Anyone who is anyone who has ever wanted to hunt in Africa or has hunted in Africa should certainly have heard of Professional Hunter, Danny McCallum. Now that might sound like a dramatic introduction, but truth be told Danny is one of the legends of African hunting having been a fully licensed PH there for 53 years.
Born in Arusha, Tanzania in August 1947, Danny is from a family of Professional Hunters (his father and grandfathers were all PH's) and after qualifying with his full 'Unrestricted' licence in 1967 has led a successful career as one of Africa's most sought after PH's. Danny is one of those PH's who has been lucky enough to hunt in Kenya, Tanzania, Zaire, the Sudan, the CAR, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana and more recently Uganda. His experiences are almost unparalleled today, especially where Africa's dangerous game is concerned.
The Watson Bros. .450 No.2 double rifle is a wonderful old rifle with a patina that can only come with years of service in the bush. Thankfully the rifle is being left just as is, so conserving years of safari and adventure.
Interestingly the shoulders of the rifle have a matted 'anti-glare' finish which is not commonly found on double rifles. This is very much a 'professional's' rifle.
The traditional engraving pattern is wonderfully executed with a neat border around the action cover plate.
Recently Danny's favourite double rifle returned to us for a health check and service so we took the opportunity to take a few photos before it heads back to East Africa. It should be noted that Danny is one of the few PH's to remain unscathed through a long, eventful and at times dangerous career.
In Danny's own words:
The express sights on Danny's rifle say it all. No point in having extra leafs when the likelihood is you will be shooting something at point blank range!
Westley Richards has an outstanding reputation for supplying a comprehensive selection of pre-owned guns and rifles. We pride ourselves on our in depth knowledge of the many sporting arms built over the last 200 years, placing particular emphasis on big game rifles, like the 577 Nitro Express, 505 Gibbs and 425 Westley Richards. Whether looking to grow or sell your collection of firearms, or simply require a trusted evaluation, our team from the sales department would be delighted to hear from you. To view the latest available, head to the used shotguns and used rifles pages, and for those interested in new firearms, explore our custom rifles and bespoke guns pages.
Philip Wolstenholme on May 26, 2020 at 9:50 am
Enjoyed reading about this old beast!
All the best
Bill Jones on May 26, 2020 at 5:41 pm
Hi Trigger, I first met Danny in Tanzania in the mid 1980s, hunting with Robin Hurt’s new areas. I have many hilarious and fun stories about Danny. His brother is also a PH. Sister is a great pilot. He worked with Robin for over 25 years. Lots of clients think the world of Danny. He’s a true legend, in many areas. Great story. Best , Bill Jones
Trigger on May 31, 2020 at 3:18 pm
Hi Bill
Very good to hear from you and I hope you still have a few more of your own adventures to share with us some time.
All the best
'Trigger'
Jehangir Devitre on May 27, 2020 at 3:50 pm
Excellent and entertaining article.
neil mcveigh on May 28, 2020 at 3:54 am
Never have met Danny but seen him a few times.What a great story surely there is a book in Danny that would doubtless be a best seller.Nice blog Trigger,keep them coming!
Richard Gontier on May 28, 2020 at 9:22 am
très bel article sur ce grand monsieur de la chasse africaine....bravo.a lui et ses disciples Gontier richard
Peter Buckley. on May 30, 2020 at 6:22 am
Trigger
What a great read about this guy, even his face tells a thousand stories, what great service the Watson Bros. double has given Danny and his father, just love people like this no nonsense type of guy !
Gripping tales, fantastic double rifle, loved it all.
This is what the “Explora” blog is all about.
Very best regards
Peter.
Trigger on May 31, 2020 at 3:17 pm
Hi Peter
That face certainly tells more than a thousand stories! Lets hope the new generation of Professional Hunters will have something to compare!
All the very best
'Trigger'
Lorian McCallum on May 31, 2020 at 3:37 am
Hi Trigger,
Thanks for posting this article - great read and brings back many happy memories of following the old man for endless hours through long grass. Somehow, no matter the situation, the sight of Dad with the drainpipe always made me feel 10 foot tall and I would follow him anywhere. They have a deep bond and trust forged by countless adventures.
Trigger on May 31, 2020 at 3:16 pm
Hi Lorian
Great to hear from you and I am sure that the old man will appreciate your comments. He is a legend to hunt with and I am sure will never tire of spending time in the bush.
All the very best
'Trigger'
Pablo Nogues on June 3, 2020 at 6:45 pm
Hola Trigger
I stilll have your exelent double 318 serial 17685
During those golden passed years you mention, I hunted in Tanzania with TAWICO 5 times , 3 in their Selous MA1 and U3 blocks and 2 in north bordering Serengetti .
Just kindly tell Danny that I had not the plaeasure of meeting him , but maybe he remembers Andrew Kisiri and Lazaro Mmasi ,both exelent Tawico PH . Lazaro used a WR 425 magazine and a WR shotgun for cat close quarter support . He only had, maybe, 8 rounds of 425 ammo ¡¡
Tawico had its problems , but these hunters were exeptional .
Your 318 was not permited in big game , but ,,, I can say that buffalo and lion , in normal circumstances , fall to the 250 grain with perfect satisfaction.
Best regards and congtatulations for your fine guns
Trigger on June 5, 2020 at 9:17 am
Dear Pablo
Many thanks for your comment and interesting words. Great to hear the use of so many WR's in the field, exactly where they belong!
All the very best
Trigger
David Hodo on June 16, 2020 at 10:16 pm
A great story that will probably never be written again. And that is sad.
David Hodo
Ronald Wardell on December 31, 2022 at 2:45 pm
I had the opportunity to hunt with Danny in Tanzania in 1992. I thoroughly enjoyed spending 22 days with this exemplary professional hunter. Danny graciously allowed me to use the drainpipe to dispose of a hippo. Simply fantastic.