Hello All,
Just returned from an Elephant hunt in Northern Zambia with Thor Kirchner. It was everything anyone could hope for and what dreams are made of. We were in a brand new fly camp, never hunted from before that had all the amenities of an old safari camp.
The pictures are stunning……if I had the tech skills to post them.
We took an exceptional Bull. With Length, Circumference, and Weight. Left tusk: 190 cm, length, 17 1/2” at lip and 66.1 lbs.
Right tusk: 178 cm, length, 17 1/2” at lip and 65.3 lbs.
The officials at the registry & weight department seemed stunned. I’m 6’3” and could take the picture with the tusks standing straight upright and touching my shoulders.
Thor was Great as a PH. And I can say - “A blessing of a hunt for both of us”.
There is NOTHING like the Riverine of the Luangwa!

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Let me be the first on this thread to wish you a BIG CONGRATULATIONS on your ele bull. Sounds awesome. Am sure someone can help you upload a picture or six. Again, congratulations to you and Thor on your ele hunt!

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Congrats!

I've always followed him on socials so I've seen his photos of your hunt and bull.

Outstanding and proper! Hope you can do a writeup with photos, or someone else can post your photos too

Brennan,

Wow! well done. Pix? And you are right in that the Luangwa is magic.

Mark

Saw the pix on FB! Serious bull... huge congrats!

Yeah man saw this on Thor's page - fantastic bull. Were the nerves especially small?

Luck favors the prepared. Well done.

quote:

Originally posted by BaxterB:
Yeah man saw this on Thor's page - fantastic bull. Were the nerves especially small?

Yes, Baxter, I think the nerves were small. I’ve got great pictures of them. The boys rotted, then, oh so carefully chopped them out. It was magic to watch. I even have the small axe they used! In fact - you are the only one I would trust to post the pictures. SO…..if you are willing, I’ll send them to you and if you still have the magic, you can post them if you have the time and desire. As always — Thank you.

So……I will work on the account of the hunt. But, here is a little teaser. Perhaps it will bring a smile, or scolding, from your lips.

NOW…….I have always hunted by the motto - “Do NOT pass on the First Day, what you would take on the last day”. I know Thor well, and I think he nearly CHOKED when I told him this again on a ten day Ele hunt in this marvelous place of Elephant! Almost made myself laugh! But, he took it well, and I’m sure inside had a chuckle to himself. Anyway, off we went immediately falling into a group of numerous bulls and cows coming off the beautiful Luangwa River into the riverine. After them we went, with Thor and his tracker skillfully and cunningly working the wind. We looked over beautiful bulls. Perhaps the best being about maybe? 40 pounds. Well, we passed after great fun. We saw Ele and buff all day!!!
Then just an hour or so before dark, we saw some decent bulls out in the palms and grass a bit back from the Luangwa. So, we went for a look. On the way to these, Thor froze, as he and Boyd (tracker), saw a group a bit closer rattling the heck out of some big palms. We went in. Nearly got sorted out by a group of cranky cows on the way in. The cows made a mock everything, as you guys know - then took off leaving the 2 bulls none the less wiser.
All of a sudden, things got real serious! You could see it on his face, and mine! He was thinking, there is NO WAY this is happening. It was a huge bull, in a vast land. And he knew, as I think I did also, we would NEVER get a crack at one bigger. Thus….One Big Huge Bull on day one! Dang!
So for the next 9 days we had fun tracking, taking pictures, and enjoying countless Elephant - NEVER seeing one even close to this bull. I had the time and hunt of my life!!!!!
What would you do??? I am happy with my choice! Thor made this experience Wonderful. I have hunted Elephant a Lot. I made the right choice for me.
The ‘officials’ at the district registry & weights division couldn’t believe their eyes!

P.S. I played this same game with Brae Vrem last year on the Alaskan peninsula hunting for Moose. On day two, I shot a bull in excess of 70”.
It is my experience that God often blesses those who glorify Him. I thank God for my supportive family, health, and WISE Professional Hunters who understand their clients.

As the saying goes better to be lucky than good. Congratulations Sir.

Big Congrats!

Which GMA were you hunting?

Here are the pics from Brennan's awesome safari:


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Brand new, never used camp along the Luangwa. The camp is ‘Pure Africana’!  I have been to MANY.  This one is the Best.  Hunting immediately after pulling out of camp.


Click here for Video of Camp















The Bull….happened so quick, there was no time for other pictures.  Immediately we knew he was ‘old’.











Last set of molars.  DARK ivory.  190 cm length. 66.1 lbs.   178 cm length. 65.3 lbs.    Me setting in the ‘Ivory Vault’  Mostly held together with Hippo skin.  Strong as steel!  Ha






The ‘official’ weigh in.  AND, Nerve size.
Here’s the thing I didn’t know.  After the nerve slid out - that thing disappeared faster than you can blink!!   Something about looking at it.  Especially any female!  I mean, it vanished right now!
Learn something new everyday.






My best photos ever.
What thrilled my heart was, I am 6’3”.   I could Stand and hold the tusks.  Now, they are not like the monsters of old, but they are fine by me.
Even got Thor & I. Tracker, Boyd.  And the Cruiser







Along the Riverine.















Crossing the Luangwa.

Click here for Video crossing the Luangwa - 1

Click here for Video crossing the Luangwa - 2

Click here for Video crossing the Luangwa - 3

That is an excellent bull from Zambia!

Very well done!

Great hunt and trophy to boot.

thank you for sharing

Magnificent! Your photos are very well done. Congrats on such an incredible bull and experience!!!

great pictures and trophy. well done. bravo.

Well done. I had lunch with John and heard the story firsthand. I was hunting across the river from that camp recently and had seen some big, worn Elephant tracks on the road that got our attention.

Thor is a great hunter and friend and will soon to be hunting alongside each other in the Luangwa.

You said the "Nerve disappeared......
Was it consumed??