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The shooting path down which I shot the elephant. However it is far more open now, having earlier been cleared for the "trophy" photographs.

At the time it looked like an open highway. Later before it was 'cleared' I was amazed at how many twigs, branches and trunks were in the "path" which I did not see when shooting. Guess I was concentrating on the elephant and where to place the bullet.

Shaun Buffee is in the photo. A young PH whom I had hired as a cameraman. He asked me to step right out into the 'open' of this path, so he could step in behind me and when he tapped on my shoulder, I could shoot.

I had been told by the PH previously that the cow due to its being both tuskless and "trunkless" (ie in pain) would immediately charge so not to take my time.

On stepping out, the elephant which had its broadside to me, immediately turned its head and body towards me. Its ears flapping out and the animal reacting in alarm. Maybe it trumpeted or the others did, I have some recollection of an elephant trumpeting, but really don't know as I was concentrating on something else. Shaun tapped my shoulder, and I immediately fired at the elephants brain front on. It dropped to the ground.

The story will be continued elsewhere.

Bullet hole in the elephants head.

Before the nyama hungry locals can begin to collect the meat, their names are recorded in a register, so it can be shown whom got meat, and the number of persons, and also over time that the meat is shared between villages. Politics I think !

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John aka NitroX

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Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

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