Subject
Hunting 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.
Theodore Roosevelt
A Book-Lover's Holidays in the Open
"A Book-Lover's Holidays in the Open" by Theodore Roosevelt is a travelogue written in the early 20th century. The text reflects on the author's various adventures and experiences in the wilderness, emphasizing his deep appreciation for nature and outdoor life. It delves into themes of exploration, conservation, and the beauty of America's landscapes, alongside the interactions with indigenous cultures. The opening of the book introduces a cougar hunting expedition set against the backdrop of the Grand Canyon. Roosevelt recounts the gathering of his party, including his sons and friends, and sets off on their adventure filled with the thrill of the chase and quiet moments contemplating the stunning scenery. Through vivid descriptions, he shares the challenges of navigating the terrain, the camaraderie among the group, and the elation of encountering wildlife. The narrative makes it clear that this journey is not only about hunting but also about forging connections with nature and with each other amidst the majestic wilderness.
Unknown
Hunting in Many Lands: The Book of the Boone and Crockett Club
"Hunting in Many Lands: The Book of the Boone and Crockett Club" by Theodore Roosevelt and George Bird Grinnell is a collection of hunting stories and essays written in the late 19th century. The book features accounts from various contributors who detail their hunting experiences in diverse locations, from East Africa to Canada and beyond. It aims to share the thrill and challenges of big game hunting while promoting wildlife conservation efforts. At the start of the collection, readers are introduced to W. A. Chanler’s narrative about his hunting expedition in East Africa, where he sets out from the Taveta forest near Mt. Kilimanjaro. Equipped with a range of rifles, Chanler recounts his experiences tracking hippos and encountering formidable wildlife. As the tale unfolds, he details his interactions with both the natural environment and local tribes, enduring hardships like fever and disappointment while pursuing the elusive game. This establishes a vivid picture of the hunting culture and the challenges hunters face, creating an engaging and atmospheric setting for the adventures to follow in subsequent chapters.
J. S. (John Solomon) Rarey
A New Illustrated Edition of J. S. Rarey's Art of Taming Horses With the Substance of the Lectures at the Round House, and Additional Chapters on Horsemanship and Hunting, for the Young and Timid
"A New Illustrated Edition of J. S. Rarey's Art of Taming Horses" by J. S. Rarey is a comprehensive guide on horse training written in the mid-19th century. This work details the author's innovative methods for taming and training horses, making it accessible not only to seasoned horsemen but also to novice equestrians, particularly the young and timid. The book's central topic revolves around Rarey's approach, which emphasizes gentleness and understanding the horse's nature rather than the traditional harsh methods of breaking and training. The opening of the book provides context for Mr. Rarey’s revolutionary system, sharing anecdotes about his experiences and the limitations of conventional horse taming methods. It highlights the challenges faced by trainers and outlines Rarey's philosophy that focuses on building trust and patience. The beginning illustrates Rarey's evolution from a rough rider utilizing traditional methods to a skilled horseman who developed a more humane and effective approach, asserting that with the right techniques, any horse can learn to be docile and obedient without fear or pain. This introduction sets the stage for the detailed instructions that follow, inviting readers to explore and apply his techniques responsibly.
Oliver Hartley
Hunting Dogs Describes in a Practical Manner the Training, Handling, Treatment, Breeds, Etc., Best Adapted for Night Hunting as Well as Gun Dogs for Daylight Sport
"Hunting Dogs" by Oliver Hartley is a practical guide on the training, handling, and breeding of hunting dogs, specifically tailored for both night hunting and daylight sporting purposes. Written in the early 20th century, this work serves as a comprehensive resource for hunters and dog owners, discussing various breeds and their specific roles in hunting different types of game. Hartley emphasizes the practical aspect of hunting, focusing primarily on methods that have been tried and tested by experienced hunters rather than theoretical approaches. The opening of the guide introduces the popularity of night hunting, particularly raccoon hunting, and highlights the increasing demand for trained dogs in this pursuit. It discusses the clever tricks employed by raccoons to evade hounds and stresses the need for well-trained dogs to successfully navigate and handle these situations. Hartley shares anecdotal experiences and tips about the characteristics of effective hunting dogs, their training process, and the vital importance of their ancestry and breed in determining their suitability for various types of hunting.
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.
E. N. (Eldred Nathaniel) Woodcock
Fifty Years a Hunter and Trapper Autobiography, experiences and observations of Eldred Nathaniel Woodcock during his fifty years of hunting and trapping.
"Fifty Years a Hunter and Trapper" by E. N. Woodcock is an autobiography published in 1913. Drawing from memory, Woodcock recounts his adventures camping, hunting, trapping, and fishing across Northern Pennsylvania's wilderness between 1855 and 1905. Written in plain language, he shares tales of tracking bear and deer, mishaps with partners, camp life incidents, and encounters with wildlife. The book combines compelling stories with practical wilderness wisdom on trap-building, fur preparation, and survival techniques gleaned from five decades in the wild.
Samuel White Baker
Wild Beasts and Their Ways, Reminiscences of Europe, Asia, Africa and America — Volume 1
"Wild Beasts and Their Ways, Reminiscences of Europe, Asia, Africa and America" by Sir Samuel W. Baker is a non-fiction work written during the late 19th century. This book serves as a detailed account of the author's adventures and experiences in hunting, wildlife, and the natural world across various continents. It likely explores the challenges and techniques of hunting large game as well as the author's reflections on the animals encountered throughout his expeditions. The opening of the book delves into the evolution and technicalities of rifles used in hunting over the past half-century. Baker discusses early firearms, particularly the smooth-bore muskets, their limitations, and the advancements made in rifle design, especially in terms of accuracy and power. He shares his personal experience with the introduction of rifles to places like Ceylon and details the modifications he proposed and successfully implemented to improve riflery in hunting dangerous game. Overall, this initial portion of the text serves to set the stage for a deeper exploration of hunting practices and a reflection on the relationship between humans and the wild during that historical period.
Kermit Roosevelt
The Happy Hunting-Grounds
"The Happy Hunting-Grounds" by Kermit Roosevelt is a collection of hunting autobiographies written in the early 20th century. The author shares his exceptional experiences of hunting expeditions, reflecting on both the adventures and challenges he faced in the wild. The narrative features various hunts across diverse locations such as Africa and the American deserts, portraying not only the thrill of the hunt but also insights into nature and personal reflections. The opening of the book sets the stage by discussing the impact of wilderness life on individuals, highlighting the changes in character that emerge when faced with discomfort and survival challenges. Roosevelt introduces his father as a passionate huntsman, recalling formative camping experiences that instilled in him a deep love for outdoor adventures. The chapter also emphasizes lessons learned about sharing and camaraderie among hunting companions, laying a foundation for the rich tales of expeditions that follow. Through engaging anecdotes, readers are invited into a world where the bond between man and nature is vividly explored.
Alfred E. (Alfred Edward) Pease
Hunting Reminiscences
"Hunting Reminiscences" by Sir Alfred E. Pease is a collection of nostalgic hunting accounts crafted in the late 19th century. The book shares intimate reflections on various hunting experiences, particularly focusing on drag hunting and steeplechasing, utilizing insights from Pease's own life as an avid horseman and politician. The narrative evokes the thrill of the chase and the camaraderie among hunters, exploring the intricate relationship between man, horse, and hounds. The opening of this work presents the author’s pleasant recollections of his first experiences with the Cambridge University Drag, vividly recounting the exhilaration of the hunt. Pease describes a memorable day spent racing across the fields alongside fellow undergraduates and their hounds, highlighting the study of the hunters and the humorous incidents that punctuated their adventures. As he reminisces, Pease reflects not only on the excitement and challenges of hunting but also on the bonds formed among participants, crafting a lively picture of the sporting culture of his time.
Josef Brunner
Tracks and Tracking
"Tracks and Tracking" by Josef Brunner is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work serves as a detailed guide for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, focusing on the art and science of tracking various game animals, particularly hoofed and predaceous animals in North America. Brunner emphasizes the importance of understanding animal tracks, trails, and signs to improve hunting success and ethical practices in the wilderness. The opening of the book begins with a foreword explaining the significance of tracking in hunting, highlighting that those who can interpret tracks experience greater success than those who rely solely on luck. Brunner shares his experiences in the outdoors, illustrating how lack of knowledge can lead to unsuccessful hunts. He outlines the basic principles of tracking, emphasizing the different anatomical features and movement patterns of several animals, like deer and bears, which are crucial for recognizing tracks in various terrains and conditions. The text indicates that this is just an introduction to the more detailed explorations and methodologies that will follow in subsequent chapters, setting the stage for a comprehensive study of tracking wildlife.
Unknown
Forest and Frontiers; Or, Adventures Among the Indians
"Forest and Frontiers; Or, Adventures Among the Indians" by Roualeyn Gordon-Cumming is a historical account likely written in the mid-19th century. The book chronicles the thrilling adventures of Mr. Cumming, a British officer who resigned his commission to explore the interior of Africa while engaging in big game hunting. It primarily revolves around his encounters with various wild animals and indigenous tribes, showcasing the perilous and often exhilarating life of an adventurer in the untamed wilderness. The opening of the work presents a vivid account of Mr. Cumming's daring confrontation with a pride of lions in Africa, highlighting both his skill as a hunter and the majestic yet fearsome nature of the animals he pursues. He describes in detail the strategies he employed to approach the lions while showcasing his anxiety and excitement during the hunt. This segment is not just a hunt; it is a testament to the challenges of navigating the African landscape and the thrill of engaging with its wildlife. Through Cumming's perspective, readers are drawn into the heart of a world where man and nature collide spectacularly, setting the stage for further adventures that lie ahead.
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