Zimbabwe Elephant Hunt

Species: Elephant

I had no intention to purchase an elephant hunt this year but when working the Reno SCI show, I discovered that a Problem Animal Control (PAC) elephant license could be had in Zimbabwe for the price of a mid range elk hunt, making it an easy decision. The hunt was set up on Matabele Tribal Trust Land (TTL) approximately 160 kilometers north of Bulawayo. From the time I arrived, it was as if I had returned home as I spent three seasons working for a Professional Hunter in Zimbabwe in the early 90's. Chilapalapa (the unofficial countrywide communication language used in Zim) came back to me fairly quickly and by the end of the trip I was once again conversing with the indigenous.

The camp was set up in cleared bush in between villages. It amounted to dome tents covered by tarps strung between trees and basically had all the amenities typical of a mobile safari camp with a full staff. The food was good and my cot was comfortable. However, the weather left something to be desired as it was +100F with rain and 80% humidity every day. And yes, I saw a pile of big bad snakes. One puff adder didn't move fast enough (which is good because five of us literally walked over it in the long grass) and it became supper on day four.

The area we hunted is divided up between blocks of government owned forestry land and TTL. The elephants reside on the forestry land during the day where they can't be hunted legally and then at night come out to raid the local's crops of hand planted corn and melons. The idea is to either ambush them coming out of the fields in the early morning hours or right in the fields at night. I can tell you that chasing elephants in the dark in standing corn with a spot light is EXCITING!!!! This is literally done in and around native huts with the occupants inside. I can tell you first hand that Elephants do two things when they are hit with a spot light, freeze and then most often run toward the light which is not good for those near it never mind the guy holding it.

This particular trip is not for those looking for an "easy" hunt. Mornings are spent driving the roads and asking locals which fields the elephants are eating in. Once this has been determined, you go back to camp have brunch, take a four or five hour siesta and then go sit next to a corn field for hours on end. I shot my elephants on the afternoon of day four and spent three nights sleeping in a chair or on the ground, depending on whether it was raining or not. Being carried away by mosquitoes and waiting to feel a snake ease into the poncho I was using as a blanket makes for little sleep.

If it sounds as if I am complaining I am NOT! I had a fantastic time and this trip felt much like I was in old Africa. The very isolated locals are extremely happy to have someone around to help eliminate their very large problems. In order to keep the elephants out of their crops they play drums, sing and burn smoky fires around their fields. I can't begin to tell you what kind of a cool atmosphere this creates. It's almost as if you are living in a book. I have hunted all over Zimbabwe and this was one of my best experiences.

We had a couple of encounters with elephants but could never seal the deal and on day four had been laying down in camp for a short time when a runner came in claiming that a woman down the road had just seen two elephants. In a few short minutes we were on the tracks of two young bulls. The PH asked if I was interested in shooting both of them to which I responded most positively. To be honest, I was so excited that I do not remember how long we tracked the them. I do remember the shadows were long, it was somewhat dark under the canopy and my heart was beating loudly. As we approached the animals the larger of the two turned to face us at which time it received a 300 grain Nosler solid between its eyes. Unfortunately, the bullet was too high and I missed the brain. As the elephants turned to run the first bull got three more bullets from a 375 and a fourth from a 458. Down it went. I quickly reloaded and then we literally ran after the second bull which was fortunately continuing in the opposite direction. We caught up to it in approximately 100 yards at which time I could not obtain a clear shot at its brain, so it received four bullets in the chest and dropped in its tracks.

The next day there were approximately 300 people that showed up to butcher the animals and for a share of the meat. Within four hours they had every single thing cleaned up but the paunch manure. I am guessing that they had a steady supply of meat for at least three weeks from my elephants. Everyone was so pleased by the meat and the fact that there were two less crop raiders eating 400 pounds each daily from their lands that several of the village officials walked to our camp to personally thank me. I thought perhaps they were wanting something more (as in more money) but that was surprisingly not the case. In addition to the services mentioned above, the village council received the proceeds from the sale of the ivory.

Zimbabwe in general has an over population of elephants as do most of the countries in southern Africa. Elephants consume over 400 pounds of vegetation per day and large groups of them have the ability to drink water holes dry. This of course has a very adverse affect on the other animals that utilize the same eco systems and many of the same food types as elephants. The only way to help is to eliminate the problem which unfortunately means killing a lot of elephants through culling practices if sport hunting is not at a high enough level. Elephant culling is both expensive and unpleasant as entire herds are shot bulls, cows and calves. Hopefully, more hunters like myself will be able to visit Africa, have a great hunt as well as help the wildlife and local people.

- Jared Roberts
President
Roberts Sales