Again, super buffalo! Thank you for sharing your photos and experience - congratulations on what looks like a superb safari!

quote:

Originally posted by Ackley Improved User:

quote:

Originally posted by fujotupu:
AIU:

When has the government ever reimbursed farmers, both from an agricultural and livestock perspective, for damages sustained by crop raiders or marauding lions? You really believe they are going to send someone out into the middle of nowhere to monitor dipping operations? - 20 years ago it did happen because the cattle stations were few and far between but 20 years down the road the cattle stocks have multiplied 1000 fold and out of control.

You have just been there and borne witness to the situation on the ground - other than the game scout and possibly an anti-poaching patrol which would anyhow have been subsidized by the outfitter, did you "bump" into any other government representative other than the Tax Collector who presides over the weekly livestock auction in the local village?

The government should be monitoring the misuse of the land in the buffer areas of National Parks (in this case Tarangire) which is a detrimental factor to the migration route (the plots you saw act as "locked gates" in the migratory path) and possibly reviewing livestock farming in the buffer areas to reduce over grazing (thousands of wildebeest and zebra are competing with cows and goats for the grazing), water rights (only 6 defined watering points, 3 of which are reliant on rainfall) and disease common to domestic animals (Foot & Mouth) which would take a drastic toll (Buffalo virtually wiped out in RSA years back).

The whole world is up in arms when they hear of a projected road cutting through the Serengeti but nobody has given real thought to properly thought out land distribution. The land-grabbing in Kenya ought to ring a bell on the negative effects it has had on wildlife populations.

All of the above notwithstanding, the hunter is still able to hunt the area and in most cases, at the right time of the year, be successful in his quest as you were, in bagging some exemplary trophies (Well Done ) but it gets more and more difficult with every season and will only be a question of time until the "End of the Game".

fujotupu, you make some great and extremely important points. I enjoyed the hunt, but I was heart broken seeing what's happening to the Tanzanian landscape by the unregulated (even chaotic) and selfish activities of an over population of human beings and their livestock. Who is going to defend the "rights" of the wildlife? Sports hunters will, but we're being branded as the bad guys. Sad, ignorant, and pathetic. Regards, AIU

My heart is bleeding for TZ!

Between this report and the fact the Country has lost 40% of its elephants in the past 3-4 years gives great cause for concern.

Bwanamich, fujotupu, Arnaud, Mike A, Aaron....is there any room for optimism?

I am actually more concerned about TZ right now than I am Botswana, Zambia or even Zim. I know the country went thru the same elephant poaching epedimic in the mid to late 80's BUT it was eventually stopped in time.

I sincerely hope TZ can be rescued as a hunting country that can offer all of the Big 4 in a variety of areas as we have been accustomed to in the past.

fantastic buf and Coke's hardebeast and a super impala with mass..

Mike

Ackley Improved,

Very nice hunt. I was there in March of last year, but stayed in a fly camp up in the hills. Visited the main camp for lunch once. Great animals.

Looks like Rama is doing well -- fantastic tracker as you said. Incredible time of year in Masailand, great concession. Unfortunately, perhaps the end of an era. The nondescript farming is disturbing to say the least.

Safari2

The most threatened wildlife areas by human encroachment are the open areas and GCA's. These areas both have human settlements within (Though by legislation, GCAs should be free of human activities!). What Fujo and AIU are describing occurs in a typical Open Area which is essentially village land. Open area's have no protected status other than the few Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) currently registered (approx a dozen or so). A number of others are on the way and WMAs are the Governments' pet project to try and provide some sense of ownership of wildlife to the communities in these Open Areas in an attempt to derive some monetary benefit from wildlife.

Fortunately, there is more land with wildlife under protected areas (Game Reserves) where no human settlement are permitted - Their challenge being trying to keep its border intact form the pressing wave of humanity on its borders hungry for natural resources (water, graze and food).

There is so much land under Game Reserves status that I believe will continue to provide superb big game hunting opportunities. We are far from a wildlife crisis in Tanzania. I personally do not believe the numbers you quoted from others of a 40% drop in ele populations in 3 years! We have operated across over 9 million acres of wildlife areas throughout Tanzania and we HAVE NOT seen the extent of ele poaching that those figures would entail.

Lastly, the current Government is taking the matter seriously. The scale of the problem that needs fixing means it will take a few years to halt and then reverse the trend of inefficiency within the Wildlife Department. I personally am optimistic. Having said all of this, it is only a natural process that wildlife areas that do not have a formal protected area status will fall away by the way side. After all, these areas were once full of game simply because there were no people. TZ cannot continue to increase its protected area size at the expense of a burgeoning rural population. Only the Protected Areas will remain intact - fortunately, these are many and vast!

Great hunt and incredible photos, congratulations on some excellent trophies. Massailand for sure is a Magical place.

quote:

Originally posted by Safari2:

quote:

Originally posted by Ackley Improved User:

quote:

Originally posted by fujotupu:
AIU:

When has the government ever reimbursed farmers, both from an agricultural and livestock perspective, for damages sustained by crop raiders or marauding lions? You really believe they are going to send someone out into the middle of nowhere to monitor dipping operations? - 20 years ago it did happen because the cattle stations were few and far between but 20 years down the road the cattle stocks have multiplied 1000 fold and out of control.

You have just been there and borne witness to the situation on the ground - other than the game scout and possibly an anti-poaching patrol which would anyhow have been subsidized by the outfitter, did you "bump" into any other government representative other than the Tax Collector who presides over the weekly livestock auction in the local village?

The government should be monitoring the misuse of the land in the buffer areas of National Parks (in this case Tarangire) which is a detrimental factor to the migration route (the plots you saw act as "locked gates" in the migratory path) and possibly reviewing livestock farming in the buffer areas to reduce over grazing (thousands of wildebeest and zebra are competing with cows and goats for the grazing), water rights (only 6 defined watering points, 3 of which are reliant on rainfall) and disease common to domestic animals (Foot & Mouth) which would take a drastic toll (Buffalo virtually wiped out in RSA years back).

The whole world is up in arms when they hear of a projected road cutting through the Serengeti but nobody has given real thought to properly thought out land distribution. The land-grabbing in Kenya ought to ring a bell on the negative effects it has had on wildlife populations.

All of the above notwithstanding, the hunter is still able to hunt the area and in most cases, at the right time of the year, be successful in his quest as you were, in bagging some exemplary trophies (Well Done ) but it gets more and more difficult with every season and will only be a question of time until the "End of the Game".

fujotupu, you make some great and extremely important points. I enjoyed the hunt, but I was heart broken seeing what's happening to the Tanzanian landscape by the unregulated (even chaotic) and selfish activities of an over population of human beings and their livestock. Who is going to defend the "rights" of the wildlife? Sports hunters will, but we're being branded as the bad guys. Sad, ignorant, and pathetic. Regards, AIU

My heart is bleeding for TZ!

Between this report and the fact the Country has lost 40% of its elephants in the past 3-4 years gives great cause for concern.

Bwanamich, fujotupu, Arnaud, Mike A, Aaron....is there any room for optimism?

I am actually more concerned about TZ right now than I am Botswana, Zambia or even Zim. I know the country went thru the same elephant poaching epedimic in the mid to late 80's BUT it was eventually stopped in time.

I sincerely hope TZ can be rescued as a hunting country that can offer all of the Big 4 in a variety of areas as we have been accustomed to in the past.

Safari2 - See Bwanamich's message above. Again, I think it would be wise to know the full scope of the situation/facts before making such comments! If your concern is for Tanzania's wildlife/future hunting, be careful about internet gossip, that only serves to further potential falsehoods, and scare away hunters dollars, that help protect/preserve the wildlife.

For starters you could read the latest Tanzania Wildlife Act of 2009, which explains the Game Reserves vs GCA's vs OA's, etc. Secondly, you could spent some personal time throught Tanzania - and see for yourself some of the vast territory that is still wild/free. Bwanamich can correct my mistake, but other than Maswa for example, most of Masailand/the north, is NOT set aside as "Game Reserve", thus no exculsion of human inhabitants. However, numerous places throughout TZ are protected as such - thus human encroachment is limited.

For example, I spent almost 4 weeks last year in the Lukwati Game Reserve in western Tanzania (3 million acres). In 25 days, I never saw a single person in the reserve, that was not associated with our safari company, not one! Just some additional info for consideration.

Aaron:

Comments were made in respect of Simanjiro Game Controlled Area, not the Reserves not the National Parks where the human factor is prohibited.

SGCA and its neighbouring GCAs North/South and East are/were part of the migratory corridor; I doubt anything reaches Kitwai/Ruvu Masai anymore.

The argument of encroachment, etc. was limited to that area only not the whole of Tanzania.

Lukwati today has developed into a better place since it was turned from Forest Reserve to Game Reserve

Bwana/Aaron/fujotpu..thanks for the update.

Yes I have not been to TZ but my conclusions regarding poaching especially have been formed in large part by 2012 hunting reports submitted on this forum and those are:

1) 3 Generations 21 Days in Selous (bobby7321)

2) Lukwika, Tanzania 2012 (crbutler)

Hopefully this situation can be brought under control soon as TZ revamps its Game Department and things can move forward in a positive way.

quote:

Originally posted by fujotupu:
Aaron:

Comments were made in respect of Simanjiro Game Controlled Area, not the Reserves not the National Parks where the human factor is prohibited.

SGCA and its neighbouring GCAs North/South and East are/were part of the migratory corridor; I doubt anything reaches Kitwai/Ruvu Masai anymore.

The argument of encroachment, etc. was limited to that area only not the whole of Tanzania.

Lukwati today has developed into a better place since it was turned from Forest Reserve to Game Reserve

Fujo - I'm aware of all that. I'm just not sure Safari2 is?

I use the Lukwati, just as an example - but it too is not to be seen as Tanzania as a whole, no more so than should SGCA in the north, or Lukwika in the south.

quote:

Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:

quote:

Originally posted by fujotupu:
Aaron:

Comments were made in respect of Simanjiro Game Controlled Area, not the Reserves not the National Parks where the human factor is prohibited.

SGCA and its neighbouring GCAs North/South and East are/were part of the migratory corridor; I doubt anything reaches Kitwai/Ruvu Masai anymore.

The argument of encroachment, etc. was limited to that area only not the whole of Tanzania.

Lukwati today has developed into a better place since it was turned from Forest Reserve to Game Reserve

Fujo - I'm aware of all that. I'm just not sure Safari2 is?

I use the Lukwati, just as an example - but it too is not to be seen as Tanzania as a whole, no more so than should SGCA in the north, or Lukwika in the south.

Lukwati...fantastic, large, remote, unpopulated, well managed, big 3 area.

quote:

Originally posted by jangili:
Great buffalo and a really nice rifle!

jangili,

Do you want to wade in what's happening to hunting in your neck of the Tanzanian woods? I know you know more about it than anybody else posting here, except fujotupu, who might know as much.

Warm regards, AIU

Here are some more photos from the trip, which included photo safaris tours of Arusha NP, Kilimanjaro NP (walked 1/3rd of the way to the top and back), Tarangire NP, Lake Manyara NP, Ngorongoro NP, and Serengeti NP - essentially all the NPs of Maasailand. I hope you enjoy them.

We visited a Maasai boma. My wife refuses to wear one of these around her neck - maybe I'll wear one. We brought one home.



Some Maasai herders stopped by to say hello while we were hunting. They all had cell phones.



They were fascinated by the photos on the iPad...technology will dictate our future.



A lilac-breasted roller let me take his picture - beautiful bird. I could show you dozens of African bird pictures.



Black-backed Jackel allowed a nice photo.



Tarangire NP - wildlife paradise.



Farouk lamented that lack of elephant sign outside the park, but we saw hundreds of elephants along the Tarangire River. Witness this scene. Nice tusks!



This zebra barely escaped the claws of lions. No wonder he was hungry.



We witnessed this pride take a sickly young buffalo. Obviously, being look-out requires much rest and relaxation.







And here's Chui looking for his favorite meal - a ~30" impala.





An old (super big) daggaboy - a shooter for certain. How wide do you think he is?



A very thorny situation and ominous shadow at close range - but, I'd love the opportunity to deal with this guy.



Look at the mane on this herd bull.



Needless to say, this guy's heart was no longer functional. The next photo shows why.



The heart penetrated by a 400 gr Northfork SS with impact velocity ~2500 fps.



From left to right: Bullet #1. 99.5% weight retention on Northfork 400 gr. SS, which entered 2nd buffalo at ~200 yds while I was attempting a Texas heart shot as the 2nd buffalo was running away wounded from 1st NF. Impact velocity ~2150 fps. The first NF was off center frontal and was not a clean kill shot - this was my fault and not the gun's or the bullet's fault. But, I collected myself for the third shot (center frontal) thru the heart that put the second buffalo in the dirt for good. Before the third shot, IMO the bull was squaring-up for a charge. Bullet #2. 88% weight retention on Northfork 400 gr. SS, which entered 1st buffalow at ~75 yds and did the heart damage as shown. Extimated impact velocity ~2500 fps. This was essentially a one-shot kill, but I put a second thru his spine as an insurance shot. Bullet #3. ~100% weight retention on Barnes 400 gr. TSX taken from wildebeest killed with Texas heart shot at ~300 yrds. Estimated impact velocity 2000 fps. Bullet #4. 92.5% weight retention on Barnes 400 gr. TSX taken from a zebra killed at ~100 yds. Estimated impact velocity ~2450 fps. This TSX lost some petals.



Mine are the two in front, the prior client did just as well.



I was shocked by how RED the red duiker is!



How would you like this view from you back porch?

AIU..great Park photos!

Did you see alot of elephants in Tarangire? Supposed to be loaded with them.

quote:

Originally posted by Safari2:
AIU..great Park photos!

Did you see alot of elephants in Tarangire? Supposed to be loaded with them.

We saw over a thousand elephants along the Tarangire River. They were very tame.

quote:

Originally posted by Ackley Improved User:

quote:

Originally posted by Safari2:
AIU..great Park photos!

Did you see alot of elephants in Tarangire? Supposed to be loaded with them.

We saw over a thousand elephants along the Tarangire River. They were very tame.

The tree climbing lions at Lake Manyara..a very special treat as well!

quote:

Originally posted by Safari2:

quote:

Originally posted by Ackley Improved User:

quote:

Originally posted by Safari2:
AIU..great Park photos!

Did you see alot of elephants in Tarangire? Supposed to be loaded with them.

We saw over a thousand elephants along the Tarangire River. They were very tame.

The tree climbing lions at Lake Manyara..a very special treat as well!

Safari2,

The lions are in the Serengeti.

Regards, AIU

quote:

Originally posted by Ackley Improved User:

quote:

Originally posted by Safari2:

quote:

Originally posted by Ackley Improved User:

quote:

Originally posted by Safari2:
AIU..great Park photos!

Did you see alot of elephants in Tarangire? Supposed to be loaded with them.

We saw over a thousand elephants along the Tarangire River. They were very tame.

The tree climbing lions at Lake Manyara..a very special treat as well!

Safari2,

The lions are in the Serengeti.

Regards, AIU

Manyara is known for them..bad assumption.

Did you see any big concentrations of game in the Serengeti? Did you see the big 5 in Ngorongoro?

quote:

Originally posted by Ackley Improved User:

quote:

Originally posted by jangili:
Great buffalo and a really nice rifle!

jangili,

Do you want to wade in what's happening to hunting in your neck of the Tanzanian woods? I know you know more about it than anybody else posting here, except fujotupu, who might know as much.

Warm regards, AIU

I'm very aware at what is happening in Maasailand in General (From SOuthern and Eastern Tarangire all the way to West Kili, Natron and Loliondo GCA!!!

My comments were in repsonse to Safari2 asking for some optimism. No one should be suprised if the whole of Maasailand (Other than well formed WMAs - which is a big IF) ends up without any meaningful wildlife populations for tourism.

quote:

Originally posted by Bwanamich:

quote:

Originally posted by Ackley Improved User:

quote:

Originally posted by jangili:
Great buffalo and a really nice rifle!

jangili,

Do you want to wade in what's happening to hunting in your neck of the Tanzanian woods? I know you know more about it than anybody else posting here, except fujotupu, who might know as much.

Warm regards, AIU

I'm very aware at what is happening in Maasailand in General (From SOuthern and Eastern Tarangire all the way to West Kili, Natron and Loliondo GCA!!!

My comments were in repsonse to Safari2 asking for some optimism. No one should be suprised if the whole of Maasailand (Other than well formed WMAs - which is a big IF) ends up without any meaningful wildlife populations for tourism.

Bwanamich, thanks for your comments. I was just hoping jangili would contribute. I know he has extraordinary knowledge of the situation. I could show more photos, but I've made my point.

The ecosystem is very fragile, and what happens outside the NPs is effecting what's inside the NPs. How long Ngorongoro NP will last is a current concern for many. Regards, AIU

quote:

Originally posted by Safari2:

quote:

Originally posted by Ackley Improved User:

quote:

Originally posted by Safari2:

quote:

Originally posted by Ackley Improved User:

quote:

Originally posted by Safari2:
AIU..great Park photos!

Did you see alot of elephants in Tarangire? Supposed to be loaded with them.

We saw over a thousand elephants along the Tarangire River. They were very tame.

The tree climbing lions at Lake Manyara..a very special treat as well!

Safari2,

The lions are in the Serengeti.

Regards, AIU

Manyara is known for them..bad assumption.

Did you see any big concentrations of game in the Serengeti? Did you see the big 5 in Ngorongoro?

Safari2, we were a bit north of the main concentrations of migrating game this time of year, but the mbogo appeared to be doing quite well within the Serengeti. We saw lion, buffalo, elephants, and rhino in Ngorongoro NP, but no leopards. Chui was around though. Only two cheetah were left in Ngorongoro and both are females and one was seriously hurt. Regards, AIU

A.I.U. could you tell us the story about what appears to be some in the field repairs to your rifle? Also I was struck on how the expansion of the TSX,s did not seem to be as much as I would have expected with the speed your rifle was producing.

quote:

Originally posted by kestrel:
A.I.U. could you tell us the story about what appears to be some in the field repairs to your rifle? Also I was struck on how the expansion of the TSX,s did not seem to be as much as I would have expected with the speed your rifle was producing.

kestrel,

No repairs were needed to the rifle, and it performed flawlessly. It REALLY WHACKED those two buffalo. The large rubber band was to insure that the magazine clip did not accidently fall out while in the middle of buffalo action. The gun kicks so hard (~6250 ft# muzzle energy) that one can accidently release the clip with your trigger finger - thus, the rubber band was simply a failsafe measure. But, there were no problems with the gun or clip during the hunt. I just wanted to be double sure there would be no problems.

The TSX's worked well expanding as much as expected. The TSX that entered at ~2450 fps actually lost petals and some weight - look closely at the photo.

Both the NF and TSX are very good buffalo bullets and realy all you need. Indeed, some PHs are using the TSX on elephants, including brain shots. I killed an elephant with a brain shot from a 300 gr. Failsafe (essentially the same basic design as the TSX) fired at ~2875 fps from my 375 H&H Ackley Improved. It went down immediately and didn't twitch.

Regards, AIU

Some really really fine photos and I especially like the buff in the thorns. Terrific image.

I would be interested to see what Late Bloomer could do with some of these prints?

Excellent photography; thanks again.

Beautiful photos and looks like you had a great hunt.

Thanks for sharing it!

Thanks for the kind comments. I appreciate it. AIU