ZIMBABWE: Upwind Of Dinosaurs. Hunting Bull Elephant In Mateke Hills.

[Green Chile]

First of all, congratulations my friend on a fine experience! As you know, there's nothing like it.

Did the PH comment on the size of the nerve cavity in each tusk? That is the big unknown factor in judging live ivory. There is a formula for diameter at the lip plus length...but you cannot know how big the nerve is until you pull the tusk later. I'm guessing those are in the 25-30 pound range not knowing how big the nerve was.

Couple of questions...would you repeat the experience without the optic or leave it on? Also, what were you hunting the rest of the trip? I can't remember if you told me you had 2 tags or what but it sounds like you kept looking for ele after day 2...maybe a non-trophy tag or something like that.

I love tracking them...and even starting over after they blow out and keep going. It's such an interesting hunt. On the subject of them blowing out, that brought back so many memories to read your description of it. There is no other sound like a small group of ele running straight through everything to get out of the area. You hear them for a long time and if you have any elevation, you can see the trees shake as they run past and into them. It's one of my fav sights in Africa. Thanks for bringing back the memories! I doubt it's your last ele! We need to go together sometime.

 

[TOBY458]

First of all, congratulations my friend on a fine experience! As you know, there's nothing like it.

Did the PH comment on the size of the nerve cavity in each tusk? That is the big unknown factor in judging live ivory. There is a formula for diameter at the lip plus length...but you cannot know how big the nerve is until you pull the tusk later. I'm guessing those are in the 25-30 pound range not knowing how big the nerve was.

Couple of questions...would you repeat the experience without the optic or leave it on? Also, what were you hunting the rest of the trip? I can't remember if you told me you had 2 tags or what but it sounds like you kept looking for ele after day 2...maybe a non-trophy tag or something like that.

I love tracking them...and even starting over after they blow out and keep going. It's such an interesting hunt. On the subject of them blowing out, that brought back so many memories to read your description of it. There is no other sound like a small group of ele running straight through everything to get out of the area. You hear them for a long time and if you have any elevation, you can see the trees shake as they run past and into them. It's one of my fav sights in Africa. Thanks for bringing back the memories! I doubt it's your last ele! We need to go together sometime.

Chap said he thought they were probably in the mid 20s. I honestly don’t care that much about the weight, since it’s obviously a non trophy bull. If I were paying for a trophy bull, I’d definitely be a lot more concerned.
We were originally going to hunt Elephant and Buffalo. However, when I discovered they had another elephant on quota that they were willing to do for the same trophy fee, I went with that option. But I wouldn’t have passed on a big buffalo either. In fact, we saw a buffalo bull that was estimated at 43” one day in a herd. We chased them around for a bit, fighting with the wind, before they finally had enough and left the scene for good. It was so thick, tracking buffalo would have been incredibly difficult according to my PH. If I ever return to hunt Zim, it will be in the winter months as I’ve done before,when tracking is quite a bit easier.

 

[Green Chile]

If I ever return to hunt Zim, it will be in the winter month when tracking is quite a bit easier.

Hunting early in the green bush is a lot different than later in the season. Those are two very different experiences. Both are interesting.

 

[TOBY458]

Hunting early in the green bush is a lot different than later in the season. Those are two very different experiences. Both are interesting.

Yes indeed. They had double the normal amount of rain this year. So I know that factored in quite a bit.

 

[TOBY458]

Here’s one of the CEB solids they found. It went through the skull and into the neck. Pretty good penetration for a 450gr bullet from a measly 458 Win Mag.

I think the way the bull was knocked down from both frontal shots is testament to using a larger caliber rifle on big bulls. It mirrors what John Taylor wrote about. Not sure how close I came to hitting the brain, because of the angles of each shot. But it must’ve been fairly close to knock him down like that.

 

[TOBY458]

@Green Chile , to answer your question about optics. I pretty much hunted with the scope on the rifle the rest of the trip. There were a few times that I took it off when we were in super thick cover, and were just about having to drag ourselves through the bushes. But I at least had the scope with me if needed. That’s the beauty of the R8 scope mount system. So easy to take on and off with zero loss of….zero.

 

[charlieb]

Hunting The African Elephants of Mateke Hills.

Zimbabwe. One of the last remaining homes of the African Elephant. The largest land mammal on earth.

I’ve chosen this as the hunting destination for my last three safaris. And for good reason. Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard, Lion and a few other dangerous game species call this place home. Their numbers are plentiful and you always seem to be within spittin’ distance of something that can stomp or claw you into oblivion. A nice place to hunt indeed!

My focus today, however, will be on a non trophy, bull elephant hunt I embarked on recently.


I have often dreamed of shooting a big bull elephant. After having taken a tuskless cow elephant in 2022, I was ready to step up to a bull this time. So I left for Zimbabwe on April 18, 2025. Headed to Mateke Hills. This area is known for having quite a few elephant within its borders, so when I learned of this hunt, I was very excited to go. So, Dalton and York Safaris made a plan, and the hunt was booked.


The first day, like many of the other days, was started at 5:30 AM. In the truck at 6:30, and down the road we go. A very rough and rocky road, that would prove to offer about all a good set of springs, shocks and tires could handle. But when in Zim, you come to expect to be shaken around a bit. This was that and then some!

Rough and wet terrain leads to flat tires and getting stuck in the mud! A wench was a well needed accessory!
View attachment 682540
View attachment 682544

Our hunt that day was fruitless. Although we spotted several sets of semi fresh tracks, we didn’t come across anything that offered much hope of finding an elephant on the other end of them. We also sent out game scouts to some other areas to search for fresh sign, and perhaps clue us in on something worth following, but nothing was uncovered on that particular day.


We had heard news of some possible PAC (problem animal control) elephant activity in a nearby village, so we were hoping to get word of the exact location soon, but until then we were at a stalemate. Monday came to a close.


Drinks around the campfire and an early bedtime for me! Always such a beautiful sunset in Africa!
View attachment 682541



Wednesday, through the following 8 days of hunting were much the same. Up early, many miles of travel, semi fresh, to smoking hot tracks were followed. Sometimes for miles, through some of the thickest vegetation I’ve ever hunted in, for any animal. We were within shooting distance of elephants several times over these last 8 days, but sometimes close just isn’t close enough! For the wind is a fickle thing. Especially between the hills, or mountains of Mateke. One minute your friend, the next your foe. Never to be relied upon in any situation. Once it shifts, the unmistakable sound of trees being broken and limbs being snapped can be heard for what seems like forever. You have been busted my friend. Your hopes for following them over these mountains, and across the rugged terrain is
narrow at best. Somewhere between slim and none! Oh you may follow them. But catching up to them is quite another matter. For once they decide to leave, they don’t stop for miles. A steady push forward in a straight line. No mountain, trees, or river will stop them. Not until they are satisfied that the threat is well within their past.

The brush was green and thick. The scenery from the hilltop was breathtaking!
View attachment 682542


And so it went. Frustrating day after frustrating day. At times we would receive “news” of elephant sightings in near or far away villages and farms, only to arrive to a set of two day old tracks leading to a destination unknown. As it seems, the wind isn’t the only thing that can’t be relied upon in Mateke!

But as they say, TIA! This Is Africa!

Although the days were long and frustrating at times, they were still enjoyable. Many laughs and jokes kept the mood light. And, watermelon, sugar cane and biltong kept our taste buds satisfied. At camp, drinks were cold and well stocked. Food was delicious, and the tents were comfortable.

A hot shower was delivered via a hot water bag hanging in the restroom of your quarters, so we were definitely not “roughing it”. Just a high end form of camping, so to speak.

A view of my accommodation for the hunt.
View attachment 682545


Then there came Tuesday. The yet unmentioned second day of our hunt. The day that changed everything. The day, I would take my first bull elephant.

Early that morning we received word of a bull elephant doing quite a bit of damage to a farm about an hour down the road. Our resident “appy” PH, Gavin, had received these calls many times in the past, only to be disappointed by old sign and no elephant within miles. But today would be different.

For today, we found our bull. Standing just inside the trees next to a nice patch of sugar cane. As we approached, the wind was in our favor on that day, and we were able to get within approximately 40 yards of the bull, before he noticed us, and turned to face us. His huge face staring us down and testing the wind for the dreaded scent that often had caused him worry in the past.

I was armed that day with a Blaser R8 in 458 Winchester Magnum. Using CEB, 450 grain flat nosed solids, at 2250 feet per second. An adequate load. However, due to the dense foliage that we had hunted in the day before, I was convinced that a scope would be a hindrance, rather than a help. In this case, I was wrong. As many of you older than 50 can attest to, my eyes just aren’t what they used to be. So the use of iron sights, to me, is a very limited range affair. Even on something the size of an elephant’s brain!

I lined the sights up on his huge forehead, and tried to envision where the brain was located at that particular angle. Squeeze…..BANG! The bull stumbled, took a step and then fell. Stunned, but not dead! As he gained his feet, I worked the bolt of the R8 and sent another solid into his rear end as he was departing. Then another. Then another. Followed by the roar of my PH, Chap’s 500 Nitro Express double rifle. Still, the bull retreated as the thick bush closed in behind him.

As we reloaded our rifles and discussed what just took place, there was nothing left to do but get on the blood trail and push forward. We had business to tend to. Dangerous business.

Blood was splattered fairly heavily over the green vegetation below, as we walked for what must’ve been 400 yards at a steady clip. Then Sadza, our head tracker, looked up and saw the bull standing just ahead. Waiting for us. Waiting to kill or be killed. I hoped for the latter.

As the bull turned to face us for the second time of the day, I again settled the shallow V iron sights on his forehead and squeezed. BANG! The 450gr solid struck his head with enough force to knock him down for yet a second time. Down, but not thoroughly out, he struggled to regain his feet. I had missed the brain by a fraction, yet again! Several more shots to the body, into his vitals, made sure that this time he stayed down for keeps.

Approaching the downed bull. Notice the thick vegetation behind him.
View attachment 682550


To say I was overwhelmed at that point is an understatement. Part relief that we had finished what we started, relatively quickly. And part exhilaration at what we had just done. I had finally taken what was for me, the pinnacle of big game. A bull elephant.

Learner PH, Gavin Bailey and I with the bull.
View attachment 682552

Another one with PH, Chap Esterhuizen and myself.
View attachment 682553

A better view of the tusks and the Blaser R8 that took the bull.
View attachment 682555
View attachment 682556

By this time, it was late in the afternoon. We took a few photos while the guys cleared a road into the area for the truck to enter. We would return the next day for more pictures and the butchering process. We estimated that over 200 people showed up to take place in the very chaotic skinning, butchering process. If you’ve never seen what true hunger looks like, this is it. They cut frantically at the carcass with knives and machetes, like it would be their last meal of the year. And in this case, it could very well be the last meat they see for the foreseeable future.
View attachment 682557

View attachment 682558


Life is tough for the bush people of Zimbabwe.



So, in the words of our head tracker, Sadza, until next time……Live Well.

Very Good Story Toby!

 

[TOBY458]

Very Good Story Toby!

Thanks buddy!

 

[Green Chile]

You had to be close to the brain to get that KO effect. A lesser bullet/caliber may not have knocked them down...and that gave you time for more shooting. You must have had 5+ feet of penetration. Well done. I love that you kept shooting. The voice of experience told you to keep going with or without any encouragement from the PH. You already own it once you draw blood...shoot and reload until he's down. Brain shots that don't hit the brain/spinal cord are not fatal. They may not even leave a blood trail. Congrats again on a fine outcome.

 

[Wahoo]

Hunting The African Elephants of Mateke Hills.

Zimbabwe. One of the last remaining homes of the African Elephant. The largest land mammal on earth.

I’ve chosen this as the hunting destination for my last three safaris. And for good reason. Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard, Lion and a few other dangerous game species call this place home. Their numbers are plentiful and you always seem to be within spittin’ distance of something that can stomp or claw you into oblivion. A nice place to hunt indeed!

My focus today, however, will be on a non trophy, bull elephant hunt I embarked on recently.


I have often dreamed of shooting a big bull elephant. After having taken a tuskless cow elephant in 2022, I was ready to step up to a bull this time. So I left for Zimbabwe on April 18, 2025. Headed to Mateke Hills. This area is known for having quite a few elephant within its borders, so when I learned of this hunt, I was very excited to go. So, Dalton and York Safaris made a plan, and the hunt was booked.


The first day, like many of the other days, was started at 5:30 AM. In the truck at 6:30, and down the road we go. A very rough and rocky road, that would prove to offer about all a good set of springs, shocks and tires could handle. But when in Zim, you come to expect to be shaken around a bit. This was that and then some!

Rough and wet terrain leads to flat tires and getting stuck in the mud! A wench was a well needed accessory!
View attachment 682540
View attachment 682544

Our hunt that day was fruitless. Although we spotted several sets of semi fresh tracks, we didn’t come across anything that offered much hope of finding an elephant on the other end of them. We also sent out game scouts to some other areas to search for fresh sign, and perhaps clue us in on something worth following, but nothing was uncovered on that particular day.


We had heard news of some possible PAC (problem animal control) elephant activity in a nearby village, so we were hoping to get word of the exact location soon, but until then we were at a stalemate. Monday came to a close.


Drinks around the campfire and an early bedtime for me! Always such a beautiful sunset in Africa!
View attachment 682541



Wednesday, through the following 8 days of hunting were much the same. Up early, many miles of travel, semi fresh, to smoking hot tracks were followed. Sometimes for miles, through some of the thickest vegetation I’ve ever hunted in, for any animal. We were within shooting distance of elephants several times over these last 8 days, but sometimes close just isn’t close enough! For the wind is a fickle thing. Especially between the hills, or mountains of Mateke. One minute your friend, the next your foe. Never to be relied upon in any situation. Once it shifts, the unmistakable sound of trees being broken and limbs being snapped can be heard for what seems like forever. You have been busted my friend. Your hopes for following them over these mountains, and across the rugged terrain is
narrow at best. Somewhere between slim and none! Oh you may follow them. But catching up to them is quite another matter. For once they decide to leave, they don’t stop for miles. A steady push forward in a straight line. No mountain, trees, or river will stop them. Not until they are satisfied that the threat is well within their past.

The brush was green and thick. The scenery from the hilltop was breathtaking!
View attachment 682542


And so it went. Frustrating day after frustrating day. At times we would receive “news” of elephant sightings in near or far away villages and farms, only to arrive to a set of two day old tracks leading to a destination unknown. As it seems, the wind isn’t the only thing that can’t be relied upon in Mateke!

But as they say, TIA! This Is Africa!

Although the days were long and frustrating at times, they were still enjoyable. Many laughs and jokes kept the mood light. And, watermelon, sugar cane and biltong kept our taste buds satisfied. At camp, drinks were cold and well stocked. Food was delicious, and the tents were comfortable.

A hot shower was delivered via a hot water bag hanging in the restroom of your quarters, so we were definitely not “roughing it”. Just a high end form of camping, so to speak.

A view of my accommodation for the hunt.
View attachment 682545


Then there came Tuesday. The yet unmentioned second day of our hunt. The day that changed everything. The day, I would take my first bull elephant.

Early that morning we received word of a bull elephant doing quite a bit of damage to a farm about an hour down the road. Our resident “appy” PH, Gavin, had received these calls many times in the past, only to be disappointed by old sign and no elephant within miles. But today would be different.

For today, we found our bull. Standing just inside the trees next to a nice patch of sugar cane. As we approached, the wind was in our favor on that day, and we were able to get within approximately 40 yards of the bull, before he noticed us, and turned to face us. His huge face staring us down and testing the wind for the dreaded scent that often had caused him worry in the past.

I was armed that day with a Blaser R8 in 458 Winchester Magnum. Using CEB, 450 grain flat nosed solids, at 2250 feet per second. An adequate load. However, due to the dense foliage that we had hunted in the day before, I was convinced that a scope would be a hindrance, rather than a help. In this case, I was wrong. As many of you older than 50 can attest to, my eyes just aren’t what they used to be. So the use of iron sights, to me, is a very limited range affair. Even on something the size of an elephant’s brain!

I lined the sights up on his huge forehead, and tried to envision where the brain was located at that particular angle. Squeeze…..BANG! The bull stumbled, took a step and then fell. Stunned, but not dead! As he gained his feet, I worked the bolt of the R8 and sent another solid into his rear end as he was departing. Then another. Then another. Followed by the roar of my PH, Chap’s 500 Nitro Express double rifle. Still, the bull retreated as the thick bush closed in behind him.

As we reloaded our rifles and discussed what just took place, there was nothing left to do but get on the blood trail and push forward. We had business to tend to. Dangerous business.

Blood was splattered fairly heavily over the green vegetation below, as we walked for what must’ve been 400 yards at a steady clip. Then Sadza, our head tracker, looked up and saw the bull standing just ahead. Waiting for us. Waiting to kill or be killed. I hoped for the latter.

As the bull turned to face us for the second time of the day, I again settled the shallow V iron sights on his forehead and squeezed. BANG! The 450gr solid struck his head with enough force to knock him down for yet a second time. Down, but not thoroughly out, he struggled to regain his feet. I had missed the brain by a fraction, yet again! Several more shots to the body, into his vitals, made sure that this time he stayed down for keeps.

Approaching the downed bull. Notice the thick vegetation behind him.
View attachment 682550


To say I was overwhelmed at that point is an understatement. Part relief that we had finished what we started, relatively quickly. And part exhilaration at what we had just done. I had finally taken what was for me, the pinnacle of big game. A bull elephant.

Learner PH, Gavin Bailey and I with the bull.
View attachment 682552

Another one with PH, Chap Esterhuizen and myself.
View attachment 682553

A better view of the tusks and the Blaser R8 that took the bull.
View attachment 682555
View attachment 682556

By this time, it was late in the afternoon. We took a few photos while the guys cleared a road into the area for the truck to enter. We would return the next day for more pictures and the butchering process. We estimated that over 200 people showed up to take place in the very chaotic skinning, butchering process. If you’ve never seen what true hunger looks like, this is it. They cut frantically at the carcass with knives and machetes, like it would be their last meal of the year. And in this case, it could very well be the last meat they see for the foreseeable future.
View attachment 682557

View attachment 682558


Life is tough for the bush people of Zimbabwe.



So, in the words of our head tracker, Sadza, until next time……Live Well.

Congratulations. There’s nothing like it.

 

[Graham Hunter]

Congratulations
Toby.

 

[Fatback]

Congrats on an awesome hunt. Well done.

 

[Scott CWO]

Congrats @TOBY458

Thanks for the report and sharing with us! What’s next on the horizon?

 

[TOBY458]

Congrats @TOBY458

Thanks for the report and sharing with us! What’s next on the horizon?

Thanks! Nothing planned as of now. To tell you the truth, international travel is so nerve racking to me, I need to decompress for quite awhile before I can even plan anything for the future. The older I get, the less I tolerate airplane travel and all the BS that goes along with it.

 

[ActionBob]

Congratulations Toby. Was thay camp on a river by chance?

The pics of the area bring back memories, lookd very similar to where I hunted my elephant and first buffalo but I'm thinking you were farther inland from the Limpopo.

 

[TOBY458]

Congratulations Toby. Was thay camp on a river by chance?

The pics of the area bring back memories, lookd very similar to where I hunted my elephant and first buffalo but I'm thinking you were farther inland from the Limpopo.

Thanks! No sir. This camp is quite new actually. I think only a few years old. There’s no river close by that I know of, but I could be wrong. I just know there was no river extremely close by.

 

[dogcat1]

Well done!!! Thanks for the story.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Congratulations! An exciting hunt for sure.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

Congratulation's and well done!

 

[davidg8480]

Thanks for sharing your adventure. Got my adrenaline going