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Ernie Dosio, a 75-year-old California vineyard owner and seasoned trophy hunter, tragically lost his life after being attacked by a herd of elephants while hunting in central Africa. The incident occurred on April 17 in Gabon’s Lope region as Dosio pursued a rare yellow-backed duiker, a small forest antelope prized by hunters.
Dosio, known for his extensive collection of exotic animal trophies-including elephants, rhinos, lions, and various North American deer species-was ambushed by five forest elephants protecting a young calf. Despite holding a license to hunt certain game in Gabon, Dosio was limited to a shotgun during this expedition.
When the elephants charged from the dense undergrowth, he and his professional hunter companion found themselves defenseless. The professional hunter was seriously injured and lost his rifle, while Dosio was fatally trampled.
African elephants, the largest land mammals on Earth, can reach heights of 12 feet and weigh nearly four tons, capable of charging at speeds up to 25 mph. The sudden attack left Dosio with no chance to defend himself.
Dosio’s remains are being returned to his hometown of Lodi, California, where he leaves behind his longtime partner Betty and two sons. He was the owner of Pacific AgriLands Inc., a company that manages vineyards across California’s Central Valley and produces nearly 40 percent of the state’s wines. His family is well-known in the local agricultural community.
Friends and colleagues remember Dosio as a passionate hunter and conservationist who strictly adhered to legal hunting regulations. A fellow hunter in Cape Town described him as someone deeply committed to conservation efforts and charity work, emphasizing that Dosio’s hunts were licensed and often contributed to managing animal populations.
Locally, Dosio was a respected figure in charitable circles, serving as Great Elk for 30 years with the Californian Central District Elks, a philanthropic organization supporting veterans, youth, and disaster relief. Lodi Lodge secretary Tommy Whitman praised Dosio’s generosity and community spirit, noting his quiet dedication to helping those in need.
The tragic news has resonated widely, with many expressing their sorrow across both sides of the Atlantic. Safari operator Collect Africa confirmed the details of the fatal encounter, underscoring the unpredictable dangers of hunting in the wild.
As the family and community mourn, Ernie Dosio’s legacy as a dedicated hunter, conservation advocate, and generous community member remains firmly established.