Zimbabwe Elephant Hunts “Management Bulls” -

[AfricaRob]

If you are shooting problem animals then shooting at night - or after tracking them out of fields makes sense.

On the size, especially ivory, I think its good to concentrate on what you are doing - you are hunting an elephant that is having an impact on local people, and paying for it - so you are helping with a problem and you are directly contributing to conservation (more tolerance for wildlife) and to communities (money and meat) - you still get to hunt an elephant.

This is a more sustainable way of hunting - contributing to welfare and conservation - not that trophy doesn't, but that rightly carries much higher $ costs.

Zimbabwe has led this since the 1970s.

And yes look after the wife....

 

[HankBuck]

If you are shooting problem animals then shooting at night - or after tracking them out of fields makes sense.

On the size, especially ivory, I think its good to concentrate on what you are doing - you are hunting an elephant that is having an impact on local people, and paying for it - so you are helping with a problem and you are directly contributing to conservation (more tolerance for wildlife) and to communities (money and meat) - you still get to hunt an elephant.

This is a more sustainable way of hunting - contributing to welfare and conservation - not that trophy doesn't, but that rightly carries much higher $ costs.

Zimbabwe has led this since the 1970s.

And yes look after the wife....

@AfricaRob - I don’t follow your point and am unclear on what you are trying to convey? Have you ever hunted Zimbabwe - Sango camp? Know the PH or area?
You just joined “Today” and this is your first post —- could you provide a little info about yourself & experiences in Africa? Thank you

 

[AfricaRob]

HI Hank - sorry bit quick out of the gate as a newbie on here.

What I was trying to say (badly) is that the management hunts are important, that they bring a lot of benefits, but that the style of hunting and the animals selected are not usually the same as trophy hunts.

Tried to focus is on the 'work' to be done and that the focus should be on enjoying the hunt an not on any potential trophy. Trophy animals are, and should be priced accordingly, but all animals shot bring important benefits to local people.

My intention was to support the choice to go on management hunts and to enjoy the experience for what it is - not a lesser experience, just a bit different.

I do a fair amount of education to try and bring round people who don't understand how hunting can help conservation and communities - know that understanding is common in the people on here but in general people don't understand.

I did a PhD 20 years ago on elephant population dynamics in South Africa and Mozambique. Never carried a rifle when doing research and had a couple of close calls - all my fault not the elephant/lion/leopard.

Before that I was a parks ecologist in Mozambique and was involved in late 90s in setting species/quotas and looking at the hunting blocks, as an undergrad did my thesis on big game hunting in communal areas of Zimbabwe as sustainable development. Moved back to UK a few years ago after 25 years in Africa - still work there but mostly fly a computer these days.

I'm a professional ecologist with a specific interest in sustainable use and pushing for recognition that the people who live with wildlife should get the choice as to how its managed, and now I mainly work on tropical forestry, biodiversity conservation and climate change.

I was on a hunt in Zim in '90 (citizen hunt) for 2 buffalo and I think 25 impala - I wasn't pulling the trigger back then but did a bit on the farm, mostly vermin (baboons, pigs and jackal) - but I know a few Zim PHs.

I hunt in SA mostly and stalk in UK.

Thats probaly far too much info.

 

[Scott CWO]

@Scott CWO thanks you Scott, you are the first person that has had any type of direct contact with Mark and somewhat familiar with the hunt area and Sango camps - have you ever stayed in or seen the Camps? Hunted the area or close by?
I know there are cheaper hunts for Elephant and even Exportable bulls for less - if it was just me going then I would book one of those hunts. But considering what my Wife would enjoy is a priority for me. The time of year you mention “October” being good is something that I’ve also heard but depends on who I speak with, I would like to avoid the extreme heat and assume that November & December are very hot & buggy with some rain?
Right now I may need to book this for 2026 as my Wife has a long trip planned to Italy this October, So while I have time to plan - there might Not be any Elephant Quota next year - apparently this Quota opened for the first time and it is Not certain they will do it next year?? My thought - just based on seasons would be August-September-or early October at the latest. If you’ve hunted Zimbabwe during those seasons please let me know your experience? Obviously the quality of hunting and success during those months is also very important…..”comfortable weather But with NO Elephant would be BAD”

Mark said the management bull opportunity is for this year only because Sango is raising some extra money for projects. Hard to say if the owner of Sango will offer it again next year. Mark called me at 7pm my time and 3am his time because lions had awakened him and were preventing him from sleeping! The day before, he sent me a picture of the nice bull his German hunter killed at Sango. We were also discussing lion hunting at Sango and another area he hunts bordering it, Chishakwe.

As for the camps at Sango, I’m told they are very nice so I’m sure your wife would be comfortable. I have hunted nearby but my PH also hunted Sango so he told me about the camps and the hunting, as did Mark.

As for timing, Mark said later is better due to the factors I mentioned but you’re going to get a bull anytime you’re there. He said if someone wants more than one bull, later is best for that scenario. If you would like to text or talk with him, send me a DM and I will set it up on WhatsApp. I have not hunted the SVC in October but it will be warmer. However, with the elephants more concentrated near or on the river, the walking and tracking distances would likely be less.

 

[Scott CWO]

HI Hank - sorry bit quick out of the gate as a newbie on here.

What I was trying to say (badly) is that the management hunts are important, that they bring a lot of benefits, but that the style of hunting and the animals selected are not usually the same as trophy hunts.

Tried to focus is on the 'work' to be done and that the focus should be on enjoying the hunt an not on any potential trophy. Trophy animals are, and should be priced accordingly, but all animals shot bring important benefits to local people.

My intention was to support the choice to go on management hunts and to enjoy the experience for what it is - not a lesser experience, just a bit different.

I do a fair amount of education to try and bring round people who don't understand how hunting can help conservation and communities - know that understanding is common in the people on here but in general people don't understand.

I did a PhD 20 years ago on elephant population dynamics in South Africa and Mozambique. Never carried a rifle when doing research and had a couple of close calls - all my fault not the elephant/lion/leopard.

Before that I was a parks ecologist in Mozambique and was involved in late 90s in setting species/quotas and looking at the hunting blocks, as an undergrad did my thesis on big game hunting in communal areas of Zimbabwe as sustainable development. Moved back to UK a few years ago after 25 years in Africa - still work there but mostly fly a computer these days.

I'm a professional ecologist with a specific interest in sustainable use and pushing for recognition that the people who live with wildlife should get the choice as to how its managed, and now I mainly work on tropical forestry, biodiversity conservation and climate change.

I was on a hunt in Zim in '90 (citizen hunt) for 2 buffalo and I think 25 impala - I wasn't pulling the trigger back then but did a bit on the farm, mostly vermin (baboons, pigs and jackal) - but I know a few Zim PHs.

I hunt in SA mostly and stalk in UK.

Thats probaly far too much info.

Welcome and your voice and thoughts here are very valuable!

 

[HankBuck]

Mark said the management bull opportunity is for this year only because Sango is raising some extra money for projects. Hard to say if the owner of Sango will offer it again next year. Mark called me at 7pm my time and 3am his time because lions had awakened him and were preventing him from sleeping! The day before, he sent me a picture of the nice bull his German hunter killed at Sango. We were also discussing lion hunting at Sango and another area he hunts bordering it, Chishakwe.

As for the camps at Sango, I’m told they are very nice so I’m sure your wife would be comfortable. I have hunted nearby but my PH also hunted Sango so he told me about the camps and the hunting, as did Mark.

As for timing, Mark said later is better due to the factors I mentioned but you’re going to get a bull anytime you’re there. He said if someone wants more than one bull, later is best for that scenario. If you would like to text or talk with him, send me a DM and I will set it up on WhatsApp. I have not hunted the SVC in October but it will be warmer. However, with the elephants more concentrated near or on the river, the walking and tracking distances would likely be less.

@Scott CWO - thank you for the details. I’m going to have to hope they allocate elephant quota again at Sango in 2026 or else look to book elsewhere for a bull elephant. I know a management bull will be all I can afford and if that’s Exportable that would be nice. Add in my need for a real “Luxury” Camp (for my Wife) and I realize my options are becoming limited. I hunted TZ in the Selous area during mid August and it was cool mornings but hot midday - at least very few bugs. I thought that Zimbabwe would be a good bit cooler then TZ and why I thought an August or Sept hunt would still be cool —-but dry enough to concentrate elephant by water.

 

[Scott CWO]

@Scott CWO - thank you for the details. I’m going to have to hope they allocate elephant quota again at Sango in 2026 or else look to book elsewhere for a bull elephant. I know a management bull will be all I can afford and if that’s Exportable that would be nice. Add in my need for a real “Luxury” Camp (for my Wife) and I realize my options are becoming limited. I hunted TZ in the Selous area during mid August and it was cool mornings but hot midday - at least very few bugs. I thought that Zimbabwe would be a good bit cooler then TZ and why I thought an August or Sept hunt would still be cool —-but dry enough to concentrate elephant by water.

I would think you would do fine any time for one bull and in September you could probably get more than one. Like I said, Mark and a German hunter just got a very nice management bull a couple days ago.

 

[HankBuck]

I would think you would do fine any time for one bull and in September you could probably get more than one. Like I said, Mark and a German hunter just got a very nice management bull a couple days ago.

@Scott CWO - yes I saw the photo, big bull broken tusk…I would’ve been thrilled with that !

 

[Rare Breed]

@Scott CWO - thank you for the details. I’m going to have to hope they allocate elephant quota again at Sango in 2026 or else look to book elsewhere for a bull elephant. I know a management bull will be all I can afford and if that’s Exportable that would be nice. Add in my need for a real “Luxury” Camp (for my Wife) and I realize my options are becoming limited. I hunted TZ in the Selous area during mid August and it was cool mornings but hot midday - at least very few bugs. I thought that Zimbabwe would be a good bit cooler then TZ and why I thought an August or Sept hunt would still be cool —-but dry enough to concentrate elephant by water.

Just be careful for Zambia and Tanzania given Tsetse flies. One experience with thousands of them at the wrong time of year in the wrong country and your wife will never go with you again

 

[HankBuck]

Just be careful for Zambia and Tanzania given Tsetse flies. One experience with thousands of them at the wrong time of year in the wrong country and your wife will never go with you again

@Rare Breed - well unless you tell me “How am I suppose to be careful”? Or what time of year or area to avoid —- Not sure that “warning” is gonna be helpful info

 

[Rare Breed]

@Rare Breed - well unless you tell me “How am I suppose to be careful”? Or what time of year or area to avoid —- Not sure that “warning” is gonna be helpful info

Go during their winter June-August

 

[Scott CWO]

@Tanks are you following this thread??

 

[Cme1983]

Scott I think an airlink flight gets you from from SA to Zim this summer…just saying

 

[deewayne2003]

@deewayne2003 - yes that is a concern and would be with whatever caliber I choose ——- additional shots put into my Elephant if I fail to drop it quickly. I could accept the PH shooting AFTER Me - as long as my bullets struck the Vitals and would’ve killed the elephant - that scenario would Not detract from my joy of the Trophy…..BUT “if” I blow the shot and miss vital areas and learn that my PH actually killed the Elephant - I will be deeply disappointed in ME….knowing I only have myself to blame. I will likely hunt with my .375 H&H a lot before the safari and even during rifle deer season - take a few deer with it and become as comfortable with it as possible. It’s easy to shoot accurately at targets and off sticks & bench during regular practice sessions (and I killed a Griz with that rifle in Alaska),, but REAL Elephant hunting can be different and I want to be as prepared as possible.

You’re definitely on the right track with hunting deer and practice and I know exactly what you mean by “disappointed in ME” if a poor shot is made…. That thought haunted me as well.

I put 200+ rounds through my .470 before my tuskless hunt and practiced off hand and with sticks…..

But nothing can ever prepare you for being 12yds from from an 8,000lbs animal you’ve been dreaming of hunting since you were a kid….. with a dozen of her angry friends around.

Just keep your head and concentrate on

1. Above all make the first shot count!
2. Make the second shot count!…as quickly as possible and keep shooting, you’ve just picked a fight with an animal more than capable of killing you so it’s no time to be stingy with ammo.

Here’s a game I made up to practice.

I place 6 clay pigeons on a pond dam/berm in a line, Then 10-15 feet to the right place another 6, then a shallow cardboard box on the tailgate of my truck.

I hold the gun in my weak hand and roll 2 dice into the cardboard box and shoulder the gun aim and fire at the appropriate numbered clay pigeon of the left 6 clays and then as quickly as possible locate and fire at the appropriate target of the right 6 clay pigeons.

Example: you roll a 2&6… so your first shot is the second clay on the left and the follow up is the last clay on the right.

This will quicken your target acquisition & recoil recovery time.

 

[Tanks]

@Tanks are you following this thread??

I wasn't but I really don't have much to contribute except for my dislike of "rat caliber"guns like .375 for elephant hunting. Yes, they will work with perfect shot placement, but leave no room for error.

For El Cheapo elephant hunts I go for tuskless cow hunts. A lot more challenging due to their temperament and the fact that one has to do countless close approaches to determine shooting eligibility. Nothing gets the adrenalin pumping like coming within 10-15 yards of a cow herd in dense bush to check out if a cow is tuskless and if so whether it has a calf or not.

For example, there are 3 elephants in the below pic.

Edit: The OP mentioned taking his wife who is a bit dainty (his words, not mine). The scratches were from just a morning stroll in the jess. It was also over 104F at start of August in Zim.

 

[Scott CWO]

I wasn't but I really don't have much to contribute except for my dislike of "rat caliber"guns like .375 for elephant hunting. Yes, they will work with perfect shot placement, but leave no room for error.

For El Cheapo elephant hunts I go for tuskless cow hunts. A lot more challenging due to their temperament and the fact that one has to do countless close approaches to determine shooting eligibility. Nothing gets the adrenalin pumping like coming within 10-15 yards of a cow herd in dense bush to check out if a cow is tuskless and if so whether it has a calf or not.

For example, there are 3 elephants in the below pic.

View attachment 677300

Edit: The OP mentioned taking his wife who is a bit dainty (his words, not mine). The scratches were from just a morning stroll in the jess. It was also over 104F at start of August in Zim.

View attachment 677301

Wow… pardon me! People really shouldn’t drink and then get online.