This report could easily start with the sentence ... "Once upon a time...", because it was an idea that evolved into a plan, and after some years, it actually came together. As fairy tales go, this one also had a very happy ending.

The conceptualist was Morten, known on AR as the The Norwegian. I know Morten was keen to include a Swede or two on this hunt, which would have been brilliant, it just didn't work out.

I'll introduce the participants and their PHs.

Norwegian hunter : Morten PH: Rich Tabor
Norwegian hunter : Odin PH: Buzz Charlton
Norwegian hunter : Lars PH: Mark Gemmill
Danish hunter : Jytte PH: Alan Shearing
Danish hunter : Julia PH: Alan Shearing
Videographer : Justin Drainer - Morten and I each had five days of filming.

Here we come.



Camp: Makanga - a 10 day hunt.







Lars was a first timer to Africa, certainly not a novice hunter, albeit a very experienced one. The rest of us all had some African hunting experience.

Mortens hunt report

Weapon: Verney Carron double rifle caliber 450 NE. Handloaded with CEB bullets - 480 grain Solid for elephant and CEB 480 grain Raptor for buffalo.
Blaser R8 Kilombero caliber 375 HH for the hyena with Remington Safari factory load 300 Swift A Frame.

PH: Rich Tabor
Crew: Tracker Nourest and Teddy. Driver Dube. Ranger Diva.
Camp Makanga
Hunting area; Chewore South ( neighboring Makanga camp ) – 10 day hunt
Species: Tuskless elephant, buffalo cow and hyena
Other species seen: Impala, kudu, lion, waterbuck, grysbuck, civet cat


On day one my rifles were still missing – Ethiopian Airlines made a severe mistake and forgot to load my rifles in Oslo when departing on the 16th. Myles from CMS had been working on the issue since arrival in Harare on the 17th.. We traveled through Addis Ababa and security there had no person to show and open rifle case and identify as owner. Ethiopian Airlines representatives proved to be paralyzed. Borrowed Alan Shearing’s former back up rifle – a Remington 700 in caliber 416 Rem Mag. My first test shot hardly hit the paper on 50 yards. Not used to the trigger and scope, but improved after 4-5 shots. However, Rich and I agreed that we had to wait for my rifles before we started a serious hunt. I had the VC made to my specifications for this hunt and prepared as good I was able to practicing with it the last 4 months before departing for Zimbabwe.

While waiting for my rifles I asked Rich to teach me about elephant hunting and he and his team took me driving looking for tracks. We drove around the whole first day and tried to find out where we could find elephants. We soon realized that they were in the jesse. First day nothing happened really, except that the guys tried to locate some honey trees where the bees made honey.

Om day two we were out all day driving around looking for tracks and learning where the elephants were hiding. In the morning we drove the river from the dinosaur tracks. Estimated to be 145 – 170 million years old !! We got stuck 3 times in the sand because of high water level underneath. Interesting to learn how the team got us out of the mud problem ! These guys know what to do. No complaints and very good co-operating skills in the team.





After lunch we took a walk in the bush. Shortly we got up to a young bull. Rich explained about different shooting angles, the ear slit etc. We left the bull and circled as the guys heard other elephants further back in the bush . We went down into a narrow riverbed and suddenly a group of female elephants and babies came running and trumpeting over the edge on top of us and Rich yelled RUN UP. Usain Bolt and co sprinted up on the other side of the riverbed – my heart was pumping like hell. First encounter with angry ele ladies got me thinking… sharp learning curve !

We continued and after a while, we found another group with a big tuskless in front. We followed, but left the group after some time. First day for me elephant hunting ever and some real experience. In the evening Myles makes contact with Rich and inform us that the rifles have arrived in Harare late afternoon and will be driven with CMS supplies to Pedza Camp next day
Day three - we are going to pick up the rifles in Pedza camp – 2 hours’ drive from our camp. The CMS driver will be there around at 12.00. We looked for some elephant tracks in the morning. It was cold and we made fire waiting for the sun to come up over the horizon. Went for a short walk in the bush to make a plan for the next day. Drove to Pedza camp and got hold of the rifles. Drove back again and test shoot in the afternoon. No time for a serious hunt in the afternoon, but thank god the rifles are in order.

On the fourth day Rich decided to enter the bush carefully against the wind. We encountered 6-7 different small groups of elephants through the day and the education of elephant hunting went on. I started to learn that besides tracking the guys used they ears a lot. We stopped and listened several times and the guys heard things that I did not. We did not see any tuskless, but it was good to carry my own gun. Good educational day!

Up at 04.30 om day five – breakfast or coffee at 5.00 and hit the road 06.00 as most of the days. Still dark, but the light is coming fast. 07.30 Nourest knocks on the top roof in the truck and Rich make a stop. The guys have found buffalo tracks crossing the road that are fresh. First fresh buffalo tracks we have found and we head off after the herd. After 30 minutes of tracking, we find the buffalo in high grass amongst many trees. Rich points at a cow and ask if it is too far away. I am carrying the VC double and have not shot it farther than 50 yards. I am not sure about the distance and the buffalo get spooked. We follow in a small circle through the high grass and all the trees and find the buffalo again in a riverbed. Down on all four crawling the best I can. Rich finds an opening in the bush towards the river. He sets up the sticks – I can see that the buffalo knows that we are there and they are getting nervous and curious at the same time. The spin around back and forth a little. Shoot that big cow straight in front of us Rich whispers… on my butt I ask as Rich have put the sticks low. Yes - if we stand up they will take off Rich replies! Ok – first time for everything I guess – I aim straight into the chest a little low and BANG! My front sight – a red fiber optic Recknagel made it very easy to aim on the black body – the cow spins around and fall to ground after 3-4 steps. The cow tries to get up as Rich move forward to the riverbank. Shoot again he asks me and I pull the trigger 3-4 times before realizing I am pulling the same trigger. Then the death bellowing starts and we calm down. I reload and we get closer – Rich asks me to put a security shot in the neck and that is it. The time was 08.15 - first real hunting day and a big buffalo cow in the salt already, J Happy smiles – especially about the shot – 70 yards or so Rich said. The CEB Raptor did the job perfectly. Cut the top of the heart and all the arteries. A good start of the hunt and some pounds off the shoulders.

We walk down the riverbed to meet the truck. I asked Rich if he saw me pulling the same trigger 3-4 times… yes I did that but I would not say anything until you told me Rich replied in a teasing way. Sure, but you bet he did several times when we later engaged the tuskless J J J

We hit the road again after getting the buffalo to the skinning shed and having lunch. We did not see any tuskless in the afternoon, but the elephants was there and Rich circled them in his plan that I knew he had.



Rich always says; let us make a plan. I asked him this morning day 6 about when does he get nervous about his plan? Rich said; after lunch last day… with a big smile on his face! Tough guy this Czech … J We went into the bush, but did not find any tuskless before lunch this day either. Rich was a bit careful, as the jess was thick. There were tracks everywhere and the guys discussed the movement of the small herds and made a plan for the afternoon. During lunch, Rich told me that he had decided to walk into a riverbed system, sit down, listen at 14.30, and not move until they had located the groups around. Therefore, we did – sat in the sand in total quiet and waited. After 30 minutes, the first elephant sounds started and the guys heard 2-3 groups. Rich decided for a direction and after just 100-150 meters into the jesse, we encountered one group. However, just ivory and we retreated to the river bottom and followed that further down. We came to the main riverbed and around the corner, we suddenly saw a group of elephants. One elephant turned and there the tuskless presented herself. More elephants came down the riverbank from the bush and in total, the group had 4 tuskless. The hunt was on! We started the stalk along one side in the shadow. The elephants went here and there and most of them disappeared into the bush on the other side over the riverbed. One tuskless kept walking away from us on the riverbed with a female having 3 calves with her. However, we could not get closer than 70-80 yards. They became aware of us and we had to retreat and disappeared into the bush. We followed and made a circle in the bush hoping to cut them off on a river bend, but we just got out on the river again and the elephants were further away in the bush. We walked slowly against the wind and suddenly the trackers alarmed – there was an elephant standing in the bush on the riverbank very close. We backed off in a hurry and up the riverbank on the other side. Rich thought the whole herd came back. We waited a little bit and suddenly the elephant presented itself – an old big tuskless. The hunt was on again. We crossed and Rich whispered in my ear ; two triggers – in the ear slit – be aware that she possible turns her head … Rich pushed me into position – 12 -14 meters – and I aimed. Starting squeezing the trigger … and she turned her head! I had to change point of impact and pulled the trigger. The tuskless was knocked down, but did not die immediately. She tried to get up, but could not. Paralyzed in a way and she was lying downwards. She got one in the shoulder, reload, one in the head and one in the shoulder again lying down facing me. She was finished. Rich asked me to put another in the head. We later found out that shot no 3 or 4 took the heart and the lungs properly.

I had shot my first elephant! Strange thing – I did not get that emotional as many told me that I would experience. I was very happy, but for some reason very concerned about my first shot. I was more nervous when chasing the group in the riverbed 30 minutes back… We concluded that I have to hunt more elephants.. J big smiles and handshakes… I must admit that I was relieved that this hunt went so smooth. But maybe a little too easy…?? I liked the form of hunting and want to do this again.





25th of July – day no 7
Day seven was butchering day of the elephant. We decided to make a bait of the carcass; build a blind and try to outsmart a hyena. Rich took us driving around with parts of the belly of the elephant. He expected the hyenas to be on the carcass next morning.



I thought I could shoot a hyena without a scope from the blind 40 meters away from the carcass and 3 -4 meters higher. The sandy river bottom would make the perfect background. Next morning on day eight we heard the hyenas on the bait when we parked the truck. Exciting to walk 300 meters on a sandy road – 150 without light from Rich’s torch. Then the last 100 meters through the jess in total dark with a hand on Rich shoulder. The hyenas (Rich and camera man Justin thought it was lions in the beginning ) made a hell of noises and it proved to be one very big dominate female and 5 others. The female chased the others away all the time and they fought and crushed bones at the same time. I could not shoot… did not see a thing. A few minutes past six in the morning, they vanished. I was able to shoot 10 minutes later with open sights. A mistake and bad judgement on my behalf!

Luckily one of the other Norwegian hunters had brought a spare scope (Zeiss 1,8-14x50 with a red dot ) and he was also using a Blaser rifle. Then I could borrow the scope- adjust 2 screws, mount it, test shoot and ready for the hyena again. Ten past six in the evening one single hyena entered the scene. Rich said I could put the barrel through the hatch in the blind. I tried to be careful, but before I even saw the hyena, it took off.

Next morning day nine the same walk in the dark. We did not hear the same sounds when we left the truck. Getting closer to the blind, we heard lower sounds. Rich carefully looked through his hatch behind some leaves. He whispered to me.. Lions.. And put his finger to his mouth. I was not allowed to look. After 2-3 minutes, Rich gave signal that we retreated very quietly. He explained later that in the night the lions are superior and if the lioness saw movements she could circle us and we would met her in the jess in the dark. No PH would like to be in that situation…

We tried again in the afternoon. The team made a bet when the hyena would be shot. We had picked up two front legs from the tuskless and dug them into the sand. It was getting darker and suddenly a Civet cat entered the scene. I just saw a black thing with a tail. Nice, but decided to wait for the hyena. Few minutes before shooting was not possible a big single hyena entered the scene. We had made a split pole and some cloth, which made it possible to have the barrel and scope sticking out of the hatch all the time. I just grabbed the pistol grip, aimed and fired. Lost my night sight, but understood that the hyena crawled up the riverbank into the bush. Rich looked for a few minutes, found some blood, but called the truck. The team went after and 15 minutes later one shot barked through the night.



Late breakfast and slow morning on the last day. No more hunting – I was satisfied and wanted to soak on the caramel. The tracker team had another specialty – we went honey hunting. They found honey high up in an old tree. I ate honey dripping fresh – nice. We just messed around and enjoyed the time. The tracker team of Rich is a jolly good team to be with. Smiling, joking and teasing – a very good mood among them with respect and good cooperation. At the same time deadly serious when needed and the tracking starts and the hunt is on.



Big barbecue in the evening. Happy hunters – all of us got what we came for. We had had a very good hunt and very nice companionship with the CMS team. Once again, CMS delivered the stuff…

Early morning next day, we drove to Harare. Nice lunch at Buzz private house and good to meet Richard Harland again. I bought a book from him and he signed that and another I had brought along. The flight back home went uneventful. And this time rifles arrived in Oslo as they should. I have started thinking of my next elephant hunt.







Odins hunt report


The Mahonde Bull

This was my third hunt with CMS and second hunt with Buzz as my PH.

I felt very lucky to be able to hunt with such a great PH, a fine human being and all in all, a thoroughly solid guy.

This trip was all about an elephant bull and while I had a lion on license, I did not imagine it possible on a ten day hunt, because ele bull hunting takes dedication and a lot of energy.

This Viking Safari was also a fine opportunity to introduce my good friend Lars to Africa. This was his first trip to the Continent. His modest wish was to hunt a Cape Buffalo.




One day we followed the tracks of a couple of bulls that joined a large herd. Getting closer, we sought refuge on a termite mound and let in excess of a hundred elephant pass us without being detected. The plan was to keep an eye out for bulls mingling in the middle of the herd. In that case, if a proper bull showed itself, run in, shoot and run out, preferably in another direction than the herd.

The bulls turned out to be single tuskers. Phew!

In the herd we saw this elephant with an amputated trunk due to snaring.





Making a serious plan.



The days got somewhat heavier, but I felt fine and in good shape and I was determined not to give up.

On one of Buzz death marches we walked east for exactly 3 hours and 18 minutes, only stopping to drink and such. Well I did. The guys never stopped and I had to scurry to catch up. The elephant we had tracked for 25 kilometers decided a kilometer from the Mozambique boarder to return and go west again. This was not easy!

On day 8 we found a big track in the sand. It was 09.00 and we were all positive. After an hour we found where he had bedded and there were clear signs that a tusk had rested here. Buzz got a bit sarcastic and said ..." at least he has got one tusk"...

This was in the Mahonde area and the bush was thick and grassy, so the tracking was a bit slow. A lazy vikings luck.
We were a bit high when the trackers lost the track and I took a break. Suddenly the game scout whispers ..."sir, sir elephants"... and three elephants come flying through the bush. Awakened by the trackers.

The track is picked up once more and the hours pass. Some 5 hours after, we see a large bodied ele standing broadside and Buzz is determined that this is it.
The 7th hour had passed and the cornflakes we walked on gave us some real problems. The elephant kept us at bay at 100-300 meters the whole time and we were unable to reduce that distance. The dark was descending fast and the bull seemed to feel safe. The wind was sinister, the ground still noisy, we did however manage to get closer.

The game scouts and trackers stayed back while we crept in step by step towards the large animal. At 17.05, we cannot get any closer and the bull is standing in some bush, broadside in the Mohande outlook. Buzz steps aside and I lift the rifle. ..." can you take the shot"... Buzz asks me, looking a bit skeptical. The distance was not 20 meters as I had hoped for, rather 60 meters...

I felt seconds became hours. I cannot remember whether I replied Buzz question, but I can remember thinking that I must not mess this up. This was my chance. Another 15 minutes it would be dark and the bull was now clearly uneasy.

60 meters! The rifle comes up, rests nicely on my arm and I find the opening in the bush. A fist in front of the ear hole. Bang!

Before the recoil pushed me backwards, I heard the elephant collapse and it was all over.

What an experience. We had done it. I had done it.




Buzz was relieved and the guys jubilant. A Viking in Africa had conquered his dream.

The tail was cut as proof of ownership and we took off on a high spirited march of some 2 kilometers to Mururu camp. Beers, we had to have beers. To celebrate and lubricate the feelings after this difficult to describe moment. Those of you who have been there, done that, you know what I mean.

Blaser .416 Rem. Mag. 410 grs. Woodleigh solid did the job.





We left for home and four beers later we were back at Makanga camp and we were happy!

This was the 8th hour on the 8th day. My day!

As a hunter and guest with CMS, this was my second elephant in Zimbabwe. Have taken Elephant, buffalo and leopard in Dande.

Who knows, maybe the Vikings will set sail once more for the dark Continent and for me in pursuit of the mystical Shumba!





Well deserved beer with the boss.

A million thanks to the Viking Team, CMS, PH's in camp and James D. Charlton.

Until next time
Odin Rørvik.


Lars meets Africa
with his Blaser 416 R.E.M. Mag
Woodleigh 410 grn heads.









Julia & Jytte

222. for guinea fowl
CZ .375 H&H for buffalo (Myles rifle)
Trackers: Mplan and Martin
Driver : Bernard
Gamescouts: Martin & David




I am taking a liking to these group hunts. Julia and I had a great time with the Norwegians. Camp was one good mood and I really
cannot recall when I last laughed so much.

Last year, Julia received the coveted Danish hunting license after passing a written and practical exam. So while we were buffalo hunting,
we were also guinea fowl hunting. Every time we saw guinea fowl, Alan would stop the car, get the sticks, the .222 and off they'd go.

It took a few stalks, but when she connected she did it just right. Through the neck. I was very proud.





Buffalo

The hunt was more demanding that I'd imagined. The bush was very thick for July, one has to admire a man like Al Shearing,
who just pushes on and on, cleverly avoiding eye contact with his sweat dripping, moderately cursing, falling over her feet, client.

We were into buffalo every day. One large bodied dagga boy comes to mind. He is standing just by the side of the dirt road one very early morning,
looking like dagga boys do. Giving us the eye as we slow the cruiser before coming to a halt further down the road. We try, we sneak up and up, but I think he must have heard my heart pounding. We gave it a good try for hours, he melts into a herd, never to be seen again.

Small herds, large herds. We bum scoot, trying to find a shoot able bull in a very large herd. I see a horn, a tail flicking, hear a muh, big bodies pushing against each other. The cows give us away, always the cows, and the thundering of hooves departing leaves us a bit resigned.

Day 8, we head north with no luck. It is late morning when Buzz comes on the radio and reports fresh tracks in an area we have previously been in,
unlucky at that time. So we head back, find the tracks, have lunch, a rest and at 2 pm we head out and the trackers get going.
A couple of hours later, a dagga boy is standing in somewhat open territory, the sticks open and I get the rifle in place. The problem is,
it is not that open, the territory, and I cannot see anything but a bit of grey. He moves.

I sense the disappointment from behind, we've worked hard for 8 days and a dagga boy presented on a silver plate literally, and I
am unable to shoot it. Well, I manage to redeem my self half an hour later. Where we find him at the outskirts of a herd. He presents himself well,
through bush and branches I find his shoulder and shoot. We hear strange sounds, not exactly a death bellow, but a half death bellow. Alan and
tracker Mplan move forward, the rest of us stay behind. Shortly after, a whistle invites us forward. Al greets me with a deadpan look and my heart sinks. Alan says ..."there is blood and I want you to stay behind me and keep me in sight while we look for him"...

Mplan is sitting on a log behind him, looking depressed. Suddenly I see he is sitting on a buffalo, my buffalo. Stone dead. My bullet took his heart and split it down the middle.



So the Mahonde bull was not the only trophy on day 8 at the 8th hour. Odin and I connected with our chosen trophy almost at the same time.



Mortens final comments


Once again, the Zambezi Valley, the Dande and the CMS team welcomed us with great manner, good hunting and friendship. Jyttes sixth hunt, Odins third and Mortens second. For Lars, his first. The numbers tell a story - a story that will continue in the years to come. The CMS team is professional, caring, demanding and honest at the same time. You trust these guys and you know you're getting full value for your money.

We all hope to hunt with CMS team again and we are all longing for the bush already. The Vikings will be back...

Jytte

Well Done to the Vikings indeed!!

A well written hunt report and the results speak for themselves!! CMS have done it again on a group hunt, which i feel is a far more difficult proposition than most realise!!!!

My first safari with CM was also a group hunt out of Mururu and was a great success!!!. i echo your comments about the campfire banter and comedy, which only a group hunt truly experiences.

Congrats again to all.

cheers

Nick

Outstanding report and pictures Jytte. Sounds like everyone had a great hunt.

Excellent!!!

Very well done!

Great report! it looks like a happy and fun group to hunt with.

Cigars and after dinner drinks, what I call a great trophy shot!

Wow!!! Fantastic just fantastic!!!

This could only be better by taking a longship up the Zambezi. Maybe pillage some poacher's camps.

I should look into a Greek hunt. (Shut up, Biebs).
Cal

Outstanding job!

quote:

Originally posted by cal pappas:
This could only be better by taking a longship up the Zambezi. Maybe pillage some poacher's camps.

I should look into a Greek hunt. (Shut up, Biebs).
Cal

Yah, NeXT time we will arrive in style With Our Longship.

Nice report Jytte!

Tuskless in the jess, you can't get any more exciting than that. What a wonderful hunt with friends being able to swap tales around the campfire. Well done.

Nyae Nyae bull elephant raffle
https://www.tsumeb-gimnasium.c...hant-hunt-in-namibia

Outstanding Viking Raid into the Dark Continent! Glad to hear the Verney worked well for you, Morten!

Cheers,

jorge (the Cuban viking wannabee!)

Outstanding hunt! Great report!

Congratulations

Thank you all very much for a great report!

Greetings from the two Swedes that was close to join the Viking safari / P-A and Emma

quote:

I should look into a Greek hunt. (Shut up, Biebs).
Cal

Cal, might be tough to find safari trousers with the zipper in the back :-)

Good stuff! Congrats to all.

To the VIKINGS! A huge thanks from us all at CMS! Been on the safari I can say that it is a pleasure to hunt with 3 return clients that are certainly considered friends now for quite a while. Lars the new addition was also such a pleasure to have in camp and was rewarded with an awesome buff!! Thanks for a safari that was a great success full of laughs and great memories!!!

quote:

Originally posted by Biebs:

quote:

I should look into a Greek hunt. (Shut up, Biebs).
Cal

Cal, might be tough to find safari trousers with the zipper in the back :-)

Invariably, Greek hunters end up returning to their homeland. They can't stand to leave their brothers' behind.

Outstanding!

Congratulations to all
After meeting Morten some weeks before the hunt I was excited for the vikings I was lucky enough to get some updates along the way from Morten and have beein lloking forward to reading the report Very nice!!

Greetings from a viking who wants to join a future raid for a buffalo

Congrats on the elephant Odin...what did that ivory weigh..?

Wonderful report! Loved it!

Jytte: Great shooting on your buff

Well done all!

Best regards, D. Nelson

Cool hunt... should be a prerequisite that one has to hunt with a faux viking helmet when out with Buzz and crew. Buff decoy!

well done CMS & VIKINGS fantastic hunt and report , good team work

.

Jytte and others - great report, pictures and trophies. Well done all ! I can imagine it was a fun time!

Best from Wurmlach Austria where we are hunting chamois in the snow on a small group hunt ! Believe me Africa is better than snow !

Charlie

.

Glad everyone had a great time!

I never knew that the Vikings took their women with them on their raids of fun!

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
Glad everyone had a great time!

I never knew that the Vikings took their women with them on their raids of fun!

Hey! Times have changed. Soon Your Viking princess Hessa will ask for a longship. And a BLASER !

Well done all involved. First class safari and looks like lots of fun.

Congrats to the vikings and their shieldmaidens
Great report !

great report.

cant imagine the great time it was ... i shared few hours with Morten few years ago in Whitehorse and it was really good. cant imagine the good spirit with all of you...

Fantastic hunt and report. I am glad the hunt was successful and everyone enjoyed themselves.

Brilliant report Jytte! Look like you all had a blast and got some fine trophies. Great to see that the Vikings still can team up and invade other countries. Stay well.

Excellent! Very much enjoyed the report.

quote:

Originally posted by Odin:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
Glad everyone had a great time!

I never knew that the Vikings took their women with them on their raids of fun!

Hey! Times have changed. Soon Your Viking princess Hessa will ask for a longship. And a BLASER !

Odin...wow, that name brings back memories. At West Point on days we were scheduled to march in a parade we used lean out of our windows to wail "Odin...Odin...Odin" on overcast days, praying for rain so the parade would be cancelled and we would not have to strut about on the Plain.

Congrats on a fine hunt. You guys would fit right in to our deer camp in northern MN - full of people of Scandinavian descent.