13 October 2004, 17:06
mehulkamdarRe: His Imperial Majesty's Shoot - 1911
NitroX,
Some vestiges of the old days still exist in India even though the old shikars are gone and have been for more than a generation. The Sonepur mela (agricultural fair) where kings and landlords went to buy elephants every year still takes place though, these days, the elephants are sold to logging companies and to religious organisations, especially Hindu and Buddhist temples.
I love Corbett most for the fact that besides being a master with both the gun and with words as well as a magnificent hunter, he was first anf foremost a conservationist. If only the world would learn to remember the wisdom of the old days and make sure that the silly, failed socialist ideas of conservation are thrown out, not only would the environment be that much less affected, there would not be the situation of the tiger coming close to extinction in the wild in India now. Those grand days could be brought back quite easily if only India's politicians and establishment gave it a shot (pun wholly intended.)
A big thank you to Nickudu for posting the album and pictures and to you for the link. Nickudu, please revive your forum - there are enough new articles now to merit giving it the place it always had on these forums and in our hearts!

Good hunting!
13 October 2004, 23:02
BoghossianI am sure there are plenty of reserves where poaching is the norm, this could easily be replaced with licenced hunting like the Selous in Tanzania....wouldn't hold my breath though

BTW can anyone tell me how big the ivory from India could get?
13 October 2004, 20:37
BSAJoeAbsolutely fascinating! Thank you Nickudu for posting this jewel. I guess the leopards were smarter than the tigers as I did not see where 1 was shot.
BTW, did you happen to notice if any of the pictures showed any of the hunters using BSA Lee-Speed Sporting rifles? A picture of that would be a great addition to my collection.
I would imagine doubles were used. Do you know what calibers?
Thanks again for sharing,
Joe
in Houston
Always looking for BSA Lee Speed commercial sporters