More times than not when you’re hunting it just falls apart; disappointment, dashed expectations, “almost” but not “quiet enough”. Then sometimes, when you’re really lucky it comes together. It’s one of the greatest feelings in the world – bagging an awesome trophy – the effort, expense, dreams just dropping in place. Then, for the exceptionally lucky few, very occasionally – you hit a home run.
Dan Bolt, of San Antonio, two weeks ago, hit the world series, bases loaded, home run of hunting. He shot a great 60 pounder elephant in Zimbabwe, but that wasn’t all. That was only one of two! He also took a remarkable “storybook” 90 pounder as well (sounds like a turn of the century “Karamojo” Bell story). Dan was hunting with our own Arnold Payne, CTSC member, of Impala African Safaris in Zimbabwe. Dan booked the hunt, not knowing fully what to expect. Arnold has been a long time donor to our club, and has provided many successful dangerous game hunts for our members. One memorable trip both club member hunters scored huge leopards. In this case, Dan’s incredible dream elephant hunt took place in the Tsholotsho region of Zimbabwe. The tribal lands are only 4 hours or so outside Bulawayo, south of the famous Hwange National Park.

Arnold warned Dan, it would be wet, extremely hot, and a very rough challenging hunt. The hunting concession was massive covering a truly impressive area. For the hunt, Impala African Safaris offered an extremely comfortable camp, top notch food, as well as great equipment – all critical for a successful hunt.

For Dan, it was some of the toughest hunting in his career, but without a doubt obviously worth it. Arnold’s PH, Calvin Nobrega, was ferociously tenacious, always going further seeking a bigger bull – the perfect heavy bull. Dan, didn’t get a great deal of sleep on this trip – up early hunting hard. Calvin’s drive and persistence paid off. Over the course of a week he saw over 400 bull elephants the first seven days of the hunt. Nobrega was always on bulls, judging them, then moving on. Seeking that one holy grail of the shooters. Many were in herds of 50 on up. In almost 20 years of hunting, I have never experienced this jumbo density.

Leading up to the final stalk, Dan kept coming across small groups of elephant – none meeting the PH’s standard. Finally, they stumbled into the mother lode, over 60 bulls ambling away. There were a number of 60 pounders in the herd. In Africa, today, this is amazing. In all of my career hunting and photography I have only viewed two or three 60 pounders. As they began to stalk and move around the herd, Calvin saw a big 70 pounder. He was massive, as they moved to get into position, on the far edge of the herd, he then caught site of a jumbo 90 pounder moving off by himself. Conditions prevented Dan and Calvin from following him up. They took it slow and easy working the edges of the herd trying to get in position for a good clean shot on the milling elephant.

Later in the day patience paid off, the gargantuan elephant moved back into the herd and Dan, guided by Calvin began stalking up. Nobrega, a school chum of Arnolds, is Impala African Safaris’ “go to” man for elephants. Arnold relies on him heavily as his elephant expert, especially when the hunter is looking for big bulls. Without doubt this elephant qualified as record heavy ivory. Dan and Calvin eased up on the big bull – patience, patience, sliding towards him. As they gradually snaked closer, taking care to watch the wind, other elephants, and staying silent they got within an amazing15 yards. From personal experience, it takes nerves of steel to get that close to these massive animals and pull the trigger.
Dan took careful aim, using the venerable 375 H&H caliber, a Winchester Model 70, with the 1.25 x 4 Swavorski scope, he fired, dropping the elephant in one shot. In the process taking what is probably Zimbabwe’s top elephant for the year, as well as one of the top SCI records for 2010.

We are proud to have a top notch outfitter in our club, Impala African Safaris. Arnold Payne puts on some exceptional hunts, if you’re interested in having a chance at taking a once in a life time jumbo elephant check out the web site www.impalasafaris.com or phone 480-558-6932.

Dan – congratulations on an exceptional job, there are few, if any hunters, in the last half century that shot two big elephants in a week. It’s testimony to your hunting skills and endurance, Calvin’s tenacious persistence and guiding, and Arnold’s amazing operation.