ZIMBABWE: Non-trophy Bull Elephant Hunt With Lindon Stanton Of Mbalabala Safaris

Africa1 said:

Thank you VERY much for your well written and completely enjoyable hunt report! Your visualization of the shot on your fine bull and actualization was outstanding! I especially appreciated your comments on how you felt after the shots. Considering the villagers it fed and the crop destruction it avoided, it would seem there was no room for any other emotions but elation, fulfillment of a dream and amazement! Thankfulness most of all. Congratulations! I am planning a tuskless for Sept. of next year in Matetsi Unit 3. Your pictures enabled me to seal the deal with my wife for which I thank you again!

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Spey said:

Zimbabwe: Matetsi ECA, non-trophy bull elephant hunt with Lindon “Lin” Stanton of @Mbalabala Safaris.

Summary of my first elephant hunt:
Late morning on March 10th after a stalk a bit over three kilometers, the lead tracker pointed to where the bull was in the thick bush. We couldn’t see him yet but before Lin and I walked up to the four foot high bush where the tracker had stood Lin turned, looked me in the eyes and asked if I was ready, yes I whispered and gave a quick nod.

We walked up to the spot and saw the bull facing us straight on standing next to a tree about 14 yards away. “Shoot him between the eyes” he said and I did. The bull’s head went up slightly as his rear legs buckled making it clear that the brain was hit. As his head was falling down Lin said shoot again but I didn’t have time before he disappeared behind the small bushes in front of him. He said, “follow me” and we ran to the side of the bull and I shot him once more in the head where Lin had indicated. This insurance shot was the only bullet recovered by the skinners.

I had put a lot of pressure on myself not to screw the shot up so my initial reaction after the frontal brain shot was one of immense relief at seeing the rear legs buckle. This probably slowed my second shot but I don’t think I would have had time anyway. It was slow motion-like but also quick- if that makes sense.

The rifle used was a Heym 88B (PH) .470NE. The cartridge/bullet was a Barnes VOR-TX with a 500 grain banded solid flat nose.

I will post a longer report with some color and an interesting attempt at Hyena but lions had a say in the matter.

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The bull stood next to this tree:

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Studying a herd the next day:

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meigsbucks said:

Congratulations on your elephant. I enjoyed reading your hunt report. Your description of the hyena / lion experience was thrilling.

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Ericedwinbates said:

Great hunt, congratulations. I will be in Breakfast Camp in August this year for round 2 with the Ele! April of 2025 was a bust, super green and wet. Great place Matetsi.

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