In the current issue of the magazine Under Wild Skies gun writer Ross Seyfried makes the claim that he has guided in Africa for ten years, although he never states what country he was licensed in, when this was or who he worked for. Can anyone shed some light on this?

Mr. Shoemaker, you worked with Ross for years at Wolfe Publishing. Did this topic ever come up there?

I don't not know where he was licenesed, but I remember that Jo Ann Hall when she was writing in Guns&Ammo was guided by Ross Seyfried and took a Cape Buffalo as well as other game

Dear Phil,

I know he took a couple of safaris for Cotton Gordon in Tanzania because I was out with Edwin "Motor Mouth" Maleko (he never stops talking) who had just come back from one such safari.

Edwin told me he was with Ross Seyfried. Edwin was a PH for Tawico when it was owned by the Tanzanian government.

I took a couple of safaris with them at this time too and they always sent their own PHs along with the safari too.

At one time Cotton had both Loliondo and Fort Ikomo which were at high elevation and were great areas for lions. A three year old lion might still have spots but it would also have a big fluffy mane.

Loliondo is lovely country. Its a kind of wedge between Serengetti National Park in Tanzania and the Masai Mara game reserve in Kenya. Some Arabs have it now. Saeed likely knows them. Yoska Magyar, who was killed by a lion, was their PH for years

During the wilderbeeste migration you can sit on a hill top there and have lunch while watching 100,000 animals pass by.

Phil,
Why ask on a public forum where Ross is not a member, wouldn't it be better to contact Ross than asking others? I'm sure Ross would be happy to tell you about his experiences. Under Wild Skies is a great magazine, better than many other magazines from USA.

I hope that Ross Seyfried writes a few books about his experiences…..

Cheers
/JOHAN

quote:

Originally posted by 458Win:
In the current issue of the magazine Under Wild Skies gun writer Ross Seyfried makes the claim that he has guided in Africa for ten years, although he never states what country he was licensed in, when this was or who he worked for. Can anyone shed some light on this?

The tone in which you phrase the question makes me think you are watching to many political "news" programs where the "reporter" is trying to play the "gotcha game"

What is YOUR agenda?

Phil,

I know he hunted some in Tanzania and Zambia. I don't know who he worked for other than Cotton Gordon if anybody. Several of his articles about the time the 416 craze was getting reignited involverd testing various new 416 bullets in Africa on buffalo. He also mentioned shooting buffalo when he wrote the aticles on big bore handguns.

Mark

I have no hidden agenda here, nor any reason to doubt Ross, but only ask a fair question since he brought up the subject. Unfortunately Ross refuses to speak to me or even answer my mail. I do find that a bit perplexing as all the other writers with African guiding experience that I know and correspond with, like Joe Coogan, Kevin Robertson and Don Heath have no problem discussing their experiences.
As a reader I like to know the experience level of the writer and, as anyone who has hunted there can attest, experiences in Africa can be highly variable depending on where and over what period it was obtained.
On second thought, maybe I should have an agenda here. If readers are to gain real information they should insist on knowing the qualifacations of those offering it. As a part time writer I have absolutely no problem verifying any of my experiences. Readers can then take my experiences for what they are and make up their own minds as to the validity of my opinions.

If, indeed, there is a question over a particular article in a magazine, the question needs to be addressed to the magazine's editors for them to decide whether or not to hand it over to the author in question. And, if they do, it is still the suthor's prerogative whether or not he wants to respond. The reader who sent the question in is free to draw his own conclusions, write another article citing the author's refusal to reply etc.

This business of posting an obviously loaded question on a forum where the author concerned is not a member and not in a position to reply, is completely unethical because there was a similar attempt on another forum in the recent past. It does look like an attempt at smearing Seyfried's reputation in as many places as possible, if, indeed, there is a reason behind this question.

quote:

Originally posted by 458Win:
I have no hidden agenda here, nor any reason to doubt Ross, but only ask a fair question since he brought up the subject. Unfortunately Ross refuses to speak to me or answer my mail. I do find that a bit perplexing as all the other writers that I correspond with and who claim to have guiding experience, like Joe Coogan, Kevin Robertson and Don Heath have no problem with veriflying their experiences.

Phil,
I'm sure you know perfectly well why Ross isn't interested in having any contact with you or hand out any information..... To ask on a forum is very naive to say the least, how do you know the information is true? Ask some of the resident troll’s on this site, I’m sure they would be more than happy supply you with some “truthful†and accurate information about Seyfried’s career.

Cheers
/JOHAN

well if you have a look on nickudufiles, you will see some of his exellent articles of the prfeessionals rifles for instance.

I did not mean to strike a nerve here and mean no disrespect to Ross or his legion of fans and as far as I know asking about someone's experience, that they themselves publish, is not slander It is true that writing the editor of the magazine is the apropriate response but as Ross is the editor and refuses to talk to me ( and no, I do not know why Ross refuses to talk to me or even answer my lettes ) I simply thought that with all the knowledge and experience posted here that someone might have some information like Ted Gorsline offered.

If a writer puts personal details into the public domain in this manner, I don't see any problem with it being discussed or debated in this manner.

If the question had concerned a private matter pertaining to the writer, I believe that is different...

I'm surprised to hear that he has 10 years experience as PH...

It would be interesting to hear more...

David,

Although I have no idea if its the case in this instance, "10 years experience as PH" may only equate to 10 months hunting time in that 10 year period...this is especially so with visiting PH's so to speak...

Regards,

Pete

I hate to jump in to this pissing contest, but I will say that Finn Aagaard treated Phil as a respected hunter/guide in his articles. If Finn thought Phil was OK I will trust that he is a good guy and take his question at face value.

I believe that Ross has stated, in the past, that he was a PH. I will try to find an article.

Seems to me he attended the all-inclusive 2 week PH school in South Africa. The time between when he announced his intentions to become a PH and the time he became one was very short.

Phil,

Buck Buckner might be able to answer your question. I'll call Jeff Phillips and see if I can get you a phone number or e-mail address. I forget stuff a lot these days; if I haven't gotten back to you by the end of the week, please remind me with a PM or e-mail (it is in my profile).

LD

I don't understand what was wrong with asking those questions. If someone claims to be a PH it is not insulting to ask them to prove it, or ask others if they know about it. After all if one is a PH, they must have "PHed" somewhere???

I seem to recall that Ross also had some affiliation/dealings with Ray Millican in Zambia and the CAR. There was a less than amicable parting.
I also recollect he did do some PH work but details are a bit fuzzy, it was a good few years ago.

I also don't understand why asking a question is wrong. Unfortunately, I have no conspiracy theories to present, either...

Jaywalker

quote:

Originally posted by JOHAN:

quote:

Originally posted by 458Win:
I have no hidden agenda here, nor any reason to doubt Ross, but only ask a fair question since he brought up the subject. Unfortunately Ross refuses to speak to me or answer my mail. I do find that a bit perplexing as all the other writers that I correspond with and who claim to have guiding experience, like Joe Coogan, Kevin Robertson and Don Heath have no problem with veriflying their experiences.

Phil,
I'm sure you know perfectly well why Ross isn't interested in having any contact with you or hand out any information..... To ask on a forum is very naive to say the least, how do you know the information is true? Ask some of the resident troll’s on this site, I’m sure they would be more than happy supply you with some “truthful†and accurate information about Seyfried’s career.

Cheers
/JOHAN

Why wouldn't Ross respond?

quote:

Originally posted by bulldog563:
Why wouldn't Ross respond?

Too busy? Who knows how many e-mails the guy gets...

I've sent him an e-mail once, through the publisher and didn't get a reply. We met in Reno, and we chatted for a while, I was just following up on some stuff we talked about.

I'm not assuming he's deliberately not answering, there just may not be enough hours in the day to answer each e-mail personally.

Just a thought...

Frans

quote:

Originally posted by JOHAN:

Phil,
I'm sure you know perfectly well why Ross isn't interested in having any contact with you or hand out any information.....

Cheers
/JOHAN

Johan,

Can you or someone else please fill in the gaps for those of us who don't know about the history behind this subject?

For those wondering why some are skeptical about the question here.

I rest my case.

Cheers!

quote:

Originally posted by bulldog563:

quote:

Originally posted by JOHAN:

quote:

Originally posted by 458Win:
I have no hidden agenda here, nor any reason to doubt Ross, but only ask a fair question since he brought up the subject. Unfortunately Ross refuses to speak to me or answer my mail. I do find that a bit perplexing as all the other writers that I correspond with and who claim to have guiding experience, like Joe Coogan, Kevin Robertson and Don Heath have no problem with veriflying their experiences.

Phil,
I'm sure you know perfectly well why Ross isn't interested in having any contact with you or hand out any information..... To ask on a forum is very naive to say the least, how do you know the information is true? Ask some of the resident troll’s on this site, I’m sure they would be more than happy supply you with some “truthful†and accurate information about Seyfried’s career.

Cheers
/JOHAN

Why wouldn't Ross respond?

Why would he? Why would he even know AR exists? Why would he care?

The vast majority of African Hunters have never heard of AR. Ask Retriever how many people at he Vintagers knew what AR was, even with him wearing the shirt and hat.

With all do respect to those who think it is wrong to ask about his credentials on a public forum, then wouldn't it also be wrong to ask for opinions on a gunsmith that you were going to pay several thousand dollars to build you a custom rifle? Shouldn't you just ask the gunsmith himself or herself?
This forum is open to anyone and everyone and just because someone doesn't post on this forum, shouldn't mean you can't discuss them. In seeing all the opinions on guiding companies, gun companies, outfitters etc., I don't recall that being an issue. We are all after information. That is what this forum is for.
Not trying to p*ss anyone off here, or flame anyone, just my opinion.

Ross is an American gun writer who has stated in print that he has ten years experience as an African PH. All I asked was if anyone knew where and for who he worked.
As an Alaskan guide of twenty-seven years I certainly have no problem discussing with anyone interested where I've guided or how many clients I've guided. I know Finn Aagaard was the same, as is Joe Coogan and virtually every other African and Alaskan guide I know.
Ross has been a professional gun writer here in the US and has been for probably thirty years or more. He is quite knowledgable about the industry. I am sure he knows of this forum. As do numerous other writers and editors who keep their finger on the pulse of the industry by reading what is posted here.

quote:

Originally posted by Mickey1:

quote:

Originally posted by bulldog563:

quote:

Originally posted by JOHAN:

quote:

Originally posted by 458Win:
I have no hidden agenda here, nor any reason to doubt Ross, but only ask a fair question since he brought up the subject. Unfortunately Ross refuses to speak to me or answer my mail. I do find that a bit perplexing as all the other writers that I correspond with and who claim to have guiding experience, like Joe Coogan, Kevin Robertson and Don Heath have no problem with veriflying their experiences.

Phil,
I'm sure you know perfectly well why Ross isn't interested in having any contact with you or hand out any information..... To ask on a forum is very naive to say the least, how do you know the information is true? Ask some of the resident troll’s on this site, I’m sure they would be more than happy supply you with some “truthful†and accurate information about Seyfried’s career.

Cheers
/JOHAN

Why wouldn't Ross respond?

Why would he? Why would he even know AR exists? Why would he care?

The vast majority of African Hunters have never heard of AR. Ask Retriever how many people at he Vintagers knew what AR was, even with him wearing the shirt and hat.

I wasn't asking why he doesn't respond here... I wanted to know why JOHAN was saying Ross wouldn't respond to Phil (458Win) privately.

I sent him a PM and asked the same question.

quote:

Originally posted by 458Win:
Ross is an American gun writer who has stated in print that he has ten years experience as an African PH. All I asked was if anyone knew where and for who he worked.
As an Alaskan guide of twenty-seven years I certainly have no problem discussing with anyone interested where I've guided or how many clients I've guided.
Ross has been a professional gun writer here in the US and has been for probably thirty years or more. He is quite knowledgable about the industry. I am sure he knows of this forum. As do numerous other writers and editors who keep their finger on the pulse of the industry by reading what is posted here.

Ross , has stated ( and I have no reason to dought his word) that he does not do the internet thing therfore probable has no first hand knowledge of this or anyother forum. He does not appear to be interested as to what goes on on this or anyother forum......

quote:

Originally posted by Mickey1:

quote:

Originally posted by bulldog563:

quote:

Originally posted by JOHAN:

quote:

Originally posted by 458Win:
I have no hidden agenda here, nor any reason to doubt Ross, but only ask a fair question since he brought up the subject. Unfortunately Ross refuses to speak to me or answer my mail. I do find that a bit perplexing as all the other writers that I correspond with and who claim to have guiding experience, like Joe Coogan, Kevin Robertson and Don Heath have no problem with veriflying their experiences.

Phil,
I'm sure you know perfectly well why Ross isn't interested in having any contact with you or hand out any information..... To ask on a forum is very naive to say the least, how do you know the information is true? Ask some of the resident troll’s on this site, I’m sure they would be more than happy supply you with some “truthful†and accurate information about Seyfried’s career.

Cheers
/JOHAN

Why wouldn't Ross respond?

Why would he? Why would he even know AR exists? Why would he care?

The vast majority of African Hunters have never heard of AR. Ask Retriever how many people at he Vintagers knew what AR was, even with him wearing the shirt and hat.

As much as it may be disagreeable to me, I'm with Mickey here. Why in the hell is it some God given right of someone that everyone else needs to respond to them.

I am assuming you wouldn't be willing to pay Ross for a copy of his resume.

quote:

Originally posted by Will:

quote:

Originally posted by Mickey1:

quote:

Originally posted by bulldog563:

quote:

Originally posted by JOHAN:

quote:

Originally posted by 458Win:
I have no hidden agenda here, nor any reason to doubt Ross, but only ask a fair question since he brought up the subject. Unfortunately Ross refuses to speak to me or answer my mail. I do find that a bit perplexing as all the other writers that I correspond with and who claim to have guiding experience, like Joe Coogan, Kevin Robertson and Don Heath have no problem with veriflying their experiences.

Phil,
I'm sure you know perfectly well why Ross isn't interested in having any contact with you or hand out any information..... To ask on a forum is very naive to say the least, how do you know the information is true? Ask some of the resident troll’s on this site, I’m sure they would be more than happy supply you with some “truthful†and accurate information about Seyfried’s career.

Cheers
/JOHAN

Why wouldn't Ross respond?

Why would he? Why would he even know AR exists? Why would he care?

The vast majority of African Hunters have never heard of AR. Ask Retriever how many people at he Vintagers knew what AR was, even with him wearing the shirt and hat.

As much as it may be disagreeable to me, I'm with Mickey here. Why in the hell is it some God given right of someone that everyone else needs to respond to them.

I am assuming you wouldn't be willing to pay Ross for a copy of his resume.

Will



There seems to be an underlying reason to post this question here, a forum Ross doesn't belong to. A little ?

What is the real reason to bring this up here, and now?

Micky,

Maybe to see if any of the more knowedgable folks we have on the African Hunting forum can provide an answer?

regards,

Pete

Pete,

Maybe. It is just that since 458Win books his hunts thru Ray Atkinson and Ray claims to be a good friend of Seyfrieds I don't see the difficulty getting hold of him.

Ray Atkinson does book a hunt for me once in a while and I guess I should give Ray a call as I also consider him a friend, but I have talked to a number of other folks who claim to be friends of Ross and they have no more information than all the folks here who seem to think that asking about someone's credentials (that they toss around in public) is some sort of attack or subversive plot. I am simply curious as to where and when Ross worked in Africa and who he worked for. I would think all of his fans would like to know that.

quote:

Originally posted by 458Win:
Ray Atkinson does book a hunt for me once in a while and I guess I should give Ray a call as I also consider him a friend, but I have talked to a number of other folks who claim to be friends of Ross and they have no more information than all the folks here who seem to think that asking about someone's credentials (that they toss around in public) is some sort of attack or subversive plot. I am simply curious as to where and when Ross worked in Africa and who he worked for. I would think all of his fans would like to know that.

I really don't care; just trying to keep the pot stirred. Where would we be if there were no personal attacks once in awhile!



P.S. I am one of the few that still likes Ray. That will bring on some personal attacks too!!

quote:

Originally posted by Will:

I really don't care; just trying to keep the pot stirred. Where would we be if there were no personal attacks once in awhile!



P.S. I am one of the few that still likes Ray. That will bring on some personal attacks too!!

Anyone who would put there picture in a book dressed like Jim Sutherland is beyond criticism. Even the people here have compassion for someone in your state of mind.

Please.................Denis Lyell.

quote:

Originally posted by Will:
Please.................Denis Lyell.

Sorry, I thought Dennis Lyle was thinner.