Book Shelf

Tall Tales

by Buzz Charlton

back on the writings of Hemingway or Ruark, we can appreciate how the role of the African professional hunter has changed as the 20th century merged into the 21st. Today’s PH needs to be, first and foremost, a true conservationist and a custodian of his or her natural history heritage. He must also be a friend, and sometimes confidant, to his clients, a naturalist who knows as much about the ecology of dung beetles as he does about the behaviour of dangerous game animals. The PH must be a maestro with the tools of his trade – not only a crack shot, but a good coach and instructor, able to help his client make the most of his own skills. He has to be conversant in the use of modern electronic technology such as global positioning and communications devices, a competent paramedic and mechanic if needs be, and a master of the hospitality trade. Men like Philip Percival and Harry Selby were such during