I wanted to start a separate thread to comment about the benefits of sharing ideas related to lessons learned while dangerous game hunting. I believe that whenever we are willing to look at and gather information for the purpose of moving forward collectively it can be beneficial. Regardless of our preferred hunting style or experience level there is likely something for everyone.

We can all learn and share tactics, techniques, and tips from events that unfold during our dangerous game hunts. When finger pointing, the assignment of blame, or distaste for hunting style/preference is left out of the conversations often much more is readily available to absorb.

With regard to safety issues during the events that unfold before us, the reality is that missteps can’t always be prevented. No matter how much we train or prepare bad luck may simply follow us at any given moment. That is not to say there aren’t things we can do to minimize risk through equipment selection, education, training, and listening to others experiences.

If we were stamp collectors a misstep might mean nothing more than a creased edged or some other philatelist’s tragedy. For the dangerous game hunter, the stakes are real and the lives involved can be forever changed. That is the reality of the passion we pursue and so deeply enjoy.

To me, the threads recently started to mention friends lost or badly injured while hunting are probably best left for the purpose of offering support, well wishes, prayers, and heartfelt condolences. They are often not the best of places to expand the conversation.

Yesterday, I was speaking with a very close friend in Tanzania. He mentioned that he had recently successfully handled a buffalo charge with a client. The event turned out fine and the techniques and equipment used were effective. He also mentioned that he hated to hear the news about the recent loss of life we have been experiencing.

As the dust begins to settle I hope we will all think about the opportunity to learn, consider different techniques, or possibly different equipment choices. I plan to walk away the better for it after taking the time to listen and then talking more about the lessons learned.

Shawn

Amen.
And I have also started researching to make sure I have the liability coverage abroad to help in the event of such a diaster.
The insurance isn't to cover my butt, but to try & help make things as right as I possibly can.
Thanks for the new thread.

Bwana is right. I'm a lawyer and do a lot of insurance litigation. Yet, I never looked at my homeowners/umbrella policy to see whether the policy territory would allow coverage in Africa. It never occurred to me that I could accidentally injure someone -- I don't drive over there. But if accidents as we've seen can happen to experienced hunters, insurance would definitely be in order.

Contrary to sentiments on a related post, insurance protects both parties -- the injured party to make sure they receive a recovery; and the "tortfeasor" to make sure they do not face financial ruin.

For those maintaining that insurance companies will simply deny the claim -- don't count on it. First, I think most good insurance companies try to honor their contracts. Second, if they don't, that's what lawyers are for.

No one likes lawyers -- until they need one.

quote:

Originally posted by lavaca:

No one likes lawyers

You could always change that sentiment by telling us what insurance you know is an iron clad and affordable solution to the hunters liability needs.

For free of course.

Good question what does your home owners /umbrella cover

quote:

Originally posted by shotgun46:
Good question what does your home owners /umbrella cover

Everything but the crap you're in. Read the fine print.

ditto on the post!

I posted this on another thread also:

bwana cecil
one of us
Posted 21 August 2012 01:18 Hide Post
Just got off the phone with my insurance agent.
Took my liability on my home owners policy from $300,000 to $500,000 per incident for only $15 a year higher premium.
Was told that my homeowners policy covered me worldwide & that it would cover such an accident.
Hopefully that is some info that can be used.
Posts: 538 | Registered: 06 October 2009

Thanks for passing along that info Bwana Cecil.
Shawn

This is a good subject. I started that thread fault vs responsibility because while things do happen (hopefully we learn so we can prevent them), I think we are responsible for our actions. We have seen enough accidents from lots of people to realize "passing the hat around" is not a way to take care of someone we injure or maim.

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:
This is a good subject. I started that thread fault vs responsibility because while things do happen (hopefully we learn so we can prevent them), I think we are responsible for our actions. We have seen enough accidents from lots of people to realize "passing the hat around" is not a way to take care of someone we injure or maim.

AnotherAZWriter...There are likely many good reasons to have specialty collections or grass roots programs in place that can assist with injury recovery and bills incurred from some events. I agree with you that that “passing around the hat” should not be ones sole or primary means of preparing for a potential personal liability scenario.

The personal liability topic caused me to review my current limits of personal liability coverage when out hunting with others or involved in other activity (unrelated to my business). While my coverage was in excess of $1,000,000.00 I decided to review coverage again with my agent.

During that review, I decided to increase my limits in excess of 3 fold to assure I had what I felt was a necessary level of personal liability insurance coverage. I think your thread on fault versus responsibility is a good thought provoker as well!

Shawn