I am saddened and sickened to see all of the 'hooray for the elephant' posts that follow the news of this good man's passing. I never knew Ian Gibson, but I know it takes a rare human being to be a PH, and by all accounts, he was a fine one. I posted this on one string that appeared on my fb feed:
"Actually, folks, this merits a little deeper analysis than just "hooray for the elephant". Gibson was the Professional Hunter, the guide who insures that the client is able to safely make the kill and manages every aspect of the client's experience. If all goes well, the PH rarely has to discharge a firearm. If things do not go well, the PH puts himself between the quarry and the client and attempts to stop the charge with a well placed shot. If that does not work, then he gets the horns, claws or tusks and the grim results that follow. In modern times, the PH is almost always an avid conservationist who works within the laws of the country to harvest wildlife that is mature and insure that the conservation of the species is well funded and that the species as a whole is healthy and at sustainable population levels. Very likely, the client who booked Mr. Gibson's services paid a sizable 5 figure fee to stalk and take that elephant. The licenses and fees generated by a dangerous game safari almost entirely support the conservation efforts in countries like Zimbabwe. This also insures that endangered animals are protected and that game wardens are paid and on the job. This is a sad loss for conservation and I suspect that Gibson was an exceptional fellow. RIP."
Good hunting, Ian.
WDMB
and nice 
