Zimbabwe PH Ian Gibson killed by Elephant
- Thread starter BigUglyMan
- Start date
When someone asks what all the fuss is about hunting dangerous game, or if it's even dangerous at all, one need only start listing the names of those who have been nailed by dangerous game in just the last few years. To name but a few: Owain Lewis (buffalo), Erwin Kotze (elephant), Rick Hopcraft (buffalo), Wayne Clark (buffalo), Godson Saitabau (elephant), Andre de Kock (shot by poachers), Mageka Ntuli (leopard). And that's not a complete list by any means, nor does it include the names of any trackers or clients, of which there have been several as well in the last while. It's a grand and addictive adventure, in part because there's always the chance it can go very, very wrong. And now we have one more name added to the list, a man of long experience and well respected by his peers for knowing his business.
As for the hateful commentary aimed at Ian's memory on the Internet the last few days, it's nothing short of appalling. But it does go to show just what a minority hunters have become in this increasingly urbanized and Disney-fied world we live in. But that's no longer Ian's concern.
"And the hunter home from the hill"
RIP Mr. Gibson.
As for the hateful commentary aimed at Ian's memory on the Internet the last few days, it's nothing short of appalling. But it does go to show just what a minority hunters have become in this increasingly urbanized and Disney-fied world we live in. But that's no longer Ian's concern.
"And the hunter home from the hill"
RIP Mr. Gibson.
Ardent
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Well said Neo. Brittany Boddington's dog handler Zukile (Leopard and gunshot), Christo Andre Kaiser (Elephant), Bob Fantana (Buffalo [A BC outfitter and guide killed in Africa]), and you could even add Jeffery Ripley here in BC last year. The real list as you point out is dozens longer in just recent times with clients, trackers, and lesser known PHs considered. Many more are maimed than killed as well, my friend and coworker's mother of all people had a tusk go through her abdomen and survived it when she didn't clear the trail as fast as her husband. Hunting on the ragged edge comes with a great deal of risk and I'm just glad Ian Gibson lived a full life before his time came.
One could safely speculate that there is a place at a table waiting in Valhalla, with a full tankard of ale already set out?
As a awful as it seems, it poses the question; better to go out with your boots on, in your prime...or, an old man in bed?
As a awful as it seems, it poses the question; better to go out with your boots on, in your prime...or, an old man in bed?
BigUglyMan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Scotland
One thing's for sure...the PH lineup there is stacked.
I always hear in particular about bush pilots and PHs they died doing what they loved. That's so wrong. No one wants to die, but he died in the service of his duties and job, so with that being said the man should be given great reverence for the services he provided for many years. The clients he's made dreams come true, the prints and impressions he's left on the dark continent. I hope he's having a sun downer with the likes of bell and selous
Well said. I have no doubt that none of these guys wanted to die - doing what they loved or otherwise.
Bottom line is: it's an inherently dangerous pursuit with (mostly) controlled risks. That's why a lot of people are drawn to it. For Ian, as with so many, I'm sure it was a passion and the reason to look forward to each day. (Reminds me of my PH pointing to an acacia tree backlit by an African sunset. He say's "How do you like my office?")
As regards the sundowners, one can only hope. He'll be in some very good company.
Ardent
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
You raise a good point, I knew several who have died flying, you've known more; none of them would have been happy about how the end came even if it was with their boots on. In our professions we have to remember ends before their time, even if interesting, are a terrible thing. I even forget that myself.
bigborefan
Regular
- Location
- Kawartha Lakes, ON
Very sad news indeed. RIP
He does have that familiar look about him of someone you've met or knew, who want's to help you be successful.
By God's grace, we pray that his family will be able to endure such an incalculable loss.
Bob
www.bigbores.ca
He does have that familiar look about him of someone you've met or knew, who want's to help you be successful.
By God's grace, we pray that his family will be able to endure such an incalculable loss.
Bob
www.bigbores.ca
Sorry to hear about your friend BUM.
Any of us who sometimes take calculated risks in the course of our work or recreation believe we have prepared properly to make the situation work out ok. Like you, I also forget, that many my of peers that have lost their lives felt just like me until for fraction of a second they realized "this one is it". As a kid in northern BC, it seemed to me that pilots got different jobs or became statistics. We all probably minimize the risk to our loved ones so they don't worry too much.
Any of us who sometimes take calculated risks in the course of our work or recreation believe we have prepared properly to make the situation work out ok. Like you, I also forget, that many my of peers that have lost their lives felt just like me until for fraction of a second they realized "this one is it". As a kid in northern BC, it seemed to me that pilots got different jobs or became statistics. We all probably minimize the risk to our loved ones so they don't worry too much.
Just watched HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher from last Friday. He ended the show by taking pleasure in reporting the death of Ian Gibson. Maher is ardently anti-gun, but is also a PETA supporter. The comments and audience's reaction to the same was shocking and beyond crass.
You can't take him to heart. He's an idiot. He is anti second amendment but openly admits to owning guns for his own protection. Between that statement and the fact he supports PETA tells you everything you need to know about how relevant his opinion is.
