The Accurate Reloading Forums
Live Report From Madaba!
10 October 2025, 15:26
SaeedLive Report From Madaba!
We left camp on the way to the lake to check our croc bait.
Robert, our tracker, spied an eland cow miles away!
Even with binoculars, we found it hard to her, but he did!!
The wind was right, so we walked closer to see if there was a bull.
We saw a bull, but as usual he was in no position for a shot.
We could still see the cow standing in a perfect position for a shot.
We stood there for quite sometime, then Alan saw the bull coming towards the cow.
There was a small gap he would pass through, and I got on the scope ready.
As he did, I shot him.
Had a bit of a time loading him up, and headed to cam for lunch.
Decided to have an afternoon break.
We have a leopard feeding close to camp, and we are planning to go see him early tomorrow morning.
10 October 2025, 16:44
MLindsayTremendous Eland!
10 October 2025, 17:28
fulvioquote:
Originally posted by MLindsay:
Tremendous Eland!
It was just a matter of time.
The bulls have spent quite some time on their own in groups getting fat when come late September start to emerge from the thickets to connect with herds of cows.
As has already been evidenced in the photos, there is no shortage of fat on these bulls and am waiting for Saeed to post photos of the much appreciated brisket that everybody yearns for.
10 October 2025, 17:40
SaeedThe amazing part was there were at least 20 females and young in the group.
We could see non of them except one cow and later on this bull.
Only saw them after the shot!
10 October 2025, 19:34
470EDDYBeautiful Eland Bull!! Congratulations....I'm snake bit on good Eland in all my safaris!! I'm almost afraid to book a West Africa LDE hunt!!
Eland backstraps for dinner tonight?? YUM!!
470EDDY
11 October 2025, 00:31
30.06kingI knew Eland luck would come to you eventually Saeed but wow, what a tremendous bull. Congrats one and all, especially your hawk eyed tracker in finding the cow. And how your hunt came together after the long walk and long wait is amazing.
How far away was the bull when you shot ?
I guess those are lion scars in the bull's coat ? Ambitious of lions tackling such a big, strong animal.
To me the Eland is the icing on your safari cake although I also love the Buff and Bushbuck.
Well, looks like everybody can dine well from now on. Plenty of great meat on an Eland.
Hunting.... it's not everything, it's the only thing.
11 October 2025, 04:45
crbutlerThat’s one nice blue bull!
Sounds like everyone is getting into game this year.
Can’t wait to see how it continues on!
11 October 2025, 16:26
Michael RobinsonGreat eland!
Mike
Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer.
11 October 2025, 17:42
FjoldYep, great bull!
I'm also snakebit on eland. I've never seen a mature bull in Africa.
Frank
"I don't know what there is about buffalo that frightens me so.....He looks like he hates you personally. He looks like you owe him money."
- Robert Ruark, Horn of the Hunter, 1953
NRA Life, SAF Life, CRPA Life, DRSS lite
11 October 2025, 22:11
fulvioquote:
I'm also snakebit on eland. I've never seen a mature bull in Africa.
Africa is a big place but the Selous in Tanzania is Eland Heaven and you will not be disappointed in your quest for one provided you book your hunt late September into October onwards.
11 October 2025, 22:32
SaeedTony shot a bushbuck.
I shot an impala and a buffalo!
Maktoum and Pete got chased by a hippo
12 October 2025, 01:48
30.06kingGlad Tony got a Bushbuck.
Will you post pics please Saeed ?
Hunting.... it's not everything, it's the only thing.
12 October 2025, 05:37
DLSquote:
Originally posted by Saeed:
Maktoum and Pete got chased by a hippo
While it could have turned out tragic, I’m hoping there is some video of that. I’m laughing just thinking about the two of them running from a hippo.
12 October 2025, 12:17
RobinOLocksleySaeed,
Superb photos and narration as ever. We are lucky to be vicarious participants of your annual safaris. Thank you!
I am sorry to hear of Lema's passing. We was one constant and happy fixture of your hunts. I remember a video wherein he was having his lunch and you approached him with your camera. Lema invited you to join him for lunch and you sincerely thanked him saying that "I already had my lunch, my friend. Thank you!"
"Early in the morning, at break of day, in all the freshness and dawn of one's strength, to read a book - I call that vicious!"- Friedrich Nietzsche
12 October 2025, 17:57
dogcatAas to eland hunting, I find it far more challenging than buffalo or about anything else. A tracking eland hunt is serious business in terms of stamina and getting up on them.
LDE are the crown jewell of tracking hunts IMO.
I have done it twice - once in CAR where we tracked hard over 110 kms in 9 days before connecting. Then in Cameroon with Thierry Labat - great hunts with great memories.
If you have a choice between ele or lion and an LDE - do the LDE hunt!
12 October 2025, 23:17
SaeedTony shot a hippo.
Maktoum shot a wildebeest.
13 October 2025, 00:37
30.06kingquote:
Originally posted by dogcat:
Aas to eland hunting, I find it far more challenging than buffalo or about anything else. A tracking eland hunt is serious business in terms of stamina and getting up on them.
LDE are the crown jewell of tracking hunts IMO.
I have done it twice - once in CAR where we tracked hard over 110 kms in 9 days before connecting. Then in Cameroon with Thierry Labat - great hunts with great memories.
If you have a choice between ele or lion and an LDE - do the LDE hunt!
Perhaps one factor making Eland seem the more challenging hunt is simply the rarity. Even areas with good Eland populations probably don't contain the same number of bulls compared to Buffalo bulls if they are also present. At least, that's my impression and I realise there are areas that may be different.
When pursuing either on foot I've had equal share of frustration, disappointment, long hours in the heat, being skunked by errant breeze and being busted by sentry animals and collecting all manner of grime with my sweat while overriding everything is the inner joy of being on the hunt, in the wilds rifle in hand.
I agree, chasing LDE feels like the ultimate pursuit but any Eland or Buffalo hunt is heaven to me.
Hunting.... it's not everything, it's the only thing.
13 October 2025, 06:02
medvedquote:
Originally posted by 30.06king:
quote:
Originally posted by dogcat:
Aas to eland hunting, I find it far more challenging than buffalo or about anything else. A tracking eland hunt is serious business in terms of stamina and getting up on them.
LDE are the crown jewell of tracking hunts IMO.
I have done it twice - once in CAR where we tracked hard over 110 kms in 9 days before connecting. Then in Cameroon with Thierry Labat - great hunts with great memories.
If you have a choice between ele or lion and an LDE - do the LDE hunt!
Perhaps one factor making Eland seem the more challenging hunt is simply the rarity. Even areas with good Eland populations probably don't contain the same number of bulls compared to Buffalo bulls if they are also present. At least, that's my impression and I realise there are areas that may be different.
When pursuing either on foot I've had equal share of frustration, disappointment, long hours in the heat, being skunked by errant breeze and being busted by sentry animals and collecting all manner of grime with my sweat while overriding everything is the inner joy of being on the hunt, in the wilds rifle in hand.
I agree, chasing LDE feels like the ultimate pursuit but any Eland or Buffalo hunt is heaven to me.
+1.
13 October 2025, 06:58
SaeedYou cannot judge a hunt by the distance walked.
So far we have walked 140 kilometers.
Our hunts average between 270 kilometers to 180 kilometers per safari.
Judging a hunt by how difficult it is is just plain silly!
13 October 2025, 07:38
Bwana338Looks like a couple of nice lizards there.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
"You've got the strongest hand in the world. That's right. Your hand. The hand that marks the ballot. The hand that pulls the voting lever. Use it, will you" John Wayne
13 October 2025, 09:19
30.06kingquote:
Originally posted by Bwana338:
Looks like a couple of nice lizards there.
Blimey ! There's enough of them ! Charging in like men who were told there's free beer.
Hunting.... it's not everything, it's the only thing.
13 October 2025, 09:52
DLSThat’s a big flock of crocs!
13 October 2025, 11:27
470EDDYWOW!! Simply incredible photography!! That STEALTHCAM must be your new tool??
Thanks for sharing!!
I hope you don't run out of ammunition!!
470EDDY
13 October 2025, 12:49
RobinOLocksleyThat's a lot of crocs!
"Early in the morning, at break of day, in all the freshness and dawn of one's strength, to read a book - I call that vicious!"- Friedrich Nietzsche
13 October 2025, 15:39
EsskayIncredible pics, thank you very much.
14 October 2025, 00:13
SaeedI shot a very old buffalo bull today.
His teeth were worn down to the gums, and he was not in the best of condition.
14 October 2025, 03:20
Michael RobinsonExcellent photos.
Those crocs chill my blood!
Mike
Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer.
14 October 2025, 07:58
470EDDYWOW!! The hunt is spectacular, but the BBQ reigns supreme!Supreme!!
Incredible photography, Saeed!!
Please tell us about your camera. I'm still using my Leica V-LUX 3 we last talked about!! Snagged it in Singapore, and still serving me well...
470EDDY
14 October 2025, 11:03
30.06kingCongrats on your ancient bull Saeed. He's a beauty and, in the pics, appears to have decent width too. Good to see that Buff can reach that age in Madaba.
Thankyou for posting the pics of Tony's Bushbuck. A lovely buck carrying very good horn mass. I also like Tony's Reedbuck. Madaba is really producing the goods.
Hunting.... it's not everything, it's the only thing.
14 October 2025, 17:20
Fjoldquote:
Originally posted by 30.06king:
Congrats on your ancient bull Saeed. He's a beauty and, in the pics, appears to have decent width too. Good to see that Buff can reach that age in Madaba.
Thankyou for posting the pics of Tony's Bushbuck. A lovely buck carrying very good horn mass. I also like Tony's Reedbuck. Madaba is really producing the goods.
I'm also going to mention that bushbuck, he's a beauty. That last buff is special also.
Frank
"I don't know what there is about buffalo that frightens me so.....He looks like he hates you personally. He looks like you owe him money."
- Robert Ruark, Horn of the Hunter, 1953
NRA Life, SAF Life, CRPA Life, DRSS lite
14 October 2025, 19:06
SaeedI shot a croc and a kongoni.
A bit hard choosing a croc as so many very very big ones feeding.
Tony is having a break today, and we came back for lunch and enjoying a relaxed afternoon with him.
14 October 2025, 19:55
470EDDYMASSIVE Croc, WOW!! Congratulations!!
Where is the Tequila shots or Gin n tonics to go with those limes??
The Lake is growing!!
470EDDY
14 October 2025, 21:12
SaeedWe are not allowed to get drunk.
Apparently we are bad enough to deal with sober!
14 October 2025, 21:29
SaeedGreg shot a croc and a warthog.
