It really looks like just as the PH draws a bead the buffalo suddenly accelerates and slightly changes his position. Looks like a hit to the right of center (from the bulls perspective) on his back? The crossbow hit was far back I think as there seems to be blood on his flank.
The funny thing is that the buffalo doesn't appear to be going fast (when you see the video). But; in real life it would be a different matter. It's a wonder that the buffalo didn't return to grind the hunter into the dirt!
Yep That last picture looks very familiar. Felt the same way after my brush with a very unhappy bull.
Dramatic stuff. Unfortunately the buffalo only had one option and that was to fight as I am sure he felt like he was cornered. Glad the guy was OK.
Don't think that the hunter ever fired the crossbow. PH is dang lucky he just got a glancing blow from the buff. Bruce
Shells both in magazine and on belt seem a bit long for .458 Win Mag. My guess is .458 Lott... Actually the bullet profile (bore rider) looks very much like the A Square Monolithic Solid...
Why did he keep moving towards the brush? He had an open shot at him from the start, and time to put one in him before he got up steam. Time for a follow up then.
Exactly what I thought! Almost like he stepped into that one....... Easy for me to be an arm chair QB though.
Exactly, I am not saying he did it wrong because I do not know. It just looks like he should have planted his feet and steadied for a shot.
We are seeing an aerial view. I am betting that he did not have the same visibility from ground zero as we have from the drone's view...
Looking at it again, that bull is well above any scrub. I can not see where a clearer view was worth walking perpendicular to the charge path.
Funny, I looked at it again too and I see it completely differently. As previously stated, we are seeing an aerial view. I am betting that the PH did not have the same visibility from ground zero as we have from the drone's view... Very specifically, the bull seems to me hidden behind the big round bush, and it charges when the PH walks around that bush to look at him... I would love to know the full story................ Unless the PH has a death wish (unlikely!), why does he sneak onto the buff? I would not be overly surprised if by then the buff had a crossbow arrow in the gut that somehow the camera forgot to show us ;-) ;-) ;-)
OK, I think I might see what what you mean. Before he starts his charge he is somewhat hidden by the brush. However, by the time the PH comes into the frame, the bull is fully exposed and clearly intent on doing damage. From their the PH moves his feet 5 times. I can see two moves. Plant front foot forward and set back foot. Again I no doubt have this wrong. That is just how it seems to me.
FYI, there is a misconception that one should shoot as soon as an animal begins to charge. This is erroneous. I believe that this video shows clearly that the PH is waiting for the animal to get closer before he shoots. He moves to the right a bit indeed and even then he does not shoot immediately. The reason for this is simple: there will be time for one shot only, especially from a bolt action rifle, and the pros will generally wait until the last possible moment to shoot in order to increase the chance of an accurate hit. I would say that the PH does everything right, except that at the end he shoots too high, purposely or accidentally I cannot say... The classic point of aim on a charging buffalo that is coming with his head high (until the last instant when he swoops down with his horns), is NOT below the boss or between the eyes, etc. but straight into the nose, which will either brain him as the brain is in straight line behind the nose from a shooter's point of view when the head is high, of may stun him and turn him. Shooting through the boss will invariably result in the bullet passing significantly above the brain. I can of course only speculate, but this is the way I interpret the scene...
That does make sense. I still think there was time for a shot and a follow up. But, that might be what is happening. Maybe some of the professional hunters can chine in.
OK, I just now am seeing this image. When does this happen? I watched the video, and then the you tube video and I never saw this. He must have come out from the brush and then walked back towards the brush after the bull charged.
