"Stu was hunting Cape buffalo with Tim Herald in Kambako Safaris' Block B of the Niassa Reserve. They bumped the bull twice in the morning stalk and decided to return late afternoon. After about an hour of tracking they woke the bull up from very close quarters, and it immediately charged (it was not wounded). Stu managed to get a quick shot off, which turned the bull. But in the process, Tim, who was behind, stepped backwards, tripped and had an accidental discharge. The .458 solid entered low through Stu's left shoulder and exited high in the chest/collar bone region.
"Fortunately there was a physician also hunting in camp who managed to get to Stu, get the loss of blood under control and stabilize Stu's condition. A casevac was arranged, and Stu was flown from Kambako to Pemba and then onto the Milpak Clinic in Johannesburg.
"Stu has already been through theatre once and is scheduled to be operated on again this Friday. He requires reconstruction surgery to his shoulder and will have to remain in hospital for a month; thereafter, he will require extensive rehab."
Taylor has since undergone more surgery but is said to be doing OK. Herald and some of Taylor's clients have created a trust fund to assist with his medical bills. For more information on that contact Moore at jumbo@kambakosafaris.com.
........(continued)
