SK - Mhangwe

PH Comment - Alan

This was a difficult hunt. SK is a great guy and remained positive throughout. We did a lot of driving and walking, even spending 2 days rough camping. The elephant were just not coming in, even though there was recent activity. On day 8 we found tracks of 4 bulls and followed them for about 3 hours before catching up. 3 were young and one was an older ele bull. After much discussion, we decided it was the right ele to take. We got within 20 yards and had to wait for a presentable shot. It finally turned to us an SK went for the frontal brain, barely missing, and after a few rapid body shots, it was all over. A good end to a tough hunt!

Client Comment

I have always wanted to hunt bull elephant and this was to be my first. During the course of deciding where to hunt I had a couple conversations with Buzz and decided on Mangwe for three reasons. First, I wanted a tracking type hunt, the kind Buzz would call “a proper elephant hunt.” Second, I was after the experience and I was prioritizing an old bull after ivory size. Lastly, Mangwe was still available for 2024 (this hunt was the last part of September/early October). The area is quite large and we spent the first couple of days looking over the areas with the greatest expectation of finding a bull. Unfortunately, the bulls that are typically in the area were simply not there. We found several sets of nice tracks but they crossed the boundary. We did find a couple of ele bulls the sixth day but they were small. A few days into the hunt we started receiving help from another PH, Pierre, so we could cover more area and find the bulls that are normally around. On day seven Pierre reported finding a couple groups that had moved into an area about an hour from camp. On day eight we found the tracks and indeed there was a good track amongst a group of five. It is quite the experience to follow fresh tracks and we found the bulls in just a few hours. Alan took me to about twenty yards to get the best look and that will be, without any doubt, one of the most incredible experiences of my hunting career. Clearly he was old, decent ivory, and we decided for the frontal brain shot. The first shot wasn’t quite on target but a couple quick follow-up shots and he was down. He is absolutely magnificent and I think he is a great first bull for me. The part of the experience that cannot be over-looked is the skinning and break-down of the animal. Word spreads quickly throughout the area and the people show up to get the meat. It is absolutely fascinating to see how it all works. I learned a lot about elephant hunting from Alan. No surprise! When planning this hunt, Buzz made a gentle push to set dates that would accommodate Alan’s schedule. I am very glad he did. I can’t say enough for Alan’s crew. From enduring some long rides in the cold morning air and over very rough roads to giving chase to some poachers, they were always all-in. Also, the camp staff deserves recognition. Excellent food and very accommodating to meet the needs of our ever-changing schedule.