Ready to Hunt Elephant

Folks I thought I would make my post number 2000 an update on the upcoming elephant hunt with Paw Print Safaris. I am now 54 days and counting down to departure. Pieter Erasmus and I have traded many emails to nail down all of the particulars and he has been very happy to answer all my questions. In fact, he has encouraged me to ask him anything. We will be hunting right outside Kruger National Park where there are many elephants. I'm awaiting a goody box from Pieter that he shipped Saturday. Wonder what's in that box Pieter?
I have started laying out the things that I'm taking over in one of the spare bedrooms. Not taking too much this time as experience says you don't need the kitchen sink along. My wife keeps asking where is the rest of the stuff ?
I have confirmation that Henry at Riflepermits.com received my permit documentation last week. I'm using his VIP greet service also as time through customs is important this trip. Pass port is all in order with brand new one received a couple of months back.
Got my prescription for Malarone anti malaria pills filled this week even though the area we will hunt is low risk.
Purchased a new step down transformer for charging devices.
Got a new GoPro and all the attachments to take pictures and video of the hunt.
I think I have now watched Buzz Charlton's elephant hunting video about 15 times. I have burned into my mind where to shoot the big guy. Bring him on Pieter I got this. But just in case.......
I'm walking as much as 7.5 miles a day and no less than 2 miles. I will start to carry a pipe with me August 1st on these walks.
I have been to the range with both big rifles and reported on that in another post. Will make another couple of trips to fine tune things.
I have to admit that:
My patience for this hunt to get here is getting a bit thin at this point. Who would have guessed such a thing could happen?
Thanks again to everyone for sharing your advice freely as well as your own hunting experiences. Frankly, the willingness to help other hunters is what makes this site so great.

Charlie congrats on the posting milestone! And congrats on making your dreams reality!

I'm in awe at how you seem to be systematically working your way through your personal list of hunting achievements. You must do way better than most of us on planning and sticking to it. Appears your very disciplined... And on the training!

All my best wishes!

Thanks Bob. I'm trying to check all the right boxes on this one for sure!

I know what is in the goody box Charlie but I cant tell you. HAha I think you will have a whole lot of fun and a really good time on this hunt. Cant wait to see how this hunt ends up and what you get a chance at. It will not be long now and you will be heading over.

CAustin said:

. . . I have burned into my mind where to shoot the big guy. Bring him on Pieter I got this.

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You've got a terrific attitude and great enthusiasm. I have no doubt that you'll shoot straight and drop the 'big guy' like a bad habit.

My best wishes to you for a very successful and memorable hunt!

A teaser...

Charly.....you are very close to make the hunt of your lifetime, get to the top of the all sport hunter career.......the most important event in my opinion for a hunter......hunt an elephant.

I can see you are ready and prepared to do it, in some days you will be taken that shoot........"the shoot" of your life.....dont worry, you will know how to do it......!!!!

I will be waiting for the best elephant hunting report ever.

Go there and take your Elefante my friend.....!!!!!

Charlie what trophies do you have planned from the elephant?

That picture of the skull reminded me how if I could have (remember I did the Zimbabwe post USFW closure hunt) I would have brought the skull and leg bones back to put in the flower beds in front of the house! And if nothing else, some teeth for paper weights!

Tusks are to be mounted for floor display. Tail prepared for shadow box. Feet made into stools. One side of his skin made into leather! Some teeth and maybe a leg bone. Ears tanned to frame.
If the tusk nerve root has the ivory balls in them I will bring them home as well.

I really hope you get your elephant...but be warned, it will make most other hunting an anti-climax..

Having tried it, now I better understand the almost fanatical urge the old ivory hunters showed regarding hunting these magnificent animals..

I am hooked...going down in 2016 again..

I can't wait for the hunt report and photos', I don't think I've ever been this anxious for someone else s hunt!!

I went as an observer 8 years ago, I one thing that I was amazed at was how a animal that big could disappear, the first thing I would see is the white of the ivory. One of the things I got was a leg bone, it is a conversation peace when people see it. Ear, teeth, stool and a pot for canes is what I got. My friend has moved to a senior centre and brought the ivory to me last year. Have a great time. Had I known of your trip sooner I would have come to your house and replaced the roof, that was what it cost me to go with my buddy. Again have a great trip there will be lots of us on this site living vicariously through you!

I'm excited for Charlie! Will be looking forward to your hunt report and pics.
Have a great time

@CAustin , have a great safari, enjoy the blood, sweat and tears that go with hunting elephant. Looking forward to your report. Be safe.

TMS said:

@CAustin , have a great safari, enjoy the blood, sweat and tears that go with hunting elephant. Looking forward to your report. Be safe.

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Simon I appreciate the sentiment you have expressed. My report will be detailed and I hope to share some video as well.

Charlie, I can only imagine how excited you are. I'm excited for you. Even though we don't personally know each other I still think to myself oh ya Charlie's going elephant hunting in August, gizmos going lion and buffalo in July Etc. I love the hunt and everything that comes along with it. The planning the buying specific equipment etc. When I make my "departure " post you'll be hunting with Pieter. I leave September 5th. You sound like you've got it all together and are ready for this trip of a lifetime. Best of luck and stay safe. I look forward to your report and pictures.

It is amazing how you get so into other peoples hunts from on here. It like a little piece of you gets to go back to Africa through others. I know it makes my wait for my next trip not as bad.

Charlie, Good luck on your up an coming hunt, if your excitement was put to your legs you would be there already.lol
The big thing about AH we live all around the world, but we are friends and neighbors......

Robert

34 Days to departure folks. Definitely starting to feel the anticipation of getting under way. I mailed off to Houston some shirts and a vest Pieter sent for my son yesterday. The wife and I did a dry run of packing on Sunday and everything fits in my pack and camp box with room to spare! I've learned after a couple of trips that you don't need to take the kitchen sink. The Rugers are ready and I got one box of Federal Premium Cape Shock Sledgehammer 458 Lott 500 grain bullets from Midway USA this week!
With Brickburn headed over I'm just ready to go like he is! He will spend a day with Pieter right before I get there.

CAustin said:

34 Days to departure folks. Definitely starting to feel the anticipation of getting under way. I mailed off to Houston some shirts and a vest Pieter sent for my son yesterday. The wife and I did a dry run of packing on Sunday and everything fits in my pack and camp box with room to spare! I've learned after a couple of trips that you don't need to take the kitchen sink. The Rugers are ready and I got one box of Federal Premium Cape Shock Sledgehammer 458 Lott 500 grain bullets from Midway USA this week!
With Brickburn headed over I'm just ready to go like he is! He will spend a day with Pieter right before I get there.

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Happy to see your not shooting Hornady ammo That was a good call. How did they shoot?