Read this Elephant Charge

BRICKBURN

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I saw this image in the 500 J thread. @colorado posted it.

Skipping the running option. Not a good idea with any DG.

(I'll thank Buzz C and Ivan C for the education on Elephant behaviour.)

I thought I'd toss a question out for discussion.

Given the behaviour of the Elephant in the photo: Do you need to shoot?




a2jCqRV.jpg
 
I'll take a swag and say no. Seems I've read that with the ears out like that the ele is trying to look fierce and scare off his agitator, that he's not in a full on charge, but a bluff charge. It also looks like adding to this is he's kicking up sand with his left front foot, not something he'd do if he was intending on completely closing the distance.

So I don't think I'd need to shoot, but I'm quite certain if I survived this I'd need to change my shorts. In the end there's a reason why I don't have a PH license
 
Hard to tell from a still, but I agree that he seems to be still kicking dust - though the trunk is tucked. He hasn't started a charge - yet.

But I haven't been around nearly enough agitated bulls (thank God) to have an informed opinion.
 



If the distance is ten yards or less yes.

In this case it does not appear to be close enough yet...
Although the trunk is curled up the bull is in process of of stopping or so it appears and kicking up dust, the other pointer to take note of is that he has not cocked or tucked his head in yet it is still held up.

You will know it is a mock charge when he stops if not shoot..

Many elephant do not in fact tuck their ears flat to the head when charging for real....many keep them out all the way through the charge even if it is for real.
 
Brick,
a famous picture of the South African Tourist Board from ancient times,this mockcharge.
I know two hunters - I am vouching for them - who have shot about 700 elephants.
All with the .375 H+H and cheap South African PMP ammunition (because in Zimb. nothing else was available).
They have never heard of a Schüler in their lives,but all done with PMP
 
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I'd have said no - when an elephant means business, I think his ears are generally pinned back (although that's not infallible) and he's not kicking up dust. He's just coming. I've been mocked charged (thank God my PH said "don't move"!) and it looked sort of like this. Certainly the kicking of dust is consistent with an attempt to intimidate rather than a charge.

Having said that, the only way to stay alive is to set a "line in the sand" which if he crosses, you will shoot, regardless of what his intention are. How far that line is depends on how confident you are in your ability to brain a charging elephant.

So how far is this elephant from me?!
 
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Well!
My experience is with 3 charges, 2 mock and one determined....
So I don't have nearly enough experience as some here. One of the "mock" charges the P.H. shouted him down but had me off to the side protecting the rest of the group (trackers, his son and the panicked Zim Parks scout. (we disarmed the scout for the duration of the hunt)
The other "mock" charge was just more curiosity than a charge, easy to spot even for me.
The full on charge was easy to spot as well, because the cow chased the cruiser over a mile with 2 stops and was full speed the whole time. Did not end well for the cow.
With only a still, it's really hard to tell, but I am leaning toward not shooting but be ready and stand your ground.
I think it's a bit like the saying about pornography, I can't define it but I know it when I see it....
 
This is where a PH earns the big bucks.
Making life and death decisions for both the hunting party and the Elephant.
My hat is off to you and the experience you have earned.
Cheers and stay safe.
 
From the picture I would say not yet, but my finger would sure as hell be on the trigger and god only knows where my tracker would be! Seriously if he outside of 5 paces and you have no permit you are going to have to wait a little longer. Hence the .500 Jefferies!
 
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It was that front right leg being locked and the left kicking up the dust that had me “categorizing” this as a bluff. No idea of the distance of course.

Like the guys who have been there, I’d sure be getting ready.

You learn just how puny you are when these guys are close and you’re on your own two feet. The few I have seen up close had a very specific safety line. Pass it and they started to come.

Keep the replies coming.
 

At about 0:55 with Ivan is some cool footage. He’s way calmer than his clients haha. (Makes sense)


I like Ivan Carter , but in the circles of colleagues, he is often criticized for daring too much .
"We have to secure our clients, not to test wildlife" so a PH to me.
When I see his spectacular scenes, I often think to myself - he is not getting old.

@ K-man
"I think it's a bit like the saying about pornography, I can't define it but I know it when I see it...."
Remarkable comparison ;)
 
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Looks like this jumbo is busy putting the brakes on! Head is dipping before coming to a halt where after they lift the head and trunk to eye ball you! Very intimidating Indeed! So I would say mock charge as the ears are still out and the trunk not curled up for impact...
 
Well, my 2 cents. I would hope the PH and I had been watching the bull, and he given me the go or no go based on ivory, age, can do better, all the stuff you discuss before moving in close. At this point, if he was determined a shooter, I am cutting lose. If we had determined to pass, I am ready as said before but probably praying at this point and trusting the PH. Having not been in this particular situation, but having hunted elephant on three occasions, with success on my second trip, I am certain the pucker hole would be pin tight regardless. Great question.
 

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