An American millionaire and avid big-game hunter has tragically lost his life following an encounter with elephants during a hunting expedition in Gabon. Ernie Dosio, a 75-year-old vineyard mogul from California, was fatally injured while pursuing a yellow-backed duiker, a small antelope species, in the Lope-Okanda rainforest. The incident underscores the inherent risks associated with trophy hunting, a practice that remains controversial and often perilous.
The Incident Unfolds
On 15 April 2026, Dosio and his guide stumbled upon a group of five female elephants and a calf while tracking their quarry. This unforeseen encounter quickly escalated, resulting in Dosio being crushed. According to reports from a safari operator, Collect Africa, the professional hunter accompanying Dosio also sustained significant injuries during the incident.
Originally hailing from Lodi, California, Dosio was known for his extensive collection of hunting trophies, including elephants and lions. A prominent member of the Sacramento Safari Club, he was a familiar figure in the big-game hunting community. A retired hunter familiar with Dosio reflected on his passion for the sport, stating, “Ernie has been hunting since he could hold a rifle… Although many disagree with big-game hunting, all Ernie’s hunts were strictly licensed and above board and were registered as conservation in culling animal numbers.”
A Life Dedicated to Hunting and Conservation
Dosio was the owner of Pacific AgriLands Inc., which manages 12,000 acres of vineyard land in Modesto, California. His company also
