CAPE TOWN, South Africa \u2014 A well-known millionaire trophy hunter who owned a California winery was trampled to death by five rampaging elephants while stalking his next big game kill in Africa. <\/p>\n
Ernie Dosio, 75, described by loved ones as a \u201cgood old country boy\u201d who loved the outdoors, was on a $40,000 chase for a yellow-backed duiker with a professional guide in the thick Gabonese rainforest last Friday when they became the hunted. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhilst in the forest, Ernie and his [guide] surprised five forest elephant cows with a calf. Feeling under threat, the elephants immediately attacked them,\u201d an ex-game hunter who was friendly with Dosio told The Post.<\/p>\n
Avid big game hunter Ernie Dosio shot an elephant in Botswana over a decade before a herd of the endangered animals fatally trampled him last week. Bobby Hansen Hunting Safaris<\/p>\n
The duo\u2019s view of the imposing mammals was blocked by a thick forest wall and they didn\u2019t see the beasts gaining ground until it was too late, the pal said.<\/p>\n
After they seemingly \u201cappeared from nowhere,\u201d the elephants flung the pro hunter to the side before stampeding over Dosio, who was only armed with a shotgun, the acquaintance explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would rather not go into detail, but it is safe to assume that it would have been quick.\u201d <\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the guide lost his hunting rifle and sustained serious injuries in the attack, said the man, who got to know Dosio through Cape Town\u2019s hunting community.<\/p>\n
\u201cErnie has been hunting since he could hold a rifle and has many trophies from Africa and the US,\u201d he said, adding that the \u201cvery well-known and popular\u201d victim\u2019s big-game hunts were always \u201cstrictly licensed and above board.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dosio, who owned a vineyard in California, also shot a lion as a trophy before dying at 75. bobbyhansensafaris.com<\/p>\n
Dosio, who owned the Modesto, Calif., winery Pacific AgriLands, had a trophy room in his home packed to the brim with animal heads, including those from an elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, crocodile, zebra and leopard.<\/p>\n
The married father of two, who belonged to hunting and safari clubs in the Sunshine State, led a fruitful life even outside of big game, his buddy said.<\/p>\n
He was \u201ca very keen conservationist and he did a hell of a lot of charity work \u2014 and was a really good guy.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat happened has been deeply felt by many each side of the Atlantic,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
Dosio\u2019s body is being to be repatriated by the US Embassy in Gabon to Lodi, Calif., where he lived with his long-time wife, Betty, in the wine-growing region roughly 30 miles south of Sacramento. <\/p>\n
Dosio had a vast animal head collection in his home, including those from an elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, crocodile, zebra and leopard. Supplied by Jamie Pyatt News Ltd<\/p>\n
He leaves behind two sons, Jeff and Blake, who followed in their father\u2019s footsteps by entering the vineyard business. <\/p>\n
Tommy Whitman, the secretary at Lodi Elks Lodge fraternity chapter in San Joaquin, Calif., called Dosio \u201cour absent member\u201d who will be \u201csorely missed,\u201d and highlighted his charity work for the Californian Central District Elks movement in a touching Facebook tribute. <\/p>\n
\u201cErnie always had his hand in his pocket and would help out those who needed it be it war veterans or handicapped or underprivileged kids,\u201d Whitman wrote. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe would never want recognition but he was always there with a loving heart\u2026May all of our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones,\u201d the tribute read. <\/p>\n
A family friend said Dosio held a monthly charity function at the Elks Lodge, where attendees included judges, heads of local vineyards and \u201cbig names from industry and commerce.<\/p>\n
The late businessman \u201ca very keen conservationist and he did a hell of a lot of charity work \u2014 and was a really good guy,\u201d his pal town The Post. wagonhoundoutfitters.com<\/p>\n
\u201cErnie with his big mustache was larger than life but did not show it off, although he had money\u2026he was a just a farmer and good old country boy who loved to hunt and fish,\u201d the relative said. <\/p>\n
Gabon is home to around two-thirds of the remaining global elephant population \u2013 with an estimated 95,000 forest elephants.<\/p>\n