This is the true story of an American hunter, Bruce VanBuskirk, who spent the 2001 season living a dream, working on safari in Zimbabwe. Full of fascinating characters, adventure and excitement, it also deals truthfully with the hard lessons learned about the future of hunting in Africa. This is a day by day description of the events, places and people who make the safari industry work in Zimbabwe.If you're tired of reading the same old books from the professional hunting writers, stories filled with technical details but no passion for the hunt or for Africa, then this is a book for you.If you want to know what really happens behind the scenes in order for a safari to occur, then this is a book for you.You'll travel the bush with the author, getting to know the professional hunters and clients, company employees, local villagers, and learn just how much work it takes to run a safari operation in a third world country. Fuel shortages, poaching, war vets seizing property, broken rifles, snakes, charging elephants, and wounded buffalo were all in a day's work. This is a rare look at the behind the scenes efforts to make a client's dreams come true. this deluxe paperback features non stop action, observations on the current political situation in Zimbabwe, as well as the stories of citizens forced to deal with the realities of life in Africa. Illustrated with over 70 images.more information available at www.thelastsafari.com As a person who has been to Africa several times, when I read this book I found myself right back there again. Whether you have been to Africa or are dreaming about it, this book will get you fired up! -- Rob Trott, Great lakes Outdoor Television I found "The last Safari" a great account of what happens behind the scenes of a safari camp. Well done! -- Buck McNeely, Outdoorsman International In a word, brilliant!...something you look forward to picking up and reading at least a little each day.. -- D.Rimkus, Bass Pro Shops Whether you have been to Africa or are dreaming about it, this book will get you fired up!" -- Rob Trott, Producer, Great Lakes Outdoors Television Born in the mid 1950s, the author learned to hunt at an early age at the family farm in southern Michigan. He received his first gun, a gift from his grandfather, at the age of 11. It was a single shot 16 gauge which was used to wreak havoc on the game bird population for many years, until finances allowed for more expensive and sophisticated shotguns. That first firearm remains an honored part of the gun collection to this day. After college the author entered the field of law enforcement, serving as a police officer for eight years in southern Michigan, after which he moved to Indianapolis to further his career on a larger Department. He joined the SWAT Team in 1989, serving first as a sniper, then as Sniper Coordinator. In 1994 the author attended the Naval Special Warfare (SEAL) sniper school for East Coast SEAL teams, a grueling ten week course designed to turn Special Forces soldiers into hunter/killer teams operating behind enemy lines. At the end of the course the author had made history, becoming the first non-service person to win the coveted Honor Man designation, taking first place in every skill which had been taught. The Warrant Officer in charge of the School wore a black armband as he bestowed upon the author the traditional engraved rifle. The author served as the SWAT Team commander for the last two years of his tenure, retiring from the Team in 1999. His Law Enforcement career ended in 2001, and shortly afterwards he left for Africa, his fourth safari. The authors hunting career began at about the age of three, when his grandfather convinced him to tie a carrot onto a string and attempt to catch rabbits at the family farm. He learned to bird and deer hunt in the farmland of southern Michigan, and as he got older he traveled to western states to hunt mule deer and antelope, as well as moose and bear in Canada. He made his first safari in 1994, hunting South Africa just before the election of Nelson Mandela to the office of President of South Africa. The author currently manufactures motorcycle accessories under the business name Howlingdog, and enjoys hunting and camping in the mountains of Arizona when he can find some free time. Used Book in Good Condition