The Accurate Reloading Forums
The Last Safari by Bruce VanBuskirk

This topic can be found at:
https://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/4521043/m/929102757

05 November 2007, 05:13
yukon delta
The Last Safari by Bruce VanBuskirk
I found this to be written from an interesting perspective...a retired policeman and SWAT leader decides to spend the season with Tshabezi Safari Company in Zimbabwe as a worker and temporary apprentice hunter.

I got this book after reading Dogcat's listing of it in his top 10. It's a very easy read and quite different than any of my other African books. It's basically a journal of his season in the bush with all of the ups and downs you would imagine taking place throughout a safari season. His writing is good enough that I could picture myself in his shoes, meeting the various clients and workers, frustrated with war vets and govt. bureaucrats and clients that can't shoot.

It gave me some perspective of the other side of a safari camp. I appreciated that because I have to admit, I am a bit uncomfortable when I am the client and much prefer being treated like one of the guys. I also liked his discussion of the apprentice PHs being very nervous around the PHs. If you have spent any time around that you will know what he means.

After reading this, I think I would have liked to meet Kirk the PH and Dylan the apprentice. There is a website regarding this book http://www.thelastsafari.com/ which tells you that Kirk left Africa to work and guide in Australia. Dylan now works for a safari company in TZ (same company that Mark Sullivan worked for).

An interesting, easy read that I would recommend for a different perspective on what takes place to get a client a good hunt. I wish there were better photos included but that's my only complaint.


_______________________________

05 November 2007, 18:35
dogcat
Yukon,
This is one of my favorites due to the perspective given. I would recommend this book as one worth the time to read.
22 December 2007, 06:49
MJines
Used my Barnes and Noble gift card to pick this one up. Sounds interesting.


Mike
24 December 2007, 03:21
yukon delta
Let me know what you think Mike. It's different than any other safari book I have seen and that makes it worthwhile for me. I never heard of it before Dogcat listed it as a top 10 fav.


_______________________________

24 December 2007, 03:29
MJines
Will do. Also went ahead and order the Hemingway book too. Will do my book reports when I get through them.


Mike
07 January 2008, 04:14
MJines
About half way through the book. Maybe I have read too many hunting books lately and am tired of the stalking/final approach narrative characteristic of most, but I really am enjoying this book. Reads like someone's hunting journal and the behind the scenes stories are very interesting. Nice book, very readable.


Mike
07 January 2008, 04:21
yukon delta
Glad you like it. It's just a nice change a different approach. That makes it worthwhile.


_______________________________