J. A. Hunter

John A. Hunter (1887 – 1963), also known as "J. A. Hunter" was a white hunter in Africa from the early 1900's through the 1950's who led many notable safaris. He led the Livimore expedition that opened up the Ngorongoro Crater to European hunters. He held several world records for big game at various times, and killed over 1,000 rhinos in a single year in Kenya. In later years, he became concerned about the possible extinction of the wildlife he had so assiduously hunted, and served as a game warden and spoke in favor of conservation.

He was also a friend and contemporary of Denys Finch Hatton, who was portrayed by Robert Redford in the movie "Out of Africa". In his published writings Hunter wrote of his friend and fellow professional hunter, and the tragic circumstances of Hattons' death.

He wrote several books, some autobiographical, some fiction based on his life experiences. They include:

*"Hunter", an autobiography.
*"Hunter's Tracks", story of John Hunter's efforts to capture the shady headman of a gang of ivory poachers and smugglers
*"White Hunter", specifically about his safaris before World War II
*"Tales Of The African Frontier", the early days of East Africa is the subject of this John Hunter book.

Based on John Hunter:
*"African Hunter", Harper and Brothers, New York, 1954
*"African Bush Adventures", Hamish Hamilton, London, 1952
*"Killers of Kilimanjaro", made into a movie in 1959.

In 1957-8, a TV series, "White Hunter" was produced in the United Kingdom, loosely based on his adventures.