Reeder Custom Guns - those thinking of hunting in Africa with Harry Selby

the most admired Professional Hunter in 80 years are out of luck. Harry has passed away.
http://www.theoutdoorwire.com/story/0dfc0522-2a48-4bc1-a65f-cb6b10bcc58e

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..His passing end`s an era we will never see again.....

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sometimes up to a year in Africa, 100 black guys as porters to carry 6 to 12 months worth of provisions, including several rifles and thousands of rounds of ammo, sleeping in small tents, washing in river water, or if you were lucky there was an iron tub to take a bath in every few days, no electricity, oil lamps, and all the other "luxuries" known to man were 10,000 miles away. About the only thing in abundance was scotch (Bourbon was considered uncouth).

When you got a lion tag you were allowed 4 male lion, with an elephant tag you got 2 elephant. A cape Buffalo tag wasn't necessary as you could shoot what you wanted as they ran in herds of 500 or more. Every morning you went out with the PH and shot some game for meat to feed a hundred or more porters, trackers, skinners and so on. If you were lucky you traveled in an open top 1940s era hunting vehicle. In places where the "car" wouldn't go you walked.

Yes, Harry Selby's Africa is gone forever. In 12 African safaris I have not had to experience any of the above and that saddens me a bit, but I thank God for being able to enjoy those 12 safaris and am looking forward very much to number 13 in about 7 weeks.

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I miss living there. I miss life in the bush. The cities don't appeal to me but I loved staying in the bush with folks who still live like 100 years ago. Though even that is changing in some places.

Not sure I will go back, though some are urging me to take them for a visit. We will see.

AFRICA

When you have acquired a taste for the dust,
and the scent of our first rain,
You're hooked for life on Africa
and you'll not be right again.

Until you can watch the setting moon
and hear the jackals bark,
And know they are around you
waiting in the dark.

When you long to see the elephants
or hear the coucal's song,
When the moonrise sets your blood on fire,
then you've been away too long.

It is time to cut the traces loose,
and let your heart go free,
Beyond that far horizon
where your spirit yearns to be.

Africa is waiting - come!
Since you've touched the open sky
And learned to love the rustling grass
and the wild fish eagle's cry.

You'll always hunger for the bush;
for the lion's rasping roar,
To camp at last beneath the stars
and to be at peace once more.
-author unknown

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those thinking of hunting in Africa with Harry Selby

xxx

Yep, Selby's African safari was one of 3 to 6 months

Africa does get into your spirit ...