Agreed, it may lessen the danger but it will still be dangerous.

Everything else aside for a moment.

I just sent off a donation to the Memorial Fund for Owains wife of 44 years. Robbie will need the monetary support in the short term. If you are a true african hunter then you understand what this means.

Please, get the checkbook out and send in your donation today! Don't wait or put this off. The goal is to hand deliver 100% of the donations to Robbie in 6 weeks.

I thank you.

quote:

An erstwhile PH could stay safe at home on his property earning a living doing...something that doesnt involve the possibility of death.

This post proves that you don't have the faintest idea what you're talking about. An elk guide in Wyoming, sure, he can stay home and be an electrician or something else. A white man in Zimbabwe? What employment prospects does he have in the Mugabe regime?

I think that the tragic loss of Owain, whom I met and was blessed to have known, should serve as a wake-up call to all hunting clients that we have an ethical duty to be present, mentally and physically, at all times. You have an obligation to be proficient with your rifle and to have the stamina to handle not only the best but also the worst case scenario. Sure, you can walk 10 miles on the sidewalk, but can you do it over broken ground, in the heat, several days in a row? If not then you have an obligation to ensure that you don't have to, or that you don't go on the hunt until you can.

Walking around Safari shows you see a lot of old fat men chin-wagging with various outfitters. Oddly enough you don't hear as much about these old fat men climbing mountains in Tajikistan or doing backpack elk hunts in the Rockies, but they are always showing up in darkest Africa on hunts that are over their physical capability. Usually their limitations aren't exposed and everyone goes away happy. But when it goes awry and the client has to put in several long hard days and runs out of gas the felony has been compounded. These are the times when accidents happen and tradgedy can result. It is those clients who have failed in their obligation to do their best.

Again, all clients have an ethical obligation to be capable of the hardships of the hunt and to be able to place their shot properly or to not take the shot at all. If you cannot live up to these obligations then you must not undertake the task.

Accidents and tradgedies happen. That is the sad truth of it. We just have to do all that we can to mitigate the risks as best we can and a big part of that is being honest with ourselves regarding our physical capabilities and limitations.

I miss Owain. The time I spent with him was inspirational and I am sad that I will not have the opportunity to spend a hunt of my own with him.

338user said it best. It was a tragic accident and the client may have made a great shot that simply did not have the desired affect. We don't know what happened save a very unfortunate death of someone who was dearly loved. Let's remember Owain for his accomplishments among those which were a life dedicated to his family and his faith.


Dutch

The way we hunt we are.

First off, my sincere condolences to Owain's family and friends. I agree with a lot of the folks on here especially Buzz who says the responsibilities should be shared. I certainly wouldn't condemn anyone without knowing all the facts; perhaps Chris has some insight that we don't.

However, when you see the guys who are talking to the outfitters in Dallas, a good percentage of them are egregiously overweight and are clearly not able to run up and down the hills in the valley chasing buffalo or elephant without a super-human effort. God knows whether they can shoot, and there probably isn't any way to know that. (Few hunters would admit that they can't shoot), but I have never heard of an outfitter or hunter saying, "No, I don't care if you can afford it, you can't go because you are too fat, too old, too whatever..." It may go on but I have never heard any of the folks I hunted with, ever say that they turned anyone down for cause. I hope they do have some screening mechanism, but if they don't then it is not really the client's fault. Once they take their money, it seems to me that the PHs are obligated to take them hunting and hope for the best.

The Man died doing what he loved to do. I can only hope that when my time comes it won't be rotting in a hospital bed. My condolences to his family and friends.

Trial by internet . . . folks ought to also read the thread on reputations and where one goes to get a destroyed reputation back. With virtually no knowledge of the client, the facts or anything else, judgment has already been pronounced. That's sad.

This is a tragedy for sure, but that does not change the fact that Owain was doing something that he undoubtedly loved doing (or at least that he choose to do) and he certainly knew the risks of being a PH and the role a PH is intended to fill on a hunt. As clients we have a responsibility to be prepared and proficient. Whether that was the case here, who knows, but to suggest that the client is in some way at fault or to blame is a stretch to me.

quote:
An erstwhile PH could stay safe at home on his property earning a living doing...something that doesnt involve the possibility of death.

If this quote was directed at Owain or others in Zimbabwe perhaps this article below should be read. As some have indicated there are limited employment options for a white man in Robert Mugabe's Zimbabwe.

British hunter killed by buffalo he was trying to shoot

http://www.telegraph.co.uk

A British man working as a professional hunter on a private game reserve in
Zimbabwe has been killed by a wounded buffalo he was trying to shoot.

By Peta Thornycroft, Aislinn Laing in Johannesburg

2:45PM BST 11 Jun 2012

Owain Lewis, 67, had been tracking the animal for three days to finish it
off after it was shot and injured by a visiting American hunter he was
escorting.

Paul Smith, the owner of Chifuti Safaris in the lower Zambezi Valley, said
Mr Lewis was "very tough and experienced" but had been caught unawares when
the buffalo charged from the undergrowth and tossed him in the air.

"It turned on him and attacked him and unfortunately the apprentice hunter
with him could not shoot the animal as Owen's body was in the way," he said.

"It was a very tough fight. Owain's neck was broken but the apprentice did
manage to kill the buffalo.

"We are very shocked. This is the first time we have had an incident like
this.

"We have had so many messages of support from people who hunted with Owen.

It is a tragedy."

One of the people who hunted with Mr Lewis, Alan Bunn, posted on a message
board that he was "a man who had probably forgotten more about Africa and
hunting than any of the younger professional hunters will ever learn".

"He was a kind soul who worked hard and always carried with him the very
best of attitudes," he wrote.

Mr Lewis is understood to have adult children, who were travelling to
Zimbabwe from their homes in the United States and New Zealand for a funeral
on Friday.

He previously ran his own ranch in the Chegutu district of central Zimbabwe
but it was seized by Zanu PF supporters in 2001.

The Cape Buffalo is one of African safaris' prized Big Five and one of the
most dangerous animals in the world, also known as "The Widow-maker". It can
grow up to 1.7 metres in height and 3.4 metres in length, and weigh as much
as 910kg.

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
Trial by internet . . . folks ought to also read the thread on reputations and where one goes to get a destroyed reputation back. With virtually no knowledge of the client, the facts or anything else, judgment has already been pronounced. That's sad.

This is a tragedy for sure, but that does not change the fact that Owain was doing something that he undoubtedly loved doing (or at least that he choose to do) and he certainly knew the risks of being a PH and the role a PH is intended to fill on a hunt. As clients we have a responsibility to be prepared and proficient. Whether that was the case here, who knows, but to suggest that the client is in some way at fault or to blame is a stretch to me.

+1

Well said Mike.

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
Trial by internet . . . folks ought to also read the thread on reputations and where one goes to get a destroyed reputation back. With virtually no knowledge of the client, the facts or anything else, judgment has already been pronounced. That's sad.

This is a tragedy for sure, but that does not change the fact that Owain was doing something that he undoubtedly loved doing (or at least that he choose to do) and he certainly knew the risks of being a PH and the role a PH is intended to fill on a hunt. As clients we have a responsibility to be prepared and proficient. Whether that was the case here, who knows, but to suggest that the client is in some way at fault or to blame is a stretch to me.

Hear, hear...

We don't know all of the details. Judgment is certainly premature at minimum, if the members of AR have any right to judge at all.

A botched shot could happen to anyone at any time. It took me 37 buffalo, 7 elephants, 6 lions, 3 leopards and 1 rhino before I did it. When I did, it was serious.

It happens, unfortunately with awful consequences this time.

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:

A botched shot could happen to anyone at any time. It took me 37 buffalo, 7 elephants, 6 lions, 3 leopards and 1 rhino before I did it. When I did, it was serious.

Larry - hell of a good run.

That IS a good run, Larry. But as Larry and all of us also know, it could have happened on the very first one. You just don't know, and the circumstances are never quite the same for each DG taken.

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:

A botched shot could happen to anyone at any time. It took me 37 buffalo, 7 elephants, 6 lions, 3 leopards and 1 rhino before I did it. When I did, it was serious.

It happens, unfortunately with awful consequences this time.

Never has a truer word ever been spoken......... An incredibly good run though!

Damn Larry,

Good run is right. It could happen to anybody anytime. I hope I've gotten mine out of the way for good. However, one never knows what is next in Africa. This is a trajedy for sure but not unforseeable. None of us expect it to happen to ourselves but we all have a destiny to meet. Again, my condolences to the family.

I was in TZ in 96. The Moyowasi. I was on fire. I could not miss no matter what. Really hard shots too. Then I got a chance at a sable, broadside at 75 yards with a good rest. I missed! Why? Who knows? It happens.

We should all be more careful.

I am jinxed on sable.

Butch:

I hope you never get the opportunity to post pictures like those again. Brother, you were lucky. I am glad you went back.

quote:

"He was a kind soul who worked hard and always carried with him the very
best of attitudes,"

Chris, my sincere condolences on your loss.

Thoughts and prayers for his family.

quote:

That IS a good run, Larry. But as Larry and all of us also know, it could have happened on the very first one. You just don't know, and the circumstances are never quite the same for each DG taken.

Good Post, the only change I see needed, is it does not have to be DG for a shot to go wrong.

On the other side however, the reason the animals are called Dangerous is because they have the ability to extract vengence on the folks that hurt them.

As BBruce stated, the gentleman died doing what he lived to do, it is sad and tragic, but it really is better than slowly wasting away in a home somewhere esoecially if the person can remember how things were.

If anyone wants to blame someone, blame God, He was the one that made the decision as to how things were going to play out. My apologies if that offends anyone, but over the years I have learned that when it is your time to go, you will go, no matter the plans you have made or the friend and family you loved.

Mr. Lewis was doing what he felt wa his job. He knew the dangers involved and accepted the responsibility to sort things out. He needs to be let Rest In Peace, and we need to support his family and friends. JMO, again I am not intending to offend anyone.

quote:

Originally posted by Marty:
I am truly sorry for the loss of your friend, Chris.
As a client hunter with a few safaris under his belt, I too have had the experience of wounding and losing a buff. It was 2005 in the Save, a few safaris back. It was my first dangerous game hunt. I had practiced quite diligently with my 470, and told my PH (Bill Landry) that I felt OK out to 50 yards with the express sights. After several frustrating days of tracking, we quite suddenly found ourselves facing a herd across a small clearing. I allowed myself to be rushed into taking a shot by the situation, not by anyone else. Broadside, maybe 50 yards, nice bull. I shot low, and likely shot through the brisket. Just a few drops of blood. I was, of course, mortified. We followed up, and since the bull crossed the border into another property, permission was obtained to continue the followup.
I was told that the owners of the other property did not want the client on the followup. I don't really know who made that call, but retrospectively it was probably a good one, given my inexperience. I might have proven an additional hazard, rather than an asset.
I spent one of the longest days of my life in camp, while other people put themselves at risk sorting out a problem of my making. I was told that the bull had rejoined the herd, and probably would survive. I paid a trophy fee.
In spite of the fact that I have more experience now, and have shot my dangerous game rifles considerably more, I am still just an amateur hunter. I rely on professionals to keep things sorted out. After this tragic death, and the episode of Buzz's tracker, Criton, getting stomped, I have become more mindful than ever of what I am expecting the team to do. I am also more mindful than ever of my responsibilities as a team member, and, yes, the employer for whom these stalwarts take such risks.
I hope to God that nothing bad ever happens on one of my hunts, and if it does, that it is not because I wasn't able to do my job. It might, though, and that is a risk that we client hunters must come to grips with. What's the alternative?

Very honest, heartfelt and well said! You sir, are a gentleman, I would share a camp with you anytime!

quote:

Originally posted by buckeyeshooter:

quote:

Originally posted by Marty:
I am truly sorry for the loss of your friend, Chris.
As a client hunter with a few safaris under his belt, I too have had the experience of wounding and losing a buff. It was 2005 in the Save, a few safaris back. It was my first dangerous game hunt. I had practiced quite diligently with my 470, and told my PH (Bill Landry) that I felt OK out to 50 yards with the express sights. After several frustrating days of tracking, we quite suddenly found ourselves facing a herd across a small clearing. I allowed myself to be rushed into taking a shot by the situation, not by anyone else. Broadside, maybe 50 yards, nice bull. I shot low, and likely shot through the brisket. Just a few drops of blood. I was, of course, mortified. We followed up, and since the bull crossed the border into another property, permission was obtained to continue the followup.
I was told that the owners of the other property did not want the client on the followup. I don't really know who made that call, but retrospectively it was probably a good one, given my inexperience. I might have proven an additional hazard, rather than an asset.
I spent one of the longest days of my life in camp, while other people put themselves at risk sorting out a problem of my making. I was told that the bull had rejoined the herd, and probably would survive. I paid a trophy fee.
In spite of the fact that I have more experience now, and have shot my dangerous game rifles considerably more, I am still just an amateur hunter. I rely on professionals to keep things sorted out. After this tragic death, and the episode of Buzz's tracker, Criton, getting stomped, I have become more mindful than ever of what I am expecting the team to do. I am also more mindful than ever of my responsibilities as a team member, and, yes, the employer for whom these stalwarts take such risks.
I hope to God that nothing bad ever happens on one of my hunts, and if it does, that it is not because I wasn't able to do my job. It might, though, and that is a risk that we client hunters must come to grips with. What's the alternative?

Very honest, heartfelt and well said! You sir, are a gentleman, I would share a camp with you anytime!

_____________________________________

Very well said Sir!

Each shot and follow up presents a differant set of parameters...... My question is which method...... the quick running follow up by the shooter & PH -vs- waiting out the animal for stiffing up/bleeding out and the final death bellow is more likly to end up with problems for the huning party in your experiences?
Lee

God speed Owain

I think CCMDOC and Dave Fusion have summed it up perfectly.

My condolences to the family.

Dear AR Members thank you for allowing me to vent at the start of this thread. Some agreed, some did not and that's fine since I was not trying to win a popularity contest. I was not trying to place blame although some thought I was. I was simply trying to convince people who take on this challenge to be as prepared as they can PERSONALLY be and that is NOT too much to ask...is it? Knowing that this is a dangerous job is a no brainer and if you do something that dangerous for a long enough time, it seems that the fates will conspire against you. The anger has worn off and I apologize to anyone I may have offended. Regards to all...CHRIS

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:
I was in TZ in 96. The Moyowasi. I was on fire. I could not miss no matter what. Really hard shots too. Then I got a chance at a sable, broadside at 75 yards with a good rest. I missed! Why? Who knows? It happens.

We should all be more careful.

I am jinxed on sable.

"Sable Fever"

I read the account posted I think by Aaron, from camp. I don't see anything there about the client miffing the shot because he was a colossal bad shot. It could be implied that he wasn't in good enough shape to continue follow up on the third day. If that is the case what you're saying, between the lines, is that the client is either responsible because they were out of shape and a bad shot, or his being there that 3rd day would have made all the difference?

While I agree that if a person shows up and can't handle their gun and shoot it accurately they should be able to send them back home I think that the original post while "not directed" should have been. If you have a problem with somebody then call them out it directly instead of making it general which just makes you come off like an asshole (which apparently everybody gives a pass on because your friend died).

As many others have pointed out, probably a lot of the guys that can afford safaris aren't in the best of shape, consequence of having the type of job that makes enough money to pay for a safari right? I don't think for the most part that is going to put people in danger. And if it is a big enough concern put it in the contract and discuss it with the client, with clear expectations. "must be able to walk x miles hile carrying 15lbs, run a mile in x amount of time" whatever. the client will decide accordingly to hunt with that guy or not and the PH has the ability to send the guy off on the plane if he shows up and doesnt' cut muster.

the reality sounds like a VERY COMMON happening, a wounded dangerous animal got away. Then the ultimate tragedy somebody was killed on the follow up. I wouldn't be talking to much shit on the clients since it sounds like the one that was able to keep going did and actually killed the buffalo. you had three guys shooting at a wounded buffalo this is the kind of buffalo hunting story that gets remembered and makes them what they are in men's minds, THE most dangerous animal. I remember every story I've heard about how bad buffalo can be, I think that the fact that usually they go down easily has maybe lulled people into forgetting the potential thread. (I remember Jack O'Connor's story about one that was shot 10 times with big bores before finally going down, IIRC they shot it in the end from the hunting vehicle).

If I ever get to hunt africa I'm sure I'll be in worse shape than now, I'm gonna be sure to discuss it with my PH, so we both know my limitations (considerable )

Red

quote:

An erstwhile PH could stay safe at home on his property earning a living doing...something that doesnt involve the possibility of death.

[quote}If this quote was directed at Owain or others in Zimbabwe perhaps this article below should be read. As some have indicated there are limited employment options for a white man in Robert Mugabe's Zimbabwe.[/quote]

That quote wasnt directed at any of the MEN who have gone through what the Zim folks have gone through in the past two decades. I capitalize MEN because you lot are truly such. I've read these posts for a few days and I think I understand that there is or may be an undercurent of despiration when it comes to accepting money from some fat asswhipe who doesnt belong in a cat pen, let alone true bush, trying to shoot DG. My apologies, as one who comes from an area of the US where, in the early 1900s men died horribly in mines and steel mills in order to support their families.

I am truly sorry to have sounded so callous.

Always a bitch to hear of anyone being hurt or killed under whatever circumstances when out following their passion for hunting. A hypothetical question arises in my mind when following some of the comments here about being in or out of shape, having the right gear, having enough hunting/shooting experience. How many would go to Africa on their own if free hunting was available i.e. buy a licence, hire some transport and head out in the scrub on public land, find, stalk and shoot their animals DG included,without back up or any other assistance.

Personally if this was available, even at 60 years of age now, I would be there like a shot and quite happy to look after myself. Any thoughts?

quote:

Originally posted by eagle27:
Always a bitch to hear of anyone being hurt or killed under whatever circumstances when out following their passion for hunting. A hypothetical question arises in my mind when following some of the comments here about being in or out of shape, having the right gear, having enough hunting/shooting experience. How many would go to Africa on their own if free hunting was available i.e. buy a licence, hire some transport and head out in the scrub on public land, find, stalk and shoot their animals DG included,without back up or any other assistance.

Personally if this was available, even at 60 years of age now, I would be there like a shot and quite happy to look after myself. Any thoughts?

If a country did that, they would have the fatest hyenas in Africa!

465H&H

I'm sure if hunting dangerous game is carried on long enough Superman will be either the hunter or PH and get hammered by a buff or what ever from the planet Krypton. So even under ideal circumstances things can go very wrong.

That said, adressing the issues of out of shape hunters who can't shoot is a real issue. I watch some of the hunting shows with clients obviously in this category and know personally people who can't walk from their easy chair to their refregerator to get another snack without being winded who go out and "hunt".

Agreed most people only have the opportunity in their mature years to pursue the sport. I don't know what the answer is but as long as people who have money want to do something there will be someone out there willing to accept if from them to aid and abet their cause.

Should there not be some base line set to determine the qualifications of a potential hunter putting others in harms way? Ultimately it is the individuals responsibility to be honest with themselves as to their abilities and capabilities but shouldn't the PHs out there draw the line? If you can't get out of the shadow of the land rover and couldn't commit suicide with 1/2 a box of shells, well.........

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
Trial by internet . . . folks ought to also read the thread on reputations and where one goes to get a destroyed reputation back. With virtually no knowledge of the client, the facts or anything else, judgment has already been pronounced. That's sad.

This is a tragedy for sure, but that does not change the fact that Owain was doing something that he undoubtedly loved doing (or at least that he choose to do) and he certainly knew the risks of being a PH and the role a PH is intended to fill on a hunt. As clients we have a responsibility to be prepared and proficient. Whether that was the case here, who knows, but to suggest that the client is in some way at fault or to blame is a stretch to me.

I mirror these sentiments. Big ole +1

Any more amplyfing data on this horrible and sad incident?

I am 69. Full knee replacement in right knee, Two "wafers" in my neck along with a steel plate. A little COPD from over fifty years of smoking. Arthuritis in left knee.Disk going bad in lower back.
You will NOT leave me in camp when follow up is required when something I wound is being tracked!
I have eight hours one day and five on kill day of a lion when my scope was off. I had my first Buffalo go down less than two full steps from me. I will stand with my PH, follow up with my PH, and practice with my .416Rigby!
Anything else is a client who shoud have stayed home with whitetail!

The flip side of the 'unfit' client is a PH could easily tell a client when booking that unless the client passes a PT test and shooting test on the first day of safari, the deal is off. Kinda like Russell Brice kicks unfit climbers off his Everest summit attempts.

But I am not holding my breath.

quote:

Originally posted by Duckear:
The flip side of the 'unfit' client is a PH could easily tell a client when booking that unless the client passes a PT test and shooting test on the first day of safari, the deal is off. Kinda like Russell Brice kicks unfit climbers off his Everest summit attempts.

But I am not holding my breath.

No PH can afford to turn away 50% of his clients!

465H&H

quote:

Originally posted by 465H&H:

quote:

Originally posted by eagle27:
Always a bitch to hear of anyone being hurt or killed under whatever circumstances when out following their passion for hunting. A hypothetical question arises in my mind when following some of the comments here about being in or out of shape, having the right gear, having enough hunting/shooting experience. How many would go to Africa on their own if free hunting was available i.e. buy a licence, hire some transport and head out in the scrub on public land, find, stalk and shoot their animals DG included,without back up or any other assistance.

Personally if this was available, even at 60 years of age now, I would be there like a shot and quite happy to look after myself. Any thoughts?

If a country did that, they would have the fatest hyenas in Africa!

465H&H

Do you think so?

My point to my question was in some respects that I think that maybe fitness level,experienced or just plain good horse sense as Elmer would put it, would have a self limiting effect on those heading to Africa.
In my own country where free hunting is the norm and cheaply and easily available to all, you do not seem to come across visiting hunters taking on the more extreme wilderness areas hunting for deer, chamois and tahr unless they are very fit, capable and able to look after themselves and do the job i.e. we do not have hordes of unfit and ill prepared foreign hunters dying out in our bush and mountains even though there is nothing preventing them (other than their own good sense of preservation)of arriving on our shores and heading off do do their own thing.

I'm thinking that maybe because all hunting in Africa has to be under guidance of a PH and other observers etc that hunters of any make and model head out there relying on someone to lug them around, keep them out of trouble, and pander to their every wish?

quote:

Originally posted by eagle27:

quote:

Originally posted by 465H&H:

quote:

Originally posted by eagle27:
Always a bitch to hear of anyone being hurt or killed under whatever circumstances when out following their passion for hunting. A hypothetical question arises in my mind when following some of the comments here about being in or out of shape, having the right gear, having enough hunting/shooting experience. How many would go to Africa on their own if free hunting was available i.e. buy a licence, hire some transport and head out in the scrub on public land, find, stalk and shoot their animals DG included,without back up or any other assistance.

Personally if this was available, even at 60 years of age now, I would be there like a shot and quite happy to look after myself. Any thoughts?

If a country did that, they would have the fatest hyenas in Africa!

465H&H

Do you think so?

My point to my question was in some respects that I think that maybe fitness level,experienced or just plain good horse sense as Elmer would put it, would have a self limiting effect on those heading to Africa.
In my own country where free hunting is the norm and cheaply and easily available to all, you do not seem to come across visiting hunters taking on the more extreme wilderness areas hunting for deer, chamois and tahr unless they are very fit, capable and able to look after themselves and do the job i.e. we do not have hordes of unfit and ill prepared foreign hunters dying out in our bush and mountains even though there is nothing preventing them (other than their own good sense of preservation)of arriving on our shores and heading off do do their own thing.

I'm thinking that maybe because all hunting in Africa has to be under guidance of a PH and other observers etc that hunters of any make and model head out there relying on someone to lug them around, keep them out of trouble, and pander to their every wish?

With all due respect, your selection of fauna doesn't quite compare to the subcontinent. Nobody has to fear the dangerous
Tahr...

quote:

Originally posted by eagle27:

I'm thinking that maybe because all hunting in Africa has to be under guidance of a PH and other observers etc that hunters of any make and model head out there relying on someone to lug them around, keep them out of trouble, and pander to their every wish?

Look at how many outfits market their safaris. Luxury this, good food that, etc etc.

Not to mention, disposable income and large blocks of free time are often inversely proportional to overall health and fitness.

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Bunduki:

With all due respect, your selection of fauna doesn't quite compare to the subcontinent. Nobody has to fear the dangerous
Tahr...[/QUOTE]


eagle27, no disrespect, but in reality, there is a whole lot more over here that can make a hunt go pear shape very quickly. Snakes alone will cause most Kiwis to leave the room without even opening the door.

I'm with Chris and others who feel the hunter has an absolute obligation to bring their ' A game' to a DG situation. Hell I watch the same shows as some fatty who probably only stalks french fries and milkshakes busts a nice looking buff. Someone else watching the show pats their ample tummy and says 'I can do that too'let's go buy a rifle. Being harsh, yes you bet, what do you think I didn't want the french fries too ? We have no absolute control of the future and the three sisters (fate)may conspire against us, we may even outright screw it up. Few of us will be in triathalon shape or shoot like a sniper but if you don't bring YOUR personal best to a situation where serious shit can happen. SHAME ON YOU.