Professional hunter tracking a lion for American client crushed to death by young bull elephant in Zambezi Valley
By Peta Thornycroft, Johannesburg
17 Apr 2015
A young bull elephant killed professional hunter Ian Gibson early on Wednesday as he tracked a lion for an American client in a rugged part of north-east Zimbabwe.
Mr Gibson, 55, one of Zimbabwe’s best known big game hunters, died scouting for prey in the Zambezi Valley after a young bull elephant charged, then knelt on him and crushed him to death.
“We don’t yet know the full details of how ‘Gibbo’ as we called him, died, as the American client and the trackers are still too traumatised to give us full details,” said Paul Smith, managing director of Chifuti Safaris’ which employed Mr Gibson for the hunt.
The American hunter was on his first trip to Zimbabwe, and only has one leg, but was “fit and strong” and had already shot a leopard. Mr Gibson was scouting for lions when he encountered the elephant.
Mr Gibson’s trackers said the young bull had been in a musth period, which means it was producing much more testosterone then usual.
“We know ‘Gibbo’ shot it once, from about 10 yards away, with a 458 [rifle]. He would never have fired unless he had no alternative. He was a hunter, yes, but he was also a magnificent wildlife photographer and conservationist.
“He was so experienced and this is a most unexpected tragedy.” …
Mr Smith said the young bull elephant appeared not to be a natural target for any hunter as its tusks were too small.
“In most years someone is usually killed on a hunt somewhere in Africa, and that is why it is called ‘dangerous game hunting‘ but we are very shocked that it was ‘Gibbo’,” said Mr Smith.
Mr Gibson began his wildlife career in Zimbabwe’s department of national parks, but left to become a hunter about 25 years ago.
He was well-known in the US, where the Dallas Safari Club is paying his funeral expenses.
Exposing the Big Game 
Unexpected tragedy my ass. It’s called consequences for your actions.
Reblogged this on Sherlockian's Blog.
good if this is real it is about time a long time coming what the fuck are these people thing tracking down beautiful. Teddy Roosevelt killed many wild animals they his son got killed to me poetic justice what goes around comes around period !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
animals sorry
Killing and conservation…do these words even go together?