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Game and game-birds Books

Best books

Clive Phillipps-Wolley

Big Game Shooting, volume 2 (of 2)

"Big Game Shooting, Volume 2" by Clive Phillipps-Wolley is a detailed account of hunting practices focused on big game in diverse regions, written in the late 19th century. This volume explores various hunting environments, including the Arctic and the Caucasus, while providing insights into the characteristics of the animals pursued, the techniques employed, and the experiences of the huntsmen. The author combines firsthand experience with practical advice aimed at enthusiasts of big game hunting. The opening of this volume introduces readers to Arctic hunting, specifically the pursuit of walrus and polar bear. The author, Arnold Pike, shares his limited experiences in the Spitzbergen region, discussing the impact of excessive hunting on walrus populations and addressing the challenges hunters often face due to inadequate vessels and untrained crews. He offers recommendations for successful hunting expeditions, including selecting appropriate gear and understanding the behaviors of the walrus and polar bear. This introduction sets a tone of adventure and expertise, making it appealing for readers interested in the nuances of big game hunting.

George Teasdale Teasdale-Buckell

The Complete English Wing Shot

"The Complete English Wing Shot" by G. T. Teasdale-Buckell is a specialized guidebook on shooting sports written in the early 20th century. The book aims to address contemporary issues and controversies in shooting methods and equipment, particularly focusing on game shooting and the various techniques associated with it. The opening portion of the book introduces the author's motivation for writing about shooting, emphasizing a desire to provide a fresh perspective on topics often repeated in traditional texts. Teasdale-Buckell discusses the importance of distinguishing between accepted facts and myths in the sport, mentioning several long-held beliefs about shooting, dogs, and game that need to be reconsidered. The introduction sets the stage for a detailed exploration of shooting techniques, the evolution of firearms, and the relationship between game preservation and successful shooting practices.

Clive Phillipps-Wolley

Big Game Shooting, volume 1 (of 2)

"Big Game Shooting, volume 1 (of 2)" by Clive Phillipps-Wolley is a comprehensive work on hunting practices written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the ethics, techniques, and experiences associated with big game hunting, particularly highlighting the context of British hunters abroad, especially in Africa and America. Through detailed accounts and expert contributions, the text addresses the adrenaline-fueled pursuit of various wild animals while emphasizing a respectful and conservative approach to wildlife. The opening of the volume sets the stage by discussing the general principles of big game shooting and the motivations behind this pursuit. The author acknowledges the absence of large game in Britain while pointing out that many of the hunters are British, engrossed in the thrill of the hunt in remote territories. It explores the hunting spirit's connection to traditional masculine virtues and the sport's contributions to exploration and science. Phillipps-Wolley reflects upon the need for responsible hunting practices, emphasizing that sportsmanship should align with the principles of conservation and respect for the natural world, even cautioning against excessive slaughter of game for mere sport.

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