Field Dressing Elephant

[elephantmaster29]

Hey folks, does anyone have any tips, or guid for field dressing elephant meat? Pictures also appreciated.

 

[Red Leg]

Curious why do you ask? Even should you hunt one, you will never be involved in the actual butchering of an elephant.

Of course the photos would be considered quite problematic in some quarters wouldn't they.

 

[elephantmaster29]

True, the photo's are of course problematic to some folks. Not so much myself. I guess I might be one of the few, but I was taught to engage in the entire process of the hunt, even the part considered gross, or difficult. I know there are operations out there that will take care of everything, but I am told that elephant hunting is about the entire experience, which fits my view already.

 

[Red Leg]

True, the photo's are of course problematic to some folks. Not so much myself. I guess I might be one of the few, but I was taught to engage in the entire process of the hunt, even the part considered gross, or difficult. I know there are operations out there that will take care of everything, but I am told that elephant hunting is about the entire experience, which fits my view already.

To be frank, elephantmaster29, you haven't posted much here, and in the current environment, I have no idea what your motivations are. Your profile isn't exactly illuminating is it? Simply struck me as curious why someone wanted photos of an elephant being butchered.

No one is going to allow you to participate in "dressing out" an elephant. In the conservancies, it tends to be a community effort with lots of sharp things in use. Think a couple dozen locals hacking away somewhat indiscriminately from within and outside the carcass. I observed one in the Caprivi and a school of Piranha came to mind. Elephant taken from other areas may be processed by staff, but again, the last thing the outfitter needs is a client "helping".

 

[Red Leg]

Where exactly would a client plan to jump in?

 

[JPbowhunter]

Apologies for pulling off topic, but I've always been curious how does elephant taste @redleg?

 

[elephantmaster29]

No worries, Red. I . don't blame you for your suspicions. It's always better to be safe than sorry. No worries. I understand the current environment. I can't say i'm thrilled with Trump or the new EPA. I say that as a hunter, and someone who loves public lands. I also believe that hunting elephant as proven as successful way for outfitters to protect the species and fund anti poaching efforts. Did I vote for Trump? No, but not all godless liberals are immune to research or anti hunting.

I have read that some folks get hurt in the process, so I will definitely be careful, but will hopefully join with the community members for at least the beginning. I can't think of anything more satisfying than giving back to the local community.

Thank you for sharing the video. It was informative. Congrats your hunt!

 

[Red Leg]

Apologies for pulling off topic, but I've always been curious how does elephant taste @redleg?

Never hunted one and never put one on the grill. I found this segment on YouTube. I have dodged quite a few while hunting buffalo, and observed the community processing technique on an elephant killed in the Caprivi.

 

[Dewald]

Apologies for pulling off topic, but I've always been curious how does elephant taste @redleg?

Years ago when they still culled in the Kruger National Park one could buy elephant biltong from the curio shops. It has a very coarse texture, but in biltong form doesn’t taste bad. It was also to long ago for me to really remember.

 

[Dinsdale]

No one is going to allow you to participate in "dressing out" an elephant. In the conservancies, it tends to be a community effort with lots of sharp things in use. Think a couple dozen locals hacking away somewhat indiscriminately from within and outside the carcass. I observed one in the Caprivi and a school of Piranha came to mind. Elephant taken from other areas may be processed by staff, but again, the last thing the outfitter needs is a client "helping".

Shot a tuskless in a safari area, no villages around for help. I skinned right along and helped carry parts just like everyone there, PH had no issue at all having another hand and thanked ME for pitching in. I scratch built a knife to cut off the tail on my hunt and ended up using it for a lot more. I didn't get many pictures as we were pretty busy in 100* temps working hard and the help that was supposed to come from main camp messed up, missed the trail marker we hung in a tree, and never showed.

I thought it was terrific.

 

[steve ahrenberg]

To be frank, elephantmaster29, you haven't posted much here, and in the current environment, I have no idea what your motivations are. Your profile isn't exactly illuminating is it? Simply struck me as curious why someone wanted photos of an elephant being butchered.

No one is going to allow you to participate in "dressing out" an elephant. In the conservancies, it tends to be a community effort with lots of sharp things in use. Think a couple dozen locals hacking away somewhat indiscriminately from within and outside the carcass. I observed one in the Caprivi and a school of Piranha came to mind. Elephant taken from other areas may be processed by staff, but again, the last thing the outfitter needs is a client "helping".

Red Leg,

I share in your suspicion. Too many red flags.

But...I have eaten Elephant meat. It wasn't something I would eat again or recommend.
As to helping, I used to feel the need but after some comments from PH's about...blood, knives and HIV, I've since changed my mind. No point in it.

Steve

 

[Philip Glass]

Apologies for pulling off topic, but I've always been curious how does elephant taste @redleg?

Fine but tough

 

[Dinsdale]

Apologies for pulling off topic, but I've always been curious how does elephant taste @redleg?

I have had it twice, once in field over coals and another time cooked in camp braised.

Grainy like beef chuck, a bit chewy, liked the grilled slice off backstrap, but when doesn't meat on the grill when hunting not taste great?

Trunk is supposed to be best 'cut'.

 

[fourfive8]

Apologies for pulling off topic, but I've always been curious how does elephant taste @redleg?

Agree with other opinions. It has a good taste. It is coarse grained and tends to be tough.

 

[Red Leg]

Shot a tuskless in a safari area, no villages around for help. I skinned right along and helped carry parts just like everyone there, PH had no issue at all having another hand and thanked ME for pitching in. I scratch built a knife to cut off the tail on my hunt and ended up using it for a lot more. I didn't get many pictures as we were pretty busy in 100* temps working hard and the help that was supposed to come from main camp messed up, missed the trail marker we hung in a tree, and never showed.

I thought it was terrific.

Unique situation. Glad you were able to pitch in and would hope most would.

 

[sambarhunter]

Get onto the local chief,he will have th ejob done in no time

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Apologies for pulling off topic, but I've always been curious how does elephant taste @redleg?

It does not taste like chicken...........

 

[elephantmaster29]

I have had it twice, once in field over coals and another time cooked in camp braised.

Grainy like beef chuck, a bit chewy, liked the grilled slice off backstrap, but when doesn't meat on the grill when hunting not taste great?

Trunk is supposed to be best 'cut'.

Thanks @Dinsdale

 

[elephantmaster29]

Red Leg,

I share in your suspicion. Too many red flags.

But...I have eaten Elephant meat. It wasn't something I would eat again or recommend.
As to helping, I used to feel the need but after some comments from PH's about...blood, knives and HIV, I've since changed my mind. No point in it.

Steve

@steve ahrenberg that's a really good point. I hadn't considered the spread of HIV in Africa. That's a good heads up.

 

[revturbo9967]

@steve ahrenberg that's a really good point. I hadn't considered the spread of HIV in Africa. That's a good heads up.

with close to 20 million living with hiv in eastern and southern africa (most in the world), it would be wise to always keep it in mind.