A recent conversation with some friends interested in African hunting came around to the subject of popular safari videos. Who's were the best? Which videos represent the best value? Along with the usual suspects (e.g., Boddington, Sullivan) a clear favorite was Marc Watts. I've had the opportunity to watch several of Watts' very popular 'Perfectly Shot Videos' - the actual name of his production company. The leitmotif in each of these movies is Watts' proficiency at shooting game at extreme distances.

To be fair, Watts does make some impressive, long range shots. He also spends an inordinate amount of each video playing and replaying, and replaying again, laudatory comments about himself, from the PH to the trackers. There is little economy applied to the self-congratulation or the exaltation of ego throughout his movies. That said, the impressive production quality of the videos, coupled with their play length (well over two hours) makes them standouts, particularly among those offerings that appear to be little more than home movies cobbled together and sold, it would seem, as vehicles to defray the hunter's safari costs.

A more troubling issue with Watts' videos, however, has come to light - for me, at least. Is he being honest with his viewers? One of his most recent videos, 'Fire and Ice', gives the account of a hunt with Chifuti Safaris, who have been made famous in part by Craig Boddington. Boddington's co-star, if you will, in several of his videos is well known African PH Andrew Dawson, who enjoys a well-deserved positive reputation in the safari industry. As Watts' video plays out, there is a less-than subtle angle that Dawson is maybe not-quite racist, but certainly uncomfortable with his black client (Watts). Dawson unfortunately opens the door for this by saying to the camera that he isn't quite sure what to expect from a black client, seeing as he's never had one before. An innocent if not particularly sage comment to make - at least on camera. Watts exploits it to the full, and Dawson's remark is replayed several times to somehow underscore what becomes an underlying theme of 'Fire and Ice': The two simply don't get along early in the hunt. Watts is shown to feel both uncomfortable and rebellious (the latter manifesting itself in his boasting of taking shots that Dawson advises against).

As the video concludes, there seems to be some 'rapprochement', and before the end, bonhomie has broken out and all appears well between the two. But, unsettling is the fact that the viewer is left wondering what Dawson did to so alienate his client in the first place. Was he perhaps just more accustomed to ordering blacks around, like his staff, rather than serve them, as he was obliged to with Watts? Did Watts suffer some unrevealed indignities at the hands of this white hunter?

Also, throughout the movie, with few exceptions, Watts goes out of his way to drum into the viewers head that his shots are exceptional (some of which are, to be sure), and that his hunting judgment is sometimes superior to those of his PH - Dawson. For example, Watts revels in telling the audience how he made a neck shot on a sable bull, despite Dawson explicitly recommending against that particular shot placement. More significant was a defining moment early on that arises when Watts implies that Dawson has pressured him to take a shot on a buffalo that Watts believes is simply not well situated for a killing hit. Watts says that he refused to shoot, and as they walk away, the voice-over of Watts has him recount Dawson's displeasure; he goes on to counsel the viewer never to take a shot you are not comfortable with, no matter what the PH may say.

Okay, that's all well and good but herein lies the rub: In reading Boddington's latest tome 'Tracks Across Africa - Another Ten Years' (and I must say another fine piece of work from someone who, when it comes to African hunting, is arguably the literary, albeit prosaic, heir of Roosevelt, Hemingway, Ruark, and Capstick), he mentions the very safari that Watts was on with Dawson. In fact, he was there (and the video shows the two meeting and briefly hunting together) and bore witness to some of what took place. He doesn't say anything untoward about Watts, but he does reveal that on that safari, Watts shot and lost a buffalo!

Now, while Watts will very occasionally admit to the odd bad shot, he makes his bread and butter in these movies extolling his 'perfect shot' approach to hunting. In terms of candor, and particularly given Watts' background as a journalist (he was a reporter for CNN some years past), you would think that that piece of information would have found its way into the video, which it doesn't. Okay, maybe if I'm doing a video I might want to edit out the embarrassing bits, but not at the expense of giving an insight as to why my PH and I may have had a rough patch early on - especially if I go out of my way to play up that particular element as a 'device' in the movie. At best, that's simply not being forthright; at worst, it's not being honest.

My point is not to sully Watts reputation, nor imply anything apart from this: Based on Boddington's report that Watts wounded and lost a buffalo in his hunt with Dawson, just maybe that was a contributing factor to the two of them not being all chummy early on - particularly if the shot was not made in accordance with Dawson's recommendations. The latter, of course, is speculation, but Watts invites this upon himself for failing to even mention that 'Bwana Moja', as he likes to be called (which we're told roughly translates into 'one-shot hunter'), not only made a poor shot, but lost a wounded trophy.

If I'm wrong here, and maybe I've missed something, please let me know. Maybe Boddington got it wrong in his book (though I doubt it, given his admirable candor about his own missed shots in both videos, lectures, and writing). But if Boddington is correct, and Watts lost a buffalo, it does cast a different light on Dawson - a light that is a little more sympathetic than the one Watts chose to apply in his video.

I would be interested in hearing the opinions of others on AR, as well as anyone that may have a different perspective on what took place.

I have not seen any of Marc watt's videos, so cannot comment.

Boddingtons are excellent and very informative.

Sullivan's are also informative in a negative way.

Boddington's show you how to do it.

Sullivan's show you how NOT to do it.

Of course, if you like heavy breathing and prefer to stay away from porno flicks, Sullivan's are the best videos.

If one hunts long enough, he will wound and lose animals, there is no questions about it.

This is a fact of life of hunting.

Whew, what a long setup.

I have never watched one of Watts videos. It is impossible to say what or how it happened without being there.

Not that I am looking for another self-proclaimed messiah, but some PH's will try to get you to shoot sometimes under less than desirable conditions. I have never hunted with Andy Dawson and even bringing up what Watts claims automatically brings Andy under suspicion. A common campaign tactic!

Craig Boddington is in the happy business and can't afford to criticize anyone. He is also probably too busy to worry about hunting with anyone.

It's not much different than Sullivan or any other video producer, if you don't like their work, don't buy them.

Does this make me a gossip monger?!

I much prefer the Documentry type DVDs over the Action type and doubt if I would ever watch one of his videos.
The Danish "HuntersVideo" DVDs are great.
www.huntersvideo.com

quote:

Does this make me a gossip monger?!

Probably a gossip queen.

A previous thread on Mr. Watts: Marc

I've had the opportunity to communicate with him plus he posts here on occasion. He's as passionate an African hunter as any of us.

Watching edited TV/video productions and real time experiences aren't ever the same. The camera lens itself changes the viewer's perspective. You'll only learn a few things watching and reading about them. Then, you have to go do it yourself. Watts is great entertainment and I take all hunting videos as such -- fun.

You'd have to be a close friend to make your own judgment call about someone's character, outlook, etc. Style and personality also affect how I respond to how somebody is acting.

Enjoy the animals and scenery, but maybe it's time to take a risk and jump in the game? (I've only gone three times so far.)


Barry

I have not watched any of Watt's videos. The title "perfectly shot" turns my stomach. It seems that what we have there is another ego maniac bragging about himself.

I am not interested.

I can tell you however that I was completely unimpressed with treatment I received from Andrew Dawson and crew after my last hunt in the Dande. It really put me off.

I have a sense that they think that they're pretty special now that Craig has publicized their outfit. I find the management of the Chifuti areas under Andrew Dawson to be a bunch of pompous asses.

I can sure see how these two huge egos would collide on a hunting trip.

quote:

The title "perfectly shot" turns my stomach. It seems that what we have there is another ego maniac bragging about himself.

I have a sense that they think that they're pretty special now that Craig has publicized their outfit.

I can sure see how these two huge egos would collide on a hunting trip.

While I have not seen the dvd in question, there's no doubt that egos can collide.

Just remember this:

FIGJAM = F--k I'm Good, Just Ask Me!

Figjams are hard to take, two figjams with opposing views are sure to war.

JPK

This subject was previously mauled over because of the article Marc wrote in Safari magazine. I seem to remember everyone questioning or beating up Marc and then Marc came on said some diplomatic words and everyone rolled over extolling his virtues and saying how it all made sense now. So everyone on AR knows that Marc likes Andrew Dawson and had a wonderful hunt, but that doesn't change the overwhelming feeling anyone else gets from his article (which I read and had the same thoughts about possible racism or other problems that he dimly conjures up) or his video (which I have not seen). I think it's BS because if everything went as well as Marc said then I don't see the point in writing and editing the video in a fashion that raises doubt about Andrew Dawson! I haven't hunted with or met Andrew Dawson, so for all I know he could be a bum, but if Marc had a problem cut out the innuendo BS and say it. If he didn't and is using this fire and ice BS as hype to sell videos then its in poor taste!

Brett

I have seen all or most of Watts' videoes and they are very well done. He is a top notch safari hunter and an incredible shot. That said, for my personal taste I would like the videoes to be a little more about the hunt or the people Watt's is hunting with than about him. MMP

I had the opportunity to talk with a PH who guided Marc Watts. His report was that Watts is an excellent shot but, like most hunters making commercial videos, he does edit out, and ignore, the inevitable misses and not perfect shots. That does not make Watts bad, merely human.
One of the reasons that I like Boddington is that he doesn't edit out the misses.

TerryR

All even a 'perfectly shot' but not anchored animal has to do is make it into a national park or across a concession boundary. In most cases, follow-up is not permitted, so the animal would be 'wounded and lost'.

I've never seen any of Marc Watts' videos; in fact, I rarely watch hunting videos anymore, and on the rare occasion that I do, it is with the sound OFF.

George

quote:

Originally posted by Will:
I have never hunted with Andy Dawson and even bringing up what Watts claims automatically brings Andy under suspicion. A common campaign tactic!

Right! If things don't go your way, and you don't have a real sound position , play the "RACE CARD", and shift the attention to your opponant!

This is not the only film where he makes reference to race, where it was not pertinent to anything in the film, just venting his opinion on race relations in general. That was in the film with Peter Chipman, where everyone in the party was black. These two films lead me to think there may be a little racist agenda involved with Mr. Watts

The other thing I really disliked about his films was his shooting TROPHY game from Atop a hunting car.
Culling, or meat/bait gathering,fine, but not trophies, unless wounded dangerous game in high grass, where a car is the only safe way, with the sun fadeing!

In his favor,however, he is a fine shot with that bolt rifle! Nobody can take that away from him.

Maybe much to do about nothing. This is not John Ford making movies, so let's keep that in mind.

I haven't seen the video, but Dawson's race comment may have been very innocent, as in "this will be new and different for me." Is Watt furthering some agenda by including it? Why include it at all, if it was made without malice or ill intent?

On the other hand, Dawson could be a bonehead for opening his trap on camera.

The ill advised shot and tension between the two can happen on any safari, and not ruin it. I had a situation in Tanzania where my PH, whom I've hunted several times before with in Cameroon, urged a shot on a big bull zebra standing in thick bush. Through the scope I didn't have an unobstructed shot, and passed. He copped an attitude and stalked off. I caught up with him and had a few words. which include that we had spent many days in the bush together, and he should know my abilities and respect my judgement. After which, he heartily agreed and apologized, and offered that he was disappointed for me at that moment, since we missed a chance at an outstanding trophy. All has been well between us since that moment. No problem. If caught on camera, I'm sure it would have seemed a serious rift. Not so.

I might say enjoy the DVD's for a chance to relive Africa. If you find one distastedful, give it away.

quote:

Originally posted by JPK:
Just remember this:

FIGJAM = F--k I'm Good, Just Ask Me!

JPK

I have learned a new word today. I can't wait to use it.

I have a sense that they think that they're pretty special now that Craig has publicized their outfit.

I thought they looked kind of silly at the DSC club show in their coats and ties......not to mentions uncomfortable!!!!
Robert

This is an extremely touchy subject. Most of the PHs I have been with have much different attitudes about and reletionships with blacks then we do. It is based on their experience with them. I have had them tell me that I am too friendly with them. Some have very strong racist views and have expressed them to me. I will not judge them because I have not lived in their shoes. I have also had blcks there tell me things that I don't think they would ever say to the PHs. In two cases trackers I hunted with spoke to me in english after their white employers told me that they couldn't speak english. In another case a group of trackers and a black PH invited me to dinner in camp one evening. The PH told me that they had never invited him to their dinner table.

Also PHs are like captains of ships or Doctors. Ever try to tell a doctor he was wrong? I have had several occasions when I have not followed my PHs instruction and in two cases I was right. One would have caused me to take a frontal brain shot on a cow buffalo at around 95 yards and in the other I would have shot a cow elephant with a two week old calf by her side. On the other side, not following my PHs advice cost me a huge eland. Sometimes your right and sometimes your wrong. That is OK as long as you are willing to live with your decision.

465H&H

I've got one of the "perfect shot" videos. Man, you talk about toot your own horn about how good of shot he is. Well, as the hunt went on I was believing him. UNTIL he shot a nice Sable bull up the rear and ran up to admire him. They did not show the follow up. He then went on to say that the Sable would be taken any way possible. Made me sick to see such a wonderful bull taken in that maner. I gave the DVD away.

quote:

Originally posted by Wendell Reich:

quote:

Originally posted by JPK:
Just remember this:

FIGJAM = F--k I'm Good, Just Ask Me!

JPK

I have learned a new word today. I can't wait to use it.

To give credit where credit is due, this was passed on to me by PH Rich Tabor, who credits our own Ganyana with it.

Once I heard it it seemed as if it was a woed all to familiar.

JPK

Never saw one of Watt's vids. I watched Boddington on Buffalo, took his advice to heart, and made a good kill on my first buffalo.

If surestrike says Dawson has let the fame and fortune go to his head, that's good enough for me.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by surestrike:
I have not watched any of Watt's videos. The title "perfectly shot" turns my stomach. It seems that what we have there is another ego maniac bragging about himself.
QUOTE]

I have only seen the Zambian one of the so called perfectly shot videos. There was one shot missed on warthog and one of the buffalo was initially shot in the belly and subsequently shot again and again and again, it was recovered next morning eaten by lions. The guy still continued to brag about his shooting abilities.

surestrike wrote

quote:

I can tell you however that I was completely unimpressed with treatment I received from Andrew Dawson and crew after my last hunt in the Dande. It really put me off.

I have a sense that they think that they're pretty special now that Craig has publicized their outfit. I find the management of the Chifuti areas under Andrew Dawson to be a bunch of pompous asses.

surestrike
Can you tell us more what was happen in Dande.

Seloushunter

quote:

Originally posted by Wendell Reich:

quote:

Originally posted by JPK:
Just remember this:

FIGJAM = F--k I'm Good, Just Ask Me!

JPK

I have learned a new word today. I can't wait to use it.

Yeah, me, too, and I just did!

just another freaking egotist

One of his videos was enough for me.
Jim

Hey, George,

quote:

I rarely watch hunting videos anymore, and on the rare occasion that I do, it is with the sound OFF.

Rich Elliott

I have watched a couple of the videos... The animals Marc hunts are exceptional.. Fire & Ice, I could understand Andrew's wonderings and also Marc's wonderings of how this will play out... Yes, Andrew was uncomfortable, but the one time Andrew showed facial expresions of Damn we lost a fine trophy and to me not derrogotory of Marc...
Marc is a fine hunter and a superb or better shot then many of us... He makes a living making and selling videos.. So besides being a hunter, he also is an actor...

Mike

quote:

So besides being a hunter, he also is an actor...

Good point, Mike.
Rich Elliott

I am not a video expert but have watched many and some of them several times. In summary, they are each different and produced slightly differently.

Boddington's (Bod on Leopard or Buff or Ele) are a teaching tool.

Buzz Charlton are instruction (elephant dvd) and entertainment (Zambezi extreme).

Watt's are demonstrations and entertainment.
Sullivan's are like the COPS fake reality TV shows where the bad guys get beat up or run over.

Brittingham's are home vacation movies.

THe most interesting to me was "Mountain Buffalo" by a German guy that is out of the business now. He attempted to reach the "soul" of buffalo hunting. I like his very much.

Flack's are a mixture of home movie and instructional DVD's.

Doctari's are purely instructional and very good.

As to Chifuti, these guys are pros and so are the video guys out of Dallas. Dawson's comments are not racist but more self-questioning. Be real and ask yourself if you would not say the same thing due to our cultural backgrounds. I would have asked the same thing about Cindy Garrison or the SHE Safari clothing ladies.

Enjoy all of the DVD's, Watts are just fine.

This thread is back I see. I was in camp with the Watts safari a bit and know the in's and out's. I did not weigh in then, and will not say much now, but do want to lay one thing to rest. Andrew Dawson does not have a racist bone in his body. He responds to people based on their relationships and interaction with him. He is an extremely humble, gentle man, but can be a grizzly when poked. I have seen both- but neither is EVER based on race. Marc was not the first black person Andrew had ever seen. He was born and raised in Africa ! He has grown up playing with blacks, worked with them, hunted with them, employed them, trusted his life to them and so forth...Marc was simply his first client hunter who happened to be black. I too produce hunting DVD's, I understand the role of a good story line, but there was never any animosity,dread, distrust, or tension associated with Andrew hunting with Marc. Another safari,no more, no less. Marc had one of the most successful safaris in Chifuti"s history- simply outstanding. Great trophys, and some very fine shooting along the way. But like any safari with such a big bag, some shots I am sure Marc would like to have back. Tiger Woods is a great golfer, but not every putt drops. We all miss sometimes..you, me Tiger and even Marc.
I enjoyed the DVD, but I know for a fact that the perceived tension on Dawson,s part was maybe him fretting over the huge bag and trophy size the client was looking for, but NEVER a race issue. I may not know a lot of things..But I know Andrew Dawson very well..He is a great person, a hard working businessman, a fine family man, a hell of a PH and a good friend,all points I am sure Marc will agree with. But a racist he is not. I had to weigh in on this one boys.

I have a question, does anyone know how long Andrew Dawson has been hunting professionally? I was told he was a farmer in Zim prior to the land grab and then started to hunt professionally and if Russ Broom had not broken his ankle he would have been the outfit Craig would have used as he was the first choice. Can anyone with authority clarify this.

It appears to me he is being elevated to the same status as say Mr Selby.

As to his people wearing a jacket and tie, damn that is more professional than the bush outfitts many wear but that is JMO.

quote:

Dawson,s part was maybe him fretting over the huge bag and trophy size the client was looking for

Why would he fret about this?

If the animals are on quota, and the client is paying for them, I cannot see any reason for a PH to get upset.

Fret does not equal upset, it connotes worry or concern, which would be a reasonable reaction when the client wishes success but his goal is universally "top end" trophy animals, as measured with a tape.

Finding a great buff is hard enough, but then throw in a high scoring sable, etc, etc, etc, and no wonder the PH was fretting.

In fact, I'm sure that every PH on every hunt frets about finding a good trophies for his client, even when the client has made it clear that representative animals are just fine by him.

Throw in the fact that the PH is also a stakeholder in the safari company and in the concession and that the hunt will end up as a DVD in the public domain, and fretting is only a natural human reaction.

As far as personality conflict, maybe there was, maybe there wasn't, but not every PH is going to immediately bond with his client or vice versa.

I've met Andrew Dawson, and he is a nice fellow, but I could see where maybe the two of us in our roles as hunter and Ph might not hit it off right away.

JPK

Marc Watts post here often and I have no issues with big egos . He posts here often so I'm sure if this thread rises to a level that he needs to respond, he will. And I'll believe what he says. jorge

Hi Guys
In no way is this a slap at Marc, and I have not said a word about big egos, or the like. I know Marc, and like Marc. No doubt he is a dedicated hunter and fine rifle shot. My response was to clear up some things said on this thread concerning Andrew Dawson. Andrew's ego is very underdeveloped in my opinion. He is the first to recognize the great hunters of both yesterday and today. I have often heard him say " for elephant, talk to Ivan, Barry, or Buzz. For lion, Gibson or Bedford is the guy ect.."
Andrew has been very reluctant to step into the spotlight we (Tim, Craig, and I) drag him into from time to time. I'v seen grown men ask for him to sign a t-shirt or cap at a show and he will say" man, you should go find Selby or Harland, or Calitz,then you will have an autograph worth something!"
Dawson is not trying to be anything but who he is,and that is a guy who enjoys hunting and sharing his love the game.

quote:

Originally posted by Die Ou Jagter:
I have a question, does anyone know how long if Russ Broom had not broken his ankle he would have been the outfit Craig would have used as he was the first choice. Can anyone with authority clarify this.

.

I believe it was Geoff Broom who broke his leg. Otherwise what you said is correct according to what I remember from CB's writing on the matter.

I am sure that Marc is a very picky client. That is the name of the game sometimes.

And I am also sure that Andy is great guy when he's in the public eye. One simple piece of advice however in regards to Andy and Paul over at Chifuti. A contract in writing apparently isn't good enough when it comes to daily fee agreements with these boys.If these guys feel they want to charge you a different (higher of course) fee than the one you've agreed to in writing they will damn well do it. And then play the old not return your e-mails game when you try and sort it all out.


This is what I am referring to when I mention above that it is my opinion that the fame is getting to their collective heads. I was shocked at the treatment I received from the Chifuti guys after my hunt last year. Something I would expect from a cut rate South African outfit but not one of the reputed reputation of Chifuti.

JBrown, you are correct.

FYI
Surestrike and I have been through this before, but after his post I will share the highlights
(1) Surestrike DID NOT book his hunt through Chifuti Safaris, or Safari Classics. He booked through a a freelance hunter who bought quota from Chifuti.
(2) Your agreement was with him, not with Chufuti.
Chifuti works off contracts, for the benefit of both client and operator. SS never signed a Chifuti contract. He was quoted a fee of X for his safari by a guy with no authorization to give the quote he may have been given.
(3)If he had have booked with Chifuti, he would have had a contract that Chifuti would have honored TO THE LETTER as we do with each and every client we book. Chifuti runs more dangerous game in Zim than any single outfitter, and we have never had a single client accuse us of not honoring the contract terms on a Chifuti agreement. If SS has some ill conceived red ass at Andrew it is a grudge he just will continue to drag around, that is his business. But when bullshit accusations about not honoring contracts fly around it gets my team pretty hot. I am a real simple and straightforward man. I thought after a damn long conversation I made to hear SS side of the story when I first became aware of it, I was convinced I had explained the situation to, if not his satisfaction, at least to his understanding. I now see that is clearly not the case. SS previously hunted this area while it was under different management. Things change in Africa, and when Chifuti took over the area our program and prices were enforced. If you expected Chifuti to live up to a contract, my advice would have been to sign with Chifuti direct in the future. To take Chifuti to task on AR and to paint them as an dishonest outfit that does not honor contracts is simply an outright lie. That is strong language,and no matter what kind of childish response this generates,a point of view I will most solidly stand behind.
This should be the end of this.. as far as a public forum is concerned. But the opinions of many on this fine forum DO MATTER to me , and I will not let a company I work with and represent take incoming sniper fire without returning fire.

quote:

I know for a fact that the perceived tension on Dawson,s part was maybe him fretting over the huge bag and trophy size the client was looking for, but NEVER a race issue.

Dave, As you know I was in camp after Marc's hunt, and nor do I repeat bush stories (unless they involve Will ). Andrew did comment to me that the cumulative stress of the high-profile hunts (most of which were being filmed) was wearing on him, as there was a stretch where I think Bass Pro Shops, Marc, Surefire and Craig (not to mention Buzz and I!) where all on top of one-another. I could understand this, and perhaps there was just some general head-butting as sometimes happens which is picked up in the DVD, but at no point there did I feel any residual race tension or bad blood. Marc's representation of another PH who I know had him somewhat miffed, but he dismissed it as "Hollywood", and of course there was the offset of all the extra exposure generated by the DVD. I would imagine Andrew feels much the same. I'll add I respect Marc, enjoy the DVD's for what they are (entertainment) and enjoy our occasional conversation.