It sees quite a few are interested to know why the Elephant hunt was enjoyable and the rest of the Safari was not so. So here is how it happened and the reasons why is the highlight of an otherwise unsatisfactory Safari.

Not already stated in previous posts is the fact we had booked “ Female Elephant’’. When we arrived in camp we were informed we would be hunting “Tuskless “. Oh, well no big deal I suppose, our silly fault for not checking we would be hunting what we had booked !!. The fault of the agent or HHK???
What do you guys think??

I don’t know as neither have replied.

The Hunt

We had cut tracks crossing one of the main roads ( from the Cruiser), and decided to follow them. Very soon after we easily and quickly came up with a group comprising one Bull, two cows, one tuskless and a calf. After approaching to around 40 yards we determined the calf was not with the tuskless and I was asked did I want to take her. My answer was yes.

As she quartered away I shot her through the middle of the earflap, finding the Brain and killing her instantly. The usual backslapping took place and that was that.

Now, you are asking how was Allan’s behaviour different? For me to say he displayed the same behaviours as previously described during the Buffalo hunt would be untrue. I can say that this was a short Hunt, and did not tax anyone’s skills or patience in particular. ( I would love to say otherwise)
I am informed, however that mood swings, fits of temper and states of extreme excitement can be triggered by many things .

The Enjoyment and satisfaction.

A few years ago I was lucky enough to purchase a Westley Richards 500 Nitro in need of some loving and gentle restoration.
The Rifle has lovely provenance to African history, the original owner having offered advice to President Roosevelt prior to him leaving on his 1909 Safari.

I decided on a project to return this piece of history to Africa on its 100th year anniversary to once again shoot Elephant. I worked for two years to achieve this.

I further desired to take this Elephant in the classic way, on foot and with a single Brain shot. I achieved both, and despite the fact that the rest of the Safari was unsatisfactory, I took pleasure from this small portion of it. This was not because of, but in spite of.

400Nitro

Thanks for you’re input, I understand by shear weight of numbers that HHK has they have being many favourable reports. I am very happy your experiences have been different to mine.
In terms of their resources, no doubt about it, there are a few theories about their access and connections that may explain this. I don’t necessarily think bigger is better, in fact I will be shopping for a smaller, more dedicated operator next time.
I do think big operators like HHK can leave you with the feeling you have being “ processed” as opposed to being treated individually.

Lastly think you are right about Zim. There seems to be a feeling it is about to implode. Good hunting, thanks for listening.