Impressive report as always!!
Thanks a lot for sharing! Looks like a wonderful hunt!

I finally set aside the time to read the report and give it the time it deserved.

Congratulations on a truly memorable hunt. I always enjoy your reports and those of other hunters who put the hunt and the adventure first, even at the potential cost of trophies.

As we`ve come to expect, just the best ever report.

With a busy life involved with other things and rifles gather dust in the safe, you read one of Bill C`s reports and you just want to sell everything and just go.

You`re a legend, Bill.

OUTSTANDING report Bill. Well done sir.

Don't you just hate Bill??

He makes my reports look like something Walter wrote vs. Ruark or Selous...

Thank you gentleman, I appreciate the feedback and it is great to know that there are others who share the same passions (and addiction to Africa) as me!

Here's something else that I found interesting. In this previous thread…

http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/2761054331

…the question was asked to the effect of what the “grove” was in the tusk of the elephant. When in camp, I asked Roy’s father, Richard, the same question. He said that this was from many years of living in the jess bush, and that it was the elephants working tusk, and that over time the vines wore the grove. Given his years of experience including in Parks, it sounded plausible, but I was still somewhat skeptical that the bush could do this.

I just went back thru the pictures of the elephant that I saw on my trip last year to see if any of those had similar markings. Sure enough, the elephant that I referred to as the “Jungle Elephant” has the same sort of grove. We had followed this elephant for several hours thru the Tiger Bay jesse until we got on him in a clearing, and with his smaller body he too was perfectly suited to the thick bush.

Thanks for the answer. In Kenya the grooves are normally on the top side. I have always been told they are associated with rubbing wire but it sounds like that's not always the case.

A grooved Tusk that I was told was from striping Mopani bark.

Oz,
Is that a W.W.Greener with a side safety?
Milo.

quote:

Originally posted by Milo Shanghai:
Oz,
Is that a W.W.Greener with a side safety?
Milo.

I wish..
No, just a Merkel

Bill, as always, great report and stellar pics. Big congrats to you and your son. As a die-hard waterfowler, I'm looking at it like this:

you just shot one with a BAND, you lucky devil!

Great report and wonderfull pictures. Thank you for sharing them with us!

quote:

Originally posted by Kamo Gari:
Bill, as always, great report and stellar pics. Big congrats to you and your son. As a die-hard waterfowler, I'm looking at it like this:

you just shot one with a BAND, you lucky devil!

Now that is funny I don't care who you are


Bill what an outstanding report. You make me embarrased to write a report.

I don't know what you do for a living right now but you should be writting a book someday.

Hunting with you son, could it get any better?

Hats off to you.

Bill:

One of the distinct pleasures of participating in AR is having the opportunity to read the hunt reports from members. With this report, you have set a new standard.

Honest, well written, and beautifully illustrated with photographs that complimented the text, this is what a hunt report should look like!

Well done, Bill, and thanks for taking the time and effort.

STATEMENT FROM

SAFARI OPERATORS ASSOCIATION OF ZIMBABWE.



COLLARING OF ANIMALS IN THE WILD

ADJACENT TO DESIGNATED HUNTING AREAS.





In an effort to avoid future incidents of the shooting of a wild animal that has been collared for scientific purposes, in areas which are adjacent to designated hunting areas, the Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe recommend the following action:



Those responsible for collaring the animals should advise the hunting operators who are active in their vicinity and should also advise the Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe.


Information should be supplied of the scientific organisation collaring the animal, together with their contact details, and a short explanation of the purpose of the project.


Professional Hunters are expected to make every effort to avoid shooting a collared animal. It is recognised that shooting of collared animals is not illegal, but it is considered unethical and unacceptable.


If an animal is shot in error the collar should be removed and submitted immediately to the nearest National Parks Office. A report on the circumstances surrounding the shooting should be made to National Parks, with a copy to the Association for their records.




…………………………………….

Chairman,

Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe

Yes, Perfect!

Thanks to SOAZ for their efforts and support. And to Anthony Crick, Chairman ZPHGA.

And just to clarify, the primary reason THIS particular elephant was collared was NOT for "scientific purposes", as evidenced by the Wild Horizons Wildlife Trust 2009 Annual Report which clearly states:

quote:

During a visit by one of our Trustees to Musango Safari Camp on Lake Kariba, a magnificent bull elephant was viewed, and we felt the elephant was in danger due to his proximity to a hunting area...we darted and collared the Masango bull. He is currently staying within a small protected area close to where he was collared.

...and in a blog report by Wild Horizons Trust:

quote:

The Wild Horizons Trust was asked to assist in helping save the Masango Bull which was spotted in the Kariba area...the elephant was darted, collared and hopefully is now safe from hunting

And at no point has there been any scientific data put forth. I believe the research organizations involved would be shocked (and embarrassed) to learn of the full story, including that of the people involved. In fact, the very darting of the elephant may have actually been conducted in violation of Parks laws, unless signed for by the Minister.

But one would expect this situation to be the exception to the rule, and the general SOAZ statement above is a solid guideline for moving fwd. If National Parks and/or other recognized authority wishes to collar particular animals to save/preserve them for "tourism" or breeding genetics or whatever, or just to keep everybody happy, fine, they just need to communicate and work with the hunting community...everybody needs to play nice.

And thanks again guys for the great replies and the many PM's and emails - much appreciated!

I have gotten behind on this forum...
Wow, Bill. Great hunt, and fantastic report. You are still the KING! I enjoyed every minute of that, and like all your others, have saved it for posterity.
Thanks!
Chris