Dear E-Mail Extra Subscriber Kathi Klimes,


There has been yet another incident in the field this season with dangerous game. This time a client was struck and carried through the brush by a Cape buffalo. The attack occurred in the Rungwa Ikili area of central Tanzania during a safari with Jack Britingham's Tanzania Adventures. Miraculously, the client, Melissa Neugebauer of Texas, escaped with only minor injuries. PH Leon Lamprecht dislocated a thumb on one hand and injured his other hand as well.

According to Lamprecht and Neugebauer they were tracking a lone buffalo. The bull, which had apparently bedded down in the miombo, suddenly charged them from only 20 paces, nose up in the air. Lamprecht was barely able to get a shot off at the hip before the animal had passed him to charge Neugebauer, who miraculously landed across the bull's boss, fitting perfectly between its horns. The animal shook her, trying to get her off its face, but never managed to gore her. It finally began running blindly with her through the miombo before stopping short to dump her on the ground. Neugebauer says she curled up to protect her head and vitals as the buffalo proceeded to walk over her. Incredibly, she says its hooves never touched her.

The buffalo turned away from Neugebauer at that point and focused on Lampretch, whose gun misfired when the buffalo was only five paces away. Lampretch could only extend his arms with his rifle, matador-style, and step back. The buffalo locked his horns on the rifle and with two shakes threw the rifle one way and Lampretch the other. Thankfully, the bull decided to run away at that point instead of reengaging the hunters.

Tanzania Adventures immediately called for air evacuation and had Neugebauer flown to Nairobi for medical attention. Except for some scratches from the brush and a badly bruised hip, she was uninjured. Ironically, while in the hospital awaiting the results of various tests, she met and exchanged buffalo stories with PH Martin Nel, who was still there recovering from surgery after his encounter with a bull only a week before. You'll recall I told you about his incident as well.

When I spoke with Neugebauer she was already home resting and very thankful that she escaped serious harm. As for Lamprecht, he received stitches in one thumb, which burst open from the impact of the charge, and has had his other injuries treated as well. He is recovering and will be back in the field shortly.

While the outcome of this most recent dangerous game attack is rather positive, it could easily have been disastrous for both Neugebauer and Lamprecht. It serves to reinforce our warnings about making appropriate preparations in case of an emergency during a hunting trip, especially in remote places. Don't even think about going on a hunt in Africa, Alaska, Canada, Asia or any other far away destination without arranging for emergency evacuation insurance. Here at The Hunting Report, we recommend Global Rescue. Make sure you've also got a satellite phone to call for help. We can help you with that too. Get out hunting, but stay safe. - Barbara Crown, Editor.

Sounds like a lucky event on everyone's account!!

I would be very interested to know the circumstances behind the rifle misfiring, ie equipment malfunction, faulty ammo etc.

Might have been a situation that a double would have been a good choice for the PH.

Probably a double with two triggers!

quote:

Originally posted by ozhunter:
Might have been a situation that a double
would have been a good choice for the PH.

Almost always true, no?

I can't see how stateing or agreeing that a double might have been a good rifle to have in such a situation could posiably be crucifying Mr Lamprecht.
Two Triggers by the way.

Damn, seems like those Cape Buffalo have an unsociable streak, seems like word would have gotten out...

quote:

Originally posted by Will:
Probably a double with two triggers!

Probably didn't take his medication before posting this morning!

quote:

Originally posted by pichon1:
I would be very interested to know the circumstances behind the rifle misfiring, ie equipment malfunction, faulty ammo etc.

Good news is no serious injuries. Before we all get carried away, lets wait for more information on the equipment problems.

No need to blame the PH. Equipment malfunctions. So does the human brain. Under stress, while tired, a split second / instinctive decision is made. Maybe right, maybe not. None of us knows what he will do until the sheets hit the fan on our own watch.

As for doubles, let's face the fact that most PHs simply cannot afford them. If you think your PH ought to have a double, then give him one!

This one should be studied by anyone who thinks the PH will always be there to pull his fat out of the fire.

quote:

As for doubles, let's face the fact that most PHs simply cannot afford them. If you think your PH ought to have a double, then give him one!

This is good Idea

Seloushunter

Hell, it's a GREAT idea!

quote:

Originally posted by 500grains:


As for doubles, let's face the fact that most PHs simply cannot afford them. If you think your PH ought to have a double, then give him one!

At the price I sold mine I practically did.
Oh, have met quite a few PHs with doubles but met more that want one..

quote:

Originally posted by jetdrvr:
This one should be studied by anyone who thinks the PH will always be there to pull his fat out of the fire.

Jetdrvr,

Ain't that the truth!

JPK

quote:

Originally posted by Will:
Probably a double with two triggers!

I just heard from a friend who hunted with Leon in Tanzania recently. Although Leon normally carries a .375 in this case he was carrying a 500 double...I hope to get more details.

I hunted out of the same camp as Leon in Mozambique, although I was using another PH, Leon is an extremely knowledgeable and an experienced PH. I would feel very comfortable hunting with him.

Regards, D. Nelson

quote:

Originally posted by Jefffive:
Damn, seems like those Cape Buffalo have an unsociable streak, seems like word would have gotten out...

Yeah....their bad attitude makes me feel like I need to go kill some....5 or 6 to be exact, with my 500 NE to be more exact.

Leon is the consumate professional. If any of you guys want to think about criticizing him, his company or anything else, you are either uninformed, or simply daft. No one is immune to a blind charge by an unwounded or even wounded buffalo. Get off your high horse. Better yet go make your living successfully sorting out buff from the jess for a few years and them comment on Leon.

Jeff

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Bunduki:
Leon is the consumate professional. If any of you guys want to think about criticizing him, his company or anything else, you are either uninformed, or simply daft. No one is immune to a blind charge by an unwounded or even wounded buffalo. Get off your high horse. Better yet go make your living successfully sorting out buff from the jess for a few years and them comment on Leon.

Jeff

quote:

Origenally poste by:Vlam

Not judging any of you as everything you have said may be correct, just dont like the way these posts go from speculation to law by the 10 th post because no one bothers to read what is written in the first place.

Just see it for what it was, an attempt to shed more light on the situation and maybe get people to think twice before they jump on their high horse and wound the poor guys career based purely on hearsay. Just remember that it is never the good stuff that gets remembered. While the rest of you are living your lives away from the forum, what has been written stays and is quite likely to be found and believed by prospective clients regardless of the truth of the statements or lack there of.
We need to be more responsible in what is written and base it on fact, not merely use another mans downfall to enforce our point or reinforce the choices we have made in equipment choice.
Please take this post in the good natured way it was written, it is not pointing fingers, merely trying to preempt what has happened with so many other posts in the past. I am sure you know what I am talking about.
Good Hunting
Ian

Ian Blakeway

What did either of you see that was derogatory toward Leon Lamprecht? I saw nothing in any of the posts that would indicate anyone here blameing him for this incident!

IMO, these two posts are the ones likely to cause a row, more than anything I've read so far.

Gentlemen it is only natural for a hunter of dangerous game to want to know the cause of a missfire durring a close charge, not only the type of rifle but the ammo involved. If the ammo was bad, he couldn't have known that till the trigger was pulled, and only a click was heard. If the rifle malfunctioned, because of something breaking, that too wauld have been a complete surprize to the shooter, I'm sure. So, how do questions about that, have any negative bearing on the PH?

My question is, why start trouble where none exists?

quote:

Originally posted by Vlam:
Pot moving a bit slow for you Mac?

Bwana - Do you have any contacts that could tell us more?

No the pot is not moveing at all for me! I don't have any contacts that can tell us anything other than what has already been said, which is that the two are OK with minor enjuries, tahnk God, because this, as you well know, could have been much worse! I think that alone should tell most here that nobody was to blame for this, it just happened, and tahnkfully turned out better than it might have!

I just don't see anything that rings derogatory toward Leon,or his client, that's all! Maybe you guys read something I'm not smart enough to understand! It wouldn't be the first time I miss-understood the jest of a post or two!

I'm with Mac, WHERE THE HELL has anyone said anything derogatory about the PH involved?

Mac, I find the smirking comments about the need for a double rifle and 500's comments about reflexes edging to the negative. By the same token I don't find my previos post to be a challenge. I will stand by my statements.

Jeff

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Bunduki:
Mac, I find the smirking comments about the need for a double rifle and 500's comments about reflexes edging to the negative. By the same token I don't find my previos post to be a challenge. I will stand by my statements.

Jeff

I found 500 grains comments to be SUPPORTIVE Funny how some people can put a negative slant on anything.

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Bunduki:
Mac, I find the smirking comments about the need for a double rifle and 500's comments about reflexes edging to the negative. By the same token I don't find my previos post to be a challenge. I will stand by my statements.

Jeff

You might want to go back and reread the first sentence in 500's post and think about it a bit!!!!

Facts can be hard to come by, but I am always interested in getting the facts from a participant in a hunting misadventure like this one (or if need be another reliable source) so that I can learn from them.

I reread 500's post and you are correct my apologies. However standing up for someones character and reputation should not be construed as a negative Pichon.

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Bunduki:
I reread 500's post and you are correct my apologies. However standing up for someones character and reputation should not be construed as a negative Pichon.

quote:

Originally posted by Vlam:
I stand by what I said, it was neither untrue, directed at anyone, or aggressive; it was pre-emptive and if noone else perhaps the man with the injured body and pride may one day be grateful that he did not receive a grilling on a forum in addition to the hit from a buff.

Good day to you all and I look forward to hearing some facts when they can be heard from the PH, Client or Outfitter, not from a publishing house and most certainly not based on speculation

Ian, I understand your desire to head off a donnibrook, but in this case,you were out of line!

Below are some facts, but not from the PH himself, but from common sense, from those here who, have been right where Leon found himself, and his client, and are well versed on the firearms used in such persuits. IMO, you tend to think of everyone here as only keyboard jockies, and that is another mistake on your part, sort of rideing a "HIGH HORSE", don't you think?

Here is a FACT! Noone was impuneing the man, and nothing was said that would shine badly on the man, his client, or company!

Here is a fact! The man's rifle misfired, and the only question about that was, Was it the rifle or the ammo? IMO, that is a reasonable question, not answered yet, but reasonable. That in no way is derogatory against Leon, but simply a valid question.

Here is a fact! If the rifle missfired, and he didn't attempt a second second shot, why? If it was because it was a bolt rifle that there was no time for a second shot because of haveing to clear the barrel of the dud, or something in the rifle broke, then......that is not the PH but the rifle/ammo.

Here is another FACT, the above FACT would tender the comment, "That is a case for a double rifle!" That is not to say Leon should have had a double rifle, or that he should rush out and buy one, but is certainly an indication of the utility of one, in this case! Not a indictment of the man for not haveing a double.

Here is another FACT: It is true that he may have been useing a double rifle, and the angle for a second barrel would endanger the client rideing on the boss of that bull, and that is the reason the second shot was not fired. I doubt that however, because after the bull dumped the client, it charged LEON, and if he was not holding an "out of service rifle" he would certainly have fired on the bull at that point. As stated in the letter, he could only poke the bull in the face with the rifle,resulting in his enjuries as well. To me that would indicate an out of service rifle.

Ian, these were all legitimate questions, not indictment of the man, but qestions most who go against dangerous game on a regular basis, need the answers to, because they may find themselves in the same canoe! I fail to see how any of this could generate your accusations of people on this forum ganging up on Leon. If anything, posts like yours is what starts the heated exchanges in the first place!

Ian, none of these FACTS/questions, in any way, calls Leon's actions into question, quite the contrary! IMO, the man did what he could, and those actions, in a very tense moment, may be the determining factor for the extended life of his client, and maybe himself as well! So in closeing HIGH HORSES are ridden by lots of people, but in this case IMO, you were soundly mounted in that saddle!
.............................

Vlam, the hot weather and lack of toilet paper in public restrooms in Dubai must be making you irritable. There is no need to get upset. Everyone is free to post facts (even accurate ones!) and opinions (even ones that are not stupid!), and other members can read the post or not, take it with a grain of salt or not.

These things happen and if you hunt enough buffalo your turn in the barrel will come! and it ain't nobodys fault, its just that s--t happens when you hunt "dangerous game"..happens every year, has happened to almost every PH with experience..The truth is that is why we hunt dangerous game, admit it or not....

quote:

Originally posted by Vlam:
FACT, you still have not ready my original post
FACT, none of my comments made any reference to any of you
FACT, no one but the man who was there can make judgment
FACT, I want the same answers you do and will wait until they are given
FACT, I want them from the man himself
FACT, people get hurt through speculation
FACT, you have misinterpreted everything I have said
FACT, This is why people who could be of great value to us stop posting here

Mac we are after the same facts here, I just chose to ensure that this mans reputation did not suffer due to speculation.
If you are after something else then please go ahead and speak up because you are beating the same points to death here.
Perhaps next time I should insult you directly so you have a legitimate reason to continually berate me for daring to stand up for another who could not do so himself.

You may be right in all cases except people sullying the PH's rep, That is not so! As far as my berateing you, that is not true either, I just think you are mistaken in your opinion, that your posts are the correct version, and everyone else's are somehow not acceptable.

I did a search of your 95 posts,sence Sept 2006 and in almost every one, you are takeing a confrontational tact,takeing issue with posts, and telling everyone what they should post. This the reason my posts were aimed at you is, because you seem to be the only one telling everyone what they should, and should not post here.

This is not a grammer school, and you are not the teacher. So, my suggestion to you is, post what you want on any subject, that is your right here, but your freedom to swing ends at the end of the next man's nose, and you shouldn't be surprized when others take offence when you consantly take issue with what people write. The people here are not, for the most part, kids. Most being in the 40-70 yr old bracket,(72 in my case) and were many were likely punching holes in big animals before you were born! So! I think it isn't any wounder that some don't apprecieate your constant scolding!

Everyone posting on this thread, has told you they mean no harm to Leon, yet you still think you should set the posting rules here!

Ian you haven't been here all that long, and though you post little, you have already aquired an internet persona of a pot tender!

As far as you offending me personally, you can't do that. I have a skin like a rhino, and insults bounce off me like BBs! I think you will find, if you read enough here, that there are several people here who can teach some things to a person willing to learn, but noone can teach a person who thinks he already knows it all, and wants to tell everyone else what to think!

I agree with you that sometimes these things get out of hand, with missinformation, but this isn't one of those cases,and IMO noone is blameing Leon for anything! I personally would think he did everything he could under the cercumstances! Still I want to know why the rifle missfired, and what type rifle it was, and I still think that is a reasonable request, that sheds no ill light on Mr. Lamprecht !

...................BYE

Mac, you prove my point with such flair, you deserve a medal. Thank you.

quote:

Originally posted by Vlam:
Mac, you prove my point with such flair, you deserve a medal. Thank you.

GOLD, SILVER, or BRONZE?