I found this book one of the best African hunting stories of modern times and recommend it unreservedly. Kai Uwe Denker is a hunter's hunter, of German extraction, born and raised in the wilds of Namibia where he is a highly regarded safari operator.

His descriptions of the vast landscapes, people and wildlife of that harsh and wonderful country are excellent. His mother tongue is German and I enjoyed the autheticity of his translation into English. The book was originally published in German several years ago.

His tales of hunting the giant bull elephants in the far north of Namibia are mouth-watering and he still finds bulls carrying 80 -100lbs tusks per side for his clients, who quite naturally are mostly Germans. Anyone signing up with him for a safari should know that Kai Uwe is one tough, determined, no-nonsense hunter who will even out-walk a desert elephant.

Try Rowland Ward Publications or Safari Press for your copy.

Richard Harland.

Author of: The Hunting Imperative; African Epic; Ndlovu - The Art of Hunting the African Elephant. (Available from Rowland Ward Publications and Safari Press)

Thanks for the recommendation. If you like it, it must be good! This is the eccentric guy that supposedly doesn't have a phone, etc. Do you know anything about this guy personally Richard?

Brian,

Yes, I know Kai Uwe. Tall, slim man, aged 46, germanic in appearance and in manner. Very intelligent. No flippancy or practical joking, I would guess! We got on really well and I have an open invitation to visit the family which I regard as an honour. I have heard the family are somewhat 'hillbilly' in their mode of living, but Kai Uwe (pronounced Ky -like sky- Ooveh) and I e-mail each other a bit so he does have that to keep in touch with the world!

He did the transalation of his book into English by himself - no mean feat, and some of his words and phrasing show the German syntax origins. It isn't sloppy like some writers who don't use proofreaders. (My old pal Ian Nyschens was one and it shows in his second book. He was too stubborn to ask for assistance).

After meeting Kai Uwe and then reading his book, my assessment is that this is a man after my own heart, who hunts for hunting's sake. I believe he is as tough as they come and can walk, track, stalk and shoot as well or better as any men I know.

The German/Austrian community book him up for years ahead, particularly for bull elephants.

Richard.

Author of: The Hunting Imperative; African Epic; Ndlovu - The Art of Hunting the African Elephant. (Available from Rowland Ward Publications and Safari Press)

That's supposed to be FIVE check rating, not one!!! Sorry, I'm a real dummy with these computer things.

Richard Harland

Thanks Richard. I ordered the book. I would like to have it signed at some point.

I enjoyed the book. I wish I could do more than just order a beer in German, and could read the original text in German. The translated version reads like a translation in some places. I was glad the book was so enjoyable since it costs a bit. All in all I think it is well worth the money.

[If we all rate this thread, we can overcome Richard's bust on the rating.]

I would love to hunt with this guy if I were about 25 and could match his fitness. I also would need to do a "gut check" to see if I could measure up to his level of hunting ethics.

The photo that Bill posted of him on my other topic makes him look older than 46...more like 56. It's funny how you can look at someone and not see much but the strength is inside. Of course, I have never met him but I have no doubt he could walk me into the ground and he is 10 years older than me. I wonder about the personality differences. I like to have a good time when I hunt (I don't drink or smoke) and the interaction with the PH is very important to me. I could be wrong but it sounds like he tries to show you he is in better shape than you. That won't work well with American clients. We know he is stronger but why force it?

I also have no problem taking the older "broken" bulls but I would have a hard time being told which one to shoot. Personally, I feel that should be my choice as I am paying for it (especially at Calitz pricing). That part doesn't appeal to me. What say the rest of you?