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Have you noticed the increase in quality of recent hunting and shooting publications. A few years back Peterson's Hunting seemed to be the only consistant monthly hunting journal out there. It appeared Outdoor life, Sports Afield and Field and Stream all became advertisement with little or no substance. Things have certainly changed over the past 5-6 years. Sports Afield has made a HUGE turn around. The Double Gun Journal, Grays Sporting Journal, Shooting Sportsman, Sporting Classic (my favorite). Safari by the DSC. Perhaps the growth in hunting interests supports these publications. The stories are first class and the photography and art is outstanding! I just about never throw these magazines away. I was not sure quite where to post this thread. It fits under a number of topics but why not here! Ain't it great! EZ | ||
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I agree with you eezridr, the quality has improved consierably in most of them at least the ones that still write hunting articles. I think, however it was because of the internet websites like this one and others. They had to upgrade or close shop. I discontinued all of Pererson Publishing periodicals long ago. The reason was the magazines ubder that marque all had the same articles every month, with just a change of name but written by the same person. Since I had subscriptions for all of them, I let them expire dowhn the Peterson Hunting, and it got so thin you could see through it to the desk while looking at the cover! The only ones I get today are Safari, Sports afield, Texas parks and wildlife, and Texas monthly. The rest have long since been discontinued. Personally I think Accurate Reloading,Nitro Express,and African hunting are far more informitive than the run of the mill gun rag. I find most of the gun mags today are nothing more that gang-banger magazines with nothing but war surplus junk from China. One rarely sees fine shotguns, or custom hunting rifle anymore in most of the old top gun magazines. I quite even going to gun shows anymore because there doesn't seem to be anything stamped out simiauto junk on every table. It seems to me the mind set of the whole world today thinks guns are only made for shooting people. We have all the hunters on the internet. ...........Sad state of affaires IMO! ....Mac >>>===(x)===> MacD37, ...and DUGABOY1 DRSS Charter member "If I die today, I've had a life well spent, for I've been to see the Elephant, and smelled the smoke of Africa!"~ME 1982 Hands of Old Elmer Keith  | |||
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I had seen the decline in quality with too many ads, hand guns, combat assault guns etc. about 10 years ago or more & was getting worse. I then subscribed only to the Wolfe Publication mags Rifle, Handloader & Successful Hunter. During the (current) economic down turn, even they declined. John Barsness left for a while & thank God he is back now. AR has now replaced all of these publications in my opinion!! "When the wind stops....start rowing. When the wind starts, get the sail up quick." | |||
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Quit subscribing to them years ago...only missed Col. Cooper's back page on Guns and Ammo. I read that at the Walmart, grocery or wherever I could find one. I found/still find that the "cover story" is also a big advertiser in that issue. I know you have to make money by selling ads etc. Just looks to damn convenient! I only get the the National Rifleman. Paid for w/my Life Membership. Robert If we can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people, under the pretense of taking care of them, they must become happy. Thomas Jefferson, 1802 | |||
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American Rifleman? ------------------------------- Will Stewart / Once you've been amongst them, there is no such thing as too much gun. --------------------------------------- and, God Bless John Wayne. NRA Benefactor Member, GOA, N.A.G.R. _________________________ "Elephant and Elephant Guns" $99 shipped “Hunting Africa's Dangerous Game" $20 shipped. red.dirt.elephant@gmail.com _________________________ Hoping to wind up where elephant hunters go. | |||
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Mac, Texas Monthly?! Please turn in your conservative credentials.  Mike | |||
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Any viewpoints on AFRICAN HUNTER out of Zim? Bob Bob DRSS DSC SCI NRA & ISRA | |||
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I have to agree with Mac for the most part. As a gun store owner that focuses on hunting guns, it is dis-heartening to hear comments within the industry that the future is in "black guns." Where ever the hell did the term black guns come from? As a former Army officer, I think I can recommend that if someone has an intense need to fire automatic and/or para-military weapons with the idea that they are simulating combat or the killing of human life, then join the military and experience it first hand. I am so sick of military want-a-bees. The truth of the matter is that hunting sportsmen are declining, and there are many reasons: 1) Lack of public hunting land, 2) Sensationalism in our sport; especially in the so-called hunting TV shows (much of it is downright ridiculous / why do we call it hunting?), 3) The taking of game has become more of a rich man's leisure that ever before (why does it cost $6000 to shoot an elk?), the ridiculous measures/rating for world class game (let's fence in 5 acres, feed our deer high protein food, then sit in a shooting house and act excited that we just shot a world record), c'mere deer, estrus shampoo & deodorant, calls that simulate fore-play during the first 20 days of the rut, etc, etc., video games that reward with immediate success and satisfaction (Cabela's is the #1 culprit). I am just getting started on my pulpit, even though I am a sinner myself. There are things in "hunting" that I love. I love a fine gun, made by a true craftman,as only man can make. I love the family and friendship in hunting; the tradition of the camp, the food, the stories, the lies, and yes the occasional kill. The kill least important. I love the lifestyle that surrounds our sport. It should be a fraternity that one is welcomed to enter, but must be kept with honor.----One doesn't need a "fine" gun to be a quality hunter, only a quality gun that he/she knows well and can properly utilize. But for me, the guildmansship of guns is mesmerizing, especially double rifles. So why are magazine articles so lame? Improper balance between industry sell techniques and passionate tells of the hunting sport. Should we be focusing on .270 vs .300WSM for elk, or on the adventure of the camp/food/fellowship/etc. When i look at the success of writers, I look at John Gierach in the fly fishing industry who so eloquently writes about the adventures and happenings, and not very much about the rod, line weight, fly size, etc. And he is hugely successful and well read. Robert Ruark writes of the drinks before lunch, before the big hunt, the thoughts running through the mind, the philosophy/psychology of the hunter; not what grain bullett to use (although he may mention it in passing, it's not the focus). People want to buy magazines to be entertained, to live out or re-live a lifestyle they want to be a part of. Do we want articles supported by imdustry dollars to sell? I want writers that talk passion, experience, hope, honor, and tradition.-----------Maybe I'm just old-fashioned. JP Sauer Drilling 12x12x9.3x72 David Murray Scottish Hammer 12 Bore Alex Henry 500/450 Double Rifle Steyr Classic Mannlicher Fullstock 6.5x55 Steyr Classic Mannlicher Fullstock .30-06 Walther PPQ H2 9mm Walther PPS M2 Cogswell & Harrison Hammer 12 Bore Damascus And Too Many More | |||
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The African Hunter, is , IMHO, a very good mag. I say this as a Local Zimbo as well as a Hunter.There are a lot of publications that mislead or perhaps misinform readers about Africa,simply because they dont have that many resources on the ground. Being local I think the Hunter provides a slightly different perspective They make use of writers who know their stuff and generally provide a good solid informative Mag. I agree completely with MDstewart that writers who have passion experience etc make a way better read than those which clearly are supported by the underlying money line | |||
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Amen brother!!! The same goes for just about all the shooting shows on tv. They might as well change the name of Guns and Ammo tv to the AR15 show.....plus there's a whole show dedicated to AR15s!!! Dont get me wrong, I'm not knocking them....just sick of seeing them everywhere. I'd like to see a show or two dedicated to shooting/hunting with pre-1900 type guns. That's why I used to like Under Wild Skies. But that's just me. DRSS | |||
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I suggest that some of you consider the following. Sporting Classics Shooting Sportsman Grays Sporting Journal No black guns; High end rifles and shotguns, good stories. Links to buy high end guns. It is not strictly about Africa though. Shooting Sportsman is more about bird hunting and fine shotguns. None the less a good publication. You can find some of these at Barnes and Noble. They probably will not be on the grocery store or airport magazine rack. EZ | |||
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I pick up a Sporting Classics occasionally....thankfully at Books-A-Million you can look through them first. And I've been fighting the urge to subscribe to DGJ because I normally buy every one that I can. I'm afraid if I do subscribe it'll turn out like every other magazine I ever subscribed to in that there might be one article out of the whole magazine that interests me....and sometimes not even that. At at least one magazine that I used to get would recycle the articles about evey 2 years(sometimes even sooner)and not even update the pictures or anything. DRSS | |||
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eezridr, I read all 3 of them. Double Gun Journal is not as good as it used to be; they need some diversity in contributors. Sporting Classics is great (Roger Pinckneys "Horizons" is always entertaining. I know Roger personally and have hunted with him. He has a wonderful way with words, in the old fashion way of the writers of old. Take care, Mike JP Sauer Drilling 12x12x9.3x72 David Murray Scottish Hammer 12 Bore Alex Henry 500/450 Double Rifle Steyr Classic Mannlicher Fullstock 6.5x55 Steyr Classic Mannlicher Fullstock .30-06 Walther PPQ H2 9mm Walther PPS M2 Cogswell & Harrison Hammer 12 Bore Damascus And Too Many More | |||
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What does the panel make of The Double Gun Journal? | |||
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mdstewart, be careful here. I have posted a couple times about being an ethical/fair chase hunter VS taking every technological shortcut you can find, and more than half the responses were along the line of "if it isn't flat out illegal I will do it." Killing game is the only way many here measure success or failure on a hunt. "Didja get one? How big?" is a very popular conversation opener. I'm like you, I got enough black rifle exposure in the Army. regards, Rich | |||
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mdstewart, Pass on your positive thoughts to your children and those around you. Enjoy your time in the field. If we all do that, you will pass along your hunting legacy and heritage. Most of your comments reflect maturity.  EZ
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Totally agree. I always read Roger's stuff as well. I like how he can create a story out of essentially nothing in particular. Last night I read the story on fishing for Great White sharks in SC. Very good story. | |||
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eezridr, I'll agree with you with one exception. Safari magazine is pathetic! I use to get hours of reading enjoyment out of it. Now I MAY read anywhere from 0-3 articles on average. Pathetic!!!!! Brett DRSS Life Member SCI Life Member NRA Life Member WSF Rhyme of the Sheep Hunter May fordings never be too deep, And alders not too thick; May rock slides never be too steep And ridges not too slick. And may your bullets shoot as swell As Fred Bear's arrow's flew; And may your nose work just as well As Jack O'Connor's too. May winds be never at your tail When stalking down the steep; May bears be never on your trail When packing out your sheep. May the hundred pounds upon you Not make you break or trip; And may the plane in which you flew Await you at the strip. -Seth Peterson | |||
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I am a very active member in the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and as such receive Bugle, RMEF's publication. While much of it has to do with what is going on around the country with the Foundation's efforts, there are always several really good articles about hunting, mostly elk, of course. I wish it was availible on newstands so that non-members could read it-- and perhaps attract some new members! I also enjoy African Hunting Gazette and African Hunter, mostly for the subject matter (though as one who only handles and owns guns for hunting, AH is much too heavy on shooting articles for my taste) but for quality of writing I far prefer Sports Afield. Outdoor Life and Field and Stream, magazines I used to subscribe to as a kid, are now WAY too full of ads and ads masquerading as articles for my taste. When I had rip out the ads for penile enhancement products from them so that I could give them to my young kids to read... well, that was the last straw. | |||
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Funny thing is that when we reflect on hunts and fishing trips we are more likely to recall the pranks and funny things that happen. Ivan Carter loosing his double in a river was a story in its own. I believe that makes good writing and stories. It is difficult for me to remember all the birds I may have shot on a trip, but I do recall walking the fields with my son and grandson, enjoying the outdoors and the shooting, watching the dog work. Having dinner afterwards, the campfires and the stars we seldom see in the city. I was blessed being brought up in a hunting family and have passed on the tradition. Reading what others can eloquently put on paper makes me smile. It made me dream as a young man. EZ | |||
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Bugle is a first class magazine. Von Zwoll's "Elk rifles and cartridges" is always informative and well written. I am going to start a new subscription to Field & Stream. The last couple of issues I have seen have been quite good. SDH, Barsness and others are contributing and I like the new version. Rifle and Handloader also have useful info. Very little focus on black guns. | |||
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I love what they have done with Sports Afield. Great stories, exotic locations, and awesome photography.  I enjoy the adventure stories more then how to stories. I can't stand another article on how to hang a stand or plant a food plot. Love Sports Afield so much I got my hunting buddies subscriptions for Christmas and they were happy with it. The danger of civilization, of course, is that you will piss away your life on nonsense | |||
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In my opinion, for guys like us drawn to adventure, Sports Afield is head and shoulders above the competition. Dave Fulson | |||
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Dave, This was just a turn around in the past few years. I do not know if there was new ownership or the Rupps having something to do with it. Prior to that it was not worth picking up. But like I mentioned in my original post; What a turn around! Great photography. Kudo's to those that took the reigns!
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Improved in quality? I think you are the first to notice that! To me, they are increasing brazen infomercials. I have a litmus test for gun rags now. If the Taurus Judge is presented in a good light, that magazine is forever banished to the 'never buy' list.  Hunting: Exercising dominion over creation at 2800 fps. | |||
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More diversity of opinion here than I would have expected. I am down to Sports Afield and Shooting Sportsman. Suits me fine. Anyone out there better than John Barsness, idol worship on 24 Hour Campfire to the contrary notwithstanding (he's kind of their Harry Selby)? | |||
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Mdstewart, well said. I am a brother in arms. "There are worse memorials to a life well-lived than a pair of elephant tusks." Robert Ruark | |||
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Interesting that given this is the African Hunting Board only one Afican magazine mentioned so far. I'm sure many of you have come accross the old South African offering Man/Magnum. They unfortunately still don't have a website so I cannot easily point you to them! Our association puts out quite a nice publication given it is a small non-profit crowd. There is an oldish but intersting version available as a download from our website. It may take a while given our relatively slow server here in SA, but if you have the patience I'd be very interested in your views on it. See the download link on this web page: Big Bore Assoc. Journal Page Another local publication I believe is a classy product is African Outfitter. Some of you may have picked one up at the Joburg Airport. See: African Outfitter . http://www.bigbore.org/ http://www.chasa.co.za Addicted to Recoil ! I hunt because I am human. Hunting is the expression of my humanity... | |||
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Amen!!!! Brett DRSS Life Member SCI Life Member NRA Life Member WSF Rhyme of the Sheep Hunter May fordings never be too deep, And alders not too thick; May rock slides never be too steep And ridges not too slick. And may your bullets shoot as swell As Fred Bear's arrow's flew; And may your nose work just as well As Jack O'Connor's too. May winds be never at your tail When stalking down the steep; May bears be never on your trail When packing out your sheep. May the hundred pounds upon you Not make you break or trip; And may the plane in which you flew Await you at the strip. -Seth Peterson | |||
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