Your a bit of a dark horse Rob. I had no idea you had been to Zim.
I have to admit, I had no intention of taking an Elephant at the time, as I was hunting Cape Buff. But as the Elephant in question had only half a trunk due to a poachers snare, it befell me to do the job. I will freely admit I would not have shot this cow, if it had a calf. This was something I could not do. But as luck (if you can call it that) would have it, it was a barren cow.
I took no ivory, or skin away as a trophy, only a few tail hairs which I had made into bracelets, all of which I gave away to friends apart from one which I still have. The whole village turned out and devoured it. And it is the only animal I have ever had filmed while I shot. Most present to collect the meat were women and children, who were very hungry.
Would I do it again YES, if the circumstances were the same. Would I go for Elephant on a trophy basis, probably not, having taken one although a cow, I have no desire to take another.
Funny culling Red Hinds in the winter in Scotland, as a rule you should take the calf as well, does anyone have a problem with that? Personally I dont, but at times I have not shot, because I did not feel right, or the dam was showing a tender moment towards the calf, stalkers do have hearts, despite what the antis feel or say. Being a hunter means you show respect for your quarry.
Showing due respect gentlemen that is the most important thing at time like this. There is a right time for everything.