After having an awesome trip to Tanzania, I'd like to seriously look into a trophy elephant hunt for the old man. Possibly a 2x1 if it makes sense. I have a few names in mind, but would like to hear what others suggest. Not too concerned with tusk weight, but of course bigger is better. Quality hunt is the overall objective.
thanks!

Here is a great one that is in the classifieds right now. Phillip runs a great operation, you would not be disappointed. Good Luck!
http://forums.accuratereloadin...2100588/m/6171026871

thanks for the info!
I saw that a few days ago, and looks like a great deal. Unfortunately dad used up all of his vacation this year, and we're already set for a couple hunts in 2013. This would be for 2014.

http://forums.accuratereloadin...043/m/6481046931/p/2


Botswana with Johan Calitz. Incredibly well run operation from start to finish.

thanks Kathi. Calitz is definitely on the short list

For the money and quality of bulls, you won't beat SSG safaris / Nixon D'zingai.

Another option is Martin Pieters. He has just picked up the Tsholotsho concession along the border of Hwange NP. Really big bulls possible there.

465H&H

Talk with Ivan (Carter). He's here on AR. Don't think that Botswana will be open for ele in 2014.

http://www.huntingreport.com/w...te.cfm?articleid=594


Big Changes Coming To Botswana Hunting For 2013

(posted April 20, 2012)

Word has been flying around the internet for almost a year now that Botswana had closed to all hunting. That simply was not true-and still isn't. However, just as we were laying down copy for our May newsletter, we received this urgent email from Kgori Safaris:

Dear Hunting Friend,

VERY IMPORTANT NOTICE !!!!!

Hunting is officially banned in Botswana from 2013, except for plainsgame on game ranches and a few elephants that will be auctioned outside the wilderness areas in the cattle areas.

There are only 2 areas that will still have limited quota for 2013 namely, CH 1 and NG 41.

This is a very sad and unfortunate situation.

Best regards,
KGORI SAFARIS

Hunting Report publisher and editor Barbara Crown immediately called the Botswana Wildlife Management Association to get the full story. We've included their full statement below, which answers some, but not all questions hunters might have. For the moment, here is the takeaway:

1) As Kgori's email accurately stated, these changes won't take effect until 2013. So, if you have an elephant safari booked for Botswana in 2012, relax, go hunting and enjoy the experience.

2) If you have an elephant safari booked for 2013 or beyond, contact your safari operator immediately to check the status of your specific hunt. Safaris with Butler &Holbrow Safaris in the Chobe Enclave CH1/2 will continue unchanged through the end of 2013; Safaris with Calitz Hunting Safaris in Mababe NG 41 will continue through the end of 2017.

3) The Hunting Report is attempting to ascertain if there are still any possible hunts left for 2012. If we find opportunities, we will let our Email Extra subscribers know immediately

4) As the statement below clearly indicates, elephant hunting in Botswana is not closed, but there are certainly going to be changes. Stay tuned for new information as the situation clarifies.

Editor,
Barbara Crown

Below is the full text of the statement from Botswana Wildlife Management Association:



HUNTING IN BOTSWANA - STATEMENT TO VALUED CLIENTS, AGENTS AND FRIENDS

Over the last 5 years, Botswana's trophy hunting industry has been subjected to some extensive changes to areas available for hunting, and changes in land use in other areas where photographic and hunting operations have been combined - these changes have given rise to much speculation amongst the international hunting fraternity: the Botswana Wildlife Management Association wishes to confirm that from the end of this year big game hunting will continue in the following concessions:

Butler &Holbrow Safaris / Chobe Enclave CH1/2 - end of 2013

Calitz Hunting Safaris / Mababe NG 41 - end of 2017

In spite of draconian cuts in quota for other species, elephant remain the flagship species in Botswana and sustainable offtake of this species will continue under the guidance and direction of the Botswana Government. Recent aerial surveys conducted by independent researchers, in collaboration with Government and the Association, have determined that the Botswana elephant population is stable and in some parts of the country are considered locally over-abundant. The Special Elephant Quota, which is auctioned annually to industry members and stakeholders, will continue in select areas for the benefit of local communities and for elephant conservation and management as a whole. Private research on tusk weights/population distribution and densities, supported by outfitters, is ongoing and will continue to inform Botswana's Wildlife Management Authority.

Assurances have been made to the industry by senior members of Government during the course of the last five years that elephant hunting will continue in Botswana; in the meantime, outfitters remain committed to ongoing discussion and consultation with Government to determine the way forward. Hunting on game ranches is unchanged. Please contact your safari outfitter or the Botswana Wildlife Management Association (botswanawildlife@yahoo.com or debbie@mochaba.net) for any further information or confirmation you may require.


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bobby7321: I know that Calitz Safaris are on your short list but I have hunted with them so I do speak with some personal experience. I shot an elephant that was 78 X 77 on the 12th day of a 14 day elephant hunt. It was the 125th bull I had seen. If you can possibly go with Calitz Safaris you'll have the trip of a life time. I arranged my trip through PH John Abraham of Madubula Safaris in South Africa. John has hunted with Calitz Safaris many times and is an excellent judge of trophy size. When we started he said "You'll shoot an elephant over 70 pounds." He was right! We turned down several elephants judged in the low 60's. You will not be sorry if you hunt with John. MMP

Matupula safaris. Mark butcher and Mark allemand.zimbabwe. You can't go wrong quality, humor and big elephant. I have shot 7 elephants sith them. Dad shot 2, my uncle shoot one and two friends shoot 2. Also they support zimbabweans and I run with them an ngo for free dental care once a year financed by an american, they drill wells for the villagers, build schools, hospitals,etc. Hunting with them is a wonderful experience. My best elephant with them is a90 x67 pounds the smlest 48x 50. If you want their contact details just tell me.

I hunted with CM Safaris in May. They hunt the Dande North, Dande East area. There are several folks here on AR that hunt eles with them. They usuallt take the highest average in the Valley. They have the classic ele hunt, tracking. There are other areas that might take heavier ivory but you won't find a better ele hunt. You will work for them the way it should be and at a price that is less than other places.My bull was a hugh body bull, 21" back feet, with 46# left tusk. The report is on AR, ELE with CM Safaris - May 2012 Page 1 2.

If 700,000 free range acres in Namibia is of interest I can point you in the right direction. Numerous game species available if you're looking more than elephant.

Don't have a recommendation yet but at the end of September I might. I'm going see Vic Falls, catch some Tigers and look for an elephant in Matetsi.

Don't have a recommendation but I always dreamed about a hunt with Kai-Uwe Denker in Nyae Nyae Conservancy (former Bushmanland).

Big elephants and you have to hunt them by hard tracking!

Denker stopped hunting elephant, but I guess the area is still worth a visit.

http://www.johancalitzsafaris....ots_photo_decade.htm

Bobby,

The attached link contains photos of Johan Calitz' "Decade of Excellence". Some very impressive trophies.

A second vote for Matapula Safaris. They are booked through Sporting International in Channelview, Texas. Both companies are first class!

quote:

Originally posted by dwarf416:
Matupula safaris. Mark butcher and Mark allemand.zimbabwe. You can't go wrong quality, humor and big elephant. I have shot 7 elephants sith them. Dad shot 2, my uncle shoot one and two friends shoot 2. Also they support zimbabweans and I run with them an ngo for free dental care once a year financed by an american, they drill wells for the villagers, build schools, hospitals,etc. Hunting with them is a wonderful experience. My best elephant with them is a90 x67 pounds the smlest 48x 50. If you want their contact details just tell me.

Hey Diego
We met in Vegas in 2012
This is Milan ( from Czech Republic) but living in Montana
How are you?
Anyway, if you get this message email me at.
arc.milan@yahoo.com