Just returned from Zimbabwe this afternoon. Hunted for 14 days in Sengwa Research with Charlton McCallum (Buzz and Rex Hoets) and it was marvelous. We had a fabulous time and a most successful hunt -- beyond our expectations. Will do a full report in the next couple of days.

We chartered into camp and drove out (about 7 hours by road) and experienced zero problems or issues and never felt in danger or threatened at all. We spent a day shopping in Harare and drove all over town and went out to eat in the evening. Again, all with zero problems. In fact, the restaurant is one of the best I have eaten at overseas (Alo Alo?).

If I could return tomorrow, but for having to ride the Airbus over which sucks big time, I would be gone in heartbeat. My butt needs to recover first.

P.S. If there was ever any doubt, the .500 NE is an elephant flattener. I am a true believer.

Welcome back!

I look forward to your full report and pictures, but the suspense is killing me!

quote:

If there was ever any doubt, the .500 NE is an elephant flattener.

Come on, what happened?

Thank you, I look forward to your report. I am heading over in September so I hope you missed at least a couple.

Great news Mike!

Mike;

You can't keep us in suspense!!!! Tell us, tell us!

Regards, D. Nelson

Welcome back, Mike. We're just all eagerly awaiting your report

From one Mike to another Mike, sounds like your turning into an elephant hunter...


Welcome home,

Mike

You remind me of the girl in Fjold's avitar....what a tease!

We're all in suspense, waiting. . . . .

mj;
There have been some post recently in regards to transporting .500 and above ammo. Did you have any problems or questions asked by TSA or customs?? What airports did you fly out??

quote:

Originally posted by Will:

quote:

If there was ever any doubt, the .500 NE is an elephant flattener.

Come on, what happened?

He almsot missed, so the bigger bullet made up for that

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by Will:

quote:

If there was ever any doubt, the .500 NE is an elephant flattener.

Come on, what happened?

He almsot missed, so the bigger bullet made up for that

Everybody is a comedian.

MJ --

If that was you with Buzz down at Dudley's camp last week, that was me in the camp.

Les

Congratulations, Mike! Looking forward to the report!

I cheated and kept up with your hunt by Skypeing Buzz's office while you were in the field. You didn't radio in enough! Sounds like a great hunt and I look forward to the report and photos. I'm also curious about your friend's hunt.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by Will:

quote:

If there was ever any doubt, the .500 NE is an elephant flattener.

Come on, what happened?

He almsot missed, so the bigger bullet made up for that

Congratulations Mike! Can't wait for the report, and pictures !

Still trying to catch up and it will be a couple of days before I can do a report, but here are the highlights:

- We ended up being in the right place at the right time and got to hunt several elephants in addition to the tuskless and bull that we were originally after. There was a cow that had been wounded by poachers and another two cows that were needed for rations by National Parks.

- All five elephant were dropped by a single shot from the .500. Only the first required a finishing shot, the other four required just a single shot. Four of the five were frontals and one was a side brain shot.

- The longest shot was 35 paces (standing in a river bed with the herd milling around!) the shortest was 6 paces. Most were in the 10 to 15 paces range.

- Our bull ended up being a bit of a story. There were two bulls together in the jesse and we ultimately had to shoot the smaller of the two which was a good 10 pounds lighter than the one we really wanted. Still a very nice bull that I am pleased with.

- No problems with the ammo. The gate agent in Houston did not even make us show her the rifles. In retrospect, I could have taken the Gibbs without a problem, although hunting with the .500 double was special.

- Les, it was in fact me with Buzz when we wandered right through the middle of your camp. How did your PAC hunt turn out?

A couple of pictures:

5 for the price of 2...excellent! 5 for 5 shots...fantastic! I think it's great that you took the 500 Nitro this time.

You've done well with Buzz.

Excellent. Congratulations.

Nice shooting!

Well that's a heck of a deal! Looking forward to even more pictures and details.

The elephant in the next to last photo - that must have been some angle for a shot placed that low on the trunk. Very interesting.

Mike:

Congrats on the successful hunt. Outstanding!

Way to go Mike!

Looking forward to hearing the details.

Keith

Mike, did you leave any elephants for the rest of us??

Great hunt and great news.Did you see other game?

Congrats on excellent shooting and a great hunt. Obviously, Zim is still the place to be. Will await your complete story as you unwind from the airbus adventure. I have to wait until next year to go back, can't stand it!

Dak

Congratulations and welcome home.

Mike,

Well done! Glad things went well in Research. Also, glad your travels were safe. Looking forward to your full report. Again, congrats and welcome back.

David

Good shooting Mike. And congratulations on being in the right place at the right time. As much time as I spend over there, that kind of stuff never happens to me.

Welcome back Mike, and congrats on making the most of your opportunity (you lucky dog!). That 60+ pounder is there for your next adventure.

Looking fwd to hearing about the bull hunt, and your thoughts about Sengwa.

Being at the right place at the right time is the key factor in all of hunting.

As I always say, it's smarter to be lucky than it's lucky to be smart.

Glad you were lucky to get such a chance - and congratulations on taking advantage of it with such straight shooting.

Congratulations Mike. Quite a hunt and great introductory pics so far! Now for the full report!

Well done! Congrats Mike on a great trip!

Mike, you're a lucky dog.
I want you to know though, you ruined my family vacation in Hawaii. The entire time I was there, I kept wondering what you guys were up to that particular day. Every time I paid a hotel bill, I tallied up what it would be worth towards trophy fees (the answer was always, A LOT!).
I know ya'll had fun, but I want to hear all about it.
FBB

Congrats!

Thanks for the preliminary report and photos, looking forward to the details.

JPK

Almost wish I hadn't read this. I'm not going to the Big A this year and well is just sucks. What a great time. You will never forget this hunt.

Congratulations!

Aren't those big bore doubles simply wonderful when you are messing with Elephants!!!??.
e

Welcome back Mike! Look forward to your full report!

And a belated happy birthday!

Five eles on one trip? I'm envious!

465H&H