Hi all
I tried to follow this thread, but when you're not involved right from the start it becomes very lengthy, and very hard to read all posts.
As a professional hunter I have full understanding for those who do not like hunting something like the big cats. However, that male lion has been past his prime, and especially on a continent like Africa wild animals need to pay its way, or face extinction. This is a seriously unfortunate situation, but the death of that lion has ensured the protection of at least 5 others with the trophy fees etc paid for that hunt. And this is a fact that nobody should ever loose sight of.
To be involved in a hunt like that, and come out of it alive to tell the story, is something that will stay with all the PH's involved, as well as the client, for the rest of their lives. I've read and heard stories like this, but somehow I have been fortunate enough, or maybe unfortunate, not to have been involved in such an encounter. But all (African) PH's live for the day to face one of the Dangerous 6 (Big 5 + hippo) charging, wounded or not. When it happens to me I'll tell you all if it is worth the wait and the thrill ;-)
Cobus
