I read every hunt report. I have come to the conclusion that we have a bevy (a gaggle, a pride, a pod, a flock, a huddle) of outstanding hunt report writers. So - who do you like and why?

I will start -

Bill C - Outstanding documentation of how he prepares, what he sees, what he uses, how the hunt progresses. The photos are not all dead animals but the "process" of hunting. He covers every base. He is my "James Michener" of hunt reports. I read every word he writes.
Bill C is my No. 1 pick followed by a host of No. 2's below. I want to be like Bill when I grow up.

JudgeG- The connoissuer of hunt reports, the quintessential writer that captures the drama (high and low) of the hunt. You sweat with him, you walk with him, you are relieved with him. When he wrote the story about the lion encounter while pursuing buff and having to back out of the pride - I thought I was there. I "drink" every word he writes.... Like fine cognac, to get the flavor. JudgeG is No. 1, tied with BillC.

Tim Herald - The chronicler, the Luke of the hunt reports (Luke, as in Doctor Luke, writer of the gospel of Luke). The guy that gets the details and the keen observations along with excellent pictures. Tim does this for a living but I actually thinks he likes doing it and sharing this with us.

D Nelson - The diamond in the rough among us. She has vast experiences to share and we need to pull more from her. Her stories and bravery and toughness are legend in Africa but untold (completely) on AR. WRITE MORE!!!

David Hulme - Not a hunt report writer but a skilled story teller. If he would share some of his Shangaan Stories here, he would sell a ton of books. He has an insight into the African and how they think, live and work.

Saeed - With 20,000 posts and many reports, he has the tools to write volumes. He is best in describing interactions with Walter. I leave it at that. If you have not read his conversations with Walter, start now and 2012 will look like a great year ahead.

Aziz - Been everywhere and shot most of everything. Great adventures and a good story teller. Great pictures.

Safari-Lawyer (Will Parks) - Goes every year. Writes a great story every year. MORE PLEASE.


OK - your turn!!!!!


PS- My apologies to Craig Boddington. As a professional I left you off the list. I like his stuff and read his books. He brings us to the hunt and I enjoy the story. I hope, as he grows older, he gets more reflective on his accomplishments and experiences and writes from the depths of his heart. It will be a loss if he does not.

The best hunt reports IMO,are the ones that are remembered after years go by.

Cannot question or quibble with any of your picks, all great writers for sure. I am just glad that lots of folks take the time to put together the reports. Not only are they entertaining but they are a valuable resource and in some cases include information that is educational. They are great for getting a feel of what an area is like, what the camp is like, etc. I know that some do not consider themselves to be great writers, I am particularly glad they take the time to write up their reports and share their experiences. It takes some effort to put a report together and I appreciate each effort (and I know Dogcat does too).

I will throw a couple of other names in the mix. I think Chris Sells (new guy) does a great report, I particularly enjoyed his photo essay (though incomplete) of this year's hunt. Russell Marshall (bwanamrm) does a good report too, I am always amazed that he gets most of the words spelled right even though he is a banker. But in the end, I value and appreciate each and every one.

Anton's pictures are alway superb.

I also like reading the reports from the first time hunters who were excited about every aspect of their hunt, JCS271's report is a good example.

I would like to propose that the forum publish a collection of "The Best of the AR Hunt Reports".
Perhaps any proceeds could go to conservation organizations that AR Forum members support.

Nice list,
I think Ahmed Sultan writes very nice reports aswell.

dogcat:

What a kind compliment to be linked with the others!!!

Thank you so much!

D. Nelson

quote:

I know that some do not consider themselves to be great writers, I am particularly glad they take the time to write up their reports and share their experiences. It takes some effort to put a report together and I appreciate each effort (and I know Dogcat does too).

+1

Bill C for sure

I don't know who the best is. But i love reading them all

Those mentioned are truly worthy.

Another consideration is the report by BiG-Boar. While it wasn't about an Afrcan hunt, it is as good as they come.

http://forums.accuratereloadin...221058761#1221058761

Dogcat:

You are kind to include me among the ranks of our peers who have hunted far and near and reported their experiences here for all of us to enjoy.

As mentioned above, Anton Dalghren's photos are stellar. Andrew Baldry's are too.

For me, the quintessential hunt report would be a mix of Bill C, JudgeG, and Ahmed Sultan.

Bill C is thorough in his reports. Being there would only expose you to slightly more information than what you are able to pull from his vast reports.

Judge G is able to weave a story into the report or does he weave a report into the story? Either way, he is a wordsmith without equal on this forum. I aspire to be able to "tell" a story as good as our friend Ernest.

Ahmed Sultan's reports are interesting to me because he takes the hunts that I hope to be able to take in my hunting career. Whether it is CAR for Lord Derby Eland, Tanzania for lion and buffalo or the Selous Reserve for big elephants, Ahmed's hunts are top hunts in top areas. That makes for interesting reading every time.

In any event, I'll do what I can to keep the reports coming. For me, it's only five months to my 21 day lion hunt!

I would like to echo what others have already pointed out on this thread... that all hunt reports are valuable and add to the collective intelligence on outfitters and hunting areas available to those who frequent AR. I and those who post Hunt Reports know what an investment of time it is to put them together. This site is a treasure trove of African intel that can be a huge benefit to those planning to hunt the dark continent!

And Mike, the money is in the mail for mentioning me buddy! (Amazing what lawyers will do for cash!) And thank the Almighty for Spellcheek.... oops.

I would add Steve Graves. I have not seen him post here lately. Hope he is ok.

My vote is Bill C as well.

I can't fault for CB not posting anything; after all, when you sell stories you sell "first rights." Who wants to buy a story and then find out the story has been published on the internet?

IMO,a top hunt report should emphasize or highlight the following-trophy,stalk or hunt and shooting.It`s nice to show other aspects of the trip but they are more of a camping cultural photographic adventure or other things.If I really wanted to see this I`ll subscribe to National Geographic.I also find that it is not that much of a thrill for me to watch shooting with a scope.I like a hardcore hunt report.

Great thread - I just love JudgeG's writing & Andrew / fairgame's photos - as the best. the others are awesome as well.

I like and appreciate all the reports, but the author closest to Ruark is AR's own JudgeG.

Saeed's photography is superb.
Bill C is the most thorough. Used one of his reports to research one of my hunts and he didn't leave many surprises.
Jim

Thanks guys, I do appreciate the feedback especially coming from those that I respect, and am gratified to hear that others find them useful and perhaps a little bit entertaining too!

Some of you guys mentioned, and others not, are awesome writers, and/or have the ability to capture the “essence” (spirit) of the hunt. Reports from first-time hunters are always fun.

I don’t always post feedback, but enjoy ALL the reports...they provide escape from the day-to-day, and entertain, teach, motivate and remind. Some of the photography in recent reports has been phenomenal. Saeed’s real-time reports from the field are all the above.

Years ago Terry Carr and I talked about the Reports Forum after frustration trying to research “Hunt Reports” as was available at that time from other sources, and how we wanted to see it develop over time as it would serve as a tremendous resource for hunters. I think is has, and will hopefully continue to grow.

I always enjoyed Harold Wolf’s writings in Hatari Times detailing his hunting trips, and found it the only magazine that I would read and re-read over and over again. I booked at least one hunt as a direct result of an article he wrote. I really felt after reading it that I knew the area and the outfitter, otherwise I would never had the comfort level to book directly with this particular individual. Harold made himself available for conversation, and the end result was a great hunt. His articles entertained and informed, with information sprinkled throughout the article requiring and then rewarding one for reading each and every word. Skim it and you didn’t get that much out of it maybe, but read it all and read between the lines as he always offered a bit of himself, and it was all there and more. I wish Harold was still traveling and writing.

Please, don’t anybody reading this think that they must invest huge amounts of time to construct a “proper report” and that if they don’t they should not post anything. The basics of the trip (who/what/where/when) plus a summary of your experience and some pictures is all that is “required” to make your fellow AR members happy! The more pictures, the happier we are!

If ever I can aid somebody in figuring out how to create a report or post pictures or whatever, let me know and I’ll be happy to help.

All the best, Bill

Dogcat,

I'll add you to the list. Your account of your Cameroon rainforest hunt was one of the best I've read here.

David

quote:

Originally posted by David W:
Dogcat,

I'll add you to the list. Your account of your Cameroon rainforest hunt was one of the best I've read here.

David

Must say I enjoyed that.

I enjoy tham all. Some for their descriptive word smithing, some for their pictures, some for the information about an area or outfitter of interest.

With me it is a toss up between BillC and JudgeG.

But as been said bfore, I love them all and they provide great adventure and information.

Thanks to all that take the time to write them.

.

Bill,

Just happened to read your note which mentioned Harold Wolfe & Hatari Times. I feel as you do about the Times. Chatted with him at length at SCI last year. He said he was on the mend & going to publish another issue of the Times but no joy. Have you any knowledge of his condition? I suppose I shall learn at SCI if he is OK & about. Will you be in Vegas? Where do you live in PA?

Thanks,

Glenn



lly posted by Bill C:
Thanks guys, I do appreciate the feedback especially coming from those that I respect, and am gratified to hear that others find them useful and perhaps a little bit entertaining too!

Some of you guys mentioned, and others not, are awesome writers, and/or have the ability to capture the “essence” (spirit) of the hunt. Reports from first-time hunters are always fun.

I don’t always post feedback, but enjoy ALL the reports...they provide escape from the day-to-day, and entertain, teach, motivate and remind. Some of the photography in recent reports has been phenomenal. Saeed’s real-time reports from the field are all the above.

Years ago Terry Carr and I talked about the Reports Forum after frustration trying to research “Hunt Reports” as was available at that time from other sources, and how we wanted to see it develop over time as it would serve as a tremendous resource for hunters. I think is has, and will hopefully continue to grow.

I always enjoyed Harold Wolf’s writings in Hatari Times detailing his hunting trips, and found it the only magazine that I would read and re-read over and over again. I booked at least one hunt as a direct result of an article he wrote. I really felt after reading it that I knew the area and the outfitter, otherwise I would never had the comfort level to book directly with this particular individual. Harold made himself available for conversation, and the end result was a great hunt. His articles entertained and informed, with information sprinkled throughout the article requiring and then rewarding one for reading each and every word. Skim it and you didn’t get that much out of it maybe, but read it all and read between the lines as he always offered a bit of himself, and it was all there and more. I wish Harold was still traveling and writing.

Please, don’t anybody reading this think that they must invest huge amounts of time to construct a “proper report” and that if they don’t they should not post anything. The basics of the trip (who/what/where/when) plus a summary of your experience and some pictures is all that is “required” to make your fellow AR members happy! The more pictures, the happier we are!

If ever I can aid somebody in figuring out how to create a report or post pictures or whatever, let me know and I’ll be happy to help.

All the best, Bill[/QUOTE]

quote:

Originally posted by David W:
Dogcat,

I'll add you to the list. Your account of your Cameroon rainforest hunt was one of the best I've read here.

David

I'll agree here. Your reports are as good as they come Ross!

Greg

Enjoy them all as knowledge is a wonderful tool when traveling to foreign or local for that matter countries.

BillC for all around wild game and JudgeG for his humor and all around fun time would be my choices although many others have added to my enjoyment and knowledge base for the future.

Keep going BillC, JudgeG and others.

I cetainly like those including BillC, Judge, Saeed, and Safari -Lawyer.

I also think that the original Dogcat hunt of parts one and two of hunting with your family and in different areas was one of the epic hunt reports on AR.

Whomever posts the most PHOTOS.

There have many enjoyable readings from all authors mentioned, I have also appreciated Kpete's reports very much.

Frostbit has my attention, as does R. Jolly. Mjines is certainly worth reading as well.

Here's to hoping the hunt reports continue. Not only a valuable source of information but also vicarious entertainment when one is not able have their personal boots on the ground in Africa.

Cheers to all that contribute

Jim

All are good or great but one stands out above all the others. When you combine the quality of the rifles he hunts with, his vast knowledge of double rifles, his marksmanship, and gender identification of species, who other than Shootaway can take the number one crown?
Cal

Love them all but especially the off the beaten path ones!


Thanks to all that take the time to post these reports!!

quote:

Frostbit has my attention, as does R. Jolly. Mjines is certainly worth reading as well.

I agree with Jyette on these three writers, as well as her own writings.

I read a Bill C hunt report and then grabbed my kid and did the same trip!

quote:

Originally posted by cal pappas:
All are good or great but one stands out above all the others. When you combine the quality of the rifles he hunts with, his vast knowledge of double rifles, his marksmanship, and gender identification of species, who other than Shootaway can take the number one crown?
Cal

i have to agree. an absolute master at his peak!

I see I made a couple of good posts on this thread.

My vote goes to Rich.....the Idaho Sharpshooter

Fantastic photography

Bill C and Dogcat, very informative reports

I remember this tread and think I had it right the first time. But lot of them are well done in various ways. But the top guys just bring it right to you like you are there with the big and the small details too.