Jack O'Connor Opinion

[twodog max]

I grew up reading Outdoor Life and reading Jack O'Connor. I guess I read my Dads issues starting in the late 50's when I could read. I have a lot of his books and still read them from time to time. I really liked O'Connor but same as anyone he had his preferences and stuck with them. Elmer had his too. I enjoyed Skeeter Skelton and Bill Jordan as well.
These days I only take three magazines. Handloader, Rifle and Fur, Fish and Game. Of the three Rifle is the least interest to me but can never seem to let it go. Fur Fish and Game is like the outdoor magazines of the past. No mountain bike stories or any of that pseudo outdoor stuff. Mostly ordinary folks sharing their experiences with a mix of regulars and their monthly pieces. It will be the one I keep. They will be delivering it after I go to the happy hunting grounds.

 

[LAH]

Was reportedly difficult to deal with at times.

Been told that more than once.

 

[Skeet 028]

Read Jack's articles religiously as a Kid. Had the requisite 270 and shot my fist antelope and ony Dall sheep with it. Used a pre War M-70 375 H&H on my 1st moose(41 mag on my 2nd) . I met both O'Connor and Keith at a Remington Seminar introducing new guns. They didn't seem to have any animosity between them and talked in a friendly manner. O'Connor was a fairly sour individual towards me(the guide) and kind of talked down to me a bit. Seemed to have a fixation on how much money I made(not much in those days...Oh hell, not much ever). Keith was a pretty good story teller and an easy friendly person. Both however were very good
shotgun shooters and didn't waste ammo. But we were shooting Canada geese at pretty much spitting range. The other writer in the group was either Pete Brown or an outdoor writer for Argosy? don't really remember. All seemed to get along. O'Connor couldn't seem to wait getting through the shooting of Remington's new products(lunch and a drink?). Keith and the other writer seemed to have a good time shooting all the new stuff. O'Connor's attitude towards the small folk kind of turned me off him as he had always been my favorite writer along with Corey Ford and Robt Ruark. All many years ago...in a Galaxy far far away

 

[CH4]

Mr. Keith told me Jack was a very good writer. In fact he related to this on two different occasions.

It's my understanding Jack didn't like to gut or skin. BTW this didn't come from Mr. Keith.

Not sure anyone truly likes to gut & skin

 

[GF1]

Jack O'Connor Hunting Heritage & Education Center

 

[Nevada Ed]

I liked all those guys but every now and then I would need a change of thought...........

and would pick up a rag with Curt or Lee Wulff in it, that could also spin a tale and keep you interrested, for a while.

I remember one show where Mr. Wulff was up north and placed a hook into a branch, tied a fly and used that thread on a light rod to land a Salmon !!
Had it on film.................... no BS, just fact.

However, shooting is also a fun thing to do, just that I have slowed down lately.

 

[mtgianni]

As many have alluded to here, I don't recall a Jack O'Connor article when he wasn't guided. I recall several of Elmer Keiths when he guided others. Just from that, I know I would prefer to hunt with EK.