Wounded Cape Buffalo Charge

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

For errors sometimes you pay....
Witold

 

[DUGABOY1]

I’ll not argue with anyone on this video being a screw up by the client. However when viewing a video the camera angle can make one see something that would be contrary to the same scene from a different angle.


So everyone in this group may have seen the action differently than the camera man. It is so easy to play Monday morning quarter back when something is seen from only one angle. We have all seen plays called back in a football game when the action was reviewed and seen from another angle.


As far as going in single file the bush in this case made it almost necessary and is not dangerous if everyone minds their rifles muzzle.


I’ll simply reserve my opinion because I only saw this from one angle!

 

[BRICKBURN]

...............
... is not dangerous if everyone minds their rifles muzzle.................

The secret in every situation.

 

[siml]

@DUGABOY1 , you spot on with your comment.

 

[jand]

I’ll not argue with anyone on this video being a screw up by the client. However when viewing a video the camera angle can make one see something that would be contrary to the same scene from a different angle.


So everyone in this group may have seen the action differently than the camera man. It is so easy to play Monday morning quarter back when something is seen from only one angle. We have all seen plays called back in a football game when the action was reviewed and seen from another angle.


As far as going in single file the bush in this case made it almost necessary and is not dangerous if everyone minds their rifles muzzle.


I’ll simply reserve my opinion because I only saw this from one angle!

100 % Sir.

 

[norfolk shooter]

I have been in many situations when we have been in a small group (4-6 max) and have had to form an extended line to engage the target. I must say muzzle blast to the side of your head can take it out of you!! Having had the experience I then started stepping right to one side and would go down on my knee or remain standing depending of what the chap I'm paired up with wass doing. But never behind him always next to him.

 

[Beans]

An old timer said resently when interviewed about the most dangerous animal.
a nervous client behind you flipping his safety on and off.

 

[Charles Moniz]

I hunted Buff with my longbow in ZA and the PH that was backing me, when it came time for me to shoot at 7 yards he was backing away from me.
He was 4 yards behind me backing away. I asked him what was going on? He continued backing away with his 500 Jeffery bolt action.
I took the shot with no issues. I understand that this is what we as hunters choose to do, hunt, put ourselves into a dangerous situation and all other that accompany us. Calm nerves and clear thinking Gents.

 

[Petrus Geldenhuys]

So two things that stood out to me in this situation. The tracker in front of the PH ran into him as soon as that Buff charged which took the PH's aim off of that Buff, this has happened to me on a buffalo hunt as well and believe me its not fun. Then secondly that client nearly shot that PH, You cant walk up to a wounded animal in single file....... anyway its easy to comment until you were in that situation.
I think they were very lucky!

 

[Bernard de Lange]

A little too close for comfort. I think that buffalo caught everyone off guard he circled and waited for them. I have always hated a client behind me with a loaded gun. Those are the sort of situations everyone, PH & Client should learn from, things can change in a split second.

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

I agree with Bernard and Petrus.
Witold

 

[CTDolan]

I seem to recall Capstick having mentioned a client who put a 458 bullet through the collar of his shirt...while he was wearing it!

Personally, I think it was a horribly bad move on the part of the client. That bullet was inches from perforating the PH (and seemed to have had no affect on the buffalo, the big black beast only deciding to turn upon receiving the PH's response).

 

[daved]

Man !! That got the hairs up on the back of my neck !!

We do get shouldered in between a rock and a hard place doing the job we do.

 

[tarbe]

I simply cannot fathom a PH wanting a client directly behind him, with a loaded rifle, while following up on a wounded buffalo.

If I think the client can be trusted to be a help, he should be where he can employ his rifle, safely.

If the client cannot be trusted in the situation, he should be back at the bakkie.

This "in-between" scenario (ie the PH in between the buffalo and a client with a loaded rifle) has so little positives to it, and a whole lot of potential negatives.

I am just popping off my mouth...I have never followed up a wounded buff. And if a Professional says I am full of crap...well, I guess I very well may be. I stand ready to be corrected.

As a client, I would not want to be behind the PH in this situation. I would want to be alongside, so I can get my rifle in play immediately and safely.

 

[DUGABOY1]

This will help:
Take your six best friends on your next deer stalk. Have them all walk abreast.
Let me know how successful you are in getting in close.

Absolutely......................

 

[bpcr]

I'm not a professional hunter but if I was behind the PH I would have never took that shot...just sayin.

 

[siml]

I still think the camera angle makes it look like a dangerous shot.

 

[BGHA]

Jeez, that was a close one, in more ways that one!

 

[Edward Wright]

This is not the first video I have seen of the client shooting from behind the PH. I would not follow any game in the bush without a solid plan. I can tell you that deer hunters loose their wisdom when driving deer from thickets.
My insight is to limit the the guns to PH and client, rehearse the client position, and firing order. Go over tracking wounded DG in camp before hunt. If client is weak, or shows indecision, then leave them back.
PH related story to me of client who fired on a lion, and then ran back to truck.
I want my PH to trust me, and I would stress that in spades before the hunt, and my dedication to his welfare, and that of the trackers is not doubted.

 

[Ridgewalker]

I guess it's like they say..."you had to be there!"
A pretty shaky spot to be from all directions.