and throughout a lions lifetime. So any hair "pulled out" by a branch, etc will regrow. There is sufficient evidence of full, heavy maned lions living in the exact same habitat as where maneless lions are found.

Mane development is mainly a function of genetics and evolution form what I have read.

The resolution in your profile picture is not clear enough to see, but i think you have a picture of a lion with little mane? Is it a maneless lion or a young lion whose mane has yet to fully develop is for you and your Ph to decide. There is a very visible difference in overall appearance between one and the other which with experience is quite easy to determine.

Gerry,

Those pictures were form a lion survey. the bait and the fact tthe photo was taken at night is part of the methodology.

Generally, hunting cats using the bait method is carried out during the day and has important advantages, eg:
- Over bait, it allows the PH/hunter plenty of time to determine that the lion is of the correct age. If you stalk on foot, you often have but a few seconds to make that determination before the lion skulks off which is no problem if the lion is obviously old but a big problem if the lion is between 5 - 7 years old!
- It also allows you time to ensure that it is not a pride male WITH young, cubs or lactating females as you can view the same cat repeatedly over 1 or more days.
- It should offer the hunter a relaxed, non-hurried shot for a clean kill. A hurried shot on a tracking hunt may wound the cat and can result in losing it, or someone getting hurt/killed. You often can't "take your time" with the shot when you are foot hunting a lion.

And besides, it is not a straight forward exercise nor does it offer a higher garantee of success.


edited for grammar

Lion survey? You mean you pay someone to come and look at trail cam pictures put up on baits and tell you if a lion looks good or not?

Where did the female Impala come from?

i'm certainly not going to question any part of that beautiful cat, but i've just never seen a lion in the bush that had such a neatly combed mane. maybe the brush does that

Hey Adam,
Having a bad day?

The female impala just happens to be a female reedbuck shot by the Gov Game Scout under license from the Director of Wildlife. Certainly wasn't the bait animal of choice but then what to expect from a guy with an Ak and no actual hunting experience.

The lion survey is simply to determine lion densities in a target area. Actually trying to count all lions is not statistically accurate enough for vast areas with free roaming populations. The bait is simply to try and keep the cats interested long enough when they come into the calling stations to collect all the data accurately eg sex of cubs, numbers in a pride, etc as the survey is done at night so visibility can be a challenge.

Ooh, why do I even bother....

quote:

Originally posted by Bwanamich:
LH,

Yes and no if you ask me. Sure that heavy thorn thicket can "pull out" mane hair - so that explains the "yes".

However, no way can that be responsible for a "maneless lion". Mane hair, like human hair, grows all the time and throughout a lions lifetime. So any hair "pulled out" by a branch, etc will regrow. There is sufficient evidence of full, heavy maned lions living in the exact same habitat as where maneless lions are found.

Mane development is mainly a function of genetics and evolution form what I have read.

The resolution in your profile picture is not clear enough to see, but i think you have a picture of a lion with little mane? Is it a maneless lion or a young lion whose mane has yet to fully develop is for you and your Ph to decide. There is a very visible difference in overall appearance between one and the other which with experience is quite easy to determine.

The Lion in my pic was taken by me in 2004 in the upper reaches of the Luangwa Valley with one shot from a Ruger .458Lott. It is possibly the largest Lion ever taken in Zambia up to that time and one of the largest in the SCI record book; my PH won an award for it. He was well scarred and mature and has only patches of mane hair; not hairless by any means. Three PHs and experienced skinners and trackers in camp all believed the thorn bush was responsible for the mane condition and recognized him immediately as a world record class Lion. We also estimated his body weight as well above the normal range for wild Lion.

Your comment about it possibly being a young Lion is uncalled for and any experienced Lion man should be able to tell that the skull size is that of a very large Lion. I am a big man and always put my hand on trophies so a true perspective can be achieved in the pics. The actual pic is very good resolution but it was degraded by the posting process. Your comments are one reason I refuse to post pics of my animals on the internet; too many armchair experts unable to understand what they see.

I must say that I concur with the comment made by butchloc, but was hesitant to make the observation until you popped off.

LH,
I was in no way trying to show disrespect to your lion trophy. Having never seen any pictures of your lion I wouldn't even hazard a guess. I was simply trying to state that the hunter and his/her PH are the ones who can determine if the lion hunted is an old maneless lion or a younger male whose mane is still developing. My sincere hope is that in all cases the former applies - but we all know that doesn't happen often enough. My apologies if my comment came across in a negative way.


As for Buthcloc's comment, he can, of course, believe what he wants. There is enough evidence from pictures posted right here on AR over the years to prove him wrong. Adam's recent posting of an incredible full maned WILD lion is but one example.

bwanamich - just giving you a hard time for once I will agree with bwanamich that Lion mane has nothing to do with how thick the bush is and is strictly a genetics issue, but hey I am no expert on the matter and just my opinion. Beautiful lion as well. Is he too young?

Bwanamich - Apology accepted.

Interestingly enough, I have turned down "young" male Lions in Tanzania when I was told I could shoot one because he "was out of spots". Hell, he was still running with his Mommy! This is the problem with some PHs and some HOs who think because the client has an animal on license that he will take whatever is available. Many of us have much experience in Africa and understand the ethics of the hunt and refuse to settle for immature animals and we do know the difference. That was a $50,000+ dollar dedicated 21 day Lion safari and I went home empty handed because I wouldn't shoot a Lion who was not fully mature.

What I really don't understand is how you and Adam can believe that the environment doesn't effect the mane quality of Lions in specific areas. It undeniably effects Elephant and other species, so why not Lion? Yes, genetics is a major factor but it is not the only one.

quote:

Originally posted by LionHunter:
What I really don't understand is how you and Adam can believe that the environment doesn't effect the mane quality of Lions in specific areas. It undeniably effects Elephant and other species, so why not Lion? Yes, genetics is a major factor but it is not the only one.

I think the only thing they are saying and I have read elswhere is that thorn brush doesn't "pull the hair out" creating a maneless or sparsely maned lion. It is an old fallicy. It's due to genetic variation. How else can male lions in the same area of identicle age vary from MGM lions to barely any mane? It isn't because one is extra careful around the thorns and the other is reckless!!! The only variant I've seen to explain mane developement outside of genetics is temperature/elevation (which equals temperature). It is theorized that the colder the climate the more hair. Maybe? I don't know.

Brett

quote:
Originally posted by LionHunter:
What I really don't understand is how you and Adam can believe that the environment doesn't effect the mane quality of Lions in specific areas. It undeniably effects Elephant and other species, so why not Lion? Yes, genetics is a major factor but it is not the only one.



I think the only thing they are saying and I have read elswhere is that thorn brush doesn't "pull the hair out" creating a maneless or sparsely maned lion. It is an old fallicy. It's due to genetic variation. How else can male lions in the same area of identicle age vary from MGM lions to barely any mane? It isn't because one is extra careful around the thorns and the other is reckless!!! The only variant I've seen to explain mane developement outside of genetics is temperature/elevation (which equals temperature). It is theorized that the colder the climate the more hair. Maybe? I don't know.

Brett


Brett, Adam and Bwanamich are undoubtedly right in regards to manes and thorn/heavy bush. If the hair ain't there, it just ain't there!!! Doesn't have anything to do with heavy thorn bush, and it doesn't mean that a lion cannot be a mature trophy with little hair. However, a PH saying the hair has ALL been pulled out by thorn bush, is an old cover story for a poorly maned lion. LionHunter - I too shot a very sparsely maned lion just last Sept. in the Kilombero of Tanzania. He was however, 10.6 ft nose to tail, with a 27" skull, and there wasn't a thornbush or any sort of heavy bush within 30 miles, just poor genetics, it can happen anywhere. I have seem the same thing in different parts of Zambia, including the Luangwa. Several of the best maned lions I have shot have ALL come from areas with much more thick bush and cover, than my Kilombero lion.

LionHunter - The link below goes to a page on my website with most of my lions, the larger pic on the bottom right is of the lion I shot last year in Kilombero. As you can see, his mane is not good, but his body and head were huge!!

By the way, be proud of your lion, who gives a damn what anyone else thinks about his mane! I heard about your lion, long before I was a frequent visitor to AR. He's an old-mature trophy, and that's what matters. Congratulations!!

http://globalhuntingresources.com/bigcat.htm

Aaron as probably the most widely hunted and succesful Lion hunting client over the past decade why dont you do a post for us with pics and details of the different lions you have hunted and the details, area, calibre etc and method of hunting. I for one would find it very interesting and informative and would not see it as boasting. How about it?

quote:

Originally posted by Scott450:
Aaron as probably the most widely hunted and succesful Lion hunting client over the past decade why dont you do a post for us with pics and details of the different lions you have hunted and the details, area, calibre etc and method of hunting. I for one would find it very interesting and informative and would not see it as boasting. How about it?

+1

+1 from this part of the country. I think it would be very informative, and may just be the closest many of us get to Lion hunting, especially with the timer ticking away. I would like to know if Aaron has ever taken a Lion in RSA and if so under what circumstances. I would also like him to comment on his thoughts about the best value left today, all things considered, cost, trophy quality, trophy availability etc. Some of us may be tempted to try and get one in the salt before the time runs out and his experience would be invaluable in making decisions toward that goal.

Ok boys, now you're making me work at this. Give me a few hours and I will do my best to put up some of my info, thoughts and opinions.

Aaron

quote:

Originally posted by graybird:

quote:

Originally posted by Scott450:
Aaron as probably the most widely hunted and succesful Lion hunting client over the past decade why dont you do a post for us with pics and details of the different lions you have hunted and the details, area, calibre etc and method of hunting. I for one would find it very interesting and informative and would not see it as boasting. How about it?

+1

+2

Aaron,

Thanks for your comments, and of course I am very happy with my large, old Lion, sparse mane and all.

I do understand the comments regarding genetics and I have never denied them as a major factor in mane quality, however, I still contend that the environmental impact can and does play a part. We have all seen the clumps of mane hair snagged by the heavy thornbush when hunting Lion, yes? Age, IMO, can also be a factor in mane condition, as can fighting, etc.

I would hope we can all agree that there can be and usually are, more than one factor in mane development, albeit genetics is certainly the first and most important.

I, like others here, would relish a look at your
take of Lion and such comments as you would be willing to provide. Hell, I might even reconsider and post pics of mine, since he is not an MGM looker.

BTW, Lion was the completion of my Big 5, and as stated earlier, it took more than one safari. Same thing occurred to me when hunting Leopard. I did manage to take a very impressive Caracal on my first try, however.

Best regards to all.

First off, Scott450 I do appreciate the compliment but I really must give way to the real LION KING, Mr. Steve Chancellor. I do not know him personally, I have only e-mailed back & forth with him a couple of times recently regarding the Lion CITES up-listing. My understanding is he has shot close to 40 lions, but who's counting?

Anyway, I will try and give some info about the lions I have hunted, the areas I have been, my opinion on lion hunting, lion conservation, etc, etc. Just remember, its only my opinion, not gospel.

I started hunting lion in the mid 90's, since then I have personally shot 11 lions on 14 lion hunts. I have also been on several other lion hunts with clients, spent some time in the field with Dr. Paula White who heads the Zambian Lion Project, do my best to help raise money for Conservation Force and their efforts to support continued lion hunting, and generally am consumed by the African Lion!

I have never shot or hunted a HIGH-FENCE lion, anywhere. I am NOT totally opposed to it, its just not something I really want to do myself. I have shot a WILD lion on the outside border of Kruger in S.A., see picture and info below.

RWTaylor - Best value for a good lion in comparison to trophy quality, cost, and success, might be the Save Valley Conservancy in Zimbabwe. I do believe a few of the hunts in Zambia & Tanzania are a bit better, but also moderately or much more expensive.

Below are pictures of some of the lions I have shot, along with info about the hunts, etc. I will say this, if you are wanting a LION and getting it home is a priority, I would be doing it NOW!!! I really hope the CITES 1 up-listing does not happen, but I greatly fear it will and if it does, importation of the lion into the U.S. is over.

Picture #1

This is my most recent lion shot in June 2009 with Richard Bell-Cross of Pro-Hunt Zambia Ltd.
Area: Lunga Luswishi - GMA (Zambia)
Method: Baiting
Weapon: .375 R.U.M. 270gr. Barnes Triple Shock
Without ANY doubt this is my favorite hunting area in ALL of Africa, and my #1 pick for a big maned lion!

Picture #2

This is certainly one of the top 2 lions I have ever shot. Hunt was with CVS, my PH was Murray Hibbs, shot in 2007.
Area: Sankuyo Hunting Block - Botswana
Method: Tracking
Weapon: .375 R.U.M. 270gr. Barnes Triple Shock
Again, without any doubt the MOST exciting lion hunt I have ever done. We tracked 2 big lions to within 26 yards, all while they had not a clue we were anywhere near. This is the true essence of lion hunting, but in most areas where lion hunts are conducted, tracking just isn't possible!

Picture #3

I commonly refer to this cat as my best ever! Hunted with Rob Dupreez in the Gwaii Valley of Zimbabwe in June 2002.
Area: Gwaii Valley - Zimbabwe
Method: Baiting
Weapon: .375 H&H mag. 300gr. soft-nose bullets.
Along with perhaps my best lion to date, this too was my best safari to date. I shot 14 animals, all great trophies, and 4 of the big 5, in only the first 5 days of the hunt! We actually weighed this lion at 489lbs. I had to borrow a gun from the PH, thus the reason I was not using my .375 RUM

Picture #4

Another beautiful Zambian Lion hunted with Richard Bell-Cross of Pro-Hunt Zambia Ltd., in 2005
Area: Lunga Luswishi GMA - Zambia
Method: Baiting
Weapon: .375 R.U.M. 270 gr. Barnes Triple Shock
Again, my favorite area in ALL of Zambia and my opinion as the best lion hunt in Africa.

Picture #5

Pictured here is a big lion I shot in June 2008 with Glenn Stockil of SHANGAAN HUNTERS, Zimbabwe.
Area: Senuko - Save Valley Conservancy of Zimbabwe.
Method: Baiting
Weapon: .375 RUM 270 gr. Barnes Triple Shock
We also weighed this brute at 503 lbs!! In only 11 days I saw 26 different lion/lioness/cubs on Senuko, this area has quickly become one of my favorites for lion. Be prepared to shoot a lot of bait on this one, man those cats can eat. They went through 4 giraffe and 2 zebra in 11 days.

Picture #6

This is a picture of a lion I shot in July 2006, along the border of Kruger.
Area: Private land - outside border of Kruger close to Hoedspruit.
Method: Baiting
Weapon: .375 RUM 270 gr. Barnes Triple Shock
Three males were causing great havoc for the landowner, so we said we could help! It took us several days to get them on bait, as each night they were crossing the park boundary, which was a small creek, after dark and generally in different areas. However, once they started to feed it was over.

Picture #7
A couple of other lions I have shot are pictured on the link below, including the Tanzania - Kilombero lion I mentioned earlier in this thread, and the first lion I shot at age 23.
http://globalhuntingresources.com/bigcat.htm

Picture #8

I am often asked what is the biggest lion any of my clients have ever shot, and where? I would have to say, this is him! Shot with Richard Bell-Cross of Pro-Hunt Zambia ltd in June 2003. I was in the blind with the client, I couldn't believe my eyes when this one stepped out.
Area: Lunga Luswishi - Zambia
Method: Baiting
Weapon: 375 H&H 300 gr. bullets
The client shot a hippo on day 1, lion feed that night and we shot him on the evening of day 2!!

As mentioned I have also had a few unsuccessful lion hunts over the years. I spent 21 days hunting Zambia in 2007, although I saw 14 lions and several males, I just did not see a mature, big-maned lion that I wanted. In November 2002 I spent 15 days in the Zambezi Valley of Zambia, that was a waste of time. But the worst lion hunt I ever had was a 21-day hunt in Masailand, back in July 2004. The PH was clown, the outfitter was too, and the area was owned by the biggest clown of them ALL. Needless to say it sucked, but we can't always win!!

I wrote an article for DSC in the spring of 2008, along with several lion hunting presentations I gave at the 2009 DSC convention. Below are some excerpts from the article, etc.

"Many things go into the planning of a successful lion hunt. Without question though, the single most important thing is location, location, location. To me it’s a lot like fishing, if you want to catch a big one; you gotta fish where the big fish are!! Same goes with Lion hunting, if you want a quality lion, and a good quality hunt, you must select a good area and a good quality operator. This however, especially to the inexperienced lion hunter, can often be the single biggest hurdle of all. Who do you choose, they all look good, they all say the right things, etc, etc, etc. This can create quite a problem, but of course I think maybe I can help. Now over the years I have seen and heard the debates, and maybe of course I am a bit biased but without question, a reputable and highly experienced Hunting Consultant, would be a great place to start!! Often times, and hopefully in the case of such an expensive and highly anticipated hunt as this, he or she has the, “been there, done that” experience that you are looking for. For those of you that have done it a time or two but maybe are looking for other options, certainly an agent could also come in handy to you as well. Also consider attending the Dallas Safari Club and Safari Club International annual conventions, this will allow you to speak face to face with the agent, and of course offer you the opportunity to visit with some of the outfitters in person. Pictures and brochures are fancy and they certainly draw us in, but looking someone in the eye, and listening to his confidence, mainly because of experience, can certainly put you at ease when trying to make your decision. Now if attending one of the shows is not possible, or if the person you want to see is not there, be sure and have confidence in the agent/outfitter that you are working with, and trust that the knowledge and experience he has will suit your needs".

LION HUNTING – TOP 5 PLACES TO GO:

# 1: Zambia – Kafue
The Kafue blocks in western Zambia get my nod as the single best place in Africa to currently harvest a big-maned, trophy lion. Now I would not say that all of the blocks would be tops on my list, but certainly a couple of them. Mainly the Mumbwa & Lunga Luswishi blocks to be more specific. Since the re-opening of Zambian hunting in 2003, I have spent 12 weeks either hunting lion or accompanying clients to this fabulous location and I can honestly say it’s my favorite place in all of Africa. As the number 1 ranking it deserves a bit more print, but don’t confuse this as the “PERFECT” lion hunt, it has it’s downfalls as well. First off, the Kafue blocks have few buffalo, generally speaking, so if a buffalo/lion combo is something you are after, this would not be the place. On the flip side, the plentiful rivers such as the Kafue and Lunga have a healthy hippo population, along with very abundant additional game species so getting bait is not usually a problem. The big issue really is this, the Kafue region produces some of the best quality manes I have ever seen, but the hunting can be a bit more difficult. Because of the lack of buffalo, the lion population is not as plentiful as compared to the Luangwa Valley for example, where buffalo abound. Without question though, the mane quality of the top end lions can be far superior. I have seen success in these blocks run from 50% to as high as 100%, just depending on the year, but if you get lucky and one of the famed, huge maned lions of the Kafue National Park take up residence, as they often do, in your hunting concession, watch out!! You might just get the opportunity of a life-time, the opportunity to shoot the MGM lion you have always dreamed of. As a side note, the Kafue blocks have lots of leopard, and some very big ones as well. In 2004 the Lunga Luswishi block produced the #1 all-time leopard from Zambia, so this can also be a great place for a LION/LEOPARD combo.

#2: Tanzania – Rungwa
As with my first choice, the second place winner is an excellent location, and maybe the very best choice in all of Africa for the overall package experience. With wonderful game populations, including loads of buffalo and some pretty good ones at that, some of the Rungwa blocks would be hard to beat. In fact it’s only the very top end lions that I have seen come from the Kafue over the past few years that give it the title over Rungwa, as some of the operators here are producing quite well for their clients. An area or two that come to mind are the Kizigo & Ikili blocks, both outfitted by super quality operators, and highly experienced PH’s. Kizigo’s operator is a long standing and highly qualified PH in Tanzania, and the Iliki block was taken over just a few years ago by a new operator who has implemented strict lion hunting policies with recent proven results. Mane quality in these areas is generally quite good, obviously the biggest criteria. Secondly, success is also good with 80% - 100% being very much the norm each and every season. With a large buffalo population the areas are pretty well chock full of lion, so often times a client may have the opportunity to look over a couple. But always remember this, “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush”, so when it comes to lion hunting, if the one you see is the one you like, and the PH gives the go ahead, you better take em!! Because of the numerous buffalo, and the ability to shoot up to three on a 21-day license, bait is generally never an issue, certainly something to consider. Simply put, the Rungwa blocks of western Tanzania offer some top quality lion hunting opportunities and a hunt here will be hard to beat!!

#3: Zambia – Luangwa Valley
I would consider the numerous blocks along, near or bordering both the South & North Luangwa National Parks very similar in comparison to the #2 candidate listed above. The areas generally speaking have a healthy buffalo population, thus also having a thriving lion population. This past October I spent some time with an operator who I feel is one of the best in the Luangwa, and I am not sure if we saw more buffalo tracks, or lion tracks, it was hard to say. One thing I am sure of though is his outstanding track record on lion over the past several years. He currently operates the Chikwa Musalangu & West Musalangu game management areas bordering the North Luangwa National Park, and since 2003 has managed a perfect 100% success rate on lion!!! Not something seen often in today’s modern safari times, but it’s simply a testament to the area. Where there are lots of cats, one’s likely often to succeed, not to mention the PH’s 25 plus years hunting lion. Now for the hard facts as I see it, eastern Zambia has perhaps a down fall or two. First off, generally speaking the hunter is allowed only 1 buffalo on license, so I would consider it a wise move to have a hippo on quota if they are available in the area. Remember, without bait, you ain’t cat huntin, period!! Secondly, and most importantly is the mane quality, after all that’s what this little ordeal is all about. My experience has been this, a hunter can generally expect high success on a lion hunt, but mane quality varies. I would consider most of the lions coming from the Luangwa to be in the “good” catagory, with the rare exceptional mane always possible. I am often asked about the difference between western Zambia and eastern Zambia as far as lion hunting goes, and this is how I see it. You have a better chance to leave Zambia with a LION from Luangwa, but your odds of shooting the MGM monster are greater in the Kafue, that’s just my opinion!

#4: Zimbabwe – Nyakasanga (I think I would have to replace the SAVE VALLEY CONSERVANCY as the #4 pick now, but Nyakasanga is good)

Now this one I am really going to have fun with, as most people reading this are either going to think I am crazy, or wonder what in the heck is Nyakasanga? Well, that’s the same thing I thought a few years ago until I started doing a little research, and of course got some very helpful info from good friend and Zimbabwean PH, Guy Whittall. Most of Zimbabwe I would consider to be very average Lion hunting at best, not that the lions aren’t there, but often times mane quality just isn’t. That said though, I have shot a couple lions in Zimbabwe and until I shot my 8th lion in Botswana in Sept. 2007, my big black maned lion from a wonderful concession bordering Hwange National Park which I shot in 2002 was without a doubt, far and away my best. In fact a wild lion that anyone on the planet would have shot on any lion hunt, guaranteed!! Anyway, back to the area I am talking about, Nyakasanga. In the north of the country, Zimbabwe has a couple concessions designated as government controlled, auction areas, for lack of a better term. Two of these areas in particular are the Nyakasanga and Sapi blocks, both of which hold good game populations, and lion of course, but Nyakasanga far and away produces better lion, generally speaking. In fact I believe a lion permit was not even issued for Sapi during the 2008 hunting season. Each year the government holds an auction in which they put up for bid numerous hunting packages, usually to include buffalo and/or leopard, plus plains game, etc. Generally speaking you are buying a two week block of time and a specific camp location within the concession, plus the bag of animals which you bid on. Each year the government also offers up ONE lion permit for all of the Nyakasanga as an additional item, and that is exactly how it is purchased, additional to your already selected 2-week bag. If you are fortunate enough to be the high bidder, you have an almost certain opportunity to get a very good maned lion. Again, game is plentiful and you can also purchase additional buffalo on your package or some packages will also include hippo so getting bait should not be a problem. With only ONE lion permit a year issued, the cats get little hunting pressure so mane quality is awesome, and success should be 100%. The auction process can be quite confusing, and highly unorganized, especially considering the fact that you are dealing with the Zimbabwean government, so the best thing to do is have a quality operator, who is familiar with the area, and capable of running the hunt, represent you at the auction. He can bid on your behalf, and secure the permit for you, while you lay fast asleep at home. I know this one sounds a bit unorthodox, but I assure you, it’s a great place to hunt lion!!

#5: Tanzania – Masailand (Just look at the lion Adam Clements just shot)
Now honestly, number five I really struggled with, and again I am sure I will have some critics out there thinking I over looked something. There were a couple of areas I was considering as my 5th choice but I stuck with Masailand simply because of the top end potential. Over the years numerous operators have plucked out some awesome quality lions no one can deny that, but also I have seen some very average at best cats, plus a good number of guys that have simply come away with nothing. In 2004, I was one of those guys who walked away with nothing. 21 days of hard hunting yielded us a close encounter with two immature, scrubby maned lions that the PH and I simply refused to shoot. They were probably 3-4 years old, still a couple years away from being fully mature, big maned lions. Not that seeing them up close and personal, only 40 yards away at 8am, wasn’t incredible, but they just weren’t what I was looking for. Once again though, the highest criteria for my ranking system, is mane quality, and Masailand certainly has the potential to produce a huge maned lion. Not sure I would have a top ranking concession, but I certainly know one or two that I would avoid. This area of Tanzania does however offer some other unique opportunities, mainly the east African species like Lesser Kudu, Gerenuk, and Fringe-Eared Oryx just to mention a few. Plus, it wouldn’t be fair if one didn’t consider the huge buffalo Masailand is famed for, always something to consider. However, this article is about lion hunting and that is what I am basing my choices on. Simply put, if you can stomach the fact that you could come home empty-handed, and some of the other game options are important to you, give this hunt a try. Big maned lions do live here, and even a blind pig finds an acorn once in awhile!!!

OTHER NOTABLE CONSIDERATIONS:
*Botswana – This country would have without question been my very first choice were it still open to lion hunting. I was extremely lucky to have been one of the very last hunters to legally shoot a lion in Bots, I did so only 4-5 weeks prior to the October 2007 nationwide closure. The country was on an extremely limited quota, 1 permit issued per concession. Factor that with the incredible genetics and the lion population Botswana has and it is clearly a cat hunter’s paradise. I honestly would have happily taken a permit in any area where lion quota was offered, Botswana is that good in my opinion. Baiting was not allowed, nor was the shooting of male lions with a pride. I hunted the Sankuyo block with CV Safaris, we hunted lion in the time-honored tradition, tracking them. Honestly I can say without a doubt, it was the single most exciting lion hunt I have ever experienced. On day five I shot a huge maned lion, we approached on foot to within 24 yards of him and his male companion as they lay fast asleep under a shade tree, an adrenalin rush which can’t be matched. I pray in my heart the closure is over-turned, but with an incoming president who is a strong anti-hunter, and closely aligned with the powerful anti-hunting photographic company, Wilderness Safaris, the outlook is grim. The reasons for the closure are nothing more than a smoke screen, I assure you of that!!!

Mozambique – Niassa
In the northern part of the country lies the Niassa Game Reserve. A wildlife rich area famed for its big tuskers, but a place that also produces some pretty good lion as well. There are numerous hunting concession bordering in and around the reserve, several of which are operated by some top quality PH’s who are well known in the safari industry. This is not by any means an area famous for good lion, but trust me on this, a few good ones are certainly here to be had.

Namibia – Etosha
It’s no secret that the Etosha Pans have a few fabulous black maned lions within the confines of the park. The lion population is actually quite healthy as a whole, something that might seem a bit odd in such dry, desert conditions. On occasion, these big boys get the urge to travel outside of their protective boundary in search of easy prey. Often that easy prey is locals rancher’s livestock, be it cattle or goats. If it persists into a problem the rancher can often times apply for a permit in which to take care of his little dilemma. If you are lucky enough to have connections with a local PH who might be able to obtain the permit for one of his client’s then you could be in luck. Unfortunately you are not always able to be quite so picky when it comes to the lion which is causing the problem, but once in awhile a real stud shows himself, and wouldn’t you like to be there when he did?? If you can be available to leave on short notice, this can be a good chance at a nice lion for a reasonable price.

Tanzania – Kilombero
This is without a doubt an unknown little gem the country famous for its Tanzanite has been hiding when it comes to quality lion hunting. The area is basically a massive flood plain with little else than grass, river ways, and wildlife. Huge crocs and lots of hippo inhabit the waterways. On land you have huge herds of buffalo, puku and of course lion. Often times the PH is staking the bait to the ground simply because there are no trees within miles in which to hang it. Custom go-devil boats and swamp buggies are used primarily as transportation, making this a very unique hunting opportunity. Seriously though, the area has a thriving cat population, and can provide a good chance at a lion with a pretty decent mane. If a lion/buffalo/hippo/croc hunt sounds fun to you, give this place a look!

Once you have chosen your lion hunting paradise, next you should learn a little about your adversary, the methods often used on this particular hunt, and what will be expected of you from your guide. I guarantee you, the more you know about what to expect and what you’re in for, the more likely you are to enjoy the experience.


JUDGING THE TROPHY - This of course is my favorite subject! Like I said at the beginning of this article, to me the trophy of a lion is the size of his mane. I couldn’t care less how big his skull is I just want to know how much hair he has on top of his head!!! Simply put, a trophy is in the eyes of the beholder, but there are a few good rules of thumb when judging a trophy lion. Generally the first indication you will get, and sometimes the best indication is the mane hair left at the bait site. Tracks are certainly something to consider, as they give indication as to the overall size of the lion, but they have no bearing on the quality of his mane. If you have a bait site or two being hit by lions, watch as the PH and his trackers start picking through the bait and looking on the ground, maybe the tree the bait is hanging in, all in an attempt to locate mane hair left by the culprit. I guarantee you, if a male lion is feeding, he definitely will leave mane hair somewhere at the bait site. Color of the hair is an awesome indication of the kind of cat that is feeding; of course we are all looking for lots of long, black hairs. Secondly, the length is generally a more important indicator, as not all big maned lions are black in color. Anything in the 6-9 inch range is something to really get excited about. I have seen them 10 inches in length, but not often. If you are finding a lot of 3-5 inch hairs, and very light colored, even white, chances are it’s only an immature male that’s feeding. Certainly if the PH feels it necessary to build a blind and have a look, be up for it, you never know. The mane hair left at a bait site is not fool-proof, but rarely have I seen it not be an accurate indication of the type of lion that is feeding on the meat!

Now thanks to good old technology hunters and guides have another way of assessing the quality of the trophy visiting the bait site, trail cameras! This obviously can be extremely effective, but only if the PH has a few. They give the distinct advantage of seeing the actual lion up close and personal, plus it allows you the opportunity to know roughly the time that the lion is coming to bait, is he a morning or an evening feeder, etc, etc. Information like this can be invaluable, and now that you have a relatively good idea what he is, a whole lot of additional guess work can be eliminated! This helps tremendously with the decision to sit on bait, or to concentrate your hunting elsewhere. As time is always a key factor, eliminating wasted effort is certainly a wise idea. If your PH has not yet begun to use trail cameras at his bait sites, maybe suggest that he gives it a try, or better yet, bring a couple with you and try them for yourself!!

If you guys have decided to sit, and if you are not experienced with lion, then I suggest you do exactly what the guide says, if the lion shows himself. Hopefully the two of you have already discussed your criteria and what it is you are looking for in a lion trophy; if so then trust his judgment. If you are a bit more experienced however, or simply insist on being a part of the decision making process, then here are a couple of things to look for. The major problem with judging the lion once he arrives often can be the limited daylight. If you are fortunate enough to have good light, then consider this. Most importantly look at the top of his head and ears. Even semi-mature lions can have a full bib, meaning their chest. However, unless they are fully mature, often their ears and top of their head will be bald or sparsely haired. If you see a big lion come strolling in and you can’t decipher his ears from mane, then let em have it!!! The same holds true down the back of his head and parts of his face, you are looking for a full head of hair, period! Also, if good light allows, look at how far back the mane stretches on his back and shoulders. This in my opinion is only a secondary consideration, as often times a very full maned lion does not stretch all the way down his back, past his shoulders, that actually is quite rare. A full looking mane, and a big mature looking body, that’s what you are looking for in a quality lion. Remember also, your outfitter may have certain restrictions that are either imposed by law, or self-imposed, so ask him about that prior to getting in the blind. As a side note, some PH’s are starting to go with the 6 year old or older rule, and that’s great, if you know how to age a lion on the paw??? This black nose theory that some people are trying to use, I don’t know, I’m not buying it whole heartedly! My 2002 Zimbabwe lion weighed 489 pounds, with a 26 ½” skull, and has a huge, full, black mane, and his nose is still pink??? Plus, ask most PH’s how well they can see the color of a lion’s nose at 60 yards, in low light?? Bottom line in my opinion is this; we need to be very conscious about the male lions we are shooting. Please try not to shoot males from a pride, and try only to shoot what appears to be, a mature, full-maned lion. That is the only way we are going to ensure the longevity of the sport of lion hunting!!!


LION CONSERVATION – To some degree this goes hand in hand with trophy judgment, and trophy hunting. On the other hand, overall conservation can only be achieved by the hunting world playing its part. To my first point, if you plan to partake in an upcoming lion hunt, try your best to play the role of conservationist, as well as hunter. Only harvest a lion that you and your PH are sure is fully mature, or meets the local criteria! I know it’s tough sometimes, especially with the cost of today’s lion hunts, sometimes just getting one seems to take precedent. If we want lion hunting to be the way of the future, we have to show those who ride the fence on the subject, that as hunters we are able to police our own actions. Once that gets turned over to someone else, forget it, we are done!! Secondly, consider the numerous ways you can help the pro-hunting movement of conserving lions in the wild. A great way would be to donate to Conservation Force, led by a tireless leader in the fight for the rights of hunting, John Jackson III. You might consider inquiring to SCI or DSC, asking if they have any programs they specifically support that is geared towards the preservation of the African Lion.
Personally I am in the process of setting up a non-profit 501 (C) (3) hopefully I got that right??? Anyway, in which funds will go directly to the benefit of Ms. Paula White, who is currently in her 2nd year of research in Zambia, working on the Zambian Lion Project. Paula and I spent several days together in the Kafue last June, and I was very impressed with her devotion and dedication to the longevity of the lion, and the use of HUNTING as a practical conservation tool. It’s vitally important to have people such as Paula on our side, the side of the hunter, the side in which her very reliable and well respected reputation throughout the NON-HUNTING conservation community is well-respected. We all know that wasting our time with anti hunters is futile, but the non-hunting community are the ones in which we need to educate, and convince of the viability of regulated and mandated, ethical and legal hunting, as a great tool in the pro-longed conservation of the lion. I desperately implore you all to get involved, and help me with the fight to further the LION, and its ability to last forever. After all, there is only one, KING OF BEASTS!!!

Not all lion hunts are the same, nor is every lion hunter. Some of us want just to get one, and others like me want to make a lifetime of it, how you see it is really up to you. I will say this however, the hunt for a lion is without a doubt one of the single greatest experiences a sportsman can ever have. The lion is perhaps the most incredible creature god ever created; he’s fearless, beautiful, majestic, and proud, just to mention a few. If adrenalin, excitement, anticipation and potential danger is right up your alley, and you haven’t done this yet, I promise you are really missing out!!!

Hopefully this info helps, let me know what else I can tell you about my experiences?

Thanks,
Aaron Neilson
Global Hunting Resources
www.globalhuntingresources.com

Aaron, Thank you for the detailed and insightful report, quite a lot for a Saturday afternoon. Much appreciated. great trophies !!!

Thanks Aaron, I love it when someone who really knows what he is talking about makes a presentation like yours after the drive byes have taken their shots. I met Paula White last year and was impressed with her knowledge and dedication to both lions and lion hunting.

What sort of questions were the lions asked in the survey ?

Aaron;

Thanks for the great report. I probably will never be able to afford a lion hunt but certainly know more after reading your report than before. Well done.

Hope this works, but I will give it a try.

I have a feeling Aaron has seen these somewhere. And thanks for sharing your pics and recommendations.





You can see that this Lion had produced black mane hair but he was wearing a Mohawk when we met. He was taken on my 32nd day of dedicated Lion hunting in two countries. Zambia had been closed to all hunting for a three year period and had re-opened less than a year prior to this safari. Game was plentiful and quality was excellent, including a new world record #1 w/handgun Chobe Bushbuck and Top 10 Puku w/handgun, Kafue Lechwe, Black Lechwe, Sitatunga, Spotted Hyena, Tsesebe, Oribi and lots of Buff, Hippo and Croc. This was the Lion Area #3 in Aarons review. I would classify the Luangwa Valley as the #1 best safari destination for variety and quality of game in sub-Saharan Africa. Mozambique is a close second.

quote:

Originally posted by LionHunter:

quote:

Originally posted by Bwanamich:
LH,

Yes and no if you ask me. Sure that heavy thorn thicket can "pull out" mane hair - so that explains the "yes".

However, no way can that be responsible for a "maneless lion". Mane hair, like human hair, grows all the time and throughout a lions lifetime. So any hair "pulled out" by a branch, etc will regrow. There is sufficient evidence of full, heavy maned lions living in the exact same habitat as where maneless lions are found.

Mane development is mainly a function of genetics and evolution form what I have read.

The resolution in your profile picture is not clear enough to see, but i think you have a picture of a lion with little mane? Is it a maneless lion or a young lion whose mane has yet to fully develop is for you and your Ph to decide. There is a very visible difference in overall appearance between one and the other which with experience is quite easy to determine.

The Lion in my pic was taken by me in 2004 in the upper reaches of the Luangwa Valley with one shot from a Ruger .458Lott. It is possibly the largest Lion ever taken in Zambia up to that time and one of the largest in the SCI record book; my PH won an award for it. He was well scarred and mature and has only patches of mane hair; not hairless by any means. Three PHs and experienced skinners and trackers in camp all believed the thorn bush was responsible for the mane condition and recognized him immediately as a world record class Lion. We also estimated his body weight as well above the normal range for wild Lion.

Your comment about it possibly being a young Lion is uncalled for and any experienced Lion man should be able to tell that the skull size is that of a very large Lion. I am a big man and always put my hand on trophies so a true perspective can be achieved in the pics. The actual pic is very good resolution but it was degraded by the posting process. Your comments are one reason I refuse to post pics of my animals on the internet; too many armchair experts unable to understand what they see.

I must say that I concur with the comment made by butchloc, but was hesitant to make the observation until you popped off.

Wow!! Is that maneless lion your only world record or do you have others?

Wow, you have 7 posts and you raise the B.S.
flag??? Have another beer and go back to the hog hunting forum.

quote:

Originally posted by LionHunter:
Wow, you have 7 posts and you raise the B.S.
flag??? Have another beer and go back to the hog hunting forum.

Don't worry LH, his name says it all, just something that irritates the piss out of ya!!

Nice lion, looks like he had his fair share of back alley fights.

Looks like that scope bites too!!!

Nice Lion again,