Elephant

Scientific Name:
Loxodonta

The Perfect Shot Location

This is the best position for alonger shot.
The neck shot is not an option we advice our clients to take.
The size of the neck muscle makes it a very tricky and risky shot.
The preferred shot is 1/3 up the shoulder.
This gives you the best possible odds.

Slightly left or right is still in the heart or lungs.
Slightly high is in the lungs and you will break a shoulder.
Slightly low is still in the heart and you will break a shoulder.

The only frontal shot will be at close range and always a brain
shot.
The heart and lungs areobscured by the head and trunk.
The frontal brain shot eitherresults in instant death or
gives you the chance for a quick fire second shot.

Know your angles for this and remember to not freeze up and
reload instantly after the first shot.

This is NOT a shot we will askyou to take.

However – if your Elephant does
not drop on the spot, you will be
required to take
a follow up shot immediately.

The same applies when
following up a wounded Elephant
that breaks cover and runs away
from you.
Something this simple can save
your life.

Detailed Information

Weight:
4 500 – 6 000 kg
(10 000 – 13 000 lb)

Height at Shoulder:
Around 3,5 meters
(12 ft)

Length:
Around 4 meters
(13 ft)

Hunt from Age:
Min 30 Years

Lifespan:
Around 60 years

Caliber:
Min .375

Ammo:
Generally solids would be
preferred to get maximum
penetration.

Type of Sight:
Use your tried and tested.
Scope, open site or reflex.
An Elephant hunt is not
the time to test equipment.

Shot Distance:
Every area, situation and hunter
is different.
Under normal conditions – 10 to
80 meters.

Charging Speed:
40 km/h
(25 mph)

Hunting Regions

Bushmanland

14 Days @ p/d – $2,500

Total Daily Rates – $35,000

Trophy Fee – $85,000

Total Package Price – $120,000

Namibia

14 Days @ p/d – $2,500

Total Daily Rates – $35,000

Trophy Fee – $85,000

Total Package Price – $120,000

South Africa

N/A

Zambia

14 Days @ p/d – $2,500

Total Daily Rates – $35,000

Trophy Fee – $20,000

Total Package Price – $55,000

More Detail About Our Elephant Hunting

The pure size of the animal, the terrain, the stalk, the danger, the adrenaline, the final approach, aiming and ultimately the perfect shot placement the takes the gigantic “tusker” down. The unequivocal level of respect one has to for these magnificent animals with that first touch. Not to mention the spectacular sunsets, bright blue skies, scenic landscapes, the stories at night around the campfire. All of this contribute to the magnificent Elephant hunting lifetime memory which is a once in a lifetime experience.

Preparation Phase

Range Day

One of the first events of your safari will be to “check zero.” On the final stalk we want to get you as close to the animal as possible but it all depends on what the circumstances (terrain, vegetation, etc.) allow us. Long-range shooting on elephants is out of the question, but the shot may be standing unsupported at close range or on shooting sticks at very medium range.

Step 1

Will be to make sure your firearms have survived the journey and are reasonably in zero at 50 yards, to ensure that the rifle hasn’t shifted during travel.

Step 2

Will be but to evaluate your shooting ability from different positions that may be presented once the final stalk has ended and the Elephant presents itself ready for the taking.

Shooting Off of Sticks

Shooting Off of Sticks

We make use of three-legged shooting sticks during a elephant hunt. This type of shooting sticks are ideal in the African situation. The lead tracker will carry them during the tracking phase, during the final stalk, the guide will take the sticks and the lead. But if an animal is suddenly spotted or encountered within shooting range, the lead tracker will customarily set up the sticks and fade to one side. Your guide will come up to the other side to evaluate the animal. Your job as the hunter is to step forward, avoiding sudden movements, get the rifle on the sticks, and be prepared to shoot if your guide gives the go-ahead.

Shooting Sticks Technique

Shooting sticks require practice! It takes a bit of work to become comfortable and familiar with shooting sticks. The two primary rules are very important:

Learn the right height for you, the correct height is about the level of the top shirt button, so you can lean slightly forward into the sticks. The shooting stick will be placed lower than to correct height that you can use a one hand motion to pull the sticks up to correct the legs to your preferred height
Placement of your supporting hand.

Never rest the barrel directly on the junction of the sticks (or anything else). The ideal is to grasp both the fore-end of your rifle and the sticks, tying them together. This will stable the stick and the rifle and also allow you to adjust the sticks if the elephant moves. During the shot at elephant, the target is large and the range is close. You have to aim , the elephant will present much bigger in your scope than you thought, a precision shot placement and quick movements are crucial to have the best shot opportunity.

Gun Safety

Will be your gun handling and gun safety

The way you shoot and handle your firearm on the range will determine the way your guide will conduct the safari. This will determine how he will try to set up your shots, what shots he will recommend you to take, and how he will orchestrate the stalk.

Loaded or Unloaded?

The rifle will be carried with cartridges in the magazine but with the chamber unloaded until your guide direct you to chamber a round. During the tracking and stalking phase your guide will walk ahead of you, and in areas where dangerous game might be present, his or her rifle will usually be fully loaded and ready. There is very little imminent danger while tracking elephant. So there is no reason for the chamber to be loaded until an actual stalk begins. If in doubt, never hesitate to ask your guide if you should chamber a round.

The basic rule is that the chamber should not be loaded unless you can absolutely control the direction of the muzzle. This means that if you are carrying the rifle slung over your shoulder, it must not be loaded because it is impossible to control the muzzle in the case of a slip or fall, and many mechanical safeties can be brushed off by clothing while a rifle is slung. Putting everyone around you in danger. a rifle sling is recommended, while tracking making carrying the rifle more convenient. Your guide won’t use a rifle sling, he will carry his rifle in his hands, and the rifle will always be ready.

Mechanical Safeties

The safety on your rifle is not a substitute for safe gun handling but serves as a backup for momentary lapses. Even if you are carrying your rifle at “port arms” ready, you may briefly lose control of the muzzle direction if you slip or stumble. But when glassing and tracking, whether carrying the rifle casually or slung, the muzzle is not under tight control, so the chamber should be clear.

Whether loaded or unloaded, the muzzle must be pointed in a safe direction. When the chamber is loaded, check the mechanical safety constantly to make sure it is engaged. During the tracking and final stalk phase the guide and your trackers will walk single file, and you as the hunter will be well back in the line. No matter how you carry your rifle and how often you check your safety, focus on keeping the muzzle in a safe direction.

The "African Carry"

As so often seen in photos and on television, it is very common to carry the rifle with the action balanced over one shoulder, butt to the rear, muzzle forward and grasped and controlled by one hand. This is not in itself unsafe, as the hand controls the direction of the muzzle.

The obvious problem is the muzzle points forward. Thus, when walking in line, it is almost inevitable that the person carrying rifle will “sweep” the person walking ahead. If the rifle is loaded, the “African carry” is potentially deadly. It is not recommended, but it is a very comfortable way to carry a rifle, especially on long, hot tracking hunts. If you prefer this carry method it is essential to keep the rifle unloaded and concentrate constantly on muzzle control. Keep the barrel offset well to the side and away from the people walking ahead.

The Hunt

Most elephant hunting has four phases: locating elephants, the approach, selecting the elephant, and taking the shot.

Locating Elephant

Tracking

While tracking the trophy Elephant there are a number of factors which will determine the trophy quality of the Elephant and if it is worthy to pursue.

Tracking elephants is one of the most traditional and interesting of all African hunts. Elephant tracking is advanced tracking that only the most skilled trackers can do. It is pure magic to watch our trackers do their work. Despite their great weight, elephants are actually more difficult to track than buffalo because their feet have pads rather than hooves.

The Elephant hunt will start at the crack of dawn with the search for fresh tracks. Fresh tracks will often be found crossing a road or track, and tracks on elephant foot paths leaving water sources are critical. Once a worthy track is found our guide will start to examine the tracks, dung, and signs of feeding. The most obvious factor to take into consideration to determine the Elephant trophy size will be the size of the track, a good indication is if the track has an average diameter of 27 inches or more (two and a half feet in size), he will also look for signs of large indentations in the tracks caused by calluses forming underneath the elephants foot as they get older and also the edges of the track if its well rounded off. The next factor will be the age of the track. The age of the track is crucial elephants cover large distances and it is not preferred to track bull tracks older than 1 day. The other factor to take into consideration is the elephants dung. The bigger the dung the dung the bigger the elephant is a common joke among guides. The proses is to see if the dung is still wet to determine age and also to observe the particles found in the dung. Over an Elephant’s lifespan, it receives six sets of molars and once these wear out the more noticeable undigested leaves, branches, bark and roots will appear in the dung, which will indicate typically an older elephant.

This is critical information.

Successful tracking depends on the time of day. Early in the morning, it is perfectly acceptable to follow tracks made during the night, even 12 hours earlier. Elephants can cover many miles in a day, but they usually alternately feed and rest during the night. In the early morning, they will usually start to move toward heavy cover, where they will rest through the heat of the day. Knowledge of the area is thus important to evaluating the feasibility of following tracks. But an elephant will go where it goes, so one never knows at the outset where and how far a track might lead.

Age of a track is thus extremely critical in evaluating whether or not to follow, but so is the track itself. Because mature bulls are nearly twice the size of cows, it is very easy to determine bull tracks. Size of elephants vary regionally, so you’re looking for a large track for the area you are hunting. There are also indicators of age that fine soil will offer, such as depth of corrugations and sole wear. None of these indicators say anything about size of tusks. The only way to determine that is to track up the elephant and get a close look!

The Approach

Following tracks is fairly straightforward. The elephant hunt really starts almost at the end of the track. This may mean the sign is very fresh. Our trackers have developed a sixth sense as to when elephants are near. Signs you will most likely encounter: a stick breaking as elephants feed, a trumpet from a paranoid cow, the soft belly rumbling of undisturbed elephants, or the much softer swishing sound of the great ears fanning.

When the elephants nearby, it is absolutely essential to get the wind right, if the wind is unfavorable, our trackers will deliberately leave the tracks and try to circle the wind. Your guide will have a wind check available at all time to test the wind direction on a regular basis during the stalk. From this point, if a potential trophy bull is spotted, movement will be much slower and everyone will be as quiet as possible. Depending on the cover, you may be able to walk upright, or you may need to crouch. Crawling or butt-scooting is possible but rare with elephants. Follow your guides lead, and concentrate on stepping as quietly as possible.

Selecting the Elephant

This is probably the most exciting phase of any elephant hunt. At this point, we will be very close. Perhaps closer than you ever expected to be from a wild elephant. But you’ll be shocked at how well elephants blend into cover and how little cover it takes for an elephant to hide almost completely.

When the elephants are in a group, we have to go very close, then retreat and circle back to look at all the individuals in a group. This phase often happens at midday when winds are swirling and unstable. So, your guide will be paying close attention to the wind while he studies the herd. Once he identify a potential bull, he will consider the following factors to determine the trophy quality of the bull:

He will start from the back, he will look for the amount of hair on the tail of the elephant, the older the bull the less hair will be visible on the tip of the tail.
He will then move forward and check for warts that grow on the back and shoulder of the elephant, this warts is a good indication of an old age elephant.
He will then look at the ears of the elephant, if the edges are worn of with visible tears in them and the top of the ear start folding back it will be an good indication of an old elephant bull.
He will the look at the face of the elephant, if the skin is tightened around the face and if the facial bones of the skull is clearly visible under the skin, this will be a good indication of an old bull.
He will then look at the tusk of the elephant
- He will start to determine the circumference of the tusk at the lip of the elephant. In Zambia the circumference will range from 15 to 17 Inches in Bushmanland it will range from 18 all the way up to 22 inches.
- He will then try to determine the length of the tusk sticking out, a good average length will be 3 to 4 feet (36-48 Inches) remember there is still on average 28-32 inches of tusk inside the skull.
- Once he determined the circumference and length of the tusk he can start his weight calculation.

Example – Zambia

Circumference – 17 inches

Length – 4 feet

Circumference x Length in Feet

17 x 4 = 68 Pounds

If the circumference is 16 inches – 5% must be deducted from weight and for 15 inches 10% must be deducted.

Example – Bushmanland

Circumference – 19 inches

Length – 4 feet

Circumference x Length in Feet

17 x 4 = 76 Pounds + 10%

= 83 Pounds

If the circumference is

18 inches – Add 5 % to weight

19 inches – Add 10 % to weight

20 inches – Add 15 % to weight

21 inches – Add 20 % to weight

22 inches – Add 25 % to weight

Remember – The nerve which runs inside of the tusks makes estimating the weight of the tusks challenging. This is determined by genetics and also age, this can only be determined after the tusk is pulled out. The smaller the nerve the heavier the tusk. The calculation above is just for field measuring purposes.

The Final Stalk

Depending on the range, you may be in a shooting position while you’re evaluating the elephants. But even a small group of four or five bachelor bulls is likely to be spread out whether resting or feeding. So often you’ll have to do some creeping and sneaking to get into position, fefore this final stalk commence, this will be the time to load the chamber of your rifle. Don’t hesitate to ask your PH if you should “load up.” But make sure your safety is engaged, and pay close attention to keeping your muzzle in a safe direction. You will be excited and a little bit scared. This is the time when firearms safety habits become critical. Your chamber will certainly be loaded by now, but check it one last time. Check the power ring on your scope too. Depending on the terrain, you may want some magnification or not, but make sure it’s where you want it.

As you’re creeping and sneaking, check your safety repeatedly. Keep your fingers away from the trigger guard, concentrate on keeping your muzzle in a safe direction, and follow your guides lead.

This final approach must be made with the wind in favour and in absolute silence, so walking slowly, one step at a time. Also, if the wind changes the you must be ready to move quickly.

If a final approach is needed, it will usually be just you and the guide. The tracker is staying back to reduce noise and movement.

Follow your guides lead, and be very, very careful where you step. The guide will be carrying the shooting sticks. And if circumstances dictate, he might be able to set them up. But as we’ve discussed earlier with elephants, be prepared for that standing unsupported shot and expect it to be very close.

Stand Up and Shoot

Your guides default method will almost always be to set up the shooting sticks, but this requires both time and motion. There are many situations with elephants when your stalk carries you so close that the extra movement necessary to set up the sticks is almost certain to spook the animal.

With elephant hunting, it is essential that you can make an accurate shot from an unsupported standing position if this opportunity arises.

The Shot – The moment we all have been waiting for

No shoulder-fired rifle has enough power to impress an elephant. They can be killed readily but only by bullet penetration into the brain, spine, heart, and the lungs. Non-expanding solid bullets designed specifically for penetration is a must when shooting an elephant, they provide reliable penetration on all potential shots. Shooting an elephant needs a great deal of penetration through thick bones. No caliber or bullet is going to work every single time, so with elephants, it is extremely important to keep in mind what might happen next and be prepared for fast follow-up shots.

Frontal Brain Shot

Head angle. The biggest challenge with the frontal brain shot is that the brain lies well back in the skull, so its relative position changes with distance and head angle. Generally speaking, at moderate distance (15 yards) and in a resting attitude, directly between the eyes is close. When very close in the final instant of a charge, the elephant will drop its head, so the center of forehead is more correct. When threatening or when very close, the uphill angle requires shooting well below the eyes and even more penetration.
Break the broomstick! The most visual and most easily remembered rule on the frontal brain shot is to visualize a broomstick horizontally through the elephant’s skull from earhole to earhole. The brain lies at the center of the broomstick, So, while the external aiming point changes with head attitude and distance, aiming to “break the broomstick” is always the right shooting solution.
What next? If the frontal brain shot is successful, the back legs normally collapse first, and the elephant is down so quickly that it essentially falls out from under the rifle. If the brain shot fails, things happen just as fast. But you should recognize instantly that you’ve flubbed it, and you must shoot again immediately and more accurately. By the time you have recovered from recoil, it will be too late to try a frontal brain again. The elephant will normally turn away, so in very rapid succession (fractions of seconds), you will be offered first the side brain shot, then the shoulder shot, and, then as a last resort, a going-away shot to either hip or spine.

Side Brain Shot

Viewed from the side, the elephant’s earhole is very visible. Perfect shot placement for the side brain shot with a broadside presentation is simply one hand’s breadth, three or four inches, in front of the earhole. At a very slight quartering-away angle, the earhole was the aiming point. At a very slight quarter-to angle, shoot slightly in front of the earhole.
As with the frontal brain, things happen quickly. And you’ll know instantly if your shot failed or was successful. But with a failed brain shot, things happen even faster. There will only be a split second for a follow-up shoulder shot, and then a split second later, the only opportunity is the going-away spine or hip shot.

Shoulder/Heart Shot

The shoulder/heart shot is not as dramatic as the brain shot. An elephant so hit can be expected to run 50 to possibly 200 yards. But losing an elephant to even a marginal chest cavity shot is extremely unlikely.

The elephant has a very prominent crease behind the shoulder that looks very much like an upside-down V. Find that crease, and come up to the top. The crease will end about one-third up from the brisket. Perfect. Broadside, the top of the V is a perfect lung shot. Quartering slightly away, the top of the V is a top of heart shot. For the perfect shoulder/heart shot, however, with a broadside presentation, find the top of the upside-down V. Then, depending on how the elephant is standing, move about 6 to 10 inches left or right toward the center of the shoulder.

A hit slightly higher back will still be solidly in the lungs, but it’s important to stay below the horizontal halfway point. Such a hit should be quickly fatal. But the elephant is going to run, and you can’t be certain of either shot placement or bullet performance, so follow up that first shot if you possibly can.

Going-Away Shots

To prevent the escape of a wounded animal, the going-away shot is not an uncommon option. Like most animals, upon receiving a bullet, an elephant is most likely to turn away to escape, opening up two opportunities for follow-up shots.

Spine Shot

A central Texas heart shot is unlikely to penetrate to the vitals of an elephant, so it’s essential to break heavy bone. Unlike most animals, on an elephant, the spine is very visible as a prominent ridge above the tail. This is not a large aiming point, but a hit on that ridge will immobilize your elephant.

Hip Shot

As an elephant goes away, the pumping action of the massive hip joint is clearly visible at just about the level of the anus. Try to hit to hit both hips as the elephant runs away, this will break down the hips of the elephant and immobilise it.

After the Shot

Adrenaline is surging, and that’s good. But that’s not the time to throw away safety. After firing a shot, immediately make ready to shoot again. With elephant hunting, a backup or insurance shot is almost always fired no matter what happens after the first shot. Sometimes, you will remain in position and observe or listen for a time. Other times, you will rush forward, depending entirely on your guidesjudgment at that moment. After the shot or shots, you should reload your chamber and be ready. But before you move forward to check your elephant or look for sign, be certain you engage your safety, and maintain full control of your rifle with both hands. Before you move is the right time to top up your magazine, especially if you have fired more than one shot.

Approach a downed elephant with extreme caution, and do not rush ahead of your guide and trackers. Approach with your guide. Ideally, approach so that a final insurance shot may be fired from a safe position—either into the brain or heart, depending on how the elephant is lying. With elephants, it is the lack of reaction to that insurance shot that verifies the animal’s death. Once it is certain the animal is deceased, unload your chamber.

Frequently Asked Questions

Packing, dipping and shipping of trophies:

An import and export CITES permit for Appendix I and an export CITES permit for Appendix II animals are required for each shipment. Field preparation of trophies are done in camp and transported to a shipping agent designated by Dzombo Hunting Safaris. Clients will be put in touch with the shipping agent to discuss their requirements and arrange for the payment of services.

How is Elephant hunting regulated?

Elephant hunting is typically regulated by government agencies and conservation organizations, which set quotas, establish guidelines for hunting practices, and monitor the impacts of hunting on elephant populations. Some countries require permits or licenses for elephant hunting, and hunters may need to demonstrate their experience and proficiency with firearms.

What are the measurements for a trophy elephant?

The measurements used to determine the size and quality of a trophy elephant typically include the weight and length of the tusks. The tusks are measured along the outside curve, from the tip to the base, and the length of each tusk is added together to determine the total length. In general, a trophy elephant will have tusks that weigh at least 50-60 pounds each and have a total length of at least 100-120 inches. However, minimum requirements can vary depending on the specific hunting area and regulations, and some outfitters may have higher standards for what constitutes a trophy elephant. It’s important to note that the pursuit and killing of elephants solely for their tusks is illegal in many countries and widely considered to be unethical.

What is the best time of day for elephant hunting safari?

The best time of day for an elephant hunting safari can depend on a variety of factors, including the season, weather conditions, and the habits of the particular herd or individual elephants being hunted. In general, elephants are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, when temperatures are cooler, and may rest during the midday heat. This means that early morning and late afternoon hunts may be more likely to result in a successful encounter with an elephant. However, it’s important to note that hunting regulations and local customs may dictate when and how elephant hunting can take place, and that ethical considerations should always be taken into account when planning a hunt.

What time of year is the best for an Elephant hunting safari?

The best time of year for elephant hunting can vary depending on the hunting location and local climate patterns. In general, however, the dry season is often considered to be the best time for hunting elephants. During the dry season, which typically occurs in the winter months in the southern hemisphere and the summer months in the northern hemisphere, water sources can become scarce, causing elephants to congregate in larger numbers around remaining water sources. This can make them easier to track and locate for hunters.

Additionally, during the dry season, the vegetation is often less dense, making it easier to spot and track elephants through the bush. However, it’s important to note that hunting regulations and laws in different countries may dictate when elephant hunting is allowed and which seasons are open for hunting.

What rifles and ammunition are used for Elephant hunting?

The choice of rifle and ammunition for elephant hunting will depend on various factors such as the hunting location, the size and behavior of the animal, and the preference of the hunter. However, in general, elephant hunting typically requires powerful, large caliber rifles with heavy bullets that are designed to penetrate deep into the animal’s thick skin and muscle tissue. Common calibers used for elephant hunting include the .375 H&H Magnum, .416 Rigby, .458 Winchester Magnum, and .470 Nitro Express.

When it comes to ammunition, hunters should select premium quality bullets that are specifically designed for elephant hunting, such as the Swift A-Frame, Barnes TSX, or Nosler Partition. These bullets are known for their ability to penetrate deeply and deliver a lethal shot to the animal.

It’s important to note that hunting regulations and laws in different countries may dictate the types of firearms and ammunition that are allowed for elephant hunting. Additionally, ethical considerations should always be considered when planning a hunt, and hunters should strive to make a quick, clean, and humane kill.

Packing, dipping and shipping of trophies:

Legal Requirements

Many African countries have minimum caliber requirements for dangerous game, and hey, if they do, the elephant is always considered dangerous game. Both the legal minimum and common sense say that a .375 is the minimum caliber for elephant. Now, in many countries, this is not stated as .375. It’s stated as the European equivalent, the 9.3mm or .366 caliber, which is very, very minimal for elephant.

Things to be considered when hunting elephant

Premium grade solid bullets only should be used, also for body shots. Expanding or “soft” bullets should not be used on elephant.

Big Bullets Make Big Holes

Suitable caliber rifles with heavy bullets to break/penetrate bone. Generally, 9,3mm (.366”) and up should be used, although most countries stipulate a minimum of .375 (9,5mm) caliber. Bigger calibers are always better though and one should try to use the biggest caliber that can be fired comfortably and accurately.

Minimum calibers by country are

Namibia: 5400 joules Muzzle Energy .375cal
Zimbabwe: 9.3mm (.366”) or .375cal
Zambia/Tanzania/S.A./Mozambique: .375cal

Use of handguns and archery tackle is much more restrictive, specifically illegal in many areas but allowed in some. Now whether you prefer the European 9.3mm or the more common .375, or larger and more powerful cartridge, or a big handgun or archery tackle, keep in mind that whether enacted into law or not, minimum standards exist because of conventional wisdom developed over time and based on experience, which is both good and bad.

An elephant bull can be 10 times larger than the average buffalo. So, a .375 is a good sound, sensible minimum. And if the law allows and you choose to deviate from that and use a handgun or archery tackle or black powder, make sure it’s legal in the area where you’re hunting and discuss it with your PH.

Rifles for Elephant Hunting

The bolt action is by far the most common choice for visiting hunters. And there’s bolt actions and suitable calibers at a wide variety of price ranges. This is certainly the least expensive option, and it’s going to be effective. However, if you choose a bolt action, you have to make absolutely certain that all aspects of feeding and functioning are totally reliable. And in your practice sessions, make sure that you practice working that bolt so that you can get off follow-up shots quickly, if you need to.

The double rifle is the preference of many professional hunters because of the instantaneous availability of that second shot, and hey, that applies to visiting hunters as well. Elephant hunting is probably the only situation where the double rifle really is superior to the bolt action simply because of that instantaneous and reliable second shot.

The drawbacks to the double rifle are greatly increased cost and reduced versatility. But in this most specialized of all hunts, versatility shouldn’t be a major consideration. Several modern single shots are chambered for cartridges that are absolutely adequate for elephant. But a single shot isn’t recommended simply because of the frequent requirement for a quick backup shot.

Now as a visiting hunter, you’re not going to be hunting alone, so if you choose a single shot, that’s fine. Your professional hunter is going to be there, but he may well have to back you up simply because no human being can load a single shot fast enough when things go wrong with elephant.

No other action types, whether slide action, semi-auto or lever action, have been factory chambered for cartridges adequate for elephant. Custom work is possible, but you don’t see these in elephant hunting very often.

Bullets for Elephant Hunting

Non-expanding or solid bullets are designed for deepest penetration on the largest game. And these are the bullets you absolutely have to use. Elephant hunting is purely a game of shot placement and then penetration of the bullet..

The two primary choices today are the homogeneous-alloy or all-copper bullet—the solid, solid—and then the traditional jacketed bullet that has a lead core but it’s jacketed with a coating of mild steel, what we call steel-jacketed solids. Both are extremely good. There really aren’t any bad solids on the market today; it’s obviously a very small market. And these are bullets that you trust your life to, and really, all the solids on the market today are very good.

You should use the one that gives you the most confidence. The only limitation is that the homogeneous-alloy bullets have a slightly different pressure curve, may not be a good idea to use them in older double rifles with thin barrel walls. But again, just a matter of confidence. There aren’t any bad solids, but for elephant hunting, you’ve got to choose a solid.

Scopes and Sights for Elephant Hunting

Optical or open

Elephant hunting is one of the few situations in the entire hunting world where iron sights are superior to telescopic sights. Here are reasons why iron sights are superior: Ranges are very close and the target is very large, but proper shot placement within that large target remains essential. The use of a magnifying sight runs the risk of seeing nothing but a wall of gray at very close range. Also, telescopic sights tend to create tunnel vision. The greatest danger in elephant hunting may not be from the target elephant but from unseen elephants nearby, so peripheral vision is important.

Ideal iron sights for elephant.

Either aperture or traditional open sights may be used, but it’s important that they be extremely sturdy. Do not assume that iron sights are automatically stronger than optical sights. Also, if iron sights are chosen, do not assume that you can simply pick up the rifle and use them well enough. Practice is required!

Ideal scopes for elephant.

Because of familiarity with scopes or visual acuity, scopes can be used if there are issues that preclude use of iron sights. But in elephant hunting, magnification is dangerous and too much magnification can be deadly. Low-range variables with a low setting of 1X (meaning no magnification) are ideal, and a low setting of 2X is probably the maximum that should be considered. Lighted reticles greatly speed aiming and assist in shot placement.

Optical options.

Traditional open sights (notch or V rear, bead or blade front) require the eye to focus in three focal planes: rear sight, front sight, and target. This becomes increasingly difficult as range increases and greater precision is required. Also, open sights become more difficult for most people as middle age approaches and the eye becomes less flexible. The aperture, or peep, sight is an iron sight, but it is actually an optical sight in that the eye naturally centers the front sight in the aperture or circular opening of the rear sight. Thus, aperture sights require the eye to focus in just two focal planes: front sight and target. Most shooters can effectively use aperture sights for some time after open sights are completely “fuzzed out.” A disadvantage is that, in low light, all iron sights—open and aperture—quickly become hard to see. But an aperture sight is a valid option on an elephant rifle.

Another extremely sound option is the reflex or red-dot sight. This is a non-magnifying sight that projects or reflects a red dot as the aiming point. Actual dots may be yellow, green, or blue. But on elephant, a red dot is probably the most visible. The reflex sight, like a scope, allows the eye to operate in one focal plane. As with a scope reticle, the eye simply superimposes the dot on the aiming point. All iron sights and reflex sights encourage shooting with both eyes open, thus maintaining the peripheral vision that can be critical in elephant hunting.

Scope mounts.

While any mechanical device can fail, the scope mount is probably the weakest link. Recoil is the great enemy to both scopes and mounts, so strong and rugged mounts must be chosen and must be assembled properly in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions. Modern detachable mounts are adequately strong. But even if iron sights are present on the rifle, make sure you have another option in case there is scope failure or a need to go into extremely thick cover. That said, it has been proven that low-powered scopes and reflex sights are faster to use than any iron sights, even at very close range. In elephant hunting, shooting distances are usually very close. This is a situation where a hunter might consider removing a scope in favor of iron sights before concluding a stalk but only if the alternate sights are properly zeroed and he or she is completely familiar with them.

Quality

Both rifles and scopes take serious beatings in Africa, constantly bouncing over rough roads. Scopes should be rugged, and the best way to ensure that is to use one of the many high-quality brands and to avoid the most inexpensive scopes.

Protection.

Dust is a major issue in Africa. Bring a scope cover or lens caps. Leave it on your scope in the vehicle, and remove it when you commence a stalk. Using a soft gun case in vehicles will also save wear and tear on the scope as well as the rifle.

Handguns, Muzzleloaders, and Archery Tackle

Handguns, muzzleloaders, and archery tackle are legal in some areas. Elephants have been taken by the most imaginable alternative methods. Equipment requirements for these methods of take are highly specialized. (Remember that an elephant may be 10 times the size of a buffalo bull!) If alternative methods are desired, this must be discussed with and cleared by your outfitter and/or PH, preferably a person who has previous experience with the type of method you wish to use.

Hunting success is never assured, but the choice of alternative methods of take renders success more difficult. This is not a problem for dedicated handgun, muzzleloader, and archery hunters, but it must be understood. Also, the PH is morally and legally responsible for the safety of the entire party. If the PH deems it essential to shoot in order to prevent the escape of a wounded animal and avoid a dangerous follow-up, then that’s a judgment call he or she must be allowed to make. Obviously, when equipment of marginal power and penetration are used, it is more likely that the PH will be required to fire backup shots.

Elephant Anatomy

Two Varieties of African Elephants

Most authorities maintain there are two varieties of African elephants: the bush elephant found across most of sub-Saharan Africa and the forest elephant of the forest zone. Today, these are often described as two separate species: Loxodonta africana (the bush elephant) and Loxodonta cyclotis (the forest elephant).

The primary difference is size. Forest elephants are much smaller, with mature males averaging eight feet at the shoulder, while bush elephant bulls range from 10 to 13 feet or more. Weighing up to 15,000 pounds, the bush elephant is the largest land animal on Earth. But the size difference between the bush and forest elephants is significant enough that the Asian elephant, though smaller than the African bush elephant, is actually larger than the forest elephant.
Based primarily on size, the two African elephant types have long been recognized and considered subspecies. Separate species classification, though recent and not agreed upon, is based on differences in size as well as appearance. For example, bush elephants typically have four toenails on the front feet and three on the rear, while forest elephants typically have five toenails on the front feet and four on the rear.

e rear.

Common Behaviors

The African elephant is a browsing animal that must have prodigious amounts of both vegetation and water. A large elephant may consume 900 pounds of foliage daily. Elephants are thus highly destructive feeders and, when overpopulated, quickly devastate their habitat. Elephants will normally water daily and must water every other day. With their huge food intake requirements, they may travel many miles daily between good browse and water sources.

Elephants have extremely keen hearing and an uncanny sense of smell. Their eyesight is not on par with their other senses. But it’s unclear if they really can’t see particularly well or if they simply place greater reliance on their two stronger senses.

Elephants are social animals with a generally matriarchal society. The primary unit is customarily about 10 females, mostly related, led by an older female. Depending on available food and water, family groups may congregate into much larger herds, sometimes into the hundreds, but such gatherings are temporary.

Cows and Bulls

Although elephants are very slow breeders, normal population increase will be about 5% per year. Cows (females) can reproduce at about 10 to 12 years old, with single calves born after a 22-month gestational period. Although sexually mature earlier, bulls (males) are usually neither big enough nor strong enough to compete for mating rights until their mid-20s. By this time, bulls are nearly twice as heavy as females of the same age, but elephants continue to grow slowly throughout their lives until they reach old age.

As young bulls reach puberty, they are ejected from the family group. Cows may come into estrus at any time of the year, at which time bulls will join the group for breeding—with bulls fighting viciously for mating rights.

Cows are exceptionally good and protective mothers and are generally far more aggressive than bulls. However, breeding bulls experience an exaggerated level of testosterone, accompanied by facial gland and penis secretions (the former can be seen while the latter is found in tracks). The increased testosterone causes extreme aggression, a state called musth. Cows with young are always extremely dangerous to approach, but a bull in musth is probably the most dangerous.

Teeth and Tusks

Life expectancy depends primarily on tooth wear. Elephants have four molars, with new molars growing and moving forward replace the front pair as they wear. An elephant will replace its molars four to six times, but when the last set wears out, slow starvation is certain. Average life expectancy in the wild is about 50 years. But in areas with softer soil (such as montane and forest environments), elephants can live to 70 and more.

The tusks are actually incisors that continue to grow throughout an elephant’s life. Although tuskless African elephants occur in both sexes, both males and females typically grow tusks, with cow ivory much smaller and thinner than bull ivory. In the old days, it was said that an elephant may grow a pound of ivory per year, but this is not true. A bull in his 30s—in his prime—may grow several pounds of ivory per year, with growth slowing as he begins to age. To a degree, tusk size is somewhat dependent on body size, but genetics and minerals are probably much more important. While the trunk is the primary instrument in stripping leaves, elephants use their tusks for digging, for breaking branches, and for fighting. So, it isn’t unusual for an elephant to break one or both tusks during its long life.

Threats to African Elephant

Primary threats to the elephant are the illegal ivory trade and loss of habitat to human expansion. In the 1970s and 1980s, commercial poaching reached a peak, and elephant populations fell precipitously in much of Africa. In 1989, the international body Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) enacted a near-worldwide ban on ivory trade that blocked many markets and allowed significant recovery for 20 years.

Unfortunately, since 2009, a new wave of poaching has swept much of Africa. Total numbers continent-wide are uncertain and hotly disputed, but it must be accepted that the African elephant is again in crisis. That said, Africa is a big continent. There are several countries, primarily in southern Africa, where elephants have been protected and are being managed well.

Management

Since 1990, CITES has allowed exemptions for sport-hunted ivory for personal use, by quota, from countries that have demonstrated that limited hunting is beneficial to their elephant population. Namibia and South Africa have limited habitat for elephants, with current populations of a few ten thousand each at or near carrying capacity. Zimbabwe is estimated to have a minimum of 70,000 elephants, far above carrying capacity. These countries continue elephant hunting as part of their management, as do Cameroon, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia, all with approval of CITES.

Africa’s largest elephant population is in Botswana, which has 250,000 by recent (2015) survey. Although this number is considered far above the carrying capacity, Botswana does not currently allow elephant hunting.

For American hunters, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service does not precisely echo CITES in allowing importation of legally sport-hunted ivory. In 2017, import permits were being issued for Namibia and South Africa, with a moratorium on ivory importation from Tanzania and Zimbabwe (permitting for Zimbabwe ivory appears likely to resume in the near future).

Despite increasing pressure from illegal poaching, African countries that continue to hunt elephants consider regulated hunting an important tool because (1) placing value on elephants—through direct fees and local employment—deters poaching; (2) license and permit fees fund anti-poaching efforts; (3) legal safaris in the field deter illegal activities; and (4) with elephants being highly intelligent animals, legal hunting acts as a deterrent against human/elephant conflict (crop-raiding). In areas where elephants are overpopulated, the management imperative for hunting is as strong as for any species in the world.