I just watched part of the episode in question (I've been in Costa Rica the past week). TM does have long sleeves and I believe they said it was 100 degrees in the delta. My apologies.

Ok, I usually lurk and do not comment but I found this episode of wild skies and watched it. My question is: why did he shoot the 375 so much it was too hot too touch or hold? I count three shots at the most, did he get all of this shooting in before or after the 404 shell incident?
I met Makris at sci in 2010 and he was a very nice guy so I am not jumping his case but that segment is odd in so many ways.

I really like Tony Makris. Classy guy, fun to watch and brings a lot of culture to the show. It's amazing the overall quality of his shows. There's a little artistry and sometimes drama in his programs. On a humorous note, some of you guys should have been called in as experts to analyze the "shot on the grassy knoll". I doubt that the Warren Commission would have analyzed that famous shot as well as you guys have analyzed Makris. For sure he ain't perfect but it beats watching some moron whack a Texas buck from a shooting house placed near an automatic feeder. Regarding Makris and all his fancy shooting irons, I wish other African hunting shows would at least talk about the rifles and loads they are using. Most never mention those details at all. By the way, it looks like we are going to lose the Versus Channel to NBC 24 Hour Sports Channel beginning in January. Kind of a shame. I only hope we don't lose The Sportsman Channel and the Outdoor Channel.

Guys, I think some are missing the point. I didn't start this thread as a poll of who is pro Tony and who is anti Tony. As I said in the very first post of this thread, Tony is a likable TV personality. NO ONE has said otherwise. The show is great from a production standpoint and offers a lot to the viewer such as many different and interesting weapons and hunting big game which is very expensive to produce.

Again from the opening post, I posted on the previous Under Wild Skies thread, that someone else started, that he sure has a lot of equipment issues. Then this episode happened with the 404 round in the 375. The more I think about that since viewing this episode, the more I believe there is something wrong here. Anyway you look at it, putting the wrong ammo in your rifle is a MAJOR mistake that could easily injure someone. Only fate prevented it this time by the ammo being larger than the weapon. It could just as easily been the other way around!

So allow me to offer a different direction as I again state that I'm not trying to bust on Tony. As a professional pilot since 1985, safety has been a topic on the forefront of my profession. One of the main themes of safety as I've learned about it is that major accidents seldom occur without warning signs occurring first. These warning signs can be viewed as links in a chain and if just one of these links is broken, the accident can be prevented.

Many here are picking one incident or another and either defending it as great that they show his common man mistakes, or tearing it apart. Personally, I view the issue as a series of things that may or may not point to something more serious underlying the production of this show.

Here is what I would propose. If anyone knows Tony, Johan, or the folks responsible for producing this show, it might be of great benefit to approach them and remind them that even though it is a great show, and they have a loyal audience, there have been a series of little "gotcha's" that possibly should be looked at with a critical eye, just to make sure all safety checks are not being overlooked.

No one wants to see the show end and absolutely no one wants to see anyone get hurt in its production. A safety review will not cause any negative consequences if there is nothing to correct, and MAY very well result in positive consequences is anything lacking is found.

TM does have a sun sensitivity problem, some skin cancer I believe. He is also sponsored by Beretta and they make high dollar clothes, so that's what he wears in the shows. I would most likely wear these too if they were helping me produce my show.

I personally like TM's attire, lends a little of Old Africa in my opinion, as does his journal entry sessions. Camera work and production quality is second to none.

I "had" a .270WSM, 7mm WSM and a 300 WSM at the same time. Talk about keeping ammo sorted out, so can see where getting a wrong cartridge mixed in is always a possibility. Granted this should be high on the list of checking out, but it does/can happen. Some here would most likely not admit to it however.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

Larry, the leather vest he wears is very old. I really liked it and thought a vest like it would be a good item for our local SCI banquet. I contacted him and ask where he got the vest and I was told he got it so long ago he couldn't remember where he got it. So I guess not everything is for the sponsers. Larry don't get pissed, basically I agree alot is done for the sponsor which is as it should be.

Show production quality is excellent no doubt! I always get the feeling that they must have the easiest time whilst out hunting as TM is always immaculately dressed, crisp and clean. No dust, dirt or mud on shoes or any item of clothing. No sweat bead running down his forehead or cheek nor staining his shirt.

Whether I'm hunting a rabbit or a buff, I always seem to end up needing a long hot shower and a full change of clothes come days end.

quote:

Originally posted by Bwanamich:
Show production quality is excellent no doubt! I always get the feeling that they must have the easiest time whilst out hunting as TM is always immaculately dressed, crisp and clean. No dust, dirt or mud on shoes or any item of clothing. No sweat bead running down his forehead or cheek nor staining his shirt.

Whether I'm hunting a rabbit or a buff, I always seem to end up needing a long hot shower and a full change of clothes come days end.

For an extra five grand you to can have an AC fitted to your cruiser.