quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
About half way through the book. Denker definitely has some interesting views that will likely generate some heated debate among elephant hunting PHs.

For example, Denker takes the view that worn, smooth spots on an elephant's foot are an indication of youth, not age. He believes that far too many younger bulls are being tracked and shot based on tracks showing smooth wear. In his opinion the track of a mature bull is indicated by a pad showing deep cracks and furrows and the absence of any smooth spots. He also does not buy the notion that while that may be true for sandveld bulls, it is not true for bulls in other parts of Africa. He believes it applies to all elephant, including forest elephant.

Some other interesting views he expresses. He finds the old practice of cutting off an elephant's tail abhorrent. He believes another way to help determine whether a bull is truly an old mature bull is to examine the structure of the trunk, particularly the underside and the chin, looking for deep furrows.

Denker is definitely not a shrinking violet in terms of his opinions . . . many of which fly in the face of conventional thinking. Despite the occasional translation awkwardness in the text the book is a great read for those that enjoy elephant hunting. Some of the bulls he has guided clients on truly amazing.

quote:

His view is that younger elephant have a smooth, callous-like layer on their feet. This accounts for the smooth areas. So in his view a track that shows a smooth area is not worn or "turning smooth" but rather is unworn or "still smooth" because it has not lost its smooth, callous-like layer.

quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:
If I were to spend 160 on a book I got to be sure it is exciting.This one doesn't sound that exciting. I am pretty sure with just some common sense one can tell if an elephant is old.