I think most here are in agreement that O'Connor was a very gifted writer, that isn't my disagreement here. He was one of the top sheep hunters of all time.
You met O'Connor but never met Elmer Keith, have you ever heard of anyone who seen him shoot that said he couldn't! He shot in competition for decades. Ross Seyfried was a handgun world champion & he made the statement that Keith was the best he had ever seen with all 3 guns, rifle, shotgun & sixgun, if you've ever read anything about Ross Seyfried you'll know he does not BS, ever!
My biggest gripe with O'Connor was that he was very much into himself, your statement that he mentioned to someone else...who is going to replace me....now that speaks volumes!!

Dick