Would you be happy?

[HookMeUpII]

Everyone should be happy they're not dead, in the hospital, or in a wheelchair.

 

[steve white]

YES! We always forget the camera man, and he stayed right in there close up as the buffalo passed at speed.
BTW, for all those who think: A. I will have time to shoot since I will see the buffalo start to accelerate, and B. those who think they know how fast a buffalo can attain top speed....it was an eye opener!

 

[SStomcat]

Everyone seems to be jumping straight to the worst-case scenario. Yes, DG hunting carries inherent risk—but so do preparation, judgment, terrain knowledge, and a competent, reputable PH with solid trackers.
The numbers tell the real story. Thousands of DG hunts happen every year, and yet the casualty count can usually be measured on one hand. If DG hunting were as deadly as some make it out to be, the bush would be littered with client boots.
With proper preparation, awareness, and a good PH, the odds of a fatal outcome are, in my view, comfortably under 1%. Respect the risk—but let’s not confuse calculated danger with certain doom.

 

[Altitude sickness]

I think if you removed the qualified PH from the equation. There would be far more maimed and dead clients.

 

[HookMeUpII]

Everyone seems to be jumping straight to the worst-case scenario. Yes, DG hunting carries inherent risk—but so do preparation, judgment, terrain knowledge, and a competent, reputable PH with solid trackers.
The numbers tell the real story. Thousands of DG hunts happen every year, and yet the casualty count can usually be measured on one hand. If DG hunting were as deadly as some make it out to be, the bush would be littered with client boots.
With proper preparation, awareness, and a good PH, the odds of a fatal outcome are, in my view, comfortably under 1%. Respect the risk—but let’s not confuse calculated danger with certain doom.

I don't disagree with you. But if either the hunter or PH didn't move when they did, either could have gotten a horn to the face. Maybe not dead but definitely a trip to the hospital.

They call it dangerous game hunting for a reason.

In that scenario, everyone SHOULD be happy they got away unscathed.

 

[SStomcat]

I think if you removed the qualified PH from the equation. There would be far more maimed and dead clients.

Absolutely. Take the trained PH out of the equation and yes—more maimed and dead clients. Much like removing pilots from airplanes or surgeons from operating rooms.

 

[Altitude sickness]

And when still learning to fly. If the amateur is going to crash the plane the pilot takes over.

He doesn’t let the student crash the plane because the student is concerned about his pride.

 

[BJH65]

Everyone seems to be jumping straight to the worst-case scenario. Yes, DG hunting carries inherent risk—but so do preparation, judgment, terrain knowledge, and a competent, reputable PH with solid trackers.
The numbers tell the real story. Thousands of DG hunts happen every year, and yet the casualty count can usually be measured on one hand. If DG hunting were as deadly as some make it out to be, the bush would be littered with client boots.
With proper preparation, awareness, and a good PH, the odds of a fatal outcome are, in my view, comfortably under 1%. Respect the risk—but let’s not confuse calculated danger with certain doom.

Everyone is jumping to a worst case scenario because an actual charge took place from a wounded buffalo, that changes things dramatically.

This from ChatGPT when I asked about wounded cape buffalo charging hunters:

• If a wounded buffalo charges you, the risk of serious injury or death is extremely high — far higher than typical hunting accidents.
• Many guides treat a charging buffalo as a situation that is “likely to injure or kill” unless you stop it instantly.

What This Means in Practical Terms

• Most buffalo hunts don’t end in wounds charging you — professional hunters and PHs do everything they can to avoid that outcome.
• But if you do wound an animal and it turns around and charges, the odds swing strongly against a clean escape — often estimated well above 50% risk of serious injury or worse.

Why the Risk Is So High

• Cape buffalo are big (up to ~1900 lbs/860 kg) and very aggressive, especially when hurt.
• They are known to circle, hide, and ambush rather than run straight away.
• They are fast (up to ~35 mph / 56 km/h) and can cover short distances before you react.

Bottom line: There isn’t an exact universal percentage, but based on hunters’ field data and expert commentary:

• ≈10% of buffalo shots result in a wounded animal that could charge.
• Of those wounded animals, only a minority will actually mount a deadly counter-charge — but if one does charge, your chance of serious injury or death is very high, estimated by experienced guides to be greater than 50% in that specific scenario.

I can’t say I disagree with this assessment.

 

[SStomcat]

In that scenario, everyone SHOULD be happy they got away unscathed.

Happy to be alive and uninjured for sure. But if I were the hunter, I would have liked the opportunity to put in the kill shot, especially the 3rd shots, where both PH shoot.

 

[SStomcat]

And when still learning to fly. If the amateur is going to crash the plane the pilot takes over.

He doesn’t let the student crash the plane because the student is concerned about his pride.

If every DG hunter were a clueless student pilot, I’d agree. Thankfully, that’s not how it usually works.

 

[RR 314]

I think the buffalo saw that orange jacket and charged at him .I had huge bulls chase me across the pasture and and almost knock the fence down to try to get to me in my orange vest .

I think you just came across those rank bulls on a bad day. Same with Mr. Fudd. Domesticated and wild bovine are both effectively colorblind. I think the results would have been the same for you and Elmer no matter what color you were sporting.

To the initial question, I think the PHs did their job. The client was happy and seemingly relieved. I would be relieved, and thankful, they cleaned up my mess.

 

[HookMeUpII]

Happy to be alive and uninjured for sure. But if I were the hunter, I would have liked the opportunity to put in the kill shot, especially the 3rd shots, where both PH shoot.

I've not hunted DG but I have been to Africa and seen them. Anyone hunting buffalo should in their mind understand that in some cases, their shot may not be the final one. That's just how it goes. Same for elephant, lion, hippo, etc.

I've seen enough videos to know well placed shots in succession often don't bring them down. They're just built different.

No reason to be unhappy.

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

The clearest takeaway Is guiding isn’t an easy way to make a living unless everything goes as planned for the hunter. I’d be thankful not to have gotten run through.

My only buff hunt, I had a camera man, 2 PH’s, and 2 trackers. We were hunting an old arrogant bull in the Waterberg in a large area. There was concern that this bull would charge due to his nature and a previous unsuccessful hunt for him. That, along with rain a week earlier that caused the bushveld to thicken and visibility to lessen, and I was made well aware that every effort would be given to me to make the first shot. I was also aware that the 2 other PH’s would shoot if required. I had no problem with that.

Sure enough, on our way back to the trucks, after pushing hard all morning and part of the afternoon, the old bull was waiting for us at around 60 yards off the trail, but in an open shooting lane.

Luckily, he was looking the opposite direction when he was spotted. As soon as I got on the sticks, which happened in an instant, he turned to face us and I made a quick shot! The camera man didn’t even have time to get the camera on and rolling. Bull went straight down and we had to run up to him and I made the 2 final shots to finish him.

There was a point in the morning where we were closing on him at about 30 yards on a thick narrow trail, and we saw him disappear into the bush. That was exiting as we had to back off a little to see if he would settle or charge. Neither happened, he kept going and circled back on us. On the way back, we later found fresh dung on the same trail. That was eerie…

 

[Sabre]

Happy to be alive and uninjured for sure. But if I were the hunter, I would have liked the opportunity to put in the kill shot, especially the 3rd shots, where both PH shoot.

So, if it were you, are you saying you would be unhappy with the PHs for shooting your bull during the charge and on the 3rd shots?

 

[pilar]

I wouldn’t be upset if a PH had to step in , I see any type of Dangerous Game Hunting as a team sport, the PH is responsible for a lot of folks on the ground , hunter , trackers , camera crews if present, assistant PH , ect. Once a charge is coming and committed on destruction,PH & assistant PH , hunter in that order, should have control of safety.
It’s not overkill to have a chain of command in danger zones.
Nothing wrong to start a DG hunt ( or any hunt ) with a safety meeting to discuss the safety chain

 

[DaddyFlip]

There were several things to dislike about the video and yet, a few positives. Would I be happy were I in THIS CLIENT'S shoes? Yes. We have to assume the client picked out his trophy with help from the PH. He took the shot before the bull walked or ran, it was just a little back; so the client marked his trophy- I'm happy so far. (We also have to assume the client took the first shot.)

The PH saw the charge coming and shot a full two seconds before the client flinched. Right there, good or bad, right or wrong, the client got a life experience I doubt few can claim. Both PHs fired long shots trying to anchor the bull running away- good I'm still happy. After that, I saw tracker and both PHs on point protecting the client. Then the double anchor shots by the PHs to avoid another charge. If I'm supposed to be unhappy, I'm not because it's still my trophy I marked with the first shot.

Then the client with the insurance shot, which is an essential part of a DG hunt even if everything goes right. I'm happy the hunt is over and I won.

I liked that the PH reassured the client that it was a good bull and a good first shot, even if it wasnt. The client was obviously happy with the experience and got more than he bargained for.

Maybe the camera saw something the hunters didn't see, but there appeared to be a clear shot on the wounded bull before they moved into position for the charge? Why didn't they shoot sooner?

I have an alternate theory on the orange camo. Client didn't start out wearing it but put it on a bit later and changed hats. Maybe he got cold but what if they had him wear it when the actual DG hunt started and they wanted to be able to know where he is at a glance? I've never been to Africa so I don't know.

 

[JimP]

The big problem with looking through the camera lens is that you just might be seeing something totally different than what the PH or hunter is seeing. That little bit of a different angle can give you a totally different perspective.

I've watched a number of hunting shows where I have asked myself why the hunter hasn't pulled the trigger yet and than after the animal takes one or two steps the rifle goes off. The camera man had a clear shot but the hunter didn't. Just a matter of perspective.

 

[dogcat1]

I have taken a number of buff, a lion, a leopard in the DG arena. I tell the PH - You shoot if there is any doubt about my shot or about the direction the buff is headed. I have had the PH shoot three times - a lion that was coming for us after the first shot, a buff that just happened to run toward us and another buff that was close to a herd that we did not want him mixed up in. All three of my shots were kill shots but not dead right there shots. I was most appreciative of the PH's shooting.

 

[Art Lambart II]

in 2024 I was charged by a wounded buffalo at 7 yards, once a charge happens, everyone shoots until the buffalo is dead, anything else is just stupidity.

 

[SStomcat]

So, if it were you, are you saying you would be unhappy with the PHs for shooting your bull during the charge and on the 3rd shots?

First, please watch the video again. There was no visible charge when both PHs fired; the only actual charge occurred after the client’s first shot. Whether a second charge was imminent before the PH opened up is pure speculation—we simply don’t know.

Case in point: yes, I would have wanted to take the finishing shots—that’s the whole purpose of the hunt. I’m paying for the safari, and unless it’s a clear do-or-die situation where my life or someone else’s is in immediate danger, the client should have priority to finish the animal.

In this case, it appears the PH may have lost confidence in the client and acted accordingly. That’s his prerogative. However, based on what’s visible in the video, the PH’s performance didn’t exactly inspire confidence either.