Number 14 - Lion Mauling:

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.

Kathi

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708-425-3552
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[/align]Someseem to thinkthat due to PH guided hunting thatthe risk factor forhunting Africa isessentially equivalent toa stroll in the local "deer patch"....