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Harry Selby (hunter) Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Life and Career of Harry Selby: A Professional Hunter

Cheat Sheet:
The Life and Career of Harry Selby: A Professional Hunter Study Guide

Early Life and Foundations

Harry Selby was born in Kenya in 1925 and his family subsequently relocated to South Africa.

Answer: False

Explanation: Harry Selby was born in Frankfort, South Africa, in 1925; his family later relocated to Kenya.

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Selby's family acquired a substantial property near Mount Kenya, utilized for cattle grazing and frequented by diverse wildlife species.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Selby family's property near Mount Kenya was extensive, covering 40,000 acres, and was indeed used for cattle and inhabited by various wildlife.

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Harry Selby commenced his hunting activities at the age of sixteen, initially equipped with a bolt-action rifle.

Answer: False

Explanation: Harry Selby began hunting at the age of eight, not sixteen, and his first firearm was a single-shot .22 rifle, not a bolt-action rifle.

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The primary purpose of Selby's childhood hunting was to provide game for his family's sustenance and to hone his firearm skills.

Answer: True

Explanation: Selby's early hunting efforts served a dual purpose: supplying game for his family's table and developing his proficiency with firearms.

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Selby gained his initial experience with dangerous game by exclusively hunting lions on the slopes of Mount Kenya.

Answer: False

Explanation: Selby's initial exposure to dangerous game occurred while hunting smaller species on the slopes of Mount Kenya, not exclusively by hunting lions.

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Selby learned hunting techniques from local trackers skilled in using traditional weapons such as the bow and arrow.

Answer: True

Explanation: Selby learned from expert local trackers who were proficient with traditional armaments like the bow and arrow, demonstrating advanced hunting knowledge.

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Selby's early immersion in wildlife on his family's ranch significantly influenced his future career path.

Answer: True

Explanation: Growing up amidst diverse wildlife on his family's ranch provided Selby with an early, immersive education in the natural environment and animal behavior, establishing the foundation for his career.

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What was Harry Selby's full birth name?

Answer: John Henry Selby

Explanation: Harry Selby's full birth name was John Henry Selby.

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What are the birth and death years for Harry Selby?

Answer: Born 1925, Died 2018

Explanation: Harry Selby was born in 1925 and passed away in 2018.

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In which country was Harry Selby born?

Answer: Frankfort, South Africa

Explanation: Harry Selby was born in Frankfort, South Africa.

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What was the approximate size of the property Selby's family acquired in Kenya?

Answer: 40,000 acres

Explanation: Selby's parents acquired a substantial property of approximately 40,000 acres near Mount Kenya.

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Which of the following animals was not explicitly documented as inhabiting his family's Kenyan ranch?

Answer: Rhinoceros

Explanation: While zebra, elephant, and impala were mentioned as present or visiting the ranch, rhinoceros were not explicitly documented as inhabiting the property.

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At what age did Harry Selby commence hunting, and what type of firearm was he initially provided with?

Answer: Age 8, with a single-shot .22 rifle

Explanation: Harry Selby began hunting at the age of eight, and his first firearm was a single-shot .22 rifle.

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What was the primary practical purpose of Selby's early hunting endeavors?

Answer: To provide game meat for his family and practice firearm skills

Explanation: His early hunting efforts served to supply the family's larder with smaller game and concurrently allowed him to develop and refine his marksmanship.

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Professional Hunting Career: Kenya

Harry Selby, born John Henry Selby, achieved renown as a professional hunter, establishing a significant reputation in both Kenya and Bechuanaland.

Answer: True

Explanation: Harry Selby, born John Henry Selby, was indeed a professional hunter who gained considerable recognition for his work in Kenya and later in Bechuanaland.

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Harry Selby's professional hunting career commenced when he purchased his own safari company.

Answer: False

Explanation: Harry Selby's professional career commenced indirectly through his work as a field mechanic for Philip Percival, a renowned hunter, rather than by purchasing his own safari company.

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By the age of 22, Harry Selby was already considered a highly respected professional hunter in Africa.

Answer: True

Explanation: By the age of 22, Harry Selby had indeed established himself as one of Africa's most respected professional hunters.

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Harry Selby joined the safari company Ker & Downey Safaris Ltd. in 1959.

Answer: False

Explanation: Harry Selby joined Ker & Downey Safaris Ltd. in 1949, not 1959.

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The term 'big game' in African hunting typically includes animals like elephants, lions, and leopards.

Answer: True

Explanation: Within the context of African hunting, 'big game' generally denotes large and often formidable animals such as elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinoceros.

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In which region did Harry Selby establish a significant reputation as a professional hunter, in addition to Kenya?

Answer: Bechuanaland (now Botswana)

Explanation: Beyond Kenya, Harry Selby cultivated a significant reputation as a professional hunter in Bechuanaland, which is now known as Botswana.

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By what age had Harry Selby become recognized as one of Africa's most respected professional hunters?

Answer: 22

Explanation: By the age of 22, Harry Selby had already established himself as one of Africa's most respected professional hunters.

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In which year did Harry Selby become affiliated with the safari company Ker & Downey Safaris Ltd.?

Answer: 1949

Explanation: Harry Selby joined Ker & Downey Safaris Ltd. in 1949.

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Within the context of African hunting, what is generally encompassed by the term 'big game'?

Answer: Large, often dangerous animals like elephants and lions

Explanation: In the context of African hunting, 'big game' typically denotes large and often formidable animals such as elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinoceros.

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What was the geographical extent of Harry Selby's professional hunting career?

Answer: Kenya and Bechuanaland (Botswana)

Explanation: Harry Selby's professional hunting career spanned across Kenya, where he began, and later Bechuanaland (Botswana).

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Mentorship and Literary Fame

Philip Percival, a notable white hunter, recognized Selby's potential and mentored him, significantly aiding his career development.

Answer: True

Explanation: Philip Percival, a legendary East African white hunter, mentored Selby as an apprentice, which was a pivotal step in his career advancement.

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Robert Ruark, an American columnist, documented his safari experiences with Harry Selby in the book *Horn of the Hunter*.

Answer: True

Explanation: Robert Ruark, an American writer, chronicled his safari experiences with Harry Selby in his acclaimed book *Horn of the Hunter*.

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Robert Ruark's book *Horn of the Hunter* was poorly received and had little impact on Selby's career.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to the statement, Robert Ruark's book *Horn of the Hunter* was highly acclaimed, significantly enhancing Selby's international reputation and demand for his services.

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Harry Selby's childhood experiences in colonial Kenya influenced Robert Ruark's novel *Something of Value*.

Answer: True

Explanation: Robert Ruark's novel *Something of Value*, inspired by Selby's life experiences, drew significantly from his formative years in colonial Kenya.

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Mentorship from Philip Percival was instrumental in Selby transitioning from a mechanic to a professional hunter.

Answer: True

Explanation: Philip Percival's mentorship was crucial in transforming Selby from a mechanic into an apprentice hunter, providing the training and opportunity that led to his esteemed career.

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Robert Ruark's novel *Something of Value* focused solely on Selby's professional hunting career.

Answer: False

Explanation: Robert Ruark's novel *Something of Value*, inspired by Selby's experiences, encompassed broader themes related to colonial Kenya and did not focus exclusively on Selby's professional hunting career.

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Who was Philip Percival in relation to Harry Selby's career?

Answer: A mentor who took him on as an apprentice

Explanation: Philip Percival, a legendary East African white hunter, served as Selby's mentor, accepting him as an apprentice and significantly advancing his career.

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Which American author chronicled his safari experiences with Harry Selby in the book *Horn of the Hunter*?

Answer: Robert Ruark

Explanation: Robert Ruark, an American writer, authored *Horn of the Hunter* based on his safari experiences with Harry Selby.

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How was Robert Ruark's book *Horn of the Hunter* critically received?

Answer: It was praised as potentially the best book ever written on African hunting.

Explanation: The book *Horn of the Hunter* received significant acclaim, with *Field and Stream* magazine calling it potentially the preeminent work on African hunting.

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Beyond *Horn of the Hunter*, what other notable literary work by Robert Ruark drew inspiration from Harry Selby?

Answer: Something of Value

Explanation: Robert Ruark's novel *Something of Value*, published in 1955, was also inspired by Harry Selby's life experiences.

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In what manner did Philip Percival's mentorship profoundly influence Selby's career trajectory?

Answer: It transformed him from a mechanic into an apprentice hunter.

Explanation: Percival's mentorship was instrumental in transforming Selby from a mechanic into an apprentice hunter, providing the training and opportunity that led him to become one of Africa's most respected professional hunters.

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Transition and Establishment in Botswana

Harry Selby decided to leave Kenya in 1962 due to increasing political instability and the declining prospects for professional hunting.

Answer: True

Explanation: By 1962, the future prospects for hunting in Kenya were becoming increasingly uncertain, prompting Selby to seek opportunities elsewhere.

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In 1962, Selby accepted a position to manage a safari company's operations in Tanganyika.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 1962, Selby accepted a directorship to establish a new branch in Bechuanaland; he did not manage operations in Tanganyika.

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Selby relocated to Maun, Botswana, in 1963 to establish a new branch of Ker, Downey & Selby Safaris.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1963, Harry Selby relocated to Maun, Botswana, to initiate the establishment of a new operational branch for the company.

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The concession area Selby's company operated in Botswana was approximately 1,200 square kilometers.

Answer: False

Explanation: The concession area leased by Selby's company in Botswana encompassed approximately 12,000 square kilometers, significantly larger than 1,200 square kilometers.

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The Khwai River was a significant geographical feature within Selby's Botswana concession.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Khwai River served as the primary geographical feature within the area of the concession.

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A 'concession' for safari operations refers to a temporary permit to hunt a specific animal.

Answer: False

Explanation: A concession grants exclusive rights to conduct operations within a designated territory, not a temporary permit for a specific animal.

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Selby's move to Botswana was motivated by the potential for greater operational freedom and the uncertain future of hunting in Kenya.

Answer: True

Explanation: The uncertain future of hunting in Kenya and the prospect of greater operational freedom in Botswana were key factors motivating Selby's relocation.

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What factors prompted Harry Selby to contemplate relocating his hunting operations from Kenya circa 1962?

Answer: The future outlook for hunting in Kenya was becoming uncertain.

Explanation: By 1962, the future prospects for hunting in Kenya were becoming increasingly uncertain, prompting Selby to explore opportunities elsewhere.

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What new professional capacity did Harry Selby assume in 1962?

Answer: Director to establish a new branch in Bechuanaland

Explanation: In 1962, Selby accepted a directorship to establish a new branch of operations in Bechuanaland.

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In which specific town did Harry Selby establish his new operational base in Botswana?

Answer: Maun

Explanation: In 1963, Harry Selby relocated to Maun, Botswana, to initiate the establishment of a new operational branch.

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What was the approximate territorial extent of the concession area leased by Selby's company in Botswana?

Answer: 12,000 square kilometers

Explanation: The concession area leased by Selby's company in Botswana encompassed approximately 12,000 square kilometers.

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Which significant river traversed Selby's Botswana concession, serving as a key geographical landmark?

Answer: Khwai River

Explanation: The Khwai River served as the primary geographical feature within the area of the concession.

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Conservation and Tourism Development

Harry Selby constructed a bridge over the Okavango Delta shortly after arriving in Botswana.

Answer: False

Explanation: Harry Selby constructed a bridge over the Khwai River, not the Okavango Delta, a few years after establishing operations in Botswana.

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In 1970, Selby established Botswana's first photographic lodge, Belmond Khwai River Lodge.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1970, Selby established Belmond Khwai River Lodge, recognized as Botswana's inaugural photographic lodge, specifically designed to accommodate international photographic safari tourists.

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The development of the photographic lodge was influenced by a decline in interest for traditional hunting safaris.

Answer: False

Explanation: The development of the photographic lodge was driven by the increasing popularity of photographic safaris, rather than a decline in interest for traditional hunting.

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Belmond Khwai River Lodge was established primarily for traditional hunting clients.

Answer: False

Explanation: Belmond Khwai River Lodge was established primarily to accommodate the growing demand for photographic safaris, not for traditional hunting clients.

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What pioneering tourism facility did Harry Selby construct in Botswana in 1970?

Answer: Botswana's first photographic lodge

Explanation: In 1970, Selby established Belmond Khwai River Lodge, recognized as Botswana's inaugural photographic lodge.

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What prevailing trend influenced the development of the photographic lodge?

Answer: The rise of photographic safaris

Explanation: The establishment of the photographic lodge was propelled by the escalating interest in photographic safaris, particularly those attracting global clientele.

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What does the establishment of Belmond Khwai River Lodge signify regarding the evolution of Selby's career?

Answer: His adaptation to the growing tourism market for photographic safaris.

Explanation: The establishment of Belmond Khwai River Lodge demonstrated Selby's adaptation to the growing tourism market for photographic safaris, indicating an evolution in his career.

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Which statement most accurately characterizes the interplay between hunting and tourism throughout Selby's professional career?

Answer: He was a professional hunter who also contributed to developing photographic tourism infrastructure.

Explanation: Selby, renowned as a professional hunter, also played a significant role in establishing infrastructure for photographic tourism, demonstrating an adaptation to evolving uses of the African wilderness for visitors.

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Legacy and Retirement

Selby found maintaining his professional reputation over 40 years to be less challenging than achieving it initially.

Answer: False

Explanation: Selby himself noted that while achieving his renowned reputation was relatively straightforward, the enduring challenge lay in sustaining that high standard and reputation throughout the subsequent 40 years of his career.

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Harry Selby retired from professional hunting in 1997 after completing his 53rd safari season.

Answer: True

Explanation: Harry Selby began reducing his commitment to full-season hunting in 1997, following the conclusion of his 53rd safari season.

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Harry Selby officially retired from professional hunting at the age of 75 in the year 2000.

Answer: True

Explanation: Harry Selby formally retired from professional hunting in the year 2000, at the age of 75.

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Harry Selby passed away in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2018.

Answer: False

Explanation: Harry Selby passed away in Maun, Botswana, in 2018.

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According to Harry Selby, what constituted the principal challenge throughout his extensive career?

Answer: Maintaining his high reputation over four decades

Explanation: Selby identified that while achieving his renowned reputation was achievable, the enduring challenge lay in sustaining that high standard and reputation for the subsequent 40 years of his career.

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At what point did Harry Selby commence reducing his full-time engagement in professional hunting?

Answer: 1997

Explanation: Harry Selby began reducing his commitment to full-season hunting in 1997.

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At what age did Harry Selby formally conclude his career in professional hunting?

Answer: 75

Explanation: Harry Selby formally retired from professional hunting in the year 2000, at the age of 75.

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In which location did Harry Selby pass away?

Answer: Maun, Botswana

Explanation: Harry Selby passed away in Maun, Botswana.

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