Trad Gang
Main Boards => The Dark Continent => Topic started by: Nala on January 18, 2008, 09:59:00 AM
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Hello all,
I always like watching the hunting shows when they go to Africa, especially the ones when they hunt the BIG 6. There is just something about seeing those hunts when the hunter throws his double rile to his shoulder and takes a BIG Cape Buffalo. I am interested in reading some books about hunting in Africa. I don't mind at all if they are about gun hunting. I think I would most enjoy reading about hunting the BIG 6.
I know there are books by an author named Capstick, but that's about all I know about these great adventure writers and books. So if you don't mind how about giving me some suggestions on what books or authors I should look at when I want to read about hunting the Dark Continent for the most dangerous animals on earth.
Thanks for your time.
Nala
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Any of the books by Peter Capstick, not only his own but the ones that he got reprinted from the old Africa hunters, John Hunter who was a PH and game warden in Kenya in the 50's wrote several good books, Robert Ruark wrote books about not only the hunting but also the Mau Mau uprising which are very good, Wally Johnson who was a PH well into his 70's did his auto biography with Capstick. A good place to start looking is Safari Press. Joseph
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If you want to go Trad, then search for
WHITE, S.E. (1926): Lions in the Path. – 292 p., 35 figs.; Garden City, New York (Doubleday, Page & Co.).
Stewart Edward White was PH and host of Pope & Young when they went 1925 to Africa. The above is his original work I own :D , but which is hard to get.
There is a fairly new edition available somewhere in the net:
WHITE, S.E. (1987): Lions in the Path. – 292 p., 35 figs.; Prescott, Arizona (Wolfe Publishing Co.).
Anyways, the book is an real eye opener! And you should love all the lions stories ... and guns fired
:readit: Falk
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Don't forget the Double Helix by Don Thomas and of course The Green Hills of Africa by Hemingway. I thought Ruark's Horn of the Hunter was a great book as well.
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I definately enjoy all of the previous posts! Great reading, Double Helix is one of my all time favorites. That said, a traditional bowhunter embarking on ANY African dangerous game hunt has to read or re-read "The Adventurous Bowman Field Notes On African Archery", by Saxton Pope. A Classic
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i33/tdowning12/saxtonafrica.jpg)
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i33/tdowning12/Artlion2.jpg)
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Don't waste your money on anything by Capstick for he was a ramblin drunk at best. Most of his books are half fiction that he dreamed up while he was sitting around the camp fire pissed silly.
Anyone who has talked with PH's that guided him, will say that the PH's have little nice to say about the man.
The legends penned many great books but they will have little value for reference other than to get you excited, which is good! Ruark,Taylor,Hemingway,Selous,Dinesen and Roosevelt all penned great works among many others. These I class as romantic classics about safari life at it's best in early to mid 1900's.
For actuall hunting info and recent animal information it will be hard to beat African Hunter II by Boddington and Flack (2004) the original African Hunter by James Mellon dates back to 1975 so it's a bit old for reference purposes a great read however. While not a bow hunter Boddington has penned many African books in recent years and he is pretty much bang on how he writes it not BS like Capstick. Another great book that has alot of info is Hunting on Safari in East and South Africa by Aubrey Wynne Jones (1980). Another must have is the Perfect shot by ?? name slipped me as I have loaned mine out. This book covers all anatomy of african animals and comes in a cheaper smaller field version.
I know I'm about to get raked over coals for my Capstick comments but this is the truth. If you want to read fiction and hair raising accounts of worst case scenarios for excitement then they may appeal to you.
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I have three Capstick books and enjoyed reading all three. He was a PH himself, maybe there was a little jealousy there. Anyway, Capstick has a great writing style and I am sure you would enjoy them.
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I have also read several of Capsticks books and I didn't think it was fiction. His wife has also written a book on woman hunters.
Have a look at Zimbi Books who have a range of books on hunting, stooting etc.
http://www.zimbibooks.com/
The South African magazine Man Magnum, while for rifle hunters and firearms also has some great stories. Even though I don't rifle hunt I can't wait for this mag every month
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Check Amazon, of course. Joseph is right on about the old reprints Capstick edited, a good way to pick up old books that you could never find or would cost big money.
Another great writer of hunting and nature stories was James Corbett, his stuff is all India, but is fantastic big game hunting through the eyes of a true naturalist.
My FAVORITE hunting book of all time (and I have a decent library) is "Heart of the Hunter" by Edison Marshall. His book deals with big game hunting around the world, including Africa, and also includes trips to AK and the Canadian North as well as SE Asia. Really the story of a lifetime of hunting. #1 best outdoor writer I've ever read. Wish we had some like him around today.
Ryan
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Oh yeah, and as far as Capstick goes...
I think he was a great writer, told a very exciting story. As to the truth or not, I don't have information to comment on that. It is hard to believe anyone could come that close to getting killed SO many times, though ;) .
Keep in mind, however, that many writers, including many archery writers today, don't necessarily let the facts stand in the way of a good story. That's called poetic license. Take a story for what it's worth...a good read.
Ryan
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I agree with Ryan! Jim Corbett is a good read. I have a first print of "Man-Eaters of Kumaon" and enjoy the stories. I also enjoy Don Thomas' writing style.
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I'd suggest a previously mentioned book in the "Double Helix" by Don Thomas and one that hasn't been mentioned and that is "Fred Bear's Field Notes". It's got quite a bit on Africa and is an excellent read! Hemmingway's "Green Field's of Africa" is also good once you get accustomed to his long sentences and style.
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Hi Nala,
I just recently read a book about a Zimbabwean Professional Hunter that ran a safari operation back in the 50's. It's called "A Guiding Son" by John Osbourne. I'm not sure how easily you will get it in the US, as I bought my copy in Zim, but if you can get hold of it, it's a real good read! ;) :bigsmyl: :thumbsup:
Nigel
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Don`t forget "Sagittarius" and "In Africa" by Bob Swineheart!
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I agree with "hunt it" regarding Capstick. I read Death in the Long Grass" and I thought it was a collection of macho exagerations. I recently read "Searching for the Wild". I can't remember the author's name but it's available from 3 Rivers. It was a good story and also seemed to provide useful information. I have enjoyed "The Double Helix" several times and I can't resist reading "Green Hills of Africa" and "Horn of the Hunter" at least once every couple years.
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Granted some of Capsticks can shall we say embellish the moment but when your starved for anything written about Africa its a decent read, have them all and enjoyed them. Please Don T write another book about africa....
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The first book about African hunting I ever read was "Hunter" by John Hunter.
I'm a big Elmer Keith fan, so the book "Safari" is a must.
Don Thomas' "Double Helix" is great and probably a must read for current day bowhunters heading to Africa.
Another great read is "Wanderings of an Elephant Hunter by Bell written about hunting in the late 1800's.
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I have read many, and can only echo that there are a few that are classics
Horn of the Hunter (is a hoot)
African Game Trails Roosevelt
White Hunter Herne
Capsticks writing: well, what has been said is the genral theme amongst those in Africa who seem to know. Enjoy it if you want, and take it with a grain of salt.
More recent stuff like the Double Helix may get you closer to home but there is nothing like the really old stuff to amaze you
Enjoy Steve
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I'll second Horn of the Hunter.
Also read Bell of Africa.
Good stuff.
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Good luck on finding a copy of "In Africa" by Bob Swinehart. I have one of two copies on earth on loan from a library in Oklahoma right now. It is a great book about Bob's quest for the Big Five back in the mid sixties. Not much writing but great photos. That man had a lot of courage.I also have Sagittarius coming the same way. I think Don Thomas is the best modern day author regarding Africa, "Double Helix" is a great read. Heading for Africa in June of 09.
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I agree with Trad Lad -- Double Helix is a great read, I just finished it. Don Thomas definetly made me feel like I was along in the blind.
Another book I have heard great things about is "The Perfect Shot" more of a how to but still informative.
Trad Lad I will be heading to SA in July 2009, where are you going to be hunting?
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I'll be going to Melaroni. Going with friends who have been there before and I had planned to go in 07 but had to cancel because of job issues. This time no cancel, no delay, it has become a passion. Where will you be going? Many good places, seriously considered Alan Cilliers and Dries Vissar Safaris also. I booked through, Neil Sommers of Bowhunting Safari Consultants.
Pip
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Trad Lad:
I will be hunting at Tshepe. I also booked with Neil. I know what you mean about becomming a passion it's all I seem to think about. I have dreamed of hunting Kudu since I was a boy....I can't believe in alittle over a year I'll be doing so.
Jason
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Why don't we keep a thread going to see how it goes? My e-mail address is tradlad45 @mchsi.com
I'm curious to know what equipment you will be using. I will be back before you go so I can give you some pointers perhaps. Is Tshepe on the internet somewhere that I can go to it?
Pip
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Trad Lad:
I thought they had a web site but I can't seem to locate it. I will be anxious to see how your trip pans out. I would appreciate the pointers.
I just got into traditional archery -- bought my first recurve a couple of months ago. 66" 58# @28" Wes Wallace Mentor. I picked up some Grizzly Stik Alaskans, I havent decided on a BH as of yet still trying to decide what grain my arrows like best.
When I originally booked this trip I only hunted with compounds, so I was planning on taking them over with me. My goal is to be profecient enough with my recurve and take both (compound and recurve) over to SA.
What set-up are you going to be using?
Jason
[email protected]
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Lions in the path is a great read,As is Hemingway. Don Thomas' "double helix" is also a great, informative read. would love to read and, ESPECIALLY buy Swinehearts " Sagittarius". I had a copy when i was young and lost it....it was the book that got me interested in bowhunting.
cheers
b
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B
Go to your public library and ask them if they will get it for you on loan. I just returned it a couple weeks ago and there can't be too many people asking for it. At least that way you will get to read it.
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When reading Corbett, he always let's you know that the star of the story is the tiger. When reading Capstick, he always lets you know that the star of the story is Capstick. Don
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Well put, they are animals and we are not at war against them.
"Always softy tread" by Cronje Wilmot is another great book about early days in Botswana. Several new books by locals are coming out, Brian Marsh has one about "The Hunting Blackbeards" a well known family of hunters, five generations of stories! It will be a great read.
chrisg
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I have most of Capsticks[many first editions] books and they are fantastic.I agree to a point with the comments above,but Capsticks job was to eliminate problem animals and guide hunters.How exciting would be to read about shooting plains game with a rifle ? Thats why he wrote about dangerous game more and it sells more books.Also Africa may have been a bit more wild than it is now. :p
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I've personally read every book mentioned on this thread, some mulitple times, (except the Swinehart books, there impossible to find at a reasonable price; if anyone has any suggestions there, send me a message :-}) but my two all time favorites, thought not bow hunting books,are: #1) Colors of Africa by James Kilgo and #2) African Twilight by Robert Jones. I'd also add "Safari a Dangerous Affair" as one fo the more "realistic" books. If you want a lot of buffalo hunting, try Buger's "Honed Deat" available from Safari Press.
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Originally posted by ratgunner:
I have most of Capsticks[many first editions] books and they are fantastic.I agree to a point with the comments above,but Capsticks job was to eliminate problem animals and guide hunters.How exciting would be to read about shooting plains game with a rifle ? Thats why he wrote about dangerous game more and it sells more books.Also Africa may have been a bit more wild than it is now. :p
Never mind the fact that he did some elephant cropping work,which I am sure probably rivals Alaskan crab fishing for the liklihood of winding up buried bent over and used for a bike rack.
FWIW,Capstick was widely available to many of us growing up as alot of rural libraries carried a selection of Capstick books and was often an introduction to safari life for many of us.It lit the spark.
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Theodore Roosevelt's African Game Trails offers a great look at the classic safari days from a non-professional point of view. it's obvious that Roosevelt's enthusiasm exceeded his skill level, but it's still a great read. On the fiction side, don't miss Ruark's Something of Value... but don't read it on the plane going over for the first time. (it's a bloody account of the Mau-Mau uprising in East Africa.) Hate to disappoint the Capstick fans, but every literate PH I know in Africa regards him as a buffoon. Don
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Hate to disappoint the Capstick fans, but every literate PH I know in Africa regards him as a buffoon. Don [/QB]
I figured more PH's would be literate.So,now,along with donating to NothingbutNets;I am also going to have to support Phonics for Pros.Very sad. :D
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Sorry to hear that Don.Just how many PH's do you know ? :knothead:
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I am not a PH but I am an experienced dangerous game walking safari guide, I have many PH friends and we share stories like all professionals. After ten years of guiding in various big 5 reserves and two years of walking safaris in a reserve where hunting also took place - the animals were not tame-I had one bad run-in with a buffalo,it put me in hospital with lots of pain and broken bones. Just a bad luck situation that I survived, the buff didn't. The point is the animals are not psychopathic, homicidal maniacs like Capstick tries to portray. There are different individuals and some are more ornery than others just like people. Capstick puts a lot of descriptive detail into what "might be" based in general statistical fact(the number of people killed by animals) out of that he extrapolates motives to the 'action' by animals and humans alike... and then claims all of stories to be his own true experience. THAT is why he is regarded as a boasting fool. No one survives that many encounters, period, nor do they go about telling the tales like a Hollywood gunslinger. The guys I have met, PHs and guides who have also been in that fatal wrestling match and survived would rather not talk much about it out of humility or respect for the animal. I know I was very angered by comments that the buff 'got what he deserved' after I recovered. Utter rot, he was doing what he was supposed to do as a territorial dagha bull. He and I have a bond that will last the rest of my life and I am grateful to have survived. Sorry to fans of Capstick, it's a fun read but not about reality, don't be flippant with wild animals ever.
Read Brian Marsh or JH Hunter, read Magnum magazine for great real stories about real African hunting. Peter Flack has a fabulous book out about trophy hunting all over Africa, can't think of the title right now.
chrisg
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good post Chris :notworthy:
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Aahhh,that does shed some light on things for me.I can't speak for the rest of Capstick's fans though,thanks Chris. :thumbsup: However it sure is entertaining to read that sort of stuff. ;)
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Thanks guys, it's not about me or knocking Capstick, he does do a rip-roaring story and his detail is good too, I've been in some of those areas he writes about. But not every single animal is a 'baddy' - at least they aren't until you crowd their space. I have had a trio of 'old gentlemen' dagha bulls sleep in amongst the huts in our camp for several nights, they waited until we settled and then they came in, we respected their space and they moved out in the morning. It was a marvellous arrangement but I was a little on edge with expensive foreign clients in camp I can tell you!
chrisg
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Uh-oh... have I started another brawl? Thanks, Chris... my point exactly. And to answer a few questions, I used the term "literate" in the sense of those who DO read, not those who CAN read. And I know over a dozen African PH's who share my opinion of Capstick. Since I live here and not there,Ii obviously don't have as much experience in the African bush as they do. But I have made over a dozen trips to Africa and have spent many weeks on the ground, including some time in the part of Zambia Capstick used to hunt, and have enjoyed multiple close range encounters with dangerous African game. I have been in on several dozen bow killed buffalo in Australia. And I have spent years in Alaska -- I'm heading back up to guide brown bear hunters this spring -- and have had hundreds of close range encounters with grizzlies. I always treat these animals with the utmost respect, but it just isn't the way Capstick describes it. The point is important to those heading into dangerous game country especially for the first time. The notion that all these animals are just waiting to kill you at the first opportunity leads to foolish human behavior and paralyzes the ability to enjoy these places and their wildlife on honest terms. The principal subject of Capstick's writing is always Capstick. For a contrast, read Col. James Corbett's accounts of hunting Indian man-eaters (all very well documented). His highest praise was always for the wildlife, not himself. If you enjoy reading Capstick, be my guest. It's entertaining -- like Tarzan of the Apes -- and it has about as much to do with African wildlife. Don
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Don,
Thank you for breaking the silence on this. I have been watching numerous threads on this and frankly it just hasn't been worth the p-ss-ng match to point it out. You have put it well and backed it up. Maybe the point will eventually get thru to the members of this community.
Steve
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What point,Steven ? That the Capstick books are entertaining ? They are,btw.Or that there are more informative books out there ?And there are.
Look we were just giving the Good Doctor hell about PH's being literate.A toungue in cheek joke.I really don't think anyone disputes that the "Death in the..." series were self-aggrandizing books written by Capstick,for Capstick,about Capstick.However,again it bears mention that for alot of us;Capstick's books were some of the first intro's we had to "safari life".Even though he may have taken some literary liberties with the truth.Made for some pretty cool reading and it's killed many an hour for me on long,international flights.So it is what it is.
With that being said,two of favorite books written by Capstick weren't about Capstick.
"The Last Ivory Hunter",which is about Wally Johnson is a great read.Even a segment in there where Wally had guided Fred Bear.Excellent read.
I also recommend "Warrior;The Legend of Richard Meinertzhagen",another highly recommended read.
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Right on Aaron, :campfire:
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I'm not picking on anybody! Capstick's books ARE entertaining... if they weren't I wouldn't have read enough of them to offer my comments. My only point is that if you are headed to Africa and looking for some reading to enlighten you a bit before you go, Capstick's books are not a good description of what you should expect to find once you get there. And writers who make wild animals sound more dangerous than they really are do a disservice to wildlife. If you ever catch me doing it, slap me up alongside the head. Don
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Originally posted by Don Thomas:
I'm not picking on anybody! Capstick's books ARE entertaining... if they weren't I wouldn't have read enough of them to offer my comments. My only point is that if you are headed to Africa and looking for some reading to enlighten you a bit before you go, Capstick's books are not a good description of what you should expect to find once you get there. And writers who make wild animals sound more dangerous than they really are do a disservice to wildlife. If you ever catch me doing it, slap me up alongside the head. Don
Well,since you asked.
You DID once write an article in TBM about an expedtionary hunt for Russian brown bears.The bears sounded scary enough.
However,it was the fellow who was bald with a thick beard who bore a striking resemblance to Rasputin that drew my attention.If that weren't enough,he was shooting a selfbow(I believe) drawing 80 lbs.@ 22".Think his name was Twigg ?Maybe ?I know it was unusal.
He sounded like a very scary animal.Shivers...
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I love Capstick's books. I own most of them, and find myself reading them over and over. I don't know why people think his books are about "macho self-hype". I would guess that 90% or more of his stories are about other peoples experiences in Africa and India. I would highly suggest you buy one, or check one out from the library. I bet you will be reading the rest soon.
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Capstick is just plain fun reading! Was any of it true? Does it matter?
I only believe, maybe 50% of any hunting story I read, but I sure love to read them!
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Ya know I kinda wonder if the PH's don't like Capstick because he was an American ? Seems anywhere you go in the world today people hate Americans. :rolleyes: