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US Tycoon Fights for White Rhino Trophy
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US tycoon fights for white rhino trophy

iol.co.za
By Tony Carnie
November 06 2009


One of the richest men in America is embroiled in a heated legal battle with South African wildlife officials to recover the trophy head of a white rhino bull.

The twist to the story is that the rhino at the centre of the row appears to be alive and healthy in Mkhuze game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal after surviving a hunting attempt more than three months ago by Texas property tycoon H Ross Perot jr, son of H Ross Perot, 79, former US presidential candidate who stood against George Bush (sr) and Bill Clinton in the 1992 presidential elections.

The animal was apparently shot and wounded by Perot jr in late July, but the bull ran off and wildlife officials have been unable to find any sign of a carcass or a wounded animal - indicating that it suffered a flesh wound or was not seriously injured.

A professional hunter acting for Perot then engaged lawyers to allow a "follow-up" operation and it was agreed that Perot could have the animal's head if it was tracked down during a hunting operation scheduled to start this weekend.

Texas property tycoon H Ross Perot jr, son of H Ross Perot, 79
But in a dramatic about-turn last night, conservation authorities pulled the plug on the second hunt and declared that Perot was no longer entitled to his trophy horns in any circumstances.

The initial decision to allow Perot's agents to have a "second bite at the cherry" drew strong opposition after it emerged that the animal would be shot by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife if there was a visible bullet wound from Perot's large-calibre hunting rifle.

Despite initial opposition, Ezemvelo later agreed that the trophy head and skin would become the property of Perot and could be shipped back to Texas. But last-minute discussions were held last night between Ezemvelo chief executive Bandile Mkhize and Andrew Zaloumis, chief executive of the IsiMangaliso Wetland Park world heritage site.

Shortly before The Mercury was about to publish the story, Mkhize and Zaloumis announced that there would be no second hunt and if Ezemvelo were to track down the animal and find that it was suffering they would put it out of its misery - but Perot no longer had any claim to its head.

Garry Kelly, the South African professional hunter who was sub-contracted to accompany Perot on the first hunt, had insisted that the primary purpose of the follow-up operation at Mkhuze was to ensure the wounded animal was tracked down and destroyed to spare it further pain and suffering.

Mkhize and Zaloumis announced that there would be no second hunt
Other sources felt the decision to allow a follow-up was "morally absurd" and merely a pretext to obtain the animal's head. They said the animal had suffered a flesh wound and was unlikely to bear any remaining visible wounds.

Kelly said the fate of the trophy head was irrelevant to him and he was simply completing his professional duty to follow the hunt to its conclusion. However, his attorney has stated that the current health status of the animal became immaterial to the trophy contract the moment it was struck by a bullet.

"The American client of my client (Kelly) has paid a vast sum of money, so there is an issue of getting the trophy... the legal issue is that there is a contract which says they are entitled and obliged to do what they are doing. The (American) client says he can't come back (to South Africa) and feels: 'I've paid for it and I want it (the trophy).'"

The Mercury has established from correspondence that Perot jr, 47, was accompanied on the recent African safari by one of his sons, Hill Perot, 27.

While Perot jr apparently bungled his shot in the controlled hunting zone of the Mkhuze reserve, Hill Perot is understood to have succeeded in bagging his own rhino trophy.

Judging from pictures posted on his "Facebook" and "MySpace" online networking sites, Hill Perrot already has an extensive trophy collection.

Neither Kelly nor his Pietermaritzburg attorney, Pat Dewes, would confirm the identity of their American client, but a spokesman for Perot confirmed his involvement through an e-mail message which referred all queries to Kelly.

Dewes said the American client (Perot) was "not a novice" and was required by the Ezemvelo hunting contract to undergo a marksmanship proficiency test before he was allowed to proceed with the hunt.

A flurry of legal letters was exchanged between Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and Kelly, reportedly with the support of Perot jr.

He insisted on an opportunity to do a follow-up hunt for the injured animal. But Ezemvelo CEO Bandile Mkhize declined this request on the basis that hunting rules and codes of conduct did not permit this. If an animal was wounded and could not be recovered it was considered forfeit. Mkhize also expressed concern about the difficulty of tracking and identifying the bull.

Last month, however, Ezemvelo acceded to Kelly's requests and allowed him permission for "one final search".

In a subsequent letter, Mkhize made it clear that the rhino could be shot only if the animal was identified according to agreed criteria and "if there is any doubt the animal will not be shot".

It made no mention, however, of the current health status of the animal being a factor in the decision to hunt it a second time.

Kelly's attorney has taken the view that if the animal was identified and shot by Ezemvelo officials his clients were automatically entitled to possession of the trophy head and skin.

Perot jr is listed on the Forbes list of America's richest people, although he is not quite as rich as his more famous father. Perot jr's wealth fell from $2,2bn to $1,25bn in the most recent Forbes list.

It is not known how much Perot jr paid for the hunt, but sources suggest a single rhino trophy hunting package would cost in the region of R500 000.

While the issue of rhino hunting remains contentious, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife offers at least two hunts in the Mkhuze reserve every year on a tender basis, and an average of 30 white rhinos are also auctioned annually to private buyers, including hunters.

Several conservation authorities have acknowledged the role of hunting and private ownership in boosting the species' recovery. But now the failed hunting attempt by Perot jr has raised fresh concerns around the issue of rhino hunting.


This article was originally published on page 1 of The Mercury on November 06, 2009

Article at: http://www.iol.co.za/index.php...1106042446790C579292



P


Kathi

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Posts: 9602 | Location: Chicago | Registered: 23 July 2003Reply With Quote
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how do you lose a rhino in this day of aerial searches with helicopters. i thought if you drew blood, you paid-period!


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Posts: 13694 | Location: Georgia | Registered: 28 October 2006Reply With Quote
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jdollar,

Ever been on Mkuze? Beleive me it is a jungle and an aerial search for a slightly wounded rhino would be fruitless. My questions is what circumstances kept them from finding the rhino during the original hunt. There probably are unlimited scanarios. I consider Gary Kelly to be a personal friend so I'll try to find out what really happened. it could be a far cry from the Tony Crane's version.

Mark


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Posts: 13144 | Location: LAS VEGAS, NV USA | Registered: 04 August 2002Reply With Quote
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Well this is certainly great fodder for the anti-hunters!!


And so if you meet a hunter who has been to Africa, and he tells you what he has seen and done, watch his eyes as he talks. For they will not see you. They will see sunrises and sunsets such as you cannot imagine, and a land and a way of life that is fast vanishing. And always he will will tell you how he plans to go back. (author: David Petzer)
 
Posts: 655 | Location: Burleson, Texas | Registered: 04 March 2002Reply With Quote
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Is this information more current? I note the original article was dated Nov 9, and the item below came in the Hunt Report dated Nov 24:

The international hunting dispute over a white rhino in Mkhuze Game Reserve has now been resolved.

The son of an American billionaire is believed to have paid around R500 000 to shoot a rhino in July, but when he didn't kill the animal, just wounded it, a battle erupted between his lawyers and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

Ross Perot Jnr had apparently wanted the animal to be found and killed and the trophy head to be sent to him in the States.

Reports suggest that wildlife authorities initially agreed but then back-tracked, saying they couldn't allow this to happen.

Ezemvelo's Jeff Gaisford has confirmed that the rhino's is in good health, adding that the matter's been amicably resolved between the two parties.

"We're very, very pleased with the way things have turned out. The rhino is fine. The hunting outfit and his client are out quite happy that the animal is well, and the whole incident has now being put to bed very satisfactory."


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Posts: 1489 | Location: North Carolina | Registered: 19 July 2005Reply With Quote
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http://www.kznwildlife.com/sit..._in_good_health.html

Mkhuze Rhino found in good health
November 23, 2009;

MEDIA RELEASE No: 2009 - 18

MKHUZE RHINO FOUND IN GOOD HEALTH

For Immediate release:
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife staff in the Mkhuze section of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park report that the white rhino bull in the Mkhuze Controlled Hunting Area that was supposedly wounded by a hunting client some months ago has been found to be in excellent health although is “a bit skittish.”
Three Mkhuze field rangers positively identified the animal by its unique ear notches and horn shape recently and after a lengthy examination through binoculars found no trace of a wound.
The Conservation Manager of Mkhuze also examined the animal a short while later while waiting for the EKZNW vet to arrive to confirm their observations.
He saw no trace of any wound and noted that the animal moved normally in all respects although it was “quite skittish” and disappeared into the thickets before the vet could examine it.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife CEO Dr Bandile Mkhize noted that the apparent dispute over the fate of the rhino had been resolved.
“I met the hunting outfitter Mr Gary Kelly and his legal team on 19 November 2009 and this whole matter has been amicably resolved,” said Dr Mkhize.
“The issue around this particular rhino has always been concern on the part of all parties about its welfare and Mr Kelly and his client have expressed relief that the rhino has been found in good health,” he added.
“Neither Mr Kelly nor his client have expressed any further interest in the trophy value of this rhino,” said Dr Mkhize.
“I thank all our concerned members of public for their comments expressed through the media and would like to assure them that although this incident was most unusual, its resolution came through frank and open discussion by all the parties concerned,” he said.
AJG/ Media Release No: 2009 - 18 22-11-09
Media:
For further information contact the Media Manager on 033 845 1235; email jeff@kznwildlife.com or fax 033 845 1299.
 
Posts: 932 | Location: Delaware, USA | Registered: 13 September 2003Reply With Quote
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There is something offensive about this whole saga. Why bother to go to SA at all.? Just send someone a big check and they will send you the "head" on a platter.


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Posts: 2936 | Location: Texas | Registered: 07 June 2003Reply With Quote
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i guess these guys idea of "frank and open discussion" includes teams of lawyers all around. what a clusterf--k- with major ammo for the anti-hunters. and how do you slightly wound something as big as a rhino at distances of probably less the 15 yards, assuming the habitat is as thick as Mark describes? i guess when you are a billionaire, you can dismiss a $30-50,000+ trophy fee without too much problem. i absolutely agree with Russ. just send them the money and have them mail you the head.


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Posts: 13694 | Location: Georgia | Registered: 28 October 2006Reply With Quote
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His father believes that the rules that apply to us
mere mortals, do not apply to him, so, I suppose, in this case at least, that the apple does not fall far from the tree.
 
Posts: 1138 | Location: St. Thomas, VI | Registered: 04 July 2006Reply With Quote
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Shoot, if I was as wealthy as he is and the President or Chairman of the company I worked for. I'd just give the office a call and tell them I would return when I got my rhino. Reschedule all appointments another week.
 
Posts: 5730 | Location: Ohio | Registered: 02 April 2003Reply With Quote
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Is this the same Perot that had a run in with a rhino before and got a horn?
 
Posts: 18597 | Registered: 04 April 2005Reply With Quote
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Another reason to make the first shot count!


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Posts: 2758 | Location: Northern Minnesota | Registered: 22 September 2005Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by Use Enough Gun:
Is this the same Perot that had a run in with a rhino before and got a horn?


Good question.


Jason

"You're not hard-core, unless you live hard-core."
_______________________

Hunting in Africa is an adventure. The number of variables involved preclude the possibility of a perfect hunt. Some problems will arise. How you decide to handle them will determine how much you enjoy your hunt.

Just tell yourself, "it's all part of the adventure." Remember, if Robert Ruark had gotten upset every time problems with Harry
Selby's flat bed truck delayed the safari, Horn of the Hunter would have read like an indictment of Selby. But Ruark rolled with the punches, poured some gin, and enjoyed the adventure.

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Posts: 6842 | Location: Nome, Alaska(formerly SW Wyoming) | Registered: 22 December 2003Reply With Quote
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Yes it is one and the same.


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Posts: 4106 | Location: USA | Registered: 06 March 2002Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by Bryan Chick:
His father believes that the rules that apply to us
mere mortals, do not apply to him, so, I suppose, in this case at least, that the apple does not fall far from the tree.


The hell kind of response it that? He paid for his hunt/trophy and was told that he could have the animal once it was put down. I'd be pissed too!
No different than the guys with their polar bear pelts in the gov's freezer or the hunter's who can't claim their marco polo's b/c of some inept gov. bs.
Personally, I'm glad to see someone with big bucks calling the guys to the table. Perhaps then they won't do it to someone of lesser means like myself.
 
Posts: 3456 | Location: Austin, TX | Registered: 17 January 2007Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by bluefin:
quote:
Originally posted by Bryan Chick:
His father believes that the rules that apply to us
mere mortals, do not apply to him, so, I suppose, in this case at least, that the apple does not fall far from the tree.


The hell kind of response it that? He paid for his hunt/trophy and was told that he could have the animal once it was put down. I'd be pissed too!
No different than the guys with their polar bear pelts in the gov's freezer or the hunter's who can't claim their marco polo's b/c of some inept gov. bs.
Personally, I'm glad to see someone with big bucks calling the guys to the table. Perhaps then they won't do it to someone of lesser means like myself.


+1 thumb


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Posts: 1129 | Registered: 10 September 2008Reply With Quote
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bluefin & Jack, don't you know it is the "IN" thing to do on AR - rag on the rich.
 
Posts: 5338 | Location: Bedford, Pa. USA | Registered: 23 February 2002Reply With Quote
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Bluefin: in my estimation, a rather apt response
 
Posts: 1138 | Location: St. Thomas, VI | Registered: 04 July 2006Reply With Quote
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So, Mr. Perot was gored by a rhino previously?
Did he get the head of that one?

DRG says: "Kiss my liberal grits!" animal
 
Posts: 28032 | Location: KY | Registered: 09 December 2001Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by RIP:
DRG says: "Kiss my liberal grits!" animal


Too funny!
 
Posts: 3456 | Location: Austin, TX | Registered: 17 January 2007Reply With Quote
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How wild is Rhino hunting these days? Don't you pretty much see photo's of your animal before the hunt? I am pretty sure that someone does. So if he "purchased" that animal/hunt then it is pretty much his. I wouldn't consider it much of a trophy if I didn't shoot it myself though.

I don't think the same appplies to other critters when hunted wild.
 
Posts: 1678 | Registered: 16 November 2006Reply With Quote
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Chris Blaine|

11 November 2009 08:59

American couldn't hit the broad side of a barn


"Maybe he farted or something as he pulled the trigger".

The son of an American billionaire recently paid over R500 000 to shoot a rhino in KwaZulu-Natal. He didn't manage to kill it and couldn't find it afterwards. Now he demands the KZN authorities find his trophy animal and send it to him. This is one of the players in South Africa's billion rand industry.

Spokesman for Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Jeff Gaisford says "no matter what, he's lost his trophy". This is a decision taken by the authority in accordance with its rules; if a hunter fails to recover his trophy during the hunt, he forfeits his right to it.

It's a bit of a blow to ones ego, after having dropped over R500 000 on the excursion in Mkhuze game reserve. Gaisford says the money is just what the authority charges, and in fact it is likely that our fearless American hunter was charged a multiple of that.

The hunter in question is Ross Perot's son, Ross Perot Junior. Perot Sr. founded Dell Perot Systems Corporation over 20 years ago, he also contested the American presidential elections in the 1990s. The company was listed on the New York Stock Exchange, until Dell bought it out for $3.9bn cash. Perot Jr. is the company's chairman.

The story was originally carried by the Telegraph.

Speculation is that Perot Jr missed the rhino completely. The Telegraph quotes Gaisford as saying "It would be a bloody awful shot, like missing the barn wall at two paces. These animals are not difficult to hunt, they are very placid, it's a bit like shooting a cow in a field. But anyone can duff a shot, maybe he was nipped by a bee as he pulled the trigger or wet his pants, who knows."

The normal calibre used for rhino hunting is 458, which is about the size of a man's thumb, but Perot Jr was thought to be using a slightly bigger calibre. He says that the trackers "would've seen a wounded animal like that, but they haven't found one".

Gaisford says that hunting brings in between R2m and R3m for the KZN authority. Hunting in South Africa is a billion rand industry that has "enormous benefits for biodiversity". This is from the land required for the hunted animals to live on, preserving the ancillary life that supports the animals.

Write to Chris Blaine: chris@moneyweb.co.za

************************************************

Dear Chris,
His Daddy threw the 1992 election to Bill Clinton.
The hunting gods may be confusing Junior with Senior.
Confused karma can be a bitch.

Sincerely,
Rip

DRG says: "Kiss my liberal grits!" animal
 
Posts: 28032 | Location: KY | Registered: 09 December 2001Reply With Quote
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My thumb is closer to a 700NE.

... 458 is more like a pinky
 
Posts: 1678 | Registered: 16 November 2006Reply With Quote
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