I know nothing of hunting buff or hippo, but was shown this video link....Is it realistic for this hunter to get so close to these animals in the video or are they somewhat tamed by something? No dis-respect to anyone, but I'm just trying to learn....Of course the look extremely fierce, but these guys are getting really close....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJw4Goegxwc

Good morning Mr Gold. These animals are very fierce. Most of the buffalo had been wounded before you see them killed in the video. However most of the hippos were not wounded and charged just because of ill tempers. The PH is Mark Sullivan and he draws a lot of heat for his videos and ethics in following up wounded dangerous game. Most dangerous game were I have hunted has been taken at fairly close ranges and it has nothing to do with tameness of animals. These close ranges can often aid in creating these sticky situations when we have to shoot a closing animal in the face at our feet. Most good rifle calibers used on buff, elephant, and hippo aren't made to shoot really long ranges either so a close shot is preferred. The most important thing for even non-hunters to understand is these are animals and thier lives are defined by the rules of survival. This is not Walt Disney's world and they can make you pay with all you've got. Don't ever take thier ferocity for granted.

Here we go again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry if I'm repeating something, but I'm trying to learn. I am a moderator on a boar hunting message board and someone posted this link.....a few mentioned that it looked fake because of the close encounters....
I hate when hunters nit-pick other hunters...especially when they do not understand the details of the animal and style of hunting.....As a moderator Ifelt that I should go to the pros and find out the straight info on this being that I dont have any personal knowledge....Not trying to start any fires, just trying to educate myself and others on the board I deal with....Thanks!

Mr. Gold glad I could help. Don't worry about fires around here spontanious combustion is quite common. Glad when I can help and good luck.

Thank You!

Cody is the real deal guys; this type of hunting is just new to him. Play nice.

Hello Cody and welcome to these forums. You are asking some good questions and will get some good responses here. If people seem a little "edgy" about the subject it's because it's a hot topic around these parts. Most of us are not appreciative of the way those animals are handled by Sullivan. We feel it is disrespectful and dangerous, if not illegal and immoral. As you already know, most hunters truly love the animals they hunt and don't want undue suffering to take place.

Welcome aboard Cody!

JW

cody, go hunt Africa,and you will never be the same again

Hello Cody and welcome to AR. Having guided many wild boar hunters when I lived in East TN, I know and understand where your coming from. Personally, I've only had one serious close call with a boar, and 99% of my clients had nothing more than an exciting hunt. Swine of all makes and models can be dangerous. You understand what it is to disrespect one's ferocity. Those video's do not represent the norm in hunting Africa's dangerous game. Most of the time a PH manages to keep his clients out of harms way. But there are times a charge occurs and on rare occasions, someone gets killed. smarterthanu hit the nail on the head when he said about Hippo's: "ill temper." They account for more deaths and injuries than the other bad guys due to their territorial instinct and bad attitude towards interlopers. The video in question is part of marketing. Scary situations sell video's. Unfortunately, at the lack of respect for the animals. Personally, I have no desire to force any animal to charge me. It has happened on a few occasions but that's not what I go around looking for. I'd much rather take an animal that didn't know I was there. When that happens I take pride in knowing I have achieved the skill to truly hunt and not just shoot.
Good hunting, David

Thank you all for your help and responses. Africa will be in my future at some point. A wharthog, my longbow, and I have a date somewhere in the future...this I'm sure!

I appreciate the feedback and I now can better speak to the others.