Sorry Steve,

I must disagree with you my friend. I actually enjoy seeing PHs post here on AR. And I've made some great friends through hunting with them. Blake Wilhelmi being one.

To date, I've hunted with 14 different PHs in Africa. More in a few other places as well. Very few have been more than a simple business transaction, so I get what you are saying. However, those very few I mention I suspect will be lifelong friends, whether we hunt together again or not. No, I'm not talking about hero worship. I'm talking about generally having a good time on a hunting trip not solely related to the taking of game animals. And yes, I'll gladly open my home to those guys who I've made friendships with.

Blake will be at DSC this year, his first trip to the USA. I'm hoping he has a chance to stay overnight with us at our home after the show and since deer season will be over tomorrow, maybe I'll have a chance to "guide" him on a little varmint or pig hunting at my deer lease. Also, Buzz and I have never actually hunted together although I've been with his company 4 times now. I consider Buzz to be a good friend as well. He is always welcome at my home. There is another fellow whom I hunted RSA with 4 times. He's not an AR guy and is no longer in the PH business. He stayed with us on numerous occasions on his visits to the USA. Even though I've not hunted with him since 2009, and even though he's not hunting professionally at this time, I'd welcome him in our home tomorrow if I knew he was in town. Why? Because we are friends. Yes, we hunted together and I paid him to conduct a safari or two, but we still like hanging around with each other. I did get the opportunity to call up a fox for him sometime back.

I don't make lasting friendships with every PH I hunt with. I don't make lasting friendships with every guy I share a hunting camp or campfire with. But I have a pretty good idea of who my friends are and who I'm just paying to receive a service or product.

Lastly, let's keep things in perspective regarding shootaway! No need to feel bad for this douchebag. He has taken the opportunity to insult every single person who has engaged him on this forum. Honest offers of encouragement, advice (usually as a result of him asking for advice as a set up to an insult), congratulations, etc., it simply doesn't matter. He has been rude and abusive beyond the limits of what any other member here could get away with and not receive the boot. I suppose that's because every village must have its idiot for entertainment. And I don't for a moment, buy the argument that he's just expressing his opinion ... The guy has gone out of his way to insult and instigate. Simply put, he brings out the worst in people and I myself have been guilty of public retorts to him that I would never say to anyone else on this forum. Where he crossed the line with me is in his outright effort to smear a guy's professional reputation here on AR, using outright lies and vindictiveness, and has never offered to mitigate those statements or apologize. That he was called out for it bothers me not in the least!

Interesting thread you started though Steve. It's always interesting to hear other's opinions and get their perspective. For instance, your personal policy of not hunting with any PH or Outfitter that posts on AR. Honestly, I would have never considered that to be an issue in the slightest. Not even on my radar! In fact, I actually prefer to hunt with guys that post here. As others have stated, and we've seen previously, if they are actively engaged here on AR, their operation is pretty much going to be on the up and up with very few hiccups on things within their control. Shady operators don't last long here without being exposed. Not only that, but there are great stories to be told as well such as the case of Andrew Baldry and Frostbit where Jim booked into an area that Andrew took on as a project to rehabilitate, and in just a short time, built a camp, worked with the local villages to bring value to the wildlife and land, and produced an outstanding lion safari for Jim and his wife. We wouldn't have had that complete story if Andrew didn't post here. And by all accounts, it was a huge success for Jim.

Sorry Steve, but your policy just seems to be artificially eliminating the possibility of hunting and establishing great friendships with some really good folks. But if it works for you ...

I would think after reading this thread the hunt reports forum would have to be shut down.

Dang shame that would be, some fine reading there.

quote:

Originally posted by Buzz Charlton:
I agree with you Blake should not have publicly posted anything about George- that was unprofessional and he has been warned as it was very unprofessional. Blake is an excellent PH BUT he is young and these are the lessons we learn.

Classy move Buzz as a business owner. I can remember a post or two from 5 years ago when I was a youngER man that I probably wouldn't make now. The internet and lack of wisdom do that.

Brett

I enjoy the postings, it also serves the purpose of giving me an idea of who has a personality or demeanor that will be pleasant. Also, information on how they run a business. It also gives me the benefit of prescreening PH's, booking agents and camera men that I definitely would not like to do business with.
Is that not exactly why our gracious host founded the website to begin with?

Interesting stuff

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Ahrenberg:
I have said for years, I don't think internet forums are healthy for society. People are not held responsible for things said. That's not the world I live in.

I tell myself not to take these anonymous forums too seriously.

I cherry pick...I read the stuff I'm finding interesting and educational, and post when have something to say. I'm free and not forced to do anything or believe anything.

I use the PM option to communicate with those I've developed healthy relationships with, and use the ignore options for those who I find offensive.

I believe that most who participate here use the forum to their advantage, make-up their own minds, and...then move on the next thread.

They understand, they don't take it personally or too seriously.

Regards, AIU

I used to post here. Now I'm not too sure if I should. Fortunately this is a faceless forum so I can say what I like and nobody will know who I am

I was once asked by an AR regular: do you post on AR? When I said: seldom, he never got back to me.

Now what are we as PH's supposed to do? I realize most people differ in opinions and would like to do things their way and why not?

I hang around on this forum because I learn a lot from the hunt reports, different opinions being aired and every once-in-a-while I get some business for which I am greatful. Most of all it's fun talking to like-minded people.

If it's your preference not to hunt with someone posting on the forum then that's fine, I'll even help you defend your choice because I believe in freedom of speech and not because I agree with you.

There are more Ford buyers than one, but tell you what: next time you pass through Pretoria give me a call and I'll buy the first 3 rounds because I know we can get along and I'll tell you some hunting stories!

I think in this modern age where 10000's of hunting outfitters have sprung up its important to make use of social media an internet networking to try and stand out.

Every reputable company out there is actively using the internet for marketing.If they don't they will fade into obscurity.They might not be doing it themselves but I can guarantee that they have a agent doing it on their behalf.

I think your stance excludes you from hunting with 90% of the reputable,well respected or established hunting outfitters anywhere.

I can understand your point though about people coming back on AR an retelling stories which should have stayed in the bush

This is a great place to communicate

quote:

Originally posted by boarkiller:
This is a great place to communicate

Don't you ever talk that way to me ... ... ...

All my clients last year were from AR and I am fully aware that a negative report on this forum could tarnish my reputation somewhat.

AR is a great place to meet and greet prospective clients and they have immediate reference to the hunt reports.

In addition we offer a different perspective to the industry and not shy when it comes to debate.

I seen many clients attached to a PH they do not know or who they have not communicated with. I think it is important to communicate and my postings/reports/articles here give a brief insight to my character and opinions.

If any have not been fully satisfied with their safari experience I would certainly like to hear about it.

Cheers

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:
All my clients last year were from AR and I am fully aware that a negative report on this forum could tarnish my reputation somewhat.

AR is a great place to meet and greet prospective clients and they have immediate reference to the hunt reports.

In addition we offer a different perspective to the industry and not shy when it comes to debate.

I seen many clients attached to a PH they do not know or who they have not communicated with. I think it is important to communicate and my postings/reports/articles here give a brief insight to my character and opinions.

If any have not been fully satisfied with their safari experience I would certainly like to hear about it.

Cheers

Move that mirror and toilet roll yet?

I will definitely take you up on that !

quote:

Originally posted by Pieter Kriel:
I used to post here. Now I'm not too sure if I should. Fortunately this is a faceless forum so I can say what I like and nobody will know who I am

I was once asked by an AR regular: do you post on AR? When I said: seldom, he never got back to me.

Now what are we as PH's supposed to do? I realize most people differ in opinions and would like to do things their way and why not?

I hang around on this forum because I learn a lot from the hunt reports, different opinions being aired and every once-in-a-while I get some business for which I am greatful. Most of all it's fun talking to like-minded people.

If it's your preference not to hunt with someone posting on the forum then that's fine, I'll even help you defend your choice because I believe in freedom of speech and not because I agree with you.

There are more Ford buyers than one, but tell you what: next time you pass through Pretoria give me a call and I'll buy the first 3 rounds because I know we can get along and I'll tell you some hunting stories!

Steve

I have been a member of this fine forum for less than a year but a proud hunter for at least 24. One should use this tool ( social media forums/AR ) as a means to conect with others that have like minded interests. The wealth of information that is freely given to others on this forum is incredable and I wouldn't change that for anything.

Hunting is to me a heritage that should be passed on to future generations and perhaps is the leading mechanism for sustainable conservation in the world today! A great resonsability it is to us hunters and one I don't take for granted!

It was this very forum that I was able to connect with an Andrew Baldry and see first hand the role hunting plays in conservation.
A legacy we as hunters need to share without conviction, loud, proud and united!!!

Cheers

You have my number. Looking forward to your call. I'm usually thirsty.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by gunslinger55:
I will definitely take you up on that ![QUOTE]