Outfit: Charlton McCallum Safaris
Dates: August 24 - September 10, 2007
Area Hunted: Makuti and Nyamuswa, Zimbabwe
Conditions: Hot and dry
Terrain: Rolling hills, challenging climbing
PH: Buzz Charlton
Species Hunted: Leopard, Tuskless Elephant Cow, Elephant Bull, Hyena, Zebra, Bushbuck, "Dagga Boy" Baboon
Rifle: CZ550 Safari Magnum, .458 Win Mag loaded with 480 Woodleigh softs and solids
Airline: Continental (Houston-Washington Dulles)/SAA (Washington Dulles-Jo'burg-Harare)

[Thanks to Kathi Klimes for her help with the travel arrangements and for helping with some changes while I was there.]

The trip over ended up being relatively uneventful. I was able to check my bags all the way through from Houston to Harare and everything arrived -- which was a blessing given the experiences of others. The only issue was that somewhere along the line someone had seen a need to break into my duffle bag by twisting off the lock. When I saw that the lock had been broken I cringed thinking that everything of value might have been stolen. As it turns out, the thief took one item: a bag of Lifesaver Creamsaver candies. They left the Jolly Ranchers and the bubble gum. I was really looking forward to the Creamsavers too . . .

I was met at the airport by Buzz who was kind enough to allow me to stay at his home. We packed up the next morning for the approximately four hour drive to Makuti.



Makuti is located Northwest of Harare, about 60 to 90 kilometers from Lake Kariba. The area is more rugged than it looks at first glance and the tracking can be quite challenging. I was glad that I was in reasonably good shape, but even that being the case there were definitely times when I could feel myself dragging. I made things worse on myself when they told me that 90% of the hunters elect to have the trackers carry their rifles and I convinced myself that I would carry my own damn rifle.



The camp is a very nice mix of rustic and comfortable. Accommodations are wall tents with attached restrooms. We were fortunate while I was in camp to not have to run the generator very often. The camp is connected to the electric grid and we ended up having power most days. The food in camp was exceptional and the office staff at Charlton McCallum (Carla and Charmane) do a fantastic job of keeping the camps well stocked. Despite a serious beer shortage in Zim - a situation that had me on the brink of cancelling my hunt - we had a good supply of cold Castle and Lion Lager. Nothing like a cold beer after a long day hiking around and trying to keep up with Buzz.



Let me pause for a moment with a note about the conditions in Zim. I never felt threatened once as a result of the economic/political situation in Zim. We were waived through every road block, the people were all friendly and courteous, airport clearance was a piece of cake, etc. Clearly there are issues with basic supplies of food and petrol, but everyone seems to be able to "make a plan" to deal with it and life goes on. I really feel sorry for those that have cancelled trips to Zim as a result of the all the press. For one thing, the people need the money and the in flow of capital and two, folks are missing out on some tremendous hunting opportunities. I would not hesitate to leave to return tomorrow if the opportunity presented itself.

On the first morning of the hunt we headed up to a lookout point to do some spotting. I was pleased that I was able to spot a group of cows and calves on a distant hillside. A look through the spotting scope confirmed that one of the cows was a tuskless and the chase was on. We tracked the group for some time and ultimately caught up with them in a dry river bed. They got our wind and came up the side of the river bed and began a march away from the area. We moved up the hill quickly and paralled their track. Eventually we drew up even with them and then began to move in. The area was basically open country with long grass, meaning that we were pretty much out in the open. We walked up to within twelve yards of the cows and Buzz told me to get ready for a frontal brain shot. As the tuskless we were after cleared a small tree, she sighted us and turned toward us. At that point, I opened up. The first shot brought her to her knees but she was definitely not "brained". I had previously told Buzz that I intended to sling lead and preceded to do so. I went through the magazine of the rifle in seconds with the last shot spining the cow. She had only moved about ten yards from where I fired the first shot. Afterwards the game scout said, "too close", part of me agreed with him!



For someone like me the first time you walk up to an animal as magnificant as an elephant is a humbling experience. What a tremendous animal. The tuskless ended up measuring 8'4", which was the second largest tuskless that Buzz has taken since they started measuring their tuskless kills. It was a thrilling stalk and it was just Day One. Now we could focus on the bull full time.

We spent the next ten days chasing bulls. Rat bulls, young bulls, broken tusk bulls, old bulls, every kind of bull you can imagine. One afternoon late, Buzz decided to drive to an area that overlooks the escarpment. On our way there we saw a group of zebras and I was able to take a nice stallion with an open sights shot of 80 to 100 meters. It was a nice break from the physical demands of stalking, tracking and chasing bulls. Another afternoon we were making the Makuti Death March down a river bed when I spotted a hyena looking over a hill at us. I started shooting and the hyena started running. We ran up the hill and saw a second hyena trying to get over another hill about 125 to 150 meters away. He was running up the hill, my first shot was slightly high. The second shot sent him tumbling ass-over-head down the hill dead. He was an incredible trophy. An extremely old and large hyena, the first one taken in Makuti this year.



Over the course of this ten days we saw literally hundreds of elephants. On Day Ten we split up into several groups to spot an area on several hills. Buzz's tracker, Cryton, spotted a group of bulls in the area he was checking. The group began to converge on the area where the bulls had been spotted. It was getting on towards sunset and we were not sure the light was going to hold out. However, we caught the bulls feeding and stalked in for a closer look. As we were moving in we noticed a warthog (a damn fine warthog that Buzz said we would have busted had we not been chasing the bulls!) feeding on a dead duiker. We were literally within 25 yards of the warthog and were concerned that he was going to bust us and run off the bulls. But he just continued to munch away, looking up at us and then going back to eating. Amazing.

We continued our stalk and got up to a large ant mound about 15 yards from the feeding bulls. Buzz was not happy with the size of the bulls and indicated that he thought we should wait and keep hunting. Then as we continued to move around the ant mound, Buzz spotted another bull on the left that we had not seen before. As soon as he saw the bull he indicated that we were going to take that bull. We moved into position and Buzz told me to again get ready for a frontal brain shot. The bull turned, I fired and the bull stumbled. He was rocked but still on his feet. Buzz and I both fired and he collapsed. As magnificant as the tuskless was, the bull was even more impressive. The size of the bull made the cow pale in comparison . . . and there is just something special about ivory. He may not have the biggest ivory in the world, but as Buzz said, we earned that bull and I could not have prouder.




The next day was spent recovering the bull. That is an experience too. To see ten or twelve folks descend on the elephant with knifes of all shapes and conditions, sharpening them on rocks, etc. is amazing. In hours they have carcass reduced to the leg bones. The recovery teams' yearning for protein is also something interesting, and at some level saddening, to see. These folks just do not have access to meat on a regular basis and an elephant recovery is a good time for a small feast as well.



The next day we relocated to another camp about two hours South of Makuti. The Nyamuswa camp is a very nicely appointed camp, less rustic for sure.



Our mission was to hunt a big leopard that they had been chasing in the area for the last two years. Buzz said the track was huge and he was confident that it would be a helluva leopard. Our plan was to hunt the leopard with dogs since our time to bait and sit in a blind was limited. We ran the leopard with dogs for two days unsuccessfully. The terrain around Nyamuswa was not cooperating. The area has a lot of rock shale and the dogs were losing the scent when the leopard went through these areas and the trackers were unable to follow the leopard in these areas due to the lack of tracks.

After a couple of days with the dogs we decided to build a blind and give that a try. The bait was being hit regularly and we had replenished the bait with a nice bushbuck that we had taken the morning after the first dog run.



We built the blind in the afternoon, climbed into the blind about 4:00 p.m. and started our wait. Because we had not been preparing to use a blind we were making do with some less than optimal "noiseless" chairs and an improvised spotlight we made with a Cruiser battery and a spotlight off of Buzz's Land Cruiser. Sunset was peaceful and darkness settled in. Shortly after dark, we could hear branches starting to break. Slowly a group of elephant came feeding into the area from our right. This was the only part of the whole trip that made me nervous. It was pitch black, elephant were feeding all around us and I could not tell where they were and how close they were. I tried not to act like a wimp, but I had secretly mapped out my escape route in the event I saw a trunk come over the top of the blind. Eventually the elephant caught our wind and they were off -- thankfully not in the direction of the blind!

Around 8:30 p.m. Buzz tapped me and indicated that a leopard was at the bait. He had already reviewed with me some signals. When he said "okay" I should move into position behind my rifle and get ready for him to hit the spotlight. I should not shoot, however, until he said "shoot" so that he could confirm whether the leopard was a male, the one we were after, etc. Buzz whispered, "okay". I positioned myself behind the rifle and tried to get my breathing under control. When the light came on, the leopard was facing directly away from us. The leopard looked to the right and Buzz could then see its head. At that point he said wait until it turns broadside and shoot. The leopard then looked to the left and started to trot off to the left. At that instant, Buzz said "shoot". A couple of steps and the rifle sounded.

After the shot, Buzz and I stood and Buzz said that he thought the shot was good and that he had seen the leopard hunker down. We radioed for the truck and while we were waiting for the truck to drive up, we heard a growl/moan from the brush. Buzz indicated that like a buffalo, that meant the leopard was finished. Of course, I was not so sure. After the truck arrived Buzz, Cryton and Eddie (our driver) made a short track into the bush tracking where the leopard had gone. A few tense minutes later and Buzz shouted that the leopard was done and dusted and to come take a look. I was speechless when I saw the leopard. God cannot have created a more beautiful animal.






Lots of backslapping and congratulations ensued. Buzz said that the leopard is the largest he has taken in his fifteen years as a PH. Suffice it to say I was thrilled, and to think that we were able to take the leopard on the first night in the blind.

After many beers and a relaxing following day at Nyamuswa. We headed back to Harare. I could not have scripted a more perfect hunt. Buzz is great company in camp, an excellent PH and I consider it my pleasure to have hunted with him. The rest of the staff, Justin the videographer, were all delightful to share time with. From my seventeen days hunting with Buzz in Makuti and Nyamuswa, I have a lifetime of memories.

That is one hell of a leopard. I have hunted three trips for leopard and still don't have one. Hope I have some of your luck next year.

All right! I was looking forward to this report having been involved in discussions with Mike before he left for Africa. Makuti truly is a wonderful place for elephant. Several of us wanted a hyena but you definitely got the first one out of that camp this year. They are elusive critters. Good work.

I can't believe you got the tuskless on the first day out of the first group of ele. As Buzz would say, "Fantastic!" I had to laugh as you referenced the Makuti death march. Those who have been there will have no problem identifying with that. I tried to tell you it would be rough at times.

In my opinion, the real trophy on your hunt is that leopard. I talked to Buzz this morning about it and he said it was definitely the best he has ever taken. He was still pretty jazzed about it. It's just beautiful and I can only hope to get one that nice someday. Truly the trophy of a lifetime...and the first night in the blind...I say again, fantastic!

You had some incredibly good fortune on your hunt to score tuskless and leopard so quickly and then there's the hyena and nice bull. It's great to hear you had such a good time. Wish I could have been there.

Outstanding -- thanks for the report and pictures. You had a tremendous trip -- and that leopard!

Like you, I would have gotten back on a plane and returned immediately if I could.

Excellent Safari! Congratulations.

It is nice to see someone take a 458 WM and do so well with it.

Sounds and looks like you had a perfect safari! great report.

Very Nice.

Wow!!!! What a hunt! How do you top a hunt like that?

Mike, Congrats on a fine safari and it always good to know your time was well spent...

Mike

Mike

Congratulations! What a safari! The eles are nice, but that leopard is a hoss! Beautiful!

quote:

Originally posted by Palmer:

It is nice to see someone take a 458 WM and do so well with it.

Having seen Mike shoot here on many occations, this does not surprise me one bit. Mike can flat out shoot any rifle he picks up. Seen him do the "two step" with his 500NE Merkel, those DWJs never had a chance.

Mike, nice report.

Thanks for posting.

Keith

Congratulations, Mike! Well done sir! Thanks for the report!

Mike,

Great spending a little while chatting in the airport, and I extremely happy that your trip worked out like it did. The elephant must have been great, but that leopard is just magnificent. A huge congrats to you!!!

Congrat's on an excellent elephant hunt plus a fantastic leopard Mike.

Great Hunt Report.

How did you put your name on the Tuff Pak?

Thanks,
Mike

MJines,did you use the 458WM on all the game?

Thanks for all the kind words. I really feel lucky to have had such a wonderful trip.

Brian, the Makuti Death March reference was not chosen lightly. Combine the area around Makuti with Buzz's legs and "hikes" can get tough for an old guy. Seemed to me that Buzz always organized the "walks" so that we were going up vertical inclines!

Mike, I got a paint marker from the hobby store (Michaels, Hobby Lobby something like that). It is like a pen but you have to shake it up, then press the point down to write. They work great.

Shootaway, yes. I used the .458 WM on everything, even the bushbuck. I took two CZ550's in .458 WM so that I would have redundancy if something went wrong with one. I used my hogback stock model the whole trip. Open sights on everything but the bushbuck and the leopard, where I used a Zeiss 2x8 scope.

Mike,
It was great to meet with you in Harare. You certainly had a highly successful safari and I enjoyed this report.
Buzz gave me the .458 Win Mag ammo you left with him - I am desperate for this commodity! Thank you very much indeed, it is most welcome. Can you tell me what the Muzzle Velocity of this 'Mbogo' load is, with the 480gr.bullet?
I am pleased you had good results with your .458 - it bears out my contention that one needs nothing more for the biggest game. My loads go spot on 2150fps with 500gr bullets and I used these most recently on tuskless cow elephant and buffalo bull exactly the same time you were with Buzz!
See you again some day - Richard Harland.

Ahh, you left out the mention of meeting Richard. That is certainly a highlight.

Beautiful leopard, congratulations.

Richard,

Brian is right. It was a fitting end to my trip to be able to meet you and visit with you. To conclude an elephant hunt with a visit with one of the premier elephant hunters was quite special.

Glad the ammo found its way into the hands of someone that can use it. The loads I left with Buzz are 480 grain Woodleigh softs and solids, loaded with 66 grains of RL7, a Federal 215M primer and Winchester cases. I chronographed the loads on many occasions and got consistent velocities. With one of my rifles I got an average of 2153 fps. With the rifle I used on my hunt with Buzz, I got an average of 2191 fps. Again, those averages are actually averages of multiple trips to the range. The maximum spread in velocity (high to low) across all the averages was 20 fps -- pretty darn consistent load with no pressure signs.

Next time we must ensure that the meeting takes place at an appropriate hour for a cold beer, on me assuming of course that if we are in Zim we can find one!

An amazing, fantastic and successful safari. The report and the pics were wonderful. Meeting Richard Harland is a highlight for anyone who loves to hunt Africa. What an experience. Thanks for sharing it with all of us.

Thanks for sharing. Wonderful report and wonderful trophies. Boy! That is some leopard. Congratulations. Kudude

Great report on a great hunt! Thanks for letting me live Africa through your story.

JPK

Mike,

Nice report and a very nice Leopard.


Hamdeni

Mike- Did Buzz think it a rare occurance to see a warthog feeding on carrion? I know it is common for bushpigs but have never seen or heard of a warthog feeding as you saw. Great trip!

Crane,

Yes, if I recall correctly Buzz indicated that he had heard of warthogs eating carrion but had never seen it. We were not sure what the warthog was eating but whatever it was he was sure enjoying it. After the bull was down the tracker went over to the where the warthog was standing and found the dead duiker. It appeared that a civet had initially killed the duiker, the warthog was simply enjoying the fruits of the civets's hunting. We have the warthog on video eating the duiker. When I get my video back -- if I can figure out how to post a clip -- I will try and do so. The other thing that was amazing about the warthog was just how close he let us get. At one point I mentioned to Buzz that we could club him in the head with the rifle. We all expected him to trot off tail held high, but he just stood there snacking.

Mike,

Nice hunt and a great report. I'm glad you had such success.

Next time it's the Evans!

Mike,
I was wondering when you'd get back and post a report. Looks like you had an absolutely fantastic trip. Congratulations! Your leopard is a toad... who wants a mangy old lion anyway. And your elephant were both well-hunted and the bull is very nice. Looks like Buzz did well by you, my friend. Good show!

Russell,

There were several times when we were chasing bulls up and down hills that I repeated a line to Buzz from one of your hunts, "And to think, I paid good money to do this . . ."

I told Buzz when a problem came up with the lion hunt that things usually have a way of working out for the best in the end. This was certainly one of those instances.

Mike: great report and hunt and I thank you for sharing. I can relate to those hills. I was up a bit farther in Dande North back in 05 and I could have sworn we were hunting sheep instead of buffalo. Again thans and wow, what a leopard and a great Tusker! jorge

Congratulation on a great hunt and thanks for the excellent report. It reminds me of my dad’s hunt in Omay (2004) he also shot a nice Ele and Leopard on the first night in blind.

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
Crane,

Yes, if I recall correctly Buzz indicated that he had heard of warthogs eating carrion but had never seen it. We were not sure what the warthog was eating but whatever it was he was sure enjoying it. After the bull was down the tracker went over to the where the warthog was standing and found the dead duiker. It appeared that a civet had initially killed the duiker, the warthog was simply enjoying the fruits of the civets's hunting. We have the warthog on video eating the duiker. When I get my video back -- if I can figure out how to post a clip -- I will try and do so. The other thing that was amazing about the warthog was just how close he let us get. At one point I mentioned to Buzz that we could club him in the head with the rifle. We all expected him to trot off tail held high, but he just stood there snacking.

Mike,

Congrats on a great hunt. We are collecting some information to proof that wild pigs (bushpig and warthog) do not eat carion as the common believe might be, but in fact are eating the maggots that abound these rotting carcasses. Can you remember if there were any maggots on the duiker carcass?

Regards

Charl

infinito wrote:

quote:

We are collecting some information to proof that wild pigs (bushpig and warthog) do not eat carion as the common believe might be, but in fact are eating the maggots that abound these rotting carcasses. Can you remember if there were any maggots on the duiker carcass?

Don't bluff yourself!
Rotting carcasses (carrion) will always have maggots on them.
If the warthogs were after these, they would rather lick the carrion than eating it.

I saw a kudu calf's carcass hanging from a low fence some time ago (must have been caught in it while trying to pass through the fence) and a family of warthogs literally consumed the whole rotten carcass in less than two days. They even carried parts of the carcass - ribs and legs - off to their burrow a couple of yards away.

And some people still eat warthog meat!

Why would African pigs be different than European or American pigs that we know eat anything and everything including carrion?

Mike,

Congratulations on a great hunt!! I'm very jealous of your leopard!

Mike, congatulations on a great hunt. The leopard is huge. Bob

MJines, that is a leopard of a lifetime.

I bought Buzz' ele hunting dvd and I've practically forgotten about buff. Now hunting ele, and tuskless at that, is all I want to do, and with him! Nothing I'd like better than to spend days in and out of all those herds, shouting down cows and running backwards.

Hey, I tought you were a double rifleman?

quote:

Originally posted by Showbart:
Hey, I tought you were a double rifleman?

What can I say, I opted for firepower and I was glad that I did. I told Buzz, I ain't going to stop shooting until the magazine is empty. The video makes it sound like I had an automatic rifle.