quote:

Originally posted by Dave Fulson:
I have visited this topic before, but it keeps coming back. Buckeye does not know me, so any insinuation that I could not give a accurate, honest report on this, or any subject, will not bother me too much. Those who do know me, know that I hold my opinions back far less than I actually should...good or bad. So here tis'.
I spent a good portion of the season, 1993 I believe, filming with Mark in Tanzania for his "Death On The Run" DVD. During that time, multiple clients hunted on full bag hunts. I believe 13 buffalo were bagged on my watch. I can only relate my experience, but never once did I see, hear a request for, or witness encouragement to do anything but make the best shot possible on any of these animals. With that said, there were several wounded buffalo that had to be followed up. All were recovered, some in very nasty circumstances, most finished by the client, but a couple by Mark. Guys, his videos, as well as his words on video and in print, paint a very clear picture of how Mark feels about the confrontation with dangerous game. Mark revels in that moment, plain and simple. Be you a lover or a hater of his methods, he has never failed to be less than upfront on his feelings and intent. We hunted lions, leopards,a hippo that resulted in a famous charge and all the rest that are part of a full bag TZ hunt.Never saw less than a sporting effort to bag the game we were after.
The fact is that Mark had a very comfortable style in the field. Did a lot of pointing out of interesting stuff to clients, kept them involved, did a lot of listening to their stories, adventures and opinions rather than dominate conversations. Actually a far more relaxed manner than I expected. As happens with type A personalities from time to time when pressure is on and bodies are beyond tired, Mark and I squared off once, only once, but it got heated. We both backed off, cooled off, got it back on track and had a very enjoyable hunt from that moment forward. No bad feelings were left on either side. Mine for sure. There is zero doubt Mark is a lightning rod, he knows it, accepts it, and lives with the heavy weight of that reality. If you like his style, and he is free schedule wise -book him. If you do not, book with a PH or outfit that more matches your style. I cannot bash him for hunting with a camera,as that is a big part of our living at Safari Classics. I have said, and will repeat here, anyone who sells safaris these days, has probably sold one or two to guys who had their safari fire lit by watching some of Sullivan's movies. Good or bad, thats up to you. I know this may be received on AR like me walking into a Star Wars Convention and saying "You know guy's, I spent some time around Darth Vadar, and if you can get past that whole Death Star thing, he's really a pretty good guy to share a spaceship with."
He is not for everyone, and he agrees with that. Neither is Dawson, Charlton, Carter, Hurt, Selby and the list goes on. I was asked to share MY experience, which is only a blip on his career, and I have done so. We all have to make our own conclusions and that is fair enough. There you go, let my bashing begin...

quote:

Originally posted by buckeyeshooter:
So let's see, you want the guy who is PAID to film him tell us how great he is? Gee, that sounds like an unbiased account to me.

quote:

Originally posted by cal pappas:
Mark is slowly on the way to vindication. Still will be those that and angry but the number seems to be lessening and those that do so seem to be more polite now that the facts have been listed. A few gents here (including myself) are in the initial stages of planning a 2014 hunt with Mark with our doubles.
Cheers, gents, it has been fun.
Cal

quote:

Originally posted by cal pappas:
Mark is slowly on the way to vindication. Still will be those that and angry but the number seems to be lessening and those that do so seem to be more polite now that the facts have been listed. A few gents here (including myself) are in the initial stages of planning a 2014 hunt with Mark with our doubles.
Cheers, gents, it has been fun.
Cal

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:
Hell of a Lion.

quote:

Originally posted by PD999:
Nice 577NE Heym in those photos.

quote:

Originally posted by Dave Fulson:
Kim, thanks for the kind words. I actually started my career, besides guiding, as a writer. I have done several hundred magazine pieces over the years, and you may remember teamed up with my partner Tim Danklef and Boddington to write our limited edition book-LEOPARD.
I have not given up on the craft, just had to cut back as the realities of my other work keeps me chained up these days. But I may tackle a book one of these days. Thanks buddy!

quote:

Well said Dave. Thanks for sharing your experience and perspective!

quote:

Originally posted by Todd Williams:
Great trophies!

quote:

Originally posted by Todd Williams:
Shawn,

Do I understand correctly that the lion and elephant pictured above were both taken on the same day by the same client? If so, that has to be the clients best day afield in terms of trophies taken for his lifetime!

By the way, I enjoyed the phone conversation immensely!

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
So a hunter shoots these animals, and there is no sign of him in the photos.

Now these same animals are used to glorify Mark Sullivan

Sure does not make sense to me!