The Bear Hunter: The Life and Times of Robert Eager Bobo in the Canebrakes of the Old South

by James T. McCafferty, Mary Brock Bobo (Photographer), Jay Haas (Photographer)

Over a century ago readers of sporting journals in America and Europe relished the tales of Mississippi Delta bear hunter Robert Eager Bobo. Yet, in the years since, this most famous bear hunter of the late 1800s has been all but forgotten – until now. The Bear The Life and Times of Robert Eager Bobo in the Canebrakes of the Old South brings to the modern reader, not only the story of Bobo’s bear hunting, but a thoroughly fascinating and entertaining picture of pioneer life in the nineteenth century Delta wilderness. Come now with Bob Bobo and a variety of captivating characters – including the notorious outlaw Jesse James – on their quests for black bear in an environment that now exists only on the pages of the wild, trackless, Delta canebrake. Gallop at a breakneck pace through sloughs and swamps, where a horse’s stumble over a cypress knee could mean sudden disaster; thrill to the savage chorus of the hounds as they pursue their game; charge into the cane to knife the bear before it can decimate the pack; taste the fear when the tables turn and hunter becomes the hunted; relax by the campfire on a frosty November evening and listen to the tales of wolf and panther and gun and knife; laugh, too, at comical stories of old time Delta backwoods ways; and, perhaps, shed a tear, as the inevitable tragedies of life visit your newfound friends. The book will delight hunters, outdoors lovers, nature enthusiasts, southern history buffs, folklore fans, and anyone who just enjoys a good book. But let us not delay! The hunters are gathered; the horses are champing at their bits; the dogs are spoiling for a fight; Bobo is sounding his horn. It is time to ride!
This paperback edition of The Bear Hunter is a revised edition that includes a new twelve page appendix containing material not included in the hardback edition (currently out of print) or in the Kindle version.

309 pages, Paperback

First published July 29, 2015

Reviews

[Katie Plum Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very cool read and something a little outside of my comfort zone! It was interesting to learn of MS history especially in places I’ve lived and loved.
It was a very informational read, with some fun little anecdotes as well.

[Noah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this retelling of the bear hunting exploits of Robert E. Bobo. The book presents historical events in a way that reads like a well-written outdoor novel. The history and figures in the book seem larger than life and draw the reader to the mysteries of the old south and its wildlife. I enjoyed this book so much, I contacted the author, Jim McCafferty, on social media to tell him. He was incredibly receptive of my thoughts and communicates with the same ease in which he writes. I’d highly recommend this book to anyone interested in history, hunting, outdoorsmanship, and southern culture. Great read!

[Daphne Eddlemon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book!

Great story and history of the Mississippi Delta. A hunter of this region would sure to enjoy. It’s amazing to see how the Delta has changed.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Assume good sections, but also several places where it drags. Overall I enjoyed it, though, as a newer resident in the Delta who has been reading about the history of this region