A friend of a friend is organizing a trip to South Africa for plains game and I might be able to go along.

I'd like to read a book or two about safari hunting to get the juices going. I'd like to read one about hunting in the 'old days' and one that would tell me what to expect and how to prepare for a modern hunt. What can you recommend? What are the classic African hunting books?

Old days......."A breath from the Veldt"
From today..."The Perfect Shot"

Good Luck
LG

If you are going to South Africa a book about the old days will just confuse you....2 books you should read.....Safari Rifles by Boddington and The Perfect Shot by Robertson.

I would second DB Bill's recommendation as 100% MUST read. Then try some variety for entertainment/daydreaming, ie; Capstick or Roark.

I am now reading "SAFARI, A Chronicle Of Adventure" by Bartle BULL. A good mix.

All the best,
SAM

Bartle Bull's Safari book for the history, and because it's just a damned good read. The Diamond Bogo by Robert F. Jones to get you in the mood.

quote:

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Originally posted by Gary in Ohio:
A friend of a friend is organizing a trip to South Africa for plains game and I might be able to go along.

I'd like to read a book or two about safari hunting to get the juices going. I'd like to read one about hunting in the 'old days' and one that would tell me what to expect and how to prepare for a modern hunt. What can you recommend? What are the classic African hunting books?

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My favourite is "Kambaku" by Harry Manners who hunted in Mozambique and was a ivory hunter and an early PH

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John
alias Nitro

NitroExpress.com

Read DB Bill's books before you leave, then take a copy of "DEATH IN THE LONG GRASS" to read on the plane, It's a long trip, and the intertainment will be welcome!

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..Mac >>>===(x)===>
also DUGABOY1
DUGABOY DESIGNS
Collector/trader of fine double rifles, and African wildlife art

The Perfect Shot is a great reference book. Although nothing really new good thoughts on calibers and shot placement. Its good to remind yourself mentally where your aim point is. The only surprise for me was that the big cats hearts sit so far back. I would have totally blown that one. the pics are really well done. you will enjoy it.

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Happiness is a warm gun

Gary,

I recommend that you read John Taylor's _African Rifles and Cartridges_ for your "old days" book c1948. It is available on amazon.com in reprint.

For the "trip book" I recently read Richard Conrad's _Safari Guide -- A guide to planning your hunting safari_. I have some comments on parts of it, but on the whole it is a reasonable introduction, and it is up to date (2001).

And of course subscribe to African Hunter at www.african-hunter.com.

jim dodd

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"if you are to busy to
hunt, you are too busy."

To get skinny on the current safari situation and preparation for most African countries I can't imagine a more informative book than "African Experience" by Gen. Boddington. It was just published in late '01 by Safari Press. Not much about play-by-play hunting stories but great information about game, countries, and preparation.
Have fun,
Kyler

Also good information & entertainment including SA safaris is "Boddington - Where Lions roar" and for me the ultimate safari book to get "in the mood" is Ruark "Horn of the Hunter"!

Cheers

Erik