Many authors have been mentioned on this site, but I have never heard J.A. Hunter mentioned. I am pretty sure that I have his name right, but when I was a kid (back in the 50's, in England) I vividly remember reading his book (African Hunter). I am pretty sure he was writing about pre WWII, but I have clear memories of him writing about provoking a charge (elephant) so that his client could make a movie of it! He would shoot the elephant. Despite what we might say now about it, this seemed to be the norm back then. My impression is that he was one of the better (perhaps better known) PH's in Africa. Does anyone else know of John Hunter or am I dreaming the whole thing. He had his own opinions about "the most dangerous game", and as I recollect he voted for Leopard or Buffalo for that title, on the grounds that they could rarely be "turned".
peter.

Peter - When I was a scant grasshopper, one of my first African books was "Hunter" by J.A. Hunter. The book was published in 52 or 53. His work with the Kenyan Game Department was legendary. He was considered by some to be controversial, however, his first hand observations were great to read.

J.A. Hunter's autobiography (Hunter, 1952) is arguably the single most important book to inspire renewed interest in African big game hunting after World War II. Other influential books of that time and still required reading are "African Rifles & Cartridges" by John Taylor and Bell's biography "Bell of Africa". Since then, many older classics have been reprinted and newer works by contemporary hunters have been published.

I have an original copy and it is a book I have read much more than once. The factual content, alone, off-sets any lack of literary style on his part.

Peter,
I just finished the book and found it quite enjoyable.

Zero,
Not to start a flame fest, but what wer some of the controversies about Hunter?

-Steve

During Hunter's tenure in Kenya, the concepts of game management and game control were in their infancy. There was a lot of flap over Hunter�s game control work with the Kenyan Game Department (KGD). A handful of PHs were less than pleased with his access to taking game on behalf of the KGD. The powers within the KGD were quite pleased that Hunter took on the task. Most PHs were more concerned with paying clients than the dirty work of game control. Hunter took on the task and it afforded him the ability to tackle some truly monstrous dangerous game carte blanche.

At the end of the day, Hunter and the KGD were correct in their practices and the naysayers were quite wrong. He was one of the greats.

For example, there is the record in Hunter's notes of taking 996 black rhino during the mid-40's in the Makueni area of the Machacos District of Kenya.

Gentlemen:
I had at one time all three of his books. One is mow missing.
J.A. was, one of the greats and a friend of my fried David Ommanney. Dave, found Hunters last 500 3" (Boswell) that may have been used to shoot many of the 1500 rhino.
David, shipped the rifle to me and I held it for him for over a year. It was a boxlock and quite loose, (gone of the face) as they say. The barrels were somewhat worn as well.
You could tell it had seen plenty of use.
George

Actually, there were four books by Hunter, "Hunter," "White Hunter'" "Hunter's Tracks'" and "Tales of the African Frontier." While original copies can be a bit scarce, all four are available as reprints currently. All four are great reads with,IMHO, "Hunter" being the pick of the litter. There is also a great picture of J.A.Hunter in Peter Beard's book "The End of the Game."

Zero (et al.),

Thanks for the clarification!

-Steve

I too have read "Hunter" and "Hunter's Tracks". IMO he was one of the top most white hunters. As an author he is also one of those whom I like to read again and again.

Saad

Gentlemen

"Hunter" was the first book on african big game hunting that I read. I find J. A. Hunter one of the best authors on this subject. If you want any of his four books, you can buy them from Safari Press.

/Kalle

Gentlemen:
I stand corrected, I do have 3 of Hunters books. My "Hunters Tracks" is missing.
George

Several years ago when I was first considering an African trip, an old woman with a overfull bookcase gave me "Hunter". What an inspiring first read it was. He was born at the right time and took full advantage of the opportunity.

I read Hunter when I was 13 (it would have been 1955). My 7th grade classroom had it shelved next to my desk in our library.

It convinced me that I had to be hunting in Africa. I didn't get to Africa until 1977, but I consider Hunter's book to be the cause of it all.

I found an original copy in a used book store, and have the reprints of the other books. I agree that Hunter is the best read..jim dodd

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

I've got a first edition Hunter that my father got from the Fredricksburg library when they discarded it. It was covered with cellophane and still has the paper cover. It is in mint condition. He paid $1 for it.

I have read it at least three times since I was a kid. I loved it. He, my father, and PHC
got me into wanting to hunt in Africa.

-Catter

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Shoot the largest caliber you can shoot well, and practice , practice, practice.

Has anyone read "Tales from the African Frontier"? It was authored by by John Hunter and Dan Mannix and published in 1954. It is a great book. I am an avid student of Africana This book is a collection of stories, gathered by Hunter and Mannix, of the people who really went there and did that during the early days of exploration.

It is a quick read.

-Catter