Outfitter: Bundu Safaris
PH: Paul Jelonek
Area: Kilombero Valley, Tanzania

Date: October 20-November 10, 2008
Rifle: Custom Nate Heineke .375, 300 gr.
Swift A-Frames
Game Hunted: Lion, Cape Buff, Waterbuck,
Bushbuck, Zebra, Puku
Trackers: Rashidi, Mozingo
Game Scout: Edward Lupone

I thought it a good time to relate this hunt report from my 2008 safari with Paul Jelonek and Bundu Safaris. I met Paul at the 2006 NRA show in St. Louis and, having met and talked to other outfitters at several of the DSC shows, I elected to do a 10 day Cape Buff hunt with Paul. During the following two years I had decided that if I was going to Tanzania I wanted to spend more than 10 days and wanted to take more than just Cape Buff and plains game. Several discussions with Paul led me to decide on a lion hunt. In all candor I would not recommend a lion hunt as a first hunt for any safari. However, I wasn't blessed with the sense of doing things in relative order.

I had checked all of Paul's references and watched his performance on the Dangerous Game Series on the Outdoor Channel when he hosted two shows, one with Jay Cochran, who I came to know and trust as well as Donald Trump, Jr. Watching Paul's DVDs really set the mood and I devoured all I could about lion hunting. Little did I know what I was in for. Jay was a tremendous help as he had hunted lion twice, I believe, with Paul and was a seasoned hunter in Africa. Jay was able to warn me of the dangers involved, especially in the tall grass area. He words were prophetic..."You are in over your head hunting lion for the first hunt, but you are up to the challenge." "Just always be on the lookout and be careful."

The plane flight arrived in Amsterdam on schedule. Gracy Travel had taken care of all of the permits and ticketing without any problems the entire way. Customs was always helpful and the TSA guys even carried my rifle case for me while asking a myriad of questions about the hunt and what type of ammo etc... Guess I was lucky in that respect. The Dutch flight attendants were always attentive and good looking to boot. KLM is the only airline that I could give good marks to. I will try Emirates on my next trip to Zim, thanks to Mike Jines report.

I arrived in Dar es Salaam and was met at the hotel by my guide, Hatibo. After a short inspection of arms and ammo we were off to the Sea Cliff. Nice accommodations and a meal at the Fish Monger capped off a very long trip. I awoke early the next morning and was met at the door of my room by a Masai security person. Dressed in traditional red robe and sandals I learned that no one gave these guys any grief. He was very polite and accompanied me to the taxi area. There was some kind of mix-up going on in the street in front of the taxi area. A gentleman who had a bloody stump for a right hand was having a row with some others in the crowd. I loved the way the crowd parted when these Masai showed up. The uniform security were just Barney Fifes but the Masai were the real thing. Unfortunately I did not get to see the outcome as I was running a little late for my charter into camp. No, Dorothy, we ain't in Kansas anymore.

I arrived in camp and met the fellows who had just completed their hunt and were flying out. Good guys that had a great hunt which sounded encouraging.

The locals turned out to meet us at the landing strip and we snapped a few good photos.


We headed back to camp for introductions and lunch. After lunch Paul suggested I take a nap before we set out to build a blind and put out the bait. This was a non-hunting day so we were going to build a blind and sight-in my .375. Around 2:30 p.m. I was up and joined Paul to put out two zebra previously shot by the two who had just left. We were then going to build a blind. While enroute to the bait area that Paul had scouted earlier he informed me I had acquired my Swahili name, "Zuri Usingizi" or Bwana Sleeps Well. I guess my snoring and kept the whole camp entertained.

Nicely appointed cabin with modern amenities



Everyone got busy with blind building and Paul explained the finer points of entering blinds, bullet placement on lions, and lion habits. With the blind built and bait set we left to go sight in the .375 at a makeshift range

As we approached the range the trackers tapped on the cab whereupon we exited and saw a group of 5 dagga boys in a mud wallow. Paul had us quietly exit the area as he wanted to come back the following day to take a try at these bulls.

We traveled a ways off and tied a target to a tree. There were very few trees in this area as it is a flood plain in the wet season. After two rounds I was on center and we left back to camp to indulge in a supper of marinated Eland. The food was excellent throughout my stay with Paul. I would have thought Joseph, the chef, had been classically trained.

Dismas the server and Joseph the chef in their 5-Star kitchen


The dining facility was first rate


Paul enjoying great food



Day One: We were up at 3:30 a.m. and, after a light breakfast, were headed out to check baits for signs of a male. It was still relatively dark when we arrived with light just edging over the horizon. We had parked approximately 1/2 mile from the blind and walked rapidly to get into position hoping to see a male. About 30 yards from the blind we heard the unmistakeable sounds of bones being crushed and grunts between several feeding lions. We approached the blind through 15-20 yards of tall grass before I took my position on the ground while Rashidi and Paul peered out two small holes cut into the grass. Paul motioned me to take a look at the feeding lionesses to get acclimated to their size and relative position to the bait. It was clear in the 20-30 seconds of viewing that the one lioness was extremely dominate and ran roughshod over the other ones. I had been warned about her as the camp gave her the name "Hilary" and I gave her the name "Bitch". She was to demonstrate the validity of her sobriquet several times over next 16 days.

Building a blind



We slowly edged out of the blind so as not to give away our position. Paul wanted to put up another bait (Zebra) at a location by the river. We spent time selecting the site, putting out the bait and putting up a blind. Paul had instructed me not to leave the truck without my rifle. Throughout the hunt he would reiterate how dangerous it was to be in the area unarmed. I made it a habit to always carry it even just stretching the legs. It wasn't till halfway through the hunt that he told me about the two fishermen who were walking through the valley in front of his camp approximately 4 weeks before my arrival. Apparently these two had gotten a late start for the village, which was several miles from our camp, and as it was getting dark they were attacked by this group of lions near the entrance to camp. The survivor came screaming into camp telling how they had been attacked as Paul and the trackers raced out to the scene to see if they could help the other fisherman. They were too late as the lions had killed him and started to eat him. Welcome to Africa.

Later, after lunch, we drove back to the wallow where we had seen the bachelor group of buff the day before. We struck out after the tracks and within 45 minutes we were still on their trail when, without warning, Paul and Rashidi scrambled up the bank of the kirongo that we were tracking in. I followed suit and it was evident that they had heard something above us and wanted to get on the tracks. I made it up behind them to see Rashidi throwing up the sticks as I ran to their position. I was on the sticks and looking toward where they were pointing and Paul asked me "What do you think?" Think about what, I asked as I didn't see anything in this tall grass. Paul grabbed the sticks and we ran 20 yards to out left and up go the sticks again. I was on them quickly and staring at a really nice buff who was looking at me intently if no menacingly. Paul asked "What do you think?" and I responded "Looks good to me" and fired. The buff was standing about 30 yards in front of me and at the shot he rocked back and disappeared into the tall grass. Paul asked how the shot felt and I told him I thought I hit him solid in the shoulder at a slight quartering angle. We waited 20 seconds or so and, to our relief, heard him bellow about 60 yards away. Rashidi and Paul had broad grins on their face and I joined them. "Well, that was easy" I said and they both looked at me like I was nuts or arrogant. Little did I know how lucky I had been to get him with one shot. Nice 38 incher and really good drop and confirmation. I was really happy with my first taste of blood in Africa.



Recovery took about 1 1/2 hours and it was getting late with the sun setting. The temperature was constant 110 degrees and about 85-90 at night. After loading up we headed to the skinning shed where Vincent the skinner met us and went to work. I asked Paul if he could try to recover my 300 grain Swift A-Frame. A little later at dinner Paul told me that they had recovered my projectile and he threw me my bullet which turned out to be a poachers lead ball, about 58 caliber or so. I asked him where he found this one and he told me about an inch into the bulls skull behind the ear. Apparently the poachers like to sneak up on the buff as they rest at night and get as close as possible. However, this lead ball only sank about 1 inch behind the ear. Probably just enough to piss the old boy off. Paul then handed me my A-Frame which was perfectly mushroomed and found on the opposite shoulder just under the skin.

Day Two: Nothing prepared me for what was going to await me in the blind today. Jay's words were going to resonate with me this day. "You're in over your head and this is really dangerous." Again, up at 3:30 and after a bit of fruit we started out for the blinds. Since the lionesses failed to call in a male on day one we thought we may have better success this day. We walked about a half mile to the blind and, on the way, I noticed Rashidi, who was out front with the shooting sticks, do a hop-skip-jump with Paul in the middle and I at the back. I stopped to see what was happening but, after a few seconds they continued on. This little dance would take place throughout the day every day. Paul was silent on the matter but I finally figured out that Rashidi was attempting to use the sticks to flick the mambas or puff adders out of the way. I termed it the "Mamba Shuffle" and just came to expect it every so often. I would stay still to see if I could see anything and just let it pass. Only on the last day did I actually see the snake but it was about 3 inches from my right ankle and was a puff adder. It raised his head but I thought it prudent to keep walking.

Mozingo and Rashidi staking a zebra


Building a blind


Paul and Rashidi checking for mane hairs, Edward the game scout cutting a shooting lane


We could here them crunching on Zebra bones and grunting at each other as we entered the blind. Rashidi was on the left holding Paul's rifle and both peering out the blind. I had just sat down, very quietly, when I saw Rashidi pass the rifle to Paul. At that moment I knew something wrong and I just stood up. Paul turned and looked at me pushing me out of the blind whispering let's go now. I ran out of the blind with them behind me. I ran into the tall grass to the right and they a little to the left. I should have allowed them to run in front as I was in too big a hurry to exit the blind. A whiff of scent swirled to the cats and the Bitch charged the blind. I was a little lost in the tall grass and out of Paul's view. I knew I had gone the wrong way when I turned to see where they were and I'm looking at a screaming lioness 20 feet behind me. I turned to face her and she just walked right at me. Paul and Rashidi were about 25 yards to my right as we were walking backwards toward the truck. I could hear Paul calling the truck to come get us asap as we continued a backward walk through the burned grass. This lioness had her eyes fixated on me. I could smell her and she stared at me with those bitch-yellow eyes walking straight at me and feigning a charge...crouch low...get up and walk at me...flip that tail back and forth...feign a charge. Her whole body was scarred and had flies around her, probably from fighting every living thing she came in contact with, and I just remember she reeked of a foul odor. As she crouched down I would take a few quicker steps backwards hoping that she would stay put and the truck would come and pick me up. No truck. We had a long way to walk and I had a good idea what she had on her mind. I knew she didn't like me, was probably going to sink those claws and teeth into me and they would tell my wife that I put up a good fight. I put the Leupold on 1.5 power with my thumb. I actually aimed the rifle at her to make sure that I could see her in the little light we had. Paul told me not to do that again. I'm pissed now. This wasn't on my agenda and I figured it would take only a half-second for her to be on me. Paul talked to me in a low voice as we walked parallel together and told me when she came for me to shoot her in the air and not on the ground. I didn't really want to hear this. Probably good advice, though, but really didn't have much of a calming effect. We continued our backwards walk and I saw a movement to my left. Oh, great, another one is directly to my left but she was about 40 yards away. She walked parallel with us. She didn't have the testicular fortitude this bitch in front of me did, though. Paul kept reassuring me that everything should be ok if I stayed out of the grass and kept walking slowly backwards.

I'm in a state of homicidal rage now. Wasn't really feeling fear, just anger. I don't give a whit about hunting, shooting, or staying in this god-forsaken place. I want to kill this lioness and go home but decide that discretion was the better part of common sense for the moment. She continued screaming and coming forward and crouching in a quick motion. I figured this was to get me to turn and run. Wasn't going to give her the satisfaction. She always kept 20-25 feet between her and me. Paul had his .416 aimed at her at all times but she didn't even look over in his direction. Although this little dance went on for about 12-15 minutes as we covered about 75-85 yards it seemed like an eternity. I saw the grass closing in on me from behind and slowed to turn my head to see what was behind me. The path I was taking narrowed to about 6-7 feet on either side of me like the neck of an hour glass. I was concerned she would get into the grass behind/ahead of me and charge from the side. However, at this narrow opening she layed down on the edge of this grass and stayed there as I finally heard the truck come forward. In a moment Paul was right next to me as the truck pulled up. He unloaded on Mozingo, who was driving, asking him in Swahili why he did not drive forward when called. Yeah, I wanted to know why too. Mozingo said he could see that we were making our way to the truck and thought it unnecessary. Hmmm? Note to self, reevaluate Mozingo's gratuity.

I climbed in that truck and couldn't even talk. I was pissed at myself and at the lioness, seriously wondering what I had gotten myself into. I didn't feel like conversation. I have been one-on-one on three occasions with bad guys and guns and survived those encounters with a few scratches. However, I felt so out of my element here as I actually felt it was my time to die. It is a difficult feeling to describe but it comes over you like a calm transcendental state. Was having a serious talk with God right here in the Kilombero. Don't know how to explain this situation other than how it happened and my feelings at the time as I remembered them. When Paul got in the truck he looked at me and said that I was so bloody fortunate to have experienced being pursued by a lioness as it doesn't happen to many people that live to tell about it. I mumbled something but don't remember. My throat was dry and I was physically drained. I looked at that small opening in the grass and she was still lying there. Not 40 yards from us now. Devil possessed.

I learned two things from this encounter. 1. Stay glued to your PH and, 2. Stay glued to your PH. Don't mean to sound dramatic or sensationalize the event but you don't know how you'll react till it happens to you. This was a prelude to my introduction to her for this hunt.

We left that area and went to check on baits and work a strategy to bring in a good male. We were gone 3 hours and returned from the back end of the bait to reclaim the meat along with chain and stake. As we pulled up to the bait I looked and saw her still crouched down at that narrow spot looking in the direction we had left. She heard the motor and came running straight for us from about 150 yards. She doesn't give up. We left the meat and drove around looking for buffalo.

Here she is after running after our vehicle upon our return. She had been further away from our position in that grass behind her. She got up and came for us a second time while I shot this photo.


The rest of day 2 was spent doing something but I don't remember what.

Day Three: We didn't check baits early deciding to wait till evening as we needed meat to replenish the Zebras with buffalo. Meat only lasted 2-3 days but usually 2 days due to the heat. We tracked a large herd buff for several hours hoping to find a nice bull among them. They kept catching our wind and we would end up eating their dust. This kept up till about 11:30 when we spotted them in an open grass area slowly feeding into the tall grass to lie down. However, at the rear of this herd was a magnificent big bodied bull. He wasn't particularly wide in the horns but a massive boss and we needed meat. Paul told me we could hold out for a wider specimen but I knew we needed meat for bait. Clearly a herd bull that stood head and shoulders over the others. The only problem was how do we get close enough for a good shot? We were on the other edge of the tall grass, about 150 yards away. The wind was favorable but if they saw us they would spook. Paul an Rashidi held a conference and decided that we would imitate the fishermen who walked through the valley with their baskets of fish on their heads. So, we put our rifles on our heads and Rashidi put the sticks on his and we walked right into the open walking at angles towards and away from this bull trailing the herd. He turned and looked at us curiously wondering what we were, I suppose. He even began to walk towards us. I was feeling better today as this was buff and not a lioness. When we approached approximately 60 yards from this bruiser Rashidi threw up the sticks and I was on them giving him a quartering frontal heart shot. At the crack he rocked back and turned and slowly started to walk to the grass. Paul told me to ventilate his ass with rounds till he was down and I had his rear in my sights and cut loose. I heard the A-Frame zing off somewhere as the bull tottered and fell on his side. I had hit him in the rear hip and broke his hip/leg joint. I ran up and put a finishing shot through his heart. Buff number 2 in the salt as well as meat for the blind.

Paul and I with the old man


Loading him up


Day Four: We hunted for Zebra for more bait after an early check of the blinds. The Zebra were really wary as were the buffalo because lion ruled this area. About every day we would make a plan and check with the fisherman's village after looking at baits, to see if they had heard anything. Mozingo, Rashidi and Edward would go into the village to see whether they had heard any lions the night before or had seen any buff. The fellows would usually return with a gift of fish they carried in a little basket they would make on the spot from the grass. These fellows were very resourceful.

Mozingo with his dinner


Paul suggested that we head for the teak forest to look for sable and Waterbuck. It was about an hour drive to the forest and we scouted hard looking for game where the river runs parallel to the forest road. It was very beautiful and quiet in the forest. Although we saw our share of baboons we went home empty handed on the sable and Waterbuck.

Day Five: brought us more buffalo hunting as well as Zebra. We saw a small herd of buff and tracked for several hours. When we finally got close enough for a look it was all mama and totos. No bulls. We spent the rest of the day checking baits and formulating plans for finding a good male. Paul was all business in the bush and certainly knew his area. He was a no nonsense PH who was incredibly knowledgeable about hunting and was probably the physically toughest individual I had ever met. However, at dinner time we had a great time cutting each other up and cracking wise. I was given a great history lesson concerning Rhodesia from Paul. Of course his farm was seized like everyone else who had made Rhodesia a great country.

Day Six: We hunted for more buff but were skunked. Off to the teak forest in the afternoon for a shot at Sable and Waterbuck. About 3:30 we were ambling down towards the river when we spotted several Waterbuck cows. The fellows scanned the forest and found a really nice male. They pointed it out to me but I wasn't seeing it. To them it was as plain as day. Finally, Paul told me to look at the palmetto about 100 yards to the left. I stared and then saw the two horns moving behind the palmetto. I got on the sticks when he decided to gallop off. Paul told me we need the meet to stay on schedule so I followed the Waterbuck as it trotted further out and spined it at 125 yards. With the pressure off we cut a road into the forest to recover. I had never seen a Waterbuck before and we were required to carry it out on a gurney. They weigh a lot. We loaded it into the truck and started down the road when Paul told me to get out and grab my rifle. I exited the truck and the fellows in back were pointing straight ahead. I saw it standing at 60 yards partially hidden by brush. I took the rifle and shot off-hand and brought it down. I didn't know what I had shot but everyone was excited. We walked up and it was a nice Bushbuck shot through the heart. Lucky shot. I have to admit that I didn't know what a Bushbuck was. I am here to tell you that it was the most delicious meat I have ever eaten. We headed back to the skinning shed and arrived back at dark.






Bushbuck on rice.


Day Seven: We put out the Waterbuck and built another blind. We were driving away from the area traveling parallel to a line of tall grass about 200 yards distant to our right. I just happened to look and there was a lion's head poking out of the grass. I told Paul that Simba was looking at us and he immediately turned the truck 180 and drove away from the area. I looked back and that lion was running after us. Now, we were probably cruising at around 8 mph but this thing tore out after us and Paul told me to get in the back and get my rifle out. It was my girl, Hilary! We were retracing our path and she was screaming at us and coming full bore. I was in the back with the fellows and had the .375 loaded and ready. Edward, the game scout wanted me to shoot it if it came within 10-15 yards of the truck. She was calling to another one in the bush but kept her distance this time. She passed where we had taken a leak and went ape tearing up the ground in a spectacular display. We rode off and left her to her devices.

My gal Hilary


Figures in the mirror are actually closer than they appear


I developed the impression that she really didn't like me. We made our way into the blind that afternoon about 5:15 but no lion on bait.

Day Eight: We set out to check for mane hair and finally connected. However, the Waterbuck we put out on day 7 was almost gone and we finally saw some mane hair. We needed to keep the meat coming and set out after Zebra. We glassed for a good while and the fellows saw a small herd off in the distance. Fortunately there was a large termite mound between us and we were able to make a stalk on a nice stallion. I shot him at around 60 yards and he ran about 10 yards and gave up the ghost. Beautiful creatures. Paul and these trackers were without peer. I was constantly amazed at their abilities.



Day Nine: proved interesting. We had set out the Zebra the afternoon before and went to that bait early in the morning. We made a great approach and heard the sound of bones crunching. I was on the ground while Paul and Rashidi were watching. I could tell they were excited and Paul motioned me up to look. There, at 50 yards from us was this grand looking male. I could see from that distance the scars he bore. We watched for a minute or two then Paul said something to Rashidi in Swahili and Rashidi gave him a quizzical look. Paul then leaned over to me and whispered that we were not going to shoot this one. He wanted to get me a bigger one. Well, now we still had leopard and elephant on quota as I had a 21 day license. I'm thinking "How much bigger do they get?" But I deferred to his judgment. We slunk out of the blind and were encouraged that another interloper would come in as Paul had seen a really large male that was not with the pride. This one in front of us wasn't either and was eating alone.

Day Ten: proved a disaster. Seemed like everything was falling apart for me, anyways. I took an easy 125 yard shot at a Puku but wounded it. Everyone looked at me funny as this was the easiest thing I had shot and now I had nipped it. I was pissed. I was tired too but the boys took up the spoor. We tracked from 8:30 a.m. till 12:45. I didn't say anything cause I was mad at my mistake. I just watched these fellows follow one spot of blood every ten minutes. It was like they were in their zone. I felt bad for having to make them work this hard. Mozingo led us to the spot in the kirongo where this Puku lay hidden. I actually snap shot this animal as it got up to run. We caped it, after photos, and set it out as a light snack for lion bait. At dinner that night a spitting cobra took up residence above the door to my cabin. Thankfully Hamani saw it while taking my laundry in and it came down and headed for a termite mound between cabins. Paul ran for his .416 and confronted this sucker. Neither one backed down and Paul came out the winner. A little excitement for supper.

Not my best moment, but the guys were great


Day 15 found us tracking buff again as we were out of bait. En route to the bait we observed the whole pride with cubs laying in the early morning sun at a distance of about 100 yards. We quickly did an about face and left the area. This was encouraging sign. Lion hunting is hard enough but even more so when you are out of bait. Thoughts of passing up the lion on day 9 were circulating in my head. I had one more day of hunting and needed this buff today to stake out for one last day of hunting. We located a herd quite some distance away and put the stalk on them. We were playing hide and seek in the tall grass and it proved exciting. About 1 pm we located the herd milling in a kirongo. It numbered about 100 animals as it was a rather large herd. We located a bull and watched it for a time. It was the only one in sight and, while probably not fully mature, was needed for bait. Paul put me on the sticks I let go at 100 yards. With the shot all of the herd headed for the exit kicking up dust. Fortunately my guy headed to the left while all the others went right. I put another in his shoulder and he turned to face me. My third shot went through this mouth and into the brain. Even though it hit a lot of bone that A-Frame held together very well.

My last bait


As we attempted to load it the wench broke. Mozingo pulled out his trusty Masai knife and in 5 minutes had halved that buffalo in two.



We now got down to business dragging the old bait out and putting up a new bait at the blind we had selected. As we dumped the bait the fellows saw our dear friend Hilary slinking off to the tall grass.



As we were staking the buff for bait we noticed activity at the edge of the grass approximately 50-60 yards away. The go-away birds were dive bombing the edge of the grass and Paul told me to get in the back of the truck to keep a look-out as that pride was watching us put up the bait. We got the bait set and took the entrails and made a drag just in case we found an interloper in the area. We had our hopes up for the following day with fresh meat staked out. Not much conversation that night at the dinner table. I was going over the last two weeks in my head with all of the highs and lows of the safari. I regretted not having the hunt videotaped but the cost was a factor. This hunt really stretched the budget and I had to cut expenses somewhere. Paul was on the cell phone each night of the hunt with clients who were inquiring as to how our hunt was going. Paul's clientele were all dedicated hunters and took an active interest in my hunt.

Day 16: started off at 0330 hours and, after a light breakfast, we were off to the blind. It was so quiet on these trips in the morning and the stars were so bright that it had a calming affect that allowed you reflect and to put things in perspective. There definitely is a psychological aspect to hunting lion. We approached the blind and could hear them feeding on the bait. So far so good. We were in place and Paul put me up to view the scene. There, in all her glory, was Hilary and two other females feeding. We watched and waited for a while to see if that particular male would appear but he was a no-show. We slipped out of the blind and headed for the truck. Once we were moving Paul asked if I wanted to try for another Zebra. I told him to let the fellows have the day off and we would return that afternoon for one last attempt. I wanted to get some rest so I would be on my game if we had a shot. The fellows went to the village with strict instructions to return by 4 pm. Paul and I took some time to talk about hunting, Africa and life in general. He was a great conversationalist as well as PH and gave me a lot of insight into the minds of Africans, both white and black. It was hard to rest with so much anticipation. At 4 pm Rashidi had returned but Mozingo was MIA. This was bad JuJu, in my book. I wasn't really superstitious but Paul was determined that we would leave at 4:45 with or without him. The time came to leave for the blind and no Mozingo. We took off and headed straight for the blind. We parked about 1/2 mile away and waited for the sun to get a tad lower on the horizon. I noticed no go-away birds in the area, which was odd. Generally, they were a menace on every stalk. Now they were absent. I noticed large numbers of Puku in the area as well. Not a really good sign of lion presence when they are out feeding in the open and near the tall grass. The only positive sign was the absence of vultures which meant that the meat was still covered with grass and being fed on by lions. Hyenas would have torn the grass cover from the meat and scattered the carcass.

About 5:15 he headed off toward the blind. We entered and viewed what was left of yesterday's buffalo. The grass had been torn away and the rib cage was approximately 30 yards further away from the blind with very little meat left. I took my seat on the ground and we were determined to wait this one out. The wind was favorable. I was sitting with Paul and Rashidi keeping a close watch on the bait. A female called to our left. That got our attention. Then another to the front left beyond the bait. We waited. Another called moments later quartering to the right past the bait. Anticipation was growing. You can not mistake the sound of a male lion as it announces it's presence and this one was no exception. His call reverberated off of the silence to our immediate right. We could only hope he was hungry enough to try for a piece of meat. I looked at Rashidi and Paul who were listening intently. Rashidi looked at me and made a tapping motion with his finger to his ear signifying that he could hear the lion walking. It was so silent in the blind you could actually hear the sweat hit the dirt. Unbelievably the lion walked right in front of our blind. He was so close I could see his left front leg and paw through the grass of the blind within two feet of me. How he did not smell us was a mystery. I could literally reach out at the base of the blind and touch his paw. I didn't, of course. His foot then disappeared from my view and I saw a quick shot of the hair of his tail swing past my view. He was headed straight away from the blind. He was headed toward the rib-cage.

When he was approximately 20 yards from the blind Paul bent over and told me to get ready to shoot. I stood up and had the gun in the shooting porthole as silently as possible. To me he was a monster. We had seen the pride male with a much larger and darker mane but smaller body size than this brute. I watched him as he sauntered towards the rib cage which I estimated at about 70 yards away. I always put our blind between 45-50 yards from the bait but the rib-cage had been carried further out. As he walked Paul whispered that we don't have a shot. I just watched him walk away and was even contemplating a Texas Heart shot when I whispered to Paul to whistle. Paul didn't hesitate and cut loose with a sharp whistle. The lion just stopped in stride and very slowly turned his whole body to the right and looked directly at me. At the time it seemed in slow motion. This presented me with a perfect heart shot and I squeezed the trigger. With the impact he came up off the ground on his two back legs screaming and biting at his shoulder. I had already chambered another round and fired when he came back down and Paul told me to hit him a third time while he was lying half prostate. As I fired the third round Paul screamed to shoot again as she was charging. I told him to shoot as "I'm Out of Here"! We all ran the hundred yard dash to get out of that tall grass in 3.5 seconds. The lion was dead on the first shot but the other two were insurance. As we ran out of the grass I looked over and there she was about 30 feet to my left and trying to run around the grass to our front into the open area to cut us off was Hilary. I never heard such screaming in all my life. We stood shoulder to shoulder as she went back and forth and did her fake charge attempts. I was out of breath and asked Paul if I should just shoot her. Paul said no, unless she comes at us full on. Rashidi said "I run for truck" and took off. I asked Paul if I should go with him and he said to stay with him. I watched Rashidi run and then saw a second lioness behind us. Rashidi ran right in front of her but she never even looked at him. She kept looking at Paul and I and Hilary. We kept our rifles ready as this lioness kept up her threats. It took about 10 minutes before the truck made an appearance with Rashidi driving and Edward the game scout in the passenger seat.

The light is getting low on the horizon now and we have to drive to pick up the body. Easier said than done. Hilary slunk off into the tall grass as the truck approached and we hoped in and I rolled the window up and locked the door. Why take a chance? We arrived at the body and emptied out of the truck. We made room in the bed of the Cruiser and attempted to lift 500 plus lbs. of dead weight into the bed. Paul had me climb in the bed with Edward to pull the body in. Lion skin is rough and difficult to move as the skin moves when you attempt to pull it. As we were working at this the lioness made her appearance and charged at Paul. Rashidi turned as pale as I have ever seen anyone and dropped his hold on the lion and jumped around the side of the Cruiser. Paul screamed at her and ran for his rifle in the truck. I foolishly left my rifle in the grass after jumping out to put the body in the truck. I couldn't see her as she made one attempt after another at Paul. This wasn't good. I now had a lion head and front part of the body on my lap and Edward was trying to pull me out from under the dead lion's weight so I could help Paul. My back was up against the back seat and we couldn't unass me from the lion. i saw her dart around the rear of the vehicle and prayed to God she wouldn't jump in with me. Rashidi jumped into the truck and out the other side to help Paul who now had his rifle out. I then watched Paul rush right at her and she backed off several feet. I have never experienced fear and helplessness like this. Paul was utterly fearless and cussing better than I thought I ever could. I think he startled her and she began that pacing back and forth again about 15 feet from the rear of the vehicle. She just wouldn't give it a rest. Paul put his rifle down and came back to the body with Rashidi and they attempted to lift the body with the iron stake used to secure the bait. This didn't work and here comes Hilary again. I'm holding on to my lion's mane and the underneath of his leg at the shoulder leaning back trying to pull him in. Blood is all over and making this slippery. Edward is attempting to grab the other front leg but he has an eye glued on the lion. Edward did not carry a rifle at all and so was unarmed during my hunt. Whether by choice or design I never saw him with a rifle. However, he didn't flinch away from work or danger.

Paul dropped the bar and had another run at the lioness without his rifle. Absolutely fearless, although I could hear fear in his voice, he was quick to action. All the while we are pulling on the body and that's when Paul and Rashidi picked up the tailgate of the Cruiser and put it under the hind end of the lion and pushed. They finally got it in the truck on top of my and I yelled at Rashidi to throw me my rifle that was lying in the grass. He picked it up with on hand and just threw it. Both Edward and I caught it as I had one hand free. Paul got us the heck out of Dodge and Hilary followed right behind us for about 30-40 yards with the other one following at a safe distance behind her. When we got far enough away from the scene Rashidi and Edward both pulled me up out from under the lion and Paul had me get in the cab. It was getting dark now and we were tired and worn out. I wasn't yet able to enjoy the moment at all because of our little interlude which had pushed it to the side for the moment being. We didn't say much in the truck on the trip back to camp. However, Paul stopped about a 1/2 mile from camp and said something to Edward and Rashidi in Swahili. I asked what he had said and he replied that they had to prepare the body for entry into camp. About 100 yards from camp Paul told me to get out and fire two rounds into the ground to announce our entry into camp. I just was hoping I could hit the ground. I was totally spent. As we started towards the entrance to camp the whole team came running out with the requisite chair and necklace of sausage leaves. Paul told me to get into the chair and they carried my fat rear into camp. It was then that the exhilaration hit me and I felt such a joy. Everyone was excited. I didn't let go of that bottle of Gordon's the rest of the night.

Relief, finally



Everyone lined up at camp and carried the body from the truck to a place already prepared for photos. After the body was washed and combed Paul to photos. The body was carried to the skinning shed and we had a light dinner while everyone else was busy with preparations for a kabubi.

A hard earned trophy


A good time was had by all




Just before my flight out the next day


A memory of a once in a lifetime adventure


A hunt of a lifetime, no question. Hunting lion is not easy, requires a lot of physical work to replenish baits and you are really concentrating on strategy 24/7. I was watching Gerald McRaney on Dangerous Game, the other night, and he spoke about the psychological aspects of hunting lion. I found myself agreeing with him 100%. An interesting insight to the hunt. I would not hunt lion again as I believe that any other lion hunt would pale in comparison to this one. Taking him on the last day with about 15 minutes of sunlight left was memorable and a gift from God. Dealing with the lioness was also indescribable and I had, and do have, mixed emotions about her. Jay Cochran was spot on when he told me I was in over my head but that I would have the best hunt possible. Probably not the hunt one should take for a first time safari but I am certainly glad that I did have the opportunity and that I seized on it. Paul Jelonek was certainly a great PH and one deserving of my respect. He ran a great camp and we had a great time hunting together. All the trophies are in my office including a full body mount of my lion.

I found out, several months after I left, that the fishermen poisoned this pride, including Hilary. I was shocked and saddened at this callous and cowardly act. They didn't deserve this fate as they are truly noble creatures. Apparently they had taken to picking off the fishermen from their little camp and this was the only way they thought to resolve the problem. This is Africa, however.[FLASH_VIDEO] [/FLASH_VIDEO][FLASH_VIDEO] [/FLASH_VIDEO]

Great report Dutch. What a memorable, exciting hunt.

Amazing. What an incredible experience! Thank you for sharing

Wonder is Paul Jelonek still in Business ?!

Thanks for investing the time to do a Golden Oldie. Great report on what was obviously an awesome hunt.

[I could not get the pictures to open, but enjoyed the narrative.]

The pictures weren't uploaded using the "picture icon" located on the tool bar, I reckon. I found them on the host site, though by going to "properties" and pasting that address. Of course, I copied the most embarrassing one!

I wonder what a good caption would be:



Maybe "I was this deep in poo-poo!" or, "No, I haven't even had a drink yet.... "

Great lion and great tale. Now get the pictures up! They are great, too!

Gordon's.....Gin....I'm hurting the next day.


Dutch

Excellent report and great Lion.

I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading your report....a great read. I'm not so sure I'd have had the patience with Hillary..... Thanks for the report and pics, very well written and engaging.

Holy cow what an amazing experience,so glad you posted this report.

Nice story. Thanks for posting it.

Great story/trophies! The Kilombero Valley is definitely a different place to hunt, but quite plentiful with game.

Dangerous Game indeed. Congrats and glad everything worked out safely.

Dutch44,

Nice report! Super detailed. I assure you that most safaris do not have the problems with lions you guys did. Quite an adventure. Great lion!

Mark

quote:

The Kilombero Valley is definitely a different place to hunt, but quite plentiful with game

I would say... was quite plentiful with game !

What an amazing adventure for your first safari. You had me spell bound with your report. Thanks for posting!!!

Best regards, D. Nelson

Ernest looks like he is dancing to the song " Get down Boggie oggie oggie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvIydHPhb98
Just wonderful Mike, thanks.

Mike

Actually Mike, if I remember, and that would be difficult due to the state of my then memory diluted by distilled juniper berries, I was attempting the "Curly Shuffle". Pales in comparison to Jelonek's disco fever dance. I fell over when he attempted that one. Thought he had been snake bit.

Dutch

Great report Dutch. Thanks for posting it and the pictures.

quote:

Originally posted by mboga biga bwana:

quote:

The Kilombero Valley is definitely a different place to hunt, but quite plentiful with game

I would say... was quite plentiful with game !

Good Point!

Great story, I enjoyed every word, Congratulations on a great hunt.

What a trip! Thanks for posting.

I'm glad I could share it with you guys and gals. Was something I wanted to do but it was a different kind of hunt than any other I've experienced. didn't know how it would translate.


Dutch

Really enjoyed the report : thanks.
I have hunted the Kilombero twice : 2007 and 2009 and there is no doubt it's "hard hunting".
Regards
Steve

Mike, Writing a hunting report like that takes a lot of time and effort. I'm grateful you dove into with the dedication you seem to give all your endeavors. Seeing pictures of your most recent hunt had me getting reacquainted with my double rifle that I hadn't shot in a few years. There's no telling what this story may do. Thanks.
Doug

Great hunt and report - thanks for sharing.

Very nice pics and an excelent report.

Very nice report, very good buff and great Lion, congratulation for bagging such a nice trophy, thanks for sharing report.

Thanks for letting me share this with ya'll. Doug, we'll have to get together out at Benchrest and get you reacquainted with your double.


Dutch