I also just finished watching the video for the first time and loved it. I am also making my first Buffalo hunt this fall in Sept. in the Zambezi Valley. Not a complaint but I wish there could have been more info on non-sponser products. I understand keeping them happy but sure would have liked Craig's opinion on some competive products like Barnes, Leopold, Zeiss etc. I will be sure to get the Leopard video as soon as it is available.

Some people ask who would you most like to have dinner with and my answer is Craig Boddington and Peter Flack on a river camp.

In my humble opinion, Craig Boddington is one of the great authors of this time. I'm always on the look out for anything and everything he writes. I haven't ordered the DVD yet but be sure that I will soon. It sounds like a winner, I'm really looking forward to the Leopard video.

I think there are a few half truths being flung around in this thread (which of course makes it like a lot of threads) concerning Boddington and hunting writers in general. Two PH's I know personally guided for Boddington (since you all want names they are Alain Lefol in Chad and Jan Dumon in RSA) when he accompanied other hunters. The PH's weren't doing anything for free, although it is possible that CB had some expenses covered by the hunters he accompanied, but then again maybe not. And who is to say that a good number of his hunts weren't either out of his pocket or that of his employer? Lastly, the PHs I am talking about definitely prefered Boddington's company to the well healed hunters he accompanied.

quote:

Originally posted by Die Ou Jagter:
I also just finished watching the video for the first time and loved it. I am also making my first Buffalo hunt this fall in Sept. in the Zambezi Valley. Not a complaint but I wish there could have been more info on non-sponser products. I understand keeping them happy but sure would have liked Craig's opinion on some competive products like Barnes, Leopold, Zeiss etc. I will be sure to get the Leopard video as soon as it is available.

Some people ask who would you most like to have dinner with and my answer is Craig Boddington and Peter Flack on a river camp.

I must admit this is exactly how I felt too. I really loved the video, but the product placement could have been a little less obvious and I would have liked to have seen other alternatives discussed. For instance, when they were discussing bolt action rifles, it would have been nice to see the other end of the scale mentioned ie a plain jane M70 or CZ550 topped with a low power Loupold for instance...same goes for the ammo...I would have liked to have heard his honest opinions on some other brands..

Regards,

Pete..

PS, I wonder if CB and the PH went to bed wearing those Swarovski EL's?

quote:

Originally posted by Pete E:

I must admit this is exactly how I felt too. I really loved the video, but the product placement could have been a little less obvious and I would have liked to have seen other alternatives discussed. For instance, when they were discussing bolt action rifles, it would have been nice to see the other end of the scale mentioned ie a plain jane M70 or CZ550 topped with a low power Loupold for instance...same goes for the ammo...I would have liked to have heard his honest opinions on some other brands..

Regards,

Pete..

PS, I wonder if CB and the PH went to bed wearing those Swarovski EL's?

LOL!!!
I don't think the Buff will know or care that I only hit him with my Burris mounted M70 instead of the Swarovski/Dakota. Plus, my M70 (Super Express) will have the bolt on the "right" side!

I loved the video, have watched it several times as I am going to the same area next month. I liked the advertising as it helps with what equipment to take. Hey - look - Tiger Woods and Earnie Els are walking billboards on the golf course - I use Titleist balls, use Nike shoes and drive a Buick - what the heck. I like to know what people use and why. Boddington explains why and what - none of his endorsements are bad products.

Keep on showing us what you use. I appreciate it.

OK, kept my mouth shut up till now but have followed this CB topic since it started in Feb. Here is my story and opinion. July of '03 I hunted with Andrew Dawson/Paul Smith of Chifuti Safari's for Buff/Hippo/Plains Game (my first DG hunt and second in Africa). Booked the hunt with Tim Danklef (their booking agent/videographer along with Dave Fulson). Had met them all earlier that year at the Dallas Safari Club Convention. The hunt exceeded my highest hopes and I booked again for July '04 for elephant (tuskless) and leopard. Short time later Tim ask me if I would like to change my booking by about two weeks and if so, I would be hunting and sharing the camp with CB while Tim and Dave filmed him and Andrew for the Boddington on Buffalo video. I was thrilled as I felt many people would pay good money to have shared a camp with him. It cost me nothing extra. I am a Police Officer and certainly not wealthy (hence the tuskless), nor anyone to mention compared to the folks that CB knows. Bear in mind, the only time I had met CB was at a book signing at DSC, so he didn't know me from Adam. As it turned out Tim, CB and I were on the same flight to JoBurg but never had a chance to visit with CB till the 6 hour layover at JoBurg. Out of respect for his military service, I referred to him as "General" and he politely asked me to call him Craig. On to camp: It was a 14 day hunt and I spent 7/8 in the main camp with CB and the remaining he was at the fly camp with Andrew and Tim/Dave. I was not at any of their hunting as I was off with Paul Smith doing my own (successfully I might add). I was present at all filming around camp (even made it onto the film a few times briefly). The third day of the hunt I bagged my leopard and when I saw Craig the next day he seemed as happy as if it was his own. When we got to camp that eve he went to his tent, and to my delight, he brought back a bottle to wine (with a leopard's picture on the label) which he then presented to me. As it turned out, he had bought it at the JoBurg Airport just in case I did get the Leopard. Needless to say, I think that was very classy of him, yet certainly not expected or necessary. (Yes, we drank it all). I also noted that he was (regardless of his 50 plus safaris) very respectful of Andrew and Paul as PH's. My point in my rambling is simply this: My two week's with him was great and I found him to be a gentleman at all times and I shall always treasure the experience. Lastly, about some of the remarks about his free hunts etc. I can only say what I know about this hunt. Yes, the hunt was free for CB, but it was a bargain for Chifuti (in my opinion),as their bookings have skyrocketed behind this hunt and the CB on Buffalo film. CB did not ask for the free hunt, it was all the brainchild of Tim Danklef and they approached him about it. As far as the cost of the video, it was costly to produce for Chifuti/Tim/Dave and by the time all the overhead is paid, the profits are split 5 ways. It's also my understanding that any company (other than Tim and Dave's Safari Classics) that sells the DVD, get 40% of the sale price. IMHO they are not making very much and the sponsorships and endorsements were necessary. Enough, just wanted to add my 2 cents worth. If anyone has any specific questions about this subject I would be happy to answer them as far as my observations and experience in this case.

Ramrod,

Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your experience with General Boddington. I really enjoyed the video and learned a great deal. I am headed to Zimbabwe next year for my first buffalo hunt so this video was tailor made for me. I was not concerned about the commercials(though I did fast forward through them after the first viewing). Leopard is also on my tag next year so I am looking forward to the leopard video.

My only personal contact with him has been a short visit at this year's Dallas show. He took time away from his lady friend to look at pictures of my 12 year old son's African trophies. He asked my son all about our hunt, where we hunted, the gun that he used, and the distance and placement of each of his shots. He made my son feel very special. For that alone I will give him the benefit of the doubt. I am also grateful that good men like him have served our country so honorably.

Just finished reading this thread and wanted to throw my two cents in. Craig, if your still reading this congradulations....you sold another DVD. I met Mr. Boddington at the Orange County Safari Club Banquet in March. Brought my 12 year old and she bought a book from him. With a whole lot of people trying to get a piece of his time, he took the time to sign Carolyn's book and make her feel special. That alone showed me a lot of class.

His responses here however show me even more. To defend your self is your right. To do so with class and maintain the dignity of your accuser is just flat out elegant. My hats off to you sir, and 40 bucks just got put into your coffers....(and I'm not even planning a buffalo hunt!)

quote:

Originally posted by Steven30127:
....(and I'm not even planning a buffalo hunt!)

We'll see if the song remains the same after you watch the DVD. Let us know!

LOL Almostacowboy....you've got a point!

"Boddington On Buffalo" is well worth it at twice the price. It's three hours long and full to the brim with information that this tenderfoot found very very interesting. Hell, just the clip of Boddington working the bolt on his .375 to fire three shots in a few seconds is worth the $$. Go for it.

I have never met Craig Boddington. I bought a video years ago with him and Roger Whittal Safaris hunting Elie in Mozambique. I watch it from time to time and it is interesting.

It's the only video I have with only one kill on it. I don't think it's a bad video, but I don't think it's the best one I own.

Before the video I had never heard the man speak, so I had no idea what his voice sounded like. He is a gentle soft speaker, and I am sure what has been said about him being a gentleman is true.

There is a lot of information on hunting elie but not so much as new films. I think it was made when no-one was really sure how to do a hunting video.

The video starts with 3 or 4 commercials. Blaser, Dakota, and someone else.

Marc Watts videos are good but he's a showboating big shot. Best cinematography, too much BS.

Ken Wilsons videos are good, not as professional. I have known Ken for 10 years, and I watch his videos all the time. No-one covers the broad spectrum that Ken does.

Safari Videos are great, but you loose that person to person feel.

Hunter Videos are fantastic, but not always totally in English. The other problem with Hunter Videos is they are about 90% roe buck hunting videos. I know that's the cult animal here in Europe, but it gets kind of tiring.