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The Accurate Reloading Forums THE ACCURATE RELOADING.COM FORUMS Hunting African Big Game Hunting Premiere Episode of the New 'Tracks Across Africa'Go | New | Find | Notify | Tools | Reply | |
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I just finished watching the latest installment of Tracks Across Africa, now hosted by Ivan Carter. While Craig Boddington is conspicuously absent, the transition to having Ivan serve as both host and star in the program was both seamless and successful. In past episodes, Ivan has always been personable, if less polished than Craig. Not quite garrulous, he nevertheless was not as succinct as his much more seasoned predecessor. But time and experience has worked well for Ivan, and in this first program of the new season, he is spot-on and a pleasure to watch and listen to. At its best, TAA is both entertaining and informative, and this episode about hunting tuskless cows is both. Remarkably, this fast-paced program contained four separate tuskless hunts boasting several charges and included some impressive double-rifle shots by the clients (each of whom was fit and none appearing to be industry fatcats). And it's not just Ivan who has grown into the program, Dave's editing - including new and more subdued theme music - is exceptional. Even the more blatant advertising and product placement has been tamped down, perhaps due to the producers listening to their constituency here on AR. (I still wish there was more information about the firearms and ammunitions being used by the hunters - maybe in the weeks to come?) To be honest, I was worried about TAA's future: Craig is both a respected institution and a comforting host. Many of us who have had the fortune to meet him once or twice enjoy the conceit of thinking of him as our friend; he's certainly someone we trust. No doubt we will be seeing him on another excellent program in the future. But TAA has risen to the challenge of his departure, and if this first program is any guide, Tracks Across Africa will remain the favored hunting program for most of us. I very much look forward to seeing more of the new Tracks Across Africa. Congratulations to Dave, Tim, Ivan, and the rest of the team at Safari Classics Productions! Kim Merkel Double .470 NE Whitworth Express .375 H&H Griffin & Howe .275 Rigby Winchester M70 (pre-64) .30-06 & .270 "Cogito ergo venor" René Descartes on African Safari | ||
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I AGREE, I WATCHED THE FIRST EPISODE LAST NIGHT ALSO AND THOUGHT THAT IVAN AND THE REST OF THE CREW DID A GREAT JOB! MARK | |||
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I couldn't agree more! Didn't know how it would work out, but the the hand off to Ivan is brilliant. For hunting to survive, these kind of transitions from the old guard (apologies to Craig who I greatly admire) to the deserving new professionals are critical. Ivan, you have the ball and I for one look forward to the game! | |||
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I can't answer for Kim, but many hunts filmed for television seem like you have to be a gun company owner or scope company owner to be able to hunt with them. It is easier to identify with the hunt when "regular" people are featured in the hunt. Regards, Tom ...I say that hunters go into Paradise when they die, and live in this world more joyfully than any other men. -Edward, duke of York ". . . when a man has shot an elephant his life is full." ~John Alfred Jordan "The budget should be balanced, the Treasury should be refilled, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed lest Rome become bankrupt. People must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance." Cicero - 55 BC "The smallest minority on earth is the individual. Those who deny individual rights cannot claim to be defenders of minorities." - Ayn Rand Cogito ergo venor- KPete “It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker, that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own self-interest. We address ourselves, not to their humanity but to their self-love, and never talk to them of our own necessities but of their advantages.” ― Adam Smith - “Wealth of Nations” | |||
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I am compelled to ask the same thing. ~Ann   | |||
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Perhaps that comment was overly subjective on my part. Let me explain why I wrote it: For me, much of the delight in the earlier TAA episodes was that they featured hunters that I could relate to, guys who had saved up enough and worked hard to live the dream of an African safari. In contrast, much of the last season seemed to feature an ever increasing number of the same sponsor/hunters whose presence became as predictable as it was uninspiring. These were guys who, understandably and to their credit, used their business (e.g., bullets, rifles, optics) to parlay what seems like a never-ending series of hunts on TV. And while that's great for them, for me it doesn't make for compelling entertainment. For me, seeing new faces from different walks of life does add something to the entertainment value. As for the 'fit' comment, I guess that's a personal prejudice percolating into my review. Hunting is a sport, after all, and personally I would much rather watch a hunter on TV who has prepared himself in all ways, including physically, for the challenge of an African dangerous game hunt. That's not to say that someone who is obese or ill or otherwise physically challenged doesn't deserve to go on safari - far from it, I think that's great; it's just that I'd rather watch hunters on TV who can carry their own rifle, cover some miles, hump a rucksack, and not require driving to within meters of their quarry to achieve their hunting goal. That's just me, and I understand that many others will disagree. Sorry if you took offense. Kim Merkel Double .470 NE Whitworth Express .375 H&H Griffin & Howe .275 Rigby Winchester M70 (pre-64) .30-06 & .270 "Cogito ergo venor" René Descartes on African Safari | |||
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I too watched it last night and thougth it was very well done. Four tuskless hunts would normally be four episodes. All four packed into one 30 minute show was great. What I didn't quite understand was the hunt being described as a tuskless cow hunt when 3 of the 4 animals shot were cows with tusks. Didn't know you could hunt tusked cows. Had never seen it or heard of it. Made me wonder how they are priced relative to tuskless and or bulls. | |||
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KPete, I feel that you are digging yourself into a hole that would best be not gone into. Your OP started out just fine, stating your personal opinions about who is and is not fit to go on a hunt/safari is both uncalled for and un-neccessary. Like the rest of us that use this site, you are mortal, and age and accidents will take their toll on you. Just because a person is older or overweight or suffer any of the other conditions that affect humans, that does not mean that they should give up hunting. I could be wrong, but the statements you made regarding hunters being fit only creates more divisivness among hunters that is not needed. Even the rocks don't last forever. | |||
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Wow, I guess that someone who doesn't get around as well as in the past due to injury sustained in the line of duty while in the military, resulting in numerous surgeries and being now somewhat restricted on what exercise can be performed is just not worthy of going on Safari!! | |||
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I'm more than prepared to accept criticism for what I personally prefer to watch on TV, but I'm not ready to be criticized by someone who hasn't bothered to read my post. It's clear from what I wrote that hunting should be pursued by folks regardless of their physical condition. That I would prefer to watch a dangerous game hunting program on TV that features hunters who are in better shape than me, and for that matter, can shoot better than me, seems pretty reasonable. My regret is that this issue is clouding the fact that Tracks Across Africa has come back as good, if not better, than it ever was. Sorry, Dave. Kim Merkel Double .470 NE Whitworth Express .375 H&H Griffin & Howe .275 Rigby Winchester M70 (pre-64) .30-06 & .270 "Cogito ergo venor" René Descartes on African Safari | |||
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I did read your entire post, and you still ain't getting it, hunting is a sport for everyone. Why would anyone state that they would prefer to watch a show where the hunters are in better shape or can hoot better than themselves is beyond me, I want to see average people, just like me on those shows, not some stylized/idealized super hunter. I want to know that there are hunts out there that I can do. Hunting show need to portray hunting in a truthful manner. By having shows with nothing but "Super Hunters" on them, only puts hunting in another miss-represented view. Regardless of how good the show is, representing the average hunter the way you seem to prefer is wrong in my opinion. Even the rocks don't last forever. | |||
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The new version of the show is outstanding. It had a good mix of being a blend of the old style with some new elements mixed in. For example, I enjoyed having someone from Conservation Force do the conservation segment (which is a carry over from the old show). The footage and editing were top notch as always. The biggest kudos are for the two fellows hunting. They were prepared, familiar with their weapons, knew how to use them, were not decked out like Stewart Granger, and their shooting was top notch. They approached with confidence and attended to business. Both were using doubles. Two very impressive hunters. I miss Craig but I think as television viewers we are better off. Craig will make the new Sports Afield show a big success, we get a refreshed TAA, its all good. Congratulations to Ivan and Dave.  Mike | |||
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Dawgs, I was in the same camp when they were filming that video segment. The hunters had bought 5 Ration elephants for the Park Service. That's why they weren't all tuskless. | |||
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Good show! It was nice to see some folks that could shoot. I noticed in one of the charges Ivan didn't even raise his rifle. The tusked cows had me wondering too. DRSS | |||
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Gee come on you guys, give Kim a break he's written a good review with high praise for a safari hunting programme. how many of you would sit down and watch a golfing video with an over weight unfit bumbling golfer recording a 15 over par game? Generally we all enjoy a video of a good exponent of a sport performing to a high standard in that particular sport. As hunters most of us would get no enjoyment from watching an overweight unfit shooter chugging around the bush gut shooting everything he shot at and then posing for the photo after his PH had tracked and eventually killed the animal for him. Kim was just making the point that for once it was great to see good exponents of safari hunting doing it well and not having to be big names who seem to hog the limelight at times. I write this as a bit overweight 60 year old, pretty good shot but now not so fit, survived a round of lymphoma and the regulation chemo and radiation treatment, planning on getting to Africa, but a bit of work to do before hand to get the body in shape. I won't be videoed but in my own way will enjoy what ever that safari may bring. I do though enjoy watching videos of hunters doing their thing and doing it well. Lets cut the sensitivity eh? Way to go Kim! | |||
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Let's cut the sensitivity out of it! Okay let's do that. let's start with you not trying to portray the average hunter as being over weight and unable to shoot. Even the rocks don't last forever. | |||
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Eagle27 never said that, "the average hunter (is) over weight and unable to shoot". You just made that up. If in fact you read these posts, I can only assume that you either have a reading disability; you deliberately misstate what others write; or, you're dimwitted. There aren't any other choices. Kim Merkel Double .470 NE Whitworth Express .375 H&H Griffin & Howe .275 Rigby Winchester M70 (pre-64) .30-06 & .270 "Cogito ergo venor" René Descartes on African Safari | |||
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And then there are charges and then there are induced charges. Oh, the stories one hears .... ------------------------------- Will / Once you've been amongst them, there is no such thing as too much gun. --------------------------------------- and, God Bless John Wayne. NRA Benefactor, GOA, NAGR _________________________ "Elephant and Elephant Guns" $99 shipped. “Hunting Africa's Dangerous Game" $20 shipped. red.dirt.elephant@gmail.com _________________________ If anything be of note, let it be he was once an elephant hunter, hoping to wind up where elephant hunters go. | |||
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it will be interesting to see what public perception of the show is now that it is a blatant advertisement for the company of the narrator. Will it turn into an "infomercial?" Will we see "hunt with me and be on TV?" just curious, since I am about a million or ten shy of the average income of the clients Rich | |||
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I am no more dim-witted, nor have a reading disability, nor make things up, then the person that made the statement quoted above is. It might be that I have a hard time interpreting that the person was not talking about hunter in general, but I don't know for sure, and neither do you. Even the rocks don't last forever. | |||
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Kim and crew Thanks for the very nice comments and review of that episode. I too thought it would be well received by the AR gang. To be honest, the "new look and new season" does not come on air until Jan 1, 2012 , but this is more along the feel we have in mind. I especially appreciate your combined feelings about Ivan's maturing on screen presence. Ivan has a very honest approach to his role as host, and his love of the game. His job as PH , and his new role as show host all combine to give the show a very warm feel. His work on our behalf has been astonishing guys, and it has come at great cost in some areas of his life. I believe his daughter was two months old when he first held her in his arms. His wonderful wife Ashleigh is held in my highest regards for her sacrifice and understanding as her husband takes the trail of his new career as PH\TV host.Her support of her husband is noted by myself,my partners, and our company. It is deeply appreciated. Ivan has dedicated over 200 days this season to the job, each day with a camera in tow and believe me when I say we are very excited about the job he is doing. Now the shows on both Tracks and Hornady's Africa will still feature a combination of "regular guy" hunters, with a portion of episodes featuring our sponsor friends hunting. One thought on this, from me, that I think is worth considering is the kind of sponsor hunters that are sometimes featured on Tracks. You guys know who our sponsors are. They are industry leaders, make great products for our kind of hunting, and they are ALL serious hunters, just like thee and me ! I agree that the country star and NASCAR types so prevalent on todays hunting shows get a bit old, and the yuk monkeys who seem more interested in comedy and self branding seem to be the norm these days are cookie cutter. Our three series are designed to be serious, honest in presentation, and the content is far more important than the host, editor, writers, and even sponsors. Some episodes will be better than others, but all will be built with the goal of entertaining and highlighting the wonderful sport of hunting and safari as we enjoy it. And in closing, although we all wear many hats at Safari Classics, my production manager Christy Funke and our camera team deserve a lot of the praise for the finished product. They work long hours, under constant deadline, and they are truly masters at their craft. Mike mentioned our series 'Trijicon's World Of Sports Afield' earlier in the post. Man this show has been fun to produce as it lets us out of our Africa Only theme 13 times a year. Starting Jan 1, 2012 recognized conservationists , hunter, author and world class gentleman Shane Mahoney will take over as host of this Sportsman Channel series. Shane will also deliver the Conservation Message on all 52 Tracks episodes. You are really going to love this guy. He has great stage presence, knows his business and as Tim Danklef says " has the voice of GOD ! " Guys, we always listen, respond to our audiences wishes when the point is valid, and truly appreciate your viewership and friendship ! Please come by the Safari Classics \ Chifuti Safaris booth during the shows and say hi. Hope everyone has a great New Year. GOD Bless Dave Fulson | |||
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Everyone has the right to hunt as long as he wishes to. I have not seen the show, so cannot comment on this particular one. But, my only concern is the pre-occupation in pushing elephants to extremes so that they charge for the video. | |||
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Dave, I haven't seen the new episode being talked about here but I've always been a fan of Tracks. I'm sure it will continue to be the industry standard as everything I've watched from Safari Classics has been top notch. Good luck to you guys and I hope you all have a great 2012. Todd | |||
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Just finished watching the new show with my wife. We both enjoyed it quite a bit. Well done. Dave, I'm not sure if your commercial/sponsor time to actual footage ratio is any different than before but it just felt better. I don't quite know how to explain that. In any case nice job and I look forward to upcoming episodes. ______________________ DRSS ______________________ Hunt Reports 2015 His & Her Leopards with Derek Littleton of Luwire Safaris - http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/2971090112 2015 Trophy Bull Elephant with CMS http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/1651069012 DIY Brooks Range Sheep Hunt 2013 - http://forums.accuratereloadin...901038191#9901038191 Zambia June/July 2012 with Andrew Baldry - Royal Kafue http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/7971064771 Zambia Sept 2010- Muchinga Safaris http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/4211096141 Namibia Sept 2010 - ARUB Safaris http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6781076141 | |||
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Crazyhorse, I certainly was not implying that hunters are all overweight or unfit and in fact went to pains to show that I could hardly hold myself up as being the 'model hunter'. Neither was Kim in his review of the "Tracks Across Africa" episode, and yet a few here seemed to take offense that he was implying what you are also accusing me of implying. The point that was being made by Kim, was that the episode (and I have not seen it myself) showed African hunting in a good light with fit and able hunters stalking and cleanly taking game. My point in support of Kim was that most of us do enjoy watching videos of those performing at any sport to a high standard. Just like we enjoy watching Tiger Woods playing a round of golf but would not get any enjoyment out of watching Mr Average stroll his way round the golf course shooting an over par round. Again I'm NOT meaning everyone who plays golf is Mr Average, but just drawing a comparison in sports where we get pleasure in watching those that are good at their chosen sport. Whether we like it or not, these people are usually always fit, energetic and show good skills. The rest of us, like myself, just accept who we are and what we are, and do the best we can and enjoy what we do. Sorry I confused anyone or offended anyone, that was not my intention. I just felt that Kim gave a good review that nobody should have felt offended by. | |||
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Hey, it only took three replys before the AR Mafia turned on the OP. Not bad .... | |||
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It was never his intention to offend anyone. This goes beyond ridiculous and is simply an excuse to fight. How about giving your fellow hunter a break and take it for what it was. An innocent slip of the tongue and a misinterpretation by all of a well known stereotype. | |||
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If people actually believed that, then as long as the hunters were doing everything, legally/ethically and were enjoying themselves and adhereing to good sporting conduct, what does it matter what they look like. This has nothing to do with an AR mafia, it has to do firt, with people stating an opinion, which is what you and KPete did, on an Open Forum, and other people exercising their priveldge to reply, and secondly with the concept that some people do not care what the on air personality looks like as long as they are factual and showing legal/ethical hunting practices and are presenting the whole hunt/safari experience in a positive manner. Even the rocks don't last forever. | |||
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Well, I personally do care. We all know the guy in question here. He could hardly walk and when he did so he didn't even carry his gun. Maybe you guys don't care, but I do. I have a good friend who is morbidly obese; I very much hope he continues to hunt, but I don't want him to be on TV anymore than I want to watch a buffalo soak up 15 bullets. | |||
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Rich, What is your solution? You seem to think that since CB left, the show has lost its moral compass. Give me a break! I would rather see ordinary guys on film than the same guy every time. I no longer watch shows in which the same guy pulls the trigger, unless it is Saeed's videos. At least he pays for his hunts, and not with sponsorship dollars. It would be nice to see a 30 second interview with the hunter in which he/she tells us what they do for a living, their hunting experience, and how much they paid for the hunt. I have said it before: the beauty of TV is that we know who the sponsors are. When is the last time you read a writer state his hunt was paid for by McMillan? Are those Leica products used because he is a "consultant?" I think it is important to state who the shows sponsors are so we aren't left wondering why the show's participants are using what we see. Some of the sponsors, like Hornady, even make products I use - imagine that! I wrote Ron Spomer an email the other day congratulating him on a great story that he wrote about elk hunting in American Hunter. There was no mention of supplier brands, outfitter names, etc. It was just a good, entertaining piece of writing. How often do you see that? You know, back in the good old days you couldn't take money from suppliers and write for Petersen's HUNTING. Like Bob Petersen, those days are sadly gone. | |||
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I also watch the latest episode of TAA and thoroughly enjoyed it. | |||
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I get a kick out of this "paid for the hunt themselves", I was once ask by my PH if I wanted my hunt filmed for a TV program and I ask are they paying for the hunt he said NO, to which I replyed no thank you. I wanted to enjoy my hunt that I paid for and didn't want all the problems of a film crew. Another thing I don't care what a hunters weigh is, how they dress or how they shoot, in fact if they are over weight, walk slow, miss shots etc gee they are probably like most of the posters here. | |||
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Dave Fulson | |||
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Well, that did not work very smooth. Another try. Rich, I believe Boddington will have his own booths at the shows this year. I also believe he is planning to produce his own branded TV series. I am sure you will now rather park yourself in his booth instead of taking up my real estate which is the home of myself and "my industry shill partners." Perhaps Boddington will make industry history, and you happy in the bargin,by producing a show without any financial help from, or obligation to any sponsors. If so, it will be a race between you and I as to who can get to his booth first to give him a well earned pat on the back. Dave Fulson | |||
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That is your perogative and you are welcome to it. I just do not share that. I prefer realism and realistically not all hunters are perfct specimens of manhood. Even the rocks don't last forever. | |||
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I loved it!!! Great work to all involved!! DRSS | |||
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Dave, I couldn't have said it any better myself. Maybe CBs first show will be the Moz hunt without any mention of McMillan stocks, but I somehow doubt it. | |||
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Well, you get a free recording of your hunt; I think that is worth something to many people. Shows that don't profile "real hunters" who paid "real money" leave me wondering why they would host the hunt for free. Are they that desperate? Why do we not see Samaras or ACST constantly on TV? Maybe because they don't have to give away free hunts? Why not? What does that tell you? | |||
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Who sells these rations hunts ? I was advised that these hunts are not legal for foreign hunters to perform, is this not the case? | |||
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Watched it last night on the DVR... well done to Ivan and the Safari Classics gang. All good things eventually evolve or go away, no different with television programs. I really enjoyed the preview edition of the "new" TAA. Lots of fast paced action,approaches and shots on DG. Beats the heck out of a 30 minute show where they may kill an impala and a warthog with endless dialogue and shots of camp! I think TAA's new format is a winner. Good luck in the future guys! I will be there watching... On the plains of hesitation lie the bleached bones of ten thousand, who on the dawn of victory lay down their weary heads resting, and there resting, died. If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch... Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son! - Rudyard Kipling Life grows grim without senseless indulgence. | |||
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The Accurate Reloading Forums THE ACCURATE RELOADING.COM FORUMS Hunting African Big Game Hunting Premiere Episode of the New 'Tracks Across Africa'
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