Jack O'Conner's "Lost Classics"

[Colorado Cowboy]

I grew up reading Jack O'Conner in "Outdoor Life" magazine. He is responsible for some of the philosophy I have about hunting and shooting. A few years ago my wife bought me the book "Lost Classics". I ran out of reading material (which I do on a regular basis) and started to reread it again. It is a collection of some of his hunts throughout the world from the 1930's to the 70's. His writing style is what is classic, not just the material he writes about.

One thing that really jumped out at me was the difference in how he hunted and the equipment he had. In the last 15 or 20 years, technology had really changed the way we hunt. Range finders, optics and guns have really improved by leaps and bounds. We really take for granted this great equipment we have and enjoy. It would be something to see and hear what he and other writers of his era (Like Elmer Keith) would say about all this "stuff" we have and use today. We take it for granted that we can measure exactly how far away something is, not just guesstimating the distance like we did when I was a kid.

I also have a book that has a collection of Elmer Keith's best stories that I am going to reread next. They were sometimes not so friendly rivals. But that's another story.............

 

[Hilltop]

CC, this is good stuff. I grew up reading many of the same stories. We are definitely spoiled with technology these days compared to even just 15 years ago.

 

[WY ME]

I'm from the old school with the belief that most lures are designed to catch fishermen, not fish and the same holds true for hunting. Most of the new gadgets and gismos are completely unnecessary and a waste of money. What I do like are the practical improvements like the advances in clothing. Warm, waterproof and quiet are all good things. I also like the new plastic stocks, stainless barrels and brighter glass.

 

[Gr8bawana]

I'm from the old school with the belief that most lures are designed to catch fishermen, not fish and the same holds true for hunting. Most of the new gadgets and gismos are completely unnecessary and a waste of money. What I do like are the practical improvements like the advances in clothing. Warm, waterproof and quiet are all good things. I also like the new plastic stocks, stainless barrels and brighter glass.

My sentiments exactly.

 

[JWJR23]

Well said!!

 

[2rocky]

I read Elmer Kieth's "Hell I was There" . Ill need to add Lost Classics to the bookshelf

 

[RICMIC]

I was just reading some of Teddy Roosevelt's hunting stories. I like to quote TR when people ask me what I am up to now...."I'm endeavoring to enhance the principles of manliness."

 

[HeartElk]

The "Lost Classics" is great and my all-time favorite of O'Connor is "The Big Game Animals of North America" published back in 1961. I really enjoy the writers who have a knack for "taking you along" on their adventures so you feel you are right there on the hunt. Only afterwards, you realize you were not only entertained, but you also learned something. Guys like O'Connor, TR, Wayne van Zwoll, and Mike Eastman are a few of my favorites for that reason. Very different styles, but all wonderful to read.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I have everything TR and O'Conner wrote. They both really had a way with words and a story.

 

[Gr8bawana]

I have a copy of "The Art of Hunting Big Game" by O'Connor published in 1967 that is one of my favorites.
Another good one you guys might like is "Home From the Hill" by Fred Webb. It's full of stories of the early days of guiding in Canada and I found it very intersting.