AR Friends,

We just returned from a fabulous hunt with Nixon Dzingai, Malapati Safari area, Zimbabwe. I cannot say enough good things about the man, his character, and his hunting area. He had some interesting things to say about Bill Phifer.

First, Nixon allowed us to leave camp owing him for several DG trophy fees - full report to follow soon. He trusts his hunters will do the right thing, and pay their bills. In all his years of running his business, all but one client has fulfilled their obligations.

Right now, the money owed to Nixon is really owed to the council. The way that works is the operators camp is funded by the daily rate. The majority of trophy fees goes directly to the local council. Those funds are very necessary to raise the meager standard of living for all Zimbabweans who live in this area. The council remains unpaid. The point Nixon wants to come across is the money was not stolen from him, but rather those people who can afford it least.

The amount of money is staggering in local terms. The average wage in the area is around a thousand US a year. How must it fell when someone betrays a trust and steals TWENTY SIX years of income! It's truly a life changing loss.

According to Nixon, Phifer's first elephant was shot by mistake. Nixon pointed out the large tusk ele as the one in the middle of the three. The client shot the largest bodied animal, the one on the right. It turned out to be the smaller tusked animal. Obviously disappointed, Phifer went on to shoot another ele, a leopard, and a slew of other animals. Nixon said not once was a complaint registered to him or his staff. Instead, of addressing it like a man, he posts some whiney BS about who is responsible when the hunter shoots the wrong animal. Guess what bud, only one person - the one who pulled the trigger.

As part of the smokescreen, Phifer went on to scream "illegal" hunts were carried out by Simon. A pretty common tactic by defence lawyers - if you can't dispute the facts, crucify the messenger. Despite that effort, the "investigation" into improper hunting by Simon was closed a few weeks ago, all charges dropped.

I saw absolutely no sign of the other whacked out allegation of a shakedown for fear of arrest. My personal experience was just the opposite. The council and scouts had the utmost respect for Nixon. Nice to see. And the farmers were imploring Nixon's clients to shoot ele's out of their crops. No threats or extortion, please!

We spent a lot of time with Nixon and his crew as they distributed the wealth of the elephant meat. He treats his neighbors as he wants to be treated. In return he is well respected by the locals, the council, and local officials. I never saw any hint of those "shinanegans" Phifer claims as a reason not to pay. If you are a thief, you will lie about it as well.

Speaking of, Nixon has some friends who are looking into the traveller's check BS. Don't rest too smugly Phifer.

It is very clear there are two different "sides" to the story. Phifer you know what's right. Nixon wants to tell you that all of your trophies are ready to ship. In spite the grief, he is willing to forgive and forget the past. All Phifer needs to do is the right thing, settle his bill.

Looking forward, if I wanted to park $10-20,000 toward a future hunt, I would not hesitate to send it to Nixon. Phifer, not so much.

OK, one pic with the crew and the booty.


Alright, one more of my son and his bull that looks almost as old as he is!

Wow!! Glad you had a great hunt!!



Mike

Thanks for the report. You are exactly right on with what you wrote. I hunted with Nixons family last august and found honest and great people. My hunting partner is there right now hunting elephant. Nixon emailed me 3days ago, happy with your success. He is a fine man. I will hunt again with them. Mr phifer needs to look in the mirror, rethink his actions and make it right with all those folks. JS

Phifer really pissed in the pool he wanted to swim in. Nixon probably has already filed a suit in Zim against Phifer. The day Phifer tries to clear customs, he is screwed.

What an ass.

Jack,

Looks like you had a hell of a hunt. I think maybe I will hunt with Nixon some day.

Today I am going boar hunting in Austria. Wish me luck.

Welcome home Jack Looks like some great bulls. That buffalo sure is a great treat for your son. Congratulations!!

Congratulations on a great hunt for you and your son!!!! Many thanks for the update on the lying SOB who won't pay his bills.

Very interesting.

Congrats on the hunt. I look forward to the full report.

Nice ivory Jack. Well done.

Damn nice ivory and a nice old kakuli bull to boot. Well done.

Jack,

Great hunt and I love the ivory photo. Classic!

I have hunted with Nixon and have been one of his strongest supporters regarding the Phifer fraud case. Nixon is a stand up guy and a true gentlemen. Phifer has no integrity.

I would recommend everyone to hunt with Nixon and I am planning on hunting with him in the future.

dale

Thanks for the update Jack.

Will you be posting a detailed hunt report??

Congratulations jack

Please more hunt details.from the looks of that ivory you had a wonderful hunt!

Jack,

Nice to understand now why you were so willing to support Nixon last year. Having already booked a hunt does give you a vested interest. It should be interesting to see your detailed hunt report. Three eles for two hunters is an impressive bag. Was Simon your son's PH? Can you produce a valid TR2?

Despite your unwarranted attack, I'm glad you had a nice trip. It appears you are happy with the outcome, and that is all that matters at the end of the day.

No doubt Nixon and Co. were on their best behavior. I would venture a guess that the investigation has had an impact on his operations. If the end result of this little internet "love fest" has been to clean up another Zim operation, then I will consider it worth the hassle.

Nice to see everyone getting back in the field, doing what we all love. Detailed hunt reports are always enjoyable.

Bill

Jack,

Congratulations!!!

I too enjoyed the update and look forward to reading your report and pics!

Well done and that bull is a beauty

quote:

Originally posted by llamapacker:
Jack,...

Nice to see everyone getting back in the field, doing what we all love. Detailed hunt reports are always enjoyable.

Bill

Bill,

Here is a thought. You claim "your bill was paid in full". Nixon says your trophies are ready to ship pending payment. Interesting you are not counter demanding your valuable property be shipped...

Sorry, not my intent here to fan the flames. Putting aside all past vitriol, is there any scenario where you would agree to settlement/arbitration? Let's say Nixon were to post a similar amount in an escrow account.

This gets set up in a few months. Nixon produces documents, you tell your story, let an impartial judge decide. You win, you get your trophies.

What say you Bill?

Don't we have enough pissing match threads about this already without starting a brand new one?

Most of us have already figured out whether we would or would not hunt with those involved.

quote:

Originally posted by Charles_Helm:
Don't we have enough pissing match threads about this already without starting a brand new one?

Most of us have already figured out whether we would or would not hunt with those involved.

Charles,

I don't think we have gotten to the bottom of this, as the two sides are so far appart, and those of us who have no interest except to know the truth, are still in the dark.

People can only make a decisions once all the facts are know.

And I am afraid so far we have had quite a few twits and turns, but no end result.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

Charles,

I don't think we have gotten to the bottom of this, as the two sides are so far appart, and those of us who have no interest except to know the truth, are still in the dark.

People can only make a decisions once all the facts are know.

And I am afraid so far we have had quite a few twits and turns, but no end result.

I agree that more facts would be welcome, it just seemed we have enough threads on this in which to post them. I have seen and heard enough to make up my mind if I were hunting in Zim again, but lots is still unclear and no doubt many are still on the fence.