Head shot on charging lion saves dudes life

[ZDL]

*******

[Belmont31R]

That cat was fast even in slow mo....

[FromMyColdDeadHand]

That second attack, those guy are lucky they didn't shoot each other. Reminds me of when I was hunting a squirrel once, except at 1/50 size.

Note to self: When hunting lions, make sure to afix bayonet.

[Kyle Defoor]

The first video is from the USMC's Combat Hunter Program. An excellant idea that was executed very well. Ivan Carter (www.ivancarter.com) was the lead on that hunt and narrated the piece on Cooper's Color Code. All of the men are professional hunters (PH), i.e.- online.

The second video is not well received in the PH community. Enough said.

The USMC did a good job IDing someone (Ivan) who can relate to high stress situations daily. Ivan is the up and comer in big safari hunts. A protege of Coddington.

The African PHs are usually using an iron sighted, single shot, high caliber rifle on "The Big 5" - Elephnat, Lion, Leopard, Rhino, and Cape Buffalo. This is important for a few reasons.

1. These animals all charge upon being threatened, The Cape being the most aggressive. The Leopard will stalk until dead.
2. .375 caliber or greater is required to penetrate the skin and bone of these animals. That is a big gun to shoot from standing position (most common), and reloads are impossible.
3. The shot has to be a kill shot. Head is common, or high thorasic cavity.

If you ever get a chance to talk to one of these PHs they will tell you that most of the time the "great white hunter" from the U.S. who paid $100,000 to just go on one of these hunts "did a great job". The reality is that the PHs and guides are there to back up the idiot who can't hit or handle his "elephant gun". Most of the guys like Ivan check zero and watch a guy shoot before they head out.

Also, if you ever get a chance to see the full line of Comabt Hunter programs from the USMC they are great, and steal a copy for me- I only have a couple.

KD

[HD1911]

damn, I believe my pants would be slightly soiled after that

[heijutsu]

Maybe I'm the only one here, but I just don't get sport hunting. I hunt deer and hog for food but I couldn't or wouldn't ever want to kill a lion or other big cat, same for elephants. I just don't get it.

[VooDoo6Actual]

slightly in extremis...

[crossgun]

I have hunted all my life and have no desire to ever hunt Africa. For me the North American Continent offers everything I could ever ask for. What frustrates me the most is Safari hunters have zero idea about what they are getting into. Most can’t shoot and are just looking to fill the SCI record book and hang another head on the wall.

Some of the situations are VERY dangerous as the videos show and the gun handling even by the PHs is downright bullshit.

I assure you if the big five where on my list I would not pursue them with a scoped bolt gun. I don’t think I would be comfortable even with a double rifle and express sights. Maybe a short barrel semi in .338 Lapua.

[Alex V]

Maybe I'm the only one here, but I just don't get sport hunting. I hunt deer and hog for food but I couldn't or wouldn't ever want to kill a lion or other big cat, same for elephants. I just don't get it.

You are not alone at all.

I can't Imagine myself killing any big Cat. I find myself having too much respect for them. That would have to go for all predetors in my book. Cats, bear, wolf, I don't think I could kill any of them unless it was about to kill me.

I don't get it either. Why kill such a beautiful animal as a Lion?

[Kyle Defoor]

All,

Please don't take my post as an endorsement of safari hunting.
I completely agree that the useless killing of animals is ridiculous. I just wanted to inform everyone of the Corps CH program. It has great info on a variety if subjects pertaining to this site. For the most part , in my opinion big game hunting is a extreme case of posturing.

KD