Hunting lord derby eland in Cameroon with Safari Chelet.
Lord Derby is considered part of the "classic" spiral horned species of Africa and for many hunters one of the most prestigious trophies to hunt and it's easy to see why. Not only are lord derby eland amazingly beautiful but also very challenging to hunt.
Cameroon offers two well known hunting options namely the Cameroon Forest Hunting Safaris (see video here: • The Kings of Cameroon ... ) and the Cameroon Savannah Hunting Safaris.
In this video we are in Cameroon hunting giant eland in the Savannah. Here hunters can pursue several species like: Lord Derby Eland (or Giant Eland which ever you prefer), Harnessed Bushbuck, Sing Sing Waterbuck, Red Flanked Duiker, Western Hartebeest, Western Roan, Western Savannah Buffalo, Kob and Red River Hog to name a few...
Lord Derby Eland hunting is not for the faint hearted. First there is the travelling to get to the hunting area. If this doesn't break you, you're in for a treat... Because it doesn't get any better from here... Hunting vehicles are under equipped and in some cases fairly old, camp and amenities are very basic but adequate, the soup is great, the meals are ok, sometimes. The guides and trackers speak French, or some weird other language they seem to make up as you go that you also don't understand. The drives are hard and long, especially if the cushions on the seat are either worn out or you don't even have one (typically in the cameraman's case).
Be prepared to spend hours and eventually days tracking lord derby eland without seeing any eland. The miles will stack up and don't be surprised to walk a few hundred miles before getting an eland. This is not an understatement believe me. If the eland are there and the tracks are good it is not uncommon to walk 30-50 miles for the day. Watch the video to see the tracking and walking conditions while tracking lord derby eland. Some parts have small, hard ant mounts that continue for vast stretches of the hunting area which makes for difficult and tiresome walking conditions. It can be a tough hunt for sure, but this emotional rollercoaster makes for a very special and unforgettable hunting experience when it all comes together. Getting on the eland is difficult but very exciting once you do. The terrain and the vegetation plays in their favour but once you get a glimpse, it helps motivate you to push on and harder to get it done.
Giant eland hunting is an incredible hunting safari and no trophy room will be complete without an old hairy and dark lord derby eland bull present.
Out shooting conditions were typically tough through thick vegetation even though the area did have some open "more savannah" type areas as well.
Burning the tall dead thatch grass is an integral part of hunting the Cameroon Savannah. The grass get's too tall and thick which makes it near impossible to be successful. Walking in the burnt areas is no fun though. The fine ash everyone kicks up while walking not only makes everything dirty but forces you to wear a buff to cover your nose and mouth to help with breathing.
This particular eland took us two trips over two seasons to harvest. We spent many days tracking eland, many hard days. It was a very fulfilling moment when we eventually stood next to this magnificent lord derby eland we finally were successful in taking. Too many ups and downs to mention but know this, this was a very emotional end to a very emotional and gruelling hunt.
Well worth it for sure, lord derby eland hunting at it's best!
24 июн 2020
