In memoriam - Professional Hunter Greg Michelson killed by Buffalo

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

I didn't think so.

I was confused by him claiming to have started this thread

It is a very sad situation and reminds everyone that we are playing for keeps when hunting DG

I live in Zimbabwe we are quite a few hours ahead of the USA. I received a message from a relative of Gregs. At about 0700 CAT time I posted. Zimbabwe PH killed by buffalo. I knew the name but not having any more details I felt it not appropriate to post more info.

A little later I looked and I saw the second, but different post. I have no idea what happened to my post.

This tragic event certainly was not a race to see who is the first to post.

Lon

 

[Doubleplay]

I live in Zimbabwe we are quite a few hours ahead of the USA. I received a message from a relative of Gregs. At about 0700 CAT time I posted. Zimbabwe PH killed by buffalo. I knew the name but not having any more details I felt it not appropriate to post more info.

A little later I looked and I saw the second, but different post. I have no idea what happened to my post.

This tragic event certainly was not a race to see who is the first to post.

Lon

Lon,
I had no intention to be the first to post this tragic news.
When I read on about it on FB I just wanted to get the word out there because it wasn't posted yet...
Regards

 

[Randy F]

So sad to hear. Condolences to the family.

 

[sniper7]

Very sad to hear this. Condolences to his family and friends and may he rest in peace

 

[TERMINATOR]

Lon,
I had no intention to be the first to post this tragic news.
When I read on about it on FB I just wanted to get the word out there because it wasn't posted yet...
Regards

It’s not a big deal

I was just confused because…it was confusing

It certainly isn’t important who posted first but I was trying to figure out if Lon had two screen names since he stated he started this thread

That is all

And it isn’t worth derailing the thread or having people get defensive

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

It’s not a big deal

I was just confused because…it was confusing

It certainly isn’t important who posted first but I was trying to figure out if Lon had two screen names since he stated he started this thread

That is all

And it isn’t worth derailing the thread or having people get defensive

No just one name.

Lon

 

[hamphibius]

In 2023, I had the privilege of hunting with Greg near the Kafue River in Zambia. Greg was not only an outstanding Professional Hunter but also a remarkable companion. His patience in selecting game and meticulous approach to shot preparation ensured that our safari was both successful and memorable. Together, we harvested excellent sable, dangerous game, pigs, and antelope, all without ever feeling rushed.

Beyond the hunt, I enjoyed the time spent in Greg’s company. Even though I am about twenty years his junior, we found common ground in our discussions—talks that ranged from books and international politics to the wars in Iraq and the bush, and, most importantly, our children.

I was fortunate to witness Greg’s expertise firsthand as he set up hunts, stalks, blinds, and post-harvest photos. His fieldcraft was impeccable, and I’ve carried the lessons I learned from him into my own hunting experiences with my children. In this way, Greg’s legacy will continue to live on through my family.

The attached photo of Greg captures a moment I’ll never forget—a monster hippo that I harvested under his guidance in 2023.

As we remember Greg, let it be said, "Well done, be thou at peace."

 

[DieJager]

Thank you for sharing your story as a tribute to the deceased and his loved ones. Eloquently written.

 

[A Frame66]

Prayers for the family.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

May he rest in peace. Anyone who does a dangerous job or hobby, from dangerous game hunting to motorcycles to sky diving, has the talk about going out "with their boots" on and meeting their maker while doing what they love.

I hope in the end it was easy and his family can find peace that he was doing what he loved.

 

[Neophyte]

May he rest in peace. Anyone who does a dangerous job or hobby, from dangerous game hunting to motorcycles to sky diving, has the talk about going out "with their boots" on and meeting their maker while doing what they love.

I hope in the end it was easy and his family can find peace that he was doing what he loved.

Speaking from personal experience, going out while being hooked and stomped by a bovine is a horrible way to go.

I been hooked more than once and it feels like George Brett hitting you with a baseball bat. That’s not the problem. The problem is the feet. The feet kill you. Just ask Brett Thurman.

Oh wait, we can’t ask Brett. He’s dead. Lane was killed by Bad To The Bone’s horn but usually the horns don’t kill they just make you feel like you wish you were dead. I been stepped on too and got the broken bones to prove it.

The Lane I’m referring to is Lane Frost. Look him up. Also look up Brett. Good guys and taken from us much too soon.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

Speaking from personal experience, going out while being hooked and stomped by a bovine is a horrible way to go.

I been hooked more than once and it feels like George Brett hitting you with a baseball bat. That’s not the problem. The problem is the feet. The feet kill you. Just ask Brett Thurman.

Oh wait, we can’t ask Brett. He’s dead. Lane was killed by Bad To The Bone’s horn but usually the horns don’t kill they just make you feel like you wish you were dead. I been stepped on too and got the broken bones to prove it.

The Lane I’m referring to is Lane Frost. Look him up. Also look up Brett. Good guys and taken from us much too soon.

I don't disagree at all. That's why I hope it was easy in the end. I'm just saying that since there is no way to erase what is done, I hope he and his family can be at peace.

I haven't been stomped by a big critter, but I've had my run ins with bears and big bulls. Have had myself and family some deadly experiences with motorcycles.

Yes, people taken too soon. But hoping to find peace that it was something that brought joy up until that moment.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

Condolences to his family and friends.

 

[festuscat]

Sadness washed over me when I learned the news.
Condolences to his family and all who knew him

 

[Nyati]

Sad news, RIP

 

[CBH Australia]

As @Red Leg

Losing PHs due to life expectancy is one thing,. As we all are somewhat aware that we all die sometime. Loosing one's life prematurely should never be acceptable. Contrary to those that claim: "That's why they get paid the big bucks!"

Condolences to the family.

I don’t think it’s about getting paid the big bucks.

It’s not the only dangerous profession, it’s not the only dangerous pursuit or recreational activity. Unfortunately a life has been lost and it’s irreversible.

Chances are he had a profession he was passionate about and worked to provide for a family. I’m not going to weigh in on the client as we don’t know the details.

There is an element of risk in most things we do and that might simply be crossing the road and when something fatal happens it’s no less tragic.

 

[Ridge Runner]

Condolences to the family.

I don’t think it’s about getting paid the big bucks.

It’s not the only dangerous profession, it’s not the only dangerous pursuit or recreational activity. Unfortunately a life has been lost and it’s irreversible.

Chances are he had a profession he was passionate about and worked to provide for a family. I’m not going to weigh in on the client as we don’t know the details.

There is an element of risk in most things we do and that might simply be crossing the road and when something fatal happens it’s no less tragic.

[I'm being derogatory to these kind of people with this kind of attitude]

Contrary to (as in against) those that claim: "That's why they get paid the big bucks!"

Not from forum members that I can remember or am aware of.

What I picked up on was one fellow saying he heard, .....someone had been injured, maimed, wounded, or killed....

I wasn't eavesdropping, just could not help over hearing a couple of fellows discussing safaris/
hunts, PHs/Guides, etc. and the other one's more derogatory comments refering to outfitters, and/or PHs/ Guides saying, '....well that's why they get paid/make the big bucks.'....

My guess, by the other guy's gestures and negative attitude, he had paid several thousands of dollars to an outfitter and/or PH/Guide for a safari/hunt, that required hunters to have a PH or Guide. That he wasn't happy with the high quality, near record book or record animal he killed. And felt cheated (or rather disgusted) because his lodging wasn't a pallace, and the PH or Guide didn't constantly fetch him drinks, spoon feed him his meals and tuck him in bed at night for the money he paid.

 

[cajunchefray]

In 2023, I had the privilege of hunting with Greg near the Kafue River in Zambia. Greg was not only an outstanding Professional Hunter but also a remarkable companion. His patience in selecting game and meticulous approach to shot preparation ensured that our safari was both successful and memorable. Together, we harvested excellent sable, dangerous game, pigs, and antelope, all without ever feeling rushed.

Beyond the hunt, I enjoyed the time spent in Greg’s company. Even though I am about twenty years his junior, we found common ground in our discussions—talks that ranged from books and international politics to the wars in Iraq and the bush, and, most importantly, our children.

I was fortunate to witness Greg’s expertise firsthand as he set up hunts, stalks, blinds, and post-harvest photos. His fieldcraft was impeccable, and I’ve carried the lessons I learned from him into my own hunting experiences with my children. In this way, Greg’s legacy will continue to live on through my family.

The attached photo of Greg captures a moment I’ll never forget—a monster hippo that I harvested under his guidance in 2023.

As we remember Greg, let it be said, "Well done, be thou at peace."

View attachment 628822

Thank you for sharing your personal experiences with PH Greg, bringing humanity to this thread.
May his soul rest with God, and his family endure the grief, and continue on with life.
Did he have children?

 

[CBH Australia]

[I'm being derogatory to these kind of people with this kind of attitude]

Contrary to (as in against) those that claim: "That's why they get paid the big bucks!"

Not from forum members that I can remember or am aware of.

What I picked up on was one fellow saying he heard, .....someone had been injured, maimed, wounded, or killed....

I wasn't eavesdropping, just could not help over hearing a couple of fellows discussing safaris/
hunts, PHs/Guides, etc. and the other one's more derogatory comments refering to outfitters, and/or PHs/ Guides saying, '....well that's why they get paid/make the big bucks.'....

My guess, by the other guy's gestures and negative attitude, he had paid several thousands of dollars to an outfitter and/or PH/Guide for a safari/hunt, that required hunters to have a PH or Guide. That he wasn't happy with the high quality, near record book or record animal he killed. And felt cheated (or rather disgusted) because his lodging wasn't a pallace, and the PH or Guide didn't constantly fetch him drinks, spoon feed him his meals and tuck him in bed at night for the money he paid.

Don’t take it personally, just quoting the quote.

 

[AndreZA]

Rest in Peace Greg