ol' Ben Lilly

[Ike]

I picked up my Full Cry Magazine this afternoon down at the mail box and found where the editors have done a reprint of the 1942 historical articles on Ben Lilly that was written by Monroe H. Goode. Now I'm a firm believer that the tales on people and their deeds get larger than life the further you get from the story, but if only a portion of what was said about Lilly is true he was one tough, dedicated houndsman....................

"E.E. Lee, manager of the famous E.E. Lee and Brothers, Tucson, AZ, lion, jaguar and bear specialists, with more than a thousand lions to their credit, has written me the following: "In passing, I will mention the fact that we are, and were well acquainted with many of the lion and bear hunters you mentioned and we are glad to note you placed our old friend, Ben V. Lilly, at the head of the list. Now, the other hunters you mention, ourselves included, were and are mere novices at the bear and lion hunting game compared with old Man Lilly."



ike

[Mike Leonard]

Ike,

I agree the tales of J. Frank Dobie and some others about old Crazy Ben were no doubt stretched a good deal at times. I however beleive he deserved the title the Lee's gave him. After reading Tracks Across New Mexico by Homer Pickens who was a man not prone to tale embellishment, and he and his famous brother Albert hunted and camped with Ben. Old Ben just might have been a bit more lion or bear than he was human.

One thing I thought was so amazing was the amount of money Ben made in his life. In perspective to the times he had money in numerous banks all over New Mexico. Even during lean times he was usually due to bounty in a better financial position than the ranchers he served. Money meant nothing to Ben,sleep meant nothing to him, domestic comforts meant nothing. His dogs and his freedom that was where it was at.

Old Ben left his wife one day while trying to kill a chicken killing red tailed hawk, and he never came back. He said well that old hawk just kept flying west. LOL!

[liontracker]

Lilly was probably the best Lion hunter to walk the face of the Earth. Don't hear much about him. Damn sure made some far reaching ripples though ...

[twist]

Hey Mike, I have to say Ben Lillys wife must not have been the hunter my wife is as if I tried leaving chasing a hawk she would for sure hunt me down! later, Andy

[Mike Leonard]

Oh Andy don't be braggin now too much. LOL!

He that little Topper Again female Chassie put it on a bob today and I almost shocked her because she was moving so fast I thought she jumped and elk. She is a dandy and let me tell you what a nose! She will wind them where you can't see them tracks bail off and get it going. I had a Topper Again male dog int here today too and his voice is to die for. I mean deep, loud rolling bawl and he has the leg to take the deep snow and keep it going. I couldn't find a lion but they made me proud on that bobber and even watched me cut a calf elk out of a fence and let er go and never even barked or raised a fuss. Pretty smart stuff from that old man you got.

[liontracker]

I knew from the second I saw her blow by me on that dirt track, back in October, that she was something special. To bad she didn't get a chew!

[twist]

Mike, that is great to hear Topper is one outstanding reproducer of CAT DOGS. The cat hunters thaat havent got a peice of him are really missing out. later Andy

[Brady Davis]

Every time I read about Ben Lilly it makes me fell like a whimp. I read an article about him the oter night and when I got into bed with my wife I felt like a wuss for getting in a bed Made me wanna go sleep out back on the ground...just to get tough!

I'd like to read more, not only on him but the LEE Brothers, etc too...

[houndcrzy]

Where can I read about Ben Lilly guys, was there any books written? I've read The long Walkers and have a few more coming. Is there something on Ben Lilly I could get?

[redhoundsman]

High Lonesome Books (New Mexico) has several books and photos of Ben Lilly for sale. They also have many other books on famous houndsmen. Do a google search and you will find their website.

[Tim Hoeck]

Which book about Ben Lilly is the best ? ?

[Tim Hoeck]

ttt

[houndcrzy]

Thanks

[little bit]

i think old ben and the lee brothers would roll over in their graves if they could see what has happend to hound hunting. so many breeders out there breeding junk dogs, all the technology, and all the lazyness.

[DWD58]

Ben Lilly tales by Lilly/ Carmony is the best I have read. High lonesome books is the place to get it. Yes, he had to have been the toughest man to ever follow a hound.