2006 is shaping up as a dangerous year for big game hunters in Africa. Already, there have been two elephant-caused fatalities in Zimbabwe and a serious lion mauling in Ethiopia. Now, PH Sean Reeve in Zambia has been seriously wounded by a lion.

The mauling took place yesterday (June 15, 2006) in Musalanga, on the border of North Luangwa National Park. We have only the basic facts of the encounter from Dale Beatty of PHAZ, Professional Hunters Association of Zambia. He says the mauling occurred as Reeve and a client were following up a wounded lion. "The lion came for them," Beatty told The Hunting Report this morning, "at which point Reeve shot and hit the cat. Unfortunately, that didn't stop it in time to keep it from attacking and biting Reeve on the arm and shoulder. As it was doing that, the client fired at the lion and hit it again, at which point the trackers waded in with axes."

Beatty said Reeve has been evacuated to South Africa where he is in good condition. The only injury that may have lasting effect is to Reeve's thumb. "He may or may not lose that finger," Beatty said.

We hope to have more details on the accident by the time the July issue of The Hunting Report goes to press. In the meantime, the accident does not appear to be a result of negligence or carelessness. Our preliminary reading is the accident simply reinforces the idea that dangerous game is, well, dangerous. Be careful out there! - Don Causey.

Ouch!

That's why it's dangerous game hunting. Some injuries and fatalities can and are expected. But aside from that fact, my sincerest wishes for his recovery.

quote:

Originally posted by Kathi:
at which point the trackers waded in with axes."

Not sure whether they ended up dipatching the lion or not but i'm sure their intervention was instrumental in saving the Ph's and clients life! One can never say enough for some of these guys..... next time you are hunting DG make sure you "tip" these brave men accordingly. They deserve it more than anyone.

I'll second that. One of my trackers last year did 3 follow ups (on wounded DG) with me. (2 at night) - All he had was a torch for the night follow ups, a knife and a great deal of courage...........

I'll add that the skinner is another very deserving cause. He can make or break your hunting experience, works the worst hours and has the most uncomfortable job in camp. Its easy for a hunting client to forget those facts.......... I've been a skinner and I don't mean I've supervised them - I mean I've been the guy kneeling on the ground at at 2 or 3am, skinning with a torch in his mouth - and its a real pain in the ass........ All part of the glamour of the job though.