Sorry to hear this news Tim. Wishing Stu a quick recovery, he is a very lucky man!

Arjun

What a terrible post to have to put out. It must be hard on you. Thankfully, Stu should be OK. Prayers sent for the both of you and thanks have already been sent for it not being worse than it already is. Accidents happen, as this year has proven. God Bless all involved.
Rick

Very fortunate that the bullet was a solid. A bullet passing through the clavicle area can hit the blood vessels going out to the arm. If this happens, you bleed out in fairly short order. It can also hit the brachial plexus, which is a bunch of nerves going primarily to the arm. As he can move his arm, this doesn't appear to have happened.

Fingers crossed, but it seems like everyone got lucky. Very lucky.

I am so sorry to hear of this, Tim. Make no mistake, there are two wounded, here. I hope and pray both of you recover quickly and fully.
I would not want to be in either of your shoes right now. This is sobering for us all.

Prayers go out to everyone involved.

I am praying.

Thoughts and prayers to all involved.

Hoping and praying for the best.

Mark Hampton

Tim, Stu, and families. Prayers to all.

Mike

my prayers to everyone involved, Tim, my respect to you for having the courage to make this difficult post.

Thoughts and prayers for everyone involved.

Yes thoughts and prayers for everyone involved...Keep your chin up Tim!

Quickly want to say thank you for all the support here. Proves AR is a great bunch of folks. All the support on the thread, in PM's and emails has been overwhelming. I will report on Stu as we know more, hopefully within a couple hours...

So sorry to read this. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. Accidents happen and it could have been much worse. Focus on the fact that Stu is now in capable hands to heal him.

Wishing all involved a quick recovery.

My thoughts and prayers are with you both and your families. Take care of yourselves.

Tim, my prayers are with you and Stu. Take care of yourself and best wishes to Stu for a speedy recovery.

David

Just read this. As has been said before, this was an accident, born out of a firefight with another damn buffalo.A reminder to those that will be hunting him and his tribe that these things are fast,strong, and unpredictable at ANY TIME, wounded or not. Tim give me a shout when you get home and I will get you running on the relief effort as best I can.
This can happen to each and every one of us Tim, hang tough.

Tim your a class act and stand up guy for making such difficult posts regarding this accident.
my thoughts and prayers are with all involved and also with hunting parties everywhere.

So sorry to hear this Tim. My prayers for both Stu and you.

Sorry to hear it Tim, prayers sent.

Sorry to hear this news, great courage from you in this post, wishing Stu a complete and speedy recovery.

First and foremost- I wish Stu a quick and speedy recovery. \My prayers are with him and his family.

Second, a few comments:

quote:

Originally posted by Tim Herald:
...but I wanted to get this out firsthand and quickly before a rumor mill begins....

This is still your version of the story and your story does point to what some might call, negligence...for instance:

quote:

As I fell, I hit the trigger and my gun discharged.

Rifle basics: 1. Do not keep your finger on the trigger of a loaded weapon. 2. Do not walk backwards with a loaded weapon, especially if your finger is on the trigger. 2. Always keep your rifle pointed in a safe direction 3. Know your target etc.

quote:

I want to start a Stuart Taylor Relief Fund as soon as possible,

Yes.


A Few Questions below this quote:

quote:

...PH Stu Taylor, his 2 trackers, my cameraman and I were buffalo hunting in Niassa Reserve. We bumped a loan bull twice in the morning, and by 8:00ish AM we decided to leave him for the afternoon hunt. We began again at 3:30PM, and by 4:30, the buff had us moving very slowly through some very nasty and thick jesse. ...

At what point do you leave a buff alone, especially with such a large crew of people? It sounds like there were plenty of signals that this bull was going to charge. It should not be all about showing what's good for the camera (unless you're Mark Sullivan..and I think he sucks) on TV, but it should be about fair chase and safe hunting...there were similar incidents in the past where the larger the crew (anythnig beyond 3-4 people is, IMHO, too many)and the more persistence (need to get this done for the TV sponsors) annoyed the buff into charging...

Just a few comments and questions. People need to do a better job with their skills, safety practices and know when to say fair chase vs. getting the crew involved, at all costs, to get in a shot with limited time. Tomorrow's another day and that's hunting...it's not some darn TV episode.

Wow for a potentially fatal situation there was some major luck involved. Tough situation for sure. I will be there in a few months I will try and learn from this. Best wishes for all that were involved.....

quote:

Originally posted by Hunter54:
First and foremost- I wish Stu a quick and speedy recovery. \My prayers are with him and his family.

Second, a few comments:

quote:

Originally posted by Tim Herald:
...but I wanted to get this out firsthand and quickly before a rumor mill begins....

This is still your version of the story and your story does point to what some might call, negligence...for instance:

quote:

As I fell, I hit the trigger and my gun discharged.

Rifle basics: 1. Do not keep your finger on the trigger of a loaded weapon. 2. Do not walk backwards with a loaded weapon, especially if your finger is on the trigger. 2. Always keep your rifle pointed in a safe direction 3. Know your target etc.

quote:

I want to start a Stuart Taylor Relief Fund as soon as possible,

Yes.


A Few Questions below this quote:

quote:

...PH Stu Taylor, his 2 trackers, my cameraman and I were buffalo hunting in Niassa Reserve. We bumped a loan bull twice in the morning, and by 8:00ish AM we decided to leave him for the afternoon hunt. We began again at 3:30PM, and by 4:30, the buff had us moving very slowly through some very nasty and thick jesse. ...

At what point do you leave a buff alone, especially with such a large crew of people? It sounds like there were plenty of signals that this bull was going to charge. It should not be all about showing what's good for the camera (unless you're Mark Sullivan..and I think he sucks) on TV, but it should be about fair chase and safe hunting...there were similar incidents in the past where the larger the crew (anythnig beyond 3-4 people is, IMHO, too many)and the more persistence (need to get this done for the TV sponsors) annoyed the buff into charging...

Just a few comments and questions. People need to do a better job with their skills, safety practices and know when to say fair chase vs. getting the crew involved, at all costs, to get in a shot with limited time. Tomorrow's another day and that's hunting...it's not some darn TV episode.

A post from someone who obviously doesn't have a F**king clue!

His finger was on the trigger because he was facing a CHARGING BUFFALO!

He was walking backwards because he was facing a CHARGING BUFFALO!

Large crew of people? Have you ever hunted Cape Buffalo in Africa? The only extra guy there was the camera man. Every Buffalo hunt I've been on had myself, the PH, and 2 trackers. Some have also had an observer and or a camera man. Nothing unusual here. Here is a clue for you as to why they didn't just leave the buffalo alone: THEY WERE HUNTING BUFFALO!! That's why they didn't leave him alone.

This was posted as I replied myself. These are valid points that I was considering as well. No one wants to call and accident negligence....But in the handling of deady weapons that is now the more proper context. Tough situation for sure...I am going to have camera men along on a hunt for McMillan rifles and I will use this info as what not to do....Getting camera footage at all costs does not sound like a prudent thing under truly dangerous situations....And it seems this may be contributing to the rash of accident that seem to be occuring

quote:

Originally posted by Hunter54:
First and foremost- I wish Stu a quick and speedy recovery. \My prayers are with him and his family.

Second, a few comments:

quote:

Originally posted by Tim Herald:
...but I wanted to get this out firsthand and quickly before a rumor mill begins....

This is still your version of the story and your story does point to what some might call, negligence...for instance:

quote:

As I fell, I hit the trigger and my gun discharged.

Rifle basics: 1. Do not keep your finger on the trigger of a loaded weapon. 2. Do not walk backwards with a loaded weapon, especially if your finger is on the trigger. 2. Always keep your rifle pointed in a safe direction 3. Know your target etc.

quote:

I want to start a Stuart Taylor Relief Fund as soon as possible,

Yes.


A Few Questions below this quote:

quote:

...PH Stu Taylor, his 2 trackers, my cameraman and I were buffalo hunting in Niassa Reserve. We bumped a loan bull twice in the morning, and by 8:00ish AM we decided to leave him for the afternoon hunt. We began again at 3:30PM, and by 4:30, the buff had us moving very slowly through some very nasty and thick jesse. ...

At what point do you leave a buff alone, especially with such a large crew of people? It sounds like there were plenty of signals that this bull was going to charge. It should not be all about showing what's good for the camera (unless you're Mark Sullivan..and I think he sucks) on TV, but it should be about fair chase and safe hunting...there were similar incidents in the past where the larger the crew (anythnig beyond 3-4 people is, IMHO, too many)and the more persistence (need to get this done for the TV sponsors) annoyed the buff into charging...

Just a few comments and questions. People need to do a better job with their skills, safety practices and know when to say fair chase vs. getting the crew involved, at all costs, to get in a shot with limited time. Tomorrow's another day and that's hunting...it's not some darn TV episode.

Absolutely horrible news. I am glad that everyone came out of it alive. Best wishes to Stu and I hope he makes a full recovery physically and emotionally.

Tim, I can't even begin to understand what you are going through. Even though it was an accident, the guilt must be overwhelming. I hope you get over the incident and the same time I hope you never forget it.

Hunter54,
All the points you have made are spot on but I am sure a lot of firearm safety tips get overlooked in DG hunting situations when things happen fast.

High Tim,
If the bullet got the clavicle without disrupting the subclavian artery or vein,
nor injuring brachial plexus nerves,
nor puncturing/collapsing lung,
nor fracturing scapula, spine or any shoulder bones other than clavicle ...

This suggests an upward angled wound track entering trapezius muscle in the back of shoulder,
hopefully just drilling a hole in the clavicle or glancing off the top of the clavicle in mid shaft.
Thank God again it was a solid bullet.
Stu might not even need any hardware to put his clavicle back together.
He has done great so far, considering how bad it could have been.
Hopefully just a "flesh wound" and a cracked clavicle.
If no infection problems he should be fine,
and further armed with more battle scars and war stories.
Prayers sent for both of you, and help with relief from the home boys.
(... Thank You God that it was a solid ...)

Hey Tim,Good for you to put the story straight from the start.Stu is a great guy and I wish him the best.He is one tough guy,and will come through this.Thank God that he is still with us.Stu hang in there bud,our thoughts are with you.

No one is trying to kick anybody as far as I can tell, for me I don't have any practical experience and will be hunting buff shortly. Just trying to learn from all the accidents that are occuring. That is 2 PH's being shot by a client in the last month or so. Glad thay have turned out OK for the most part. I am more interested in learning how not to shoot the wrong thing when the shit hits the fan.

I applaud Tim for posting up it is a horrible situation to be in. Takes guts and will be with him for ever. Thank God the PH suffered seemingly minor injuries.

From the report it appears that this buffalo was unwounded and in close cover. For people who have not experienced this, it is quite different than following up a wounded buffalo.

If a wounded buffalo can be located, it is you who get to control the situation (get the trackers back, get an aimed shot, etc.) An unwounded buffalo in close cover means little or no warning, no chance to "make a plan", and the sh#t happens real quick. Trackers are (understably) running to get clear and both the PH and client may be running sideways trying to get a shot angle. In short, a 3-legged goat f#ck, all happening in split seconds.

I posted earlier than anyone is a fool to think this can't happen to them and I stand by that. One would like to think that one can handle all conceivable variables, but this just ain't so.

Fortunately for me, the one unwounded buffalo I had charge was had the good grace to do so over open ground. That was bad enough.

The sad part is this is the sort of thing that could happen to any of us who do a lot of buffalo hunting.

I have been in situation where one can hardly see the front of his barrel.

I cannot see anywhere in Tim's story where anything else anyone could have done to avoid this sort of situation happening.

The days when a man can go hunt on his own are over, so on a standard hunt now adays one sees a PH, a video camera man, two trackers, one game scouts.

99.99% of the times things work out just fine.

It is that single time when things just do not fit together, and something does go drastically wrong, and someone gets hurt.

I think most people who do hunt dangerous game understand this, and accept the risks involved.

A very sad event,I will be praying for all involved,it's good of Tim to come forward like he did.

I met Tim in the airport in Atlanta a couple of years ago and he is truly a stand up humble guy. As stated earlier, this could happen to anyone of us that hunts DG. What we must all do is learn from it and prepare ourselves mentally for these type of situations.
My best advice to anyone going to Africa to hunt is to be mentally prepared as best as possible so if the negative event unfolds at least we are "somewhat" prepared.
Prayers to all!

How many clients have been accidentally shot?

God forbid the day that happens to any PH as he would be blacklisted, lose his license and banished to never hunt again and the outfitter would likely be sued for hiring such an individual.

One man has lost an arm which can never be replaced and the other came very close to being in the company of angels!

Accepting the risks involved in DG hunting are the risks of facing the DG - a PH is now required to have a pair of eyes in the back of his head as well.

This kind of thing scares me because it can happen to anyone of us, no one is infallible. I pray for a 100% speedy recovery for Stu(and you too Tim).

Tim,
My prayers to you and Stu. May our God bring you a peace and a speedy recovery to Stu.

Tim, thank God, it could have ended much worse. Prayers for Stu to recover quickly and to comfort you in this time of grief. Anything I can do to help, just let me know.

Saeed and JohnDL,

Both very well said. I see nothing in Tim's report that is unusual concerning the number of people in the hunting party or of how the animal was pursued. Any of us who have hunted Buff have been in that long grass and heard the group of buff spook and bombshell. It takes a few seconds to determine which way they are going as you cannot see anything.

Nothing in Tim's report indicated any warning whatsoever "that this bull was going to charge". NOTHING. It was after all, unwounded. Repeatedly bumping buff in long grass is normal. Backing off for a couple of hours in order to let them calm down a bit is normal. Going back after them after a period of time, hoping they have calmed down a bit, is normal. That is the way buff are usually hunted. The fact that the buff ran at them IS unusual. It may or may not have been a charge. Likely not as the animal was probably just spooked and happened to run in their direction.

I doubt there is anyone on this forum, that in that moment you first realized the buff are coming toward you instead of away from you, would not have taken a step backwards and readied your rifle for action out of instinct. If you happen to fall during that process, all bets are off. Certainly something that could happen to anyone. The fact that the animal came at them in the thick stuff reinforces the reason why the chamber has to be loaded while hunting DG, especially when in close contact with the quarry.

I see nothing in Tim's report, nor in my experience with hunting buff while a camera man is along, where they were pressing for footage. Hunter54, what evidence do you have for making the claim that the party was conducting itself in any manner other than the normal way buffalo are hunted in thick cover? Again, what is your experience level with buffalo in thick cover? gunslinger55, what info here are you going to use as an example of "what not to do"? What evidence do you have to back up your statement that "Getting camera footage at all costs" ... "seems this may be contributing to the rash of accidents that seem to be occuring"? I don't recall anything about a camera being involved concerning Owain Lewis's incident, nor Anthony's, nor Wayne Clark's. Are you just pulling these statements out of your ass?

We all know that some folks just can't help themselves from kicking a good man when he's down.

Yes,
When a nonwounded cape buffalo erupts 10 yards in front of you, stepping backwards and taking safety off and putting finger on trigger is a good idea.
Tripping on vegetation or mineral irregularities behind you as you do so is unfortunate.
The client needs eyes in the back of his head and heels, as does the PH, but that is just whistling past the graveyard.
Shit happens.
Friendly fire happens.
That is why it is dangerous game hunting, like war.

Guys, Stu is in Joburg, had his 1st surgery and is OK. I believe they mainly cleaned his wounds well, and we will have a diagnosis in the morning.

I am certainly not going to get on here and argue. I just want to say that Stu was conducting this hunt perfectly. We were tracking in jesse. No camera was on, no footage was trying to be shot at all. We were walking. The number of people was 5. 2 trackers, PH, client, cameraman. That is the same as a normal hunt in Zim- 5 people - 2 trackers, PH, Client and gamescout. I am willing to take any blame anyone wants to dump on me, believe me, I feel it from myself, but nothing other than standard tracking was going on, period. Stu was exemplary.

Also, on recovery, Stu' shot hit the bull in the top of nose and came out its lower jaw. Its head was straight down to hook someone - I saw that. The totally vertical angle of the head and bullet path shows it was in a straight head down charge, and he shot it at the last second. It was most certainly a real charge. I do feel that we startled the bull within his fight or flight zone, and he decided to come for us rather than run as usual. He had no other visible wounds to cause this behavior after inspection.

Again, I appreciate all the support, thoughts and prayers...