Please accept my apology for treating you poorly (re: Ray's post--the terrible Carmelo, etc.) I do not take back what I wrote, but I do apologize for the manner and tone in which it was written. It is often difficult for me to remember that all men are created equal given our differing choices of behaviors. It is doubtful to me that you and I have much in the way of common interests and likely will not have a reason to post to each other; however, that doesn't excuse poor behavior on my part. I wish you well.

Apology accepted. I take back all the things I said about you, also! You seem to be a stand-up guy, and I can understand how tempers can flare and cause us to behave badly.



I really don't know you at all, so I cannot say whether or not we have anything in common. Might I ask how you came to that conclusion yourself?



ASS_CLOWN

The only information I have about you is what I have read here. There are some fiesty characters here, to be sure. It seems to me--strictly from what I have read on these forums--that you wish to be something that you presently are not...that is, an experienced shooter of big bore rifles and an experienced African hunter. There is nothing wrong with a lack of experience. I, too, have limited experience with the big boomers--just shooting paper mostly--and have yet to travel to Africa to hunt. There are few things more irritating to those who have done these things for more years than we have been alive than a person who tries to be something they're not. Some of the folks with whom you have taken issue are extremely experienced and wise shooters and hunters. One thing I have learned over the years is that my relationships with other people are far more precious than me proving myself to be "right" about something. Now, cyber-relationships aren't the same as personal relationships, but there are real people at the keyboards. I may be wrong, but it seems to me that the folks with the time served in the hunting fields are here because of their love of the sport AND because of their desire to help and share with others who share their passion. Mr. Atkinson has answered every question I have ever asked him very directly and honestly (as far as I can tell) and has always spoken/posted to me repectfully. Also, he has not one time tried to book me on a hunt thereby using his experience or his reputation as a means to make money. Neither has anyone else on these forums. They have without fail been respectful and helpful. The reasons I have concluded that we have little in common are mostly based in the different ways we choose to communicate with others. Disagreement with others is part of life--actually it keeps life interesting in many instances--but trying to "prove" things in the internet is dern near impossible! When faced with a choice of believing one person or another, most folks will choose the person who has been there, done that over one who has not. My interests lean toward the "journeys" and the people involved in them with me. I tend to remember the parts of the stories about the sunsets, sunrises, the Southern cross, the times around the campfires in the evenings, the funny things that happened along the way rather than the shot placement or what superblaster magnum cannon was used to slay some beast. So, if you love these things as well, then fine. That isn't the impression I've gotten from reading your posts. If I'm wrong, then I'm wrong. All I have to go on is what I have read here. I am thankful for these forums and for those who share themselves here and I have learned a bunch just by reading their posts. Damn! I didn't mean for this to turn into such a rambling post--just trying to answer your question about my conclusions. Feel free to PM me if my explanation is inadequate and I'll try again!

ACRecurve,

I appreciate your candid reply.

If you believe that I am inexperienced in the ways of hunting and shooting big bore, I suppose there is no reason to argue it with you. Keep in mind though, that many of my posts are of a sarcastic and mocking tone, meaning -- well I'll let you figure that out on your own. If all else fails, consider the handle.

By the way, what I have always enjoyed most about hunting was the comraderie of being out with friends and family. Unfortunately, most of the old hunting buddies have gone on. So hunting has become more about killing and filling freezers with meat. It is a sad state of affairs, but at least I have fond memories of days gone by. I don't trophy hunt anymore.

ASS_CLOWN