Mike,

The problem with weight is that the client hunter is never (almost never) in as good shape as the PH and trackers and has difficulty keeping up with the extremely brisk pace of following an elephant track even when not carrying a rifle. Add an 18 pound rifle, and it is even more difficult and more exhausting. Keep in mind that a major difference between backpacking and elephant hunting is that a backpacker can generally choose his pace, but an elephant hunter MUST catch up with the elephant or go home empty handed. That requires stepping up the pace as much as possible. Also consider that the 18 pound rifle must be carried in your hands or over your shoulder, not in a backpack. Human arms are not designed to carry heavy weights for long distances, making the task even more difficult. If a guy wants to take an elephant with a .700, there are certainly ways to get it done. If a guy wants to track elephant at the fastest possible pace and look over as many elephants as possible in order to get a big one, then a .700 is probably not his best choice for a rifle.