quote:

Originally posted by reddy375:

quote:

Originally posted by bwanajay:
I shared a buff camp with Craig and Donna in Uganda. We had some great conversations around the Karamoja evening fire.
He's forgotten more about guns and ammo than most of us will ever know.

.

Exactly!!! I have spent time with him and Donna in Burkina and I totally second what Jay said. For all the hunting he has done he was very humble and didn't exert his opinion or views on anything and was happy to let the hunt proceed as was planned. Which by the way was the same as any other hunt, no special arrangements whatsoever.

I don't understand the Boddington bashing sport!!! Shit happens and things can go wrong on a photo shoot, but as they say the show must go on! Trijicon scopes, Swift bullets are loved by many. How are companies going to sell their wares if someone doesn't write positively about them and make people aware of the latest and greatest product out there. And if you detest writers then one should stop buying magazines or books! Or read reviews on cars or restaurants or anything else under the sun!

Rigby rifles have gone through many owners hands over the years. While the CA Rigbys are not looked up on highly. They are also a part of the Rigby story and I see that the outfitter as per the original post got a genuine Rigby rifle. Perhaps he was expecting an English rigby but that's a different discussion!

Nothing to see here move along..........

Writing in glowing terms about a company of which you are part owner without disclosing that is ok with you?

quote:

How are companies going to sell their wares if someone doesn't write positively about them and make people aware of the latest and greatest product out there.

Make a quality product that is recognized as a leader in its class, buy advertising, not product placement, a few press releases and trade show booths explaining its virtues, then sit back and benefit from word of mouth, positive free PR on places like AR, and writers who sing its praises without having to be paid to do so?

quote:

Taping over the Leupold ring because one is paid by a competitor is just plain disgusting!

Yuk!

About 15 years ago I met a fairly well known MD (who told me his salary, TWICE, in his opening monologue directed at me) and his loud wife and cameraman who stopped in camp for lunch who made it clear that despite his high salary (3rd time) their elephant hunt was sponsored by a major American ammo manufacturer who recently started a safari line. Except their ammo sucked (his words) so he pulled their bullets and reloaded and reboxed their brass and was laughing and bragging about it to me. I went and ate alone in my hut.

quote:

Those who are paid sometimes lose touch with reality - as in taping a Leupold ring so it does not show.

Leupold is a really good scope. No frills and practical.

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Those who are paid sometimes lose touch with reality - as in taping a Leupold ring so it does not show.

Leupold is a really good scope. No frills and practical.

I use Leupold on my own rifles.

And I don’t get paid!

Folks,

Joe Coogan is not as well known as Boddington but he has long history in Kenya as a resident hunter and then in Botwana as well as Tanzania as a PH. He wrote for Peterson's for many years, now for African Gazette and does bird hunts in Africa now.

He and I have become friends and I asked him about the endorsement of hunting related equipment. He said rather than write a negative report he will return the item to company and tell them what is wrong with it. If they fix it he then will write a report.

I actually think this is the best way to handle that. He's only writing a positive report once the item operates the way it is supposed to.

I imagine other outdoor writers do the same thus the lack of negative reports.

Covering up the gold ring on the Leupold scope thing seems hard to believe. I could tell the difference immediately upon seeing the scope gold ring or not and I don't think I'm alone here. Why would Boddington take a chance like that?

Mark

I credit Boddington for introducing me many years ago to some wonderful places in the world to hunt and explore through his articles in various sporting magazines. I couldn't wait to get Petersen's Hunting and read about his latest adventure. I personally never thought I would follow him as I grew older but through hard work and luck I was able to do so and those articles, along with others, helped me create a bucket list of places I wanted to see and trophies I
wanted to pursue.

Craig is a pleasure to visit with as many others on this thread have pointed out. He is humble about his own accomplishments (he is a Weatherby Award winner) and takes the time to listen rather than talk over you as I have had others do when discussing hunting adventures. He led me over to Chifuti's booth back in 2005 at the HSC Show and introduced me to everyone there when I was casting about for a leopard hunt. That safari ended up being a crackerjack of a trip as I took not only leopard, but three of the Big Five. So his endorsements carry some weight in my opinion. Is he paid for his opinion? I hope so, it is the free enterprise system at work. I am sure there are people who don't like bankers, lawyers, insurance salesmen, those in the fossil fuel industry, etc. for what we say and do.

As to a man's faults and mistakes, I am with Vaughan when he says let those without fault cast the first stone. The good Lord knows I have made my share of mistakes... and I appreciate those who look past those faults and see me as just a man trying to get by as best he can in a complicated world.

In these days of instant messaging and social media it is pretty damn easy to tear someone down... for the life of me I can't understand why we do it to those who share the same passions as we do.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Those who are paid sometimes lose touch with reality - as in taping a Leupold ring so it does not show.

Leupold is a really good scope. No frills and practical.

I use Leupold on my own rifles.

And I don’t get paid!

I came across a couple of scopes last couple of years that required some sort of qualification to operate them and standing behind a bloke who is twiddling knobs and checking notes sort of took the varnish of hunting.

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Those who are paid sometimes lose touch with reality - as in taping a Leupold ring so it does not show.

Leupold is a really good scope. No frills and practical.

I use Leupold on my own rifles.

And I don’t get paid!

I came across a couple of scopes last couple of years that required some sort of qualification to operate them and standing behind a bloke who is twiddling knobs and checking notes sort of took the varnish of hunting.

I bet they were German or Austrian made!

I have a bunch of them here, and sometimes wonder why do they make them this way!

My hunting scope has only one adjustment.

Magnification.

As soon as I am out of the truck, it is set on the lowest level.

It stays that way unless I am getting ready to shoot, depending on the situation, and I adjust it accordingly.

Mark,
Thanks for that. Coogan is rare.
To expand this, I see Shaquille O'Neal advertising for auto insurance. What in the world does he know about insurance???
I guess I rest my case on this.
It also reinforces my use of references. Awhile ago I got a really strong reference from one of the Weatherby Award winners on a sheep hunt. I had been stung twice by a couple of Canadian outfits that over promised and did not deliver. I took his reference as good, went on the hunt and was completely hosed. The outfit took us to an area they had never hunted. Two of the "guides" were cowboys that were not sheep guides. One had never seen a bighorn sheep in the wild. So, 15 days later, we ride out without seeing any sheep.

So, even references are not always reliable. I found out that Mr. Weatherby winner did kill a nice sheep, but several years earlier and in a different area. I don't blame him but blame the outfitter for misleading my hunting partner and I.

Saeed - on scopes, your advice is spot on. I use a different brand but handle it the same way. I use some Leupolds but my eyes prefer another brand most of the time. However, Leupold is a fine product with a great waranty.

That's what I do too, the default setting is low power, then I give it a twist up wif I need to when I first see the situation, then I am ready to shoot, with no more fussing.

This right here, by Bwanamrm:

In these days of instant messaging and social media it is pretty damn easy to tear someone down... for the life of me I can't understand why we do it to those who share the same passions as we do.

^^^^^^^^^
This

His books Where Lions Roar and Safari Rifles are two of the books that really fired me up before my first safari.

Kinda like Capstick, some people throw mud but I sure have enjoyed his writing!

I last saw Craig at HSC in January. We spoke a lot about his donation to the museum in Kansas. Craig is a great guy. He helped me with a lot of advice when I first started hunting in Africa. He was very patient with a novice.

I have all his books except Safari Rifles II. I'm done buying rifles to take on safari. I have plenty. I've enjoyed his writing, as well as his DVD's.

I am somewhat envious of Craig over all the hunting he has been able to do, as well as how, unlike me, he really hasn't aged since I've known him. I think that's likely the same with a lot of the folks spewing negative comments here, but that's just me.

What I don’t understand is how someone with his degree of writing success and sponsorship ended up bankrupt…..

quote:

What I don’t understand is how someone with his degree of writing success and sponsorship ended up bankrupt…..

You could ask that very same question about all of the sports figures and celebrities that have been through bankruptcy as well. Simply change the word 'writing' to 'athletic' or 'acting'. I think that you all got your petty pound of flesh from Boddington long ago when he was bashed repeatedly here on AR and left. My suggestion is that you all let it rest and move on. He's not coming back. AR has been in his review mirror for many years. Moreover, I doubt that he gives a damn what any of you think at this point in time.

UEG, I don't think it is "littleness", "pettiness" being "a shithead", or "immaturity" to point out some credibility shortcomings with someone who is trying to sell something to our community. It is simply sharing information as we often do regarding any PH, outfitter, etc. regarding their strengths and weaknesses, integrity, etc. It is far from bashing, and we need to be able to have objective discussions without insults. My very good friend and well respected hunter Cal was a very devoted and fierce fan of Mark Sullivan (I still don't get why myself, but that's ok) and at times discussions here regarding his actions got heated but we need to be able to have them and still shake hands at the end of the day.

Just to be sure I wasn't mistaken I pulled the Winter 1996 issue of the Double Gun Journal off of my shelf and at the top of page 142 USMC Col. Craig claims his fake Marine friend and undisclosed business partner Geoff Miller is a former Marine and Navy Cross recipient. Both are false and Miller testified under oath Boddington knew that all along, and they did use it for marketing. There is a legal term for that. He could have committed perjury of course, I have no way of knowing, but I can read magazines, his own postings right here, and court transcripts and form opinions.

Imagine if Craig was a retired NFL player and opened a business and shared and office with someone claiming to be the Superbowl MVP for years. Can you really honestly imagine the subject of what team they played for, who they played, what they did in the big game, etc NEVER once came up? Even back then it was simply researched and he could have Asked Jeeves and gotten his answer in 15 seconds. I did. I served about the same number of years as Craig and did take honesty and character seriously myself, but everyone obviously makes their own decisions. Either Miller and/or Boddington were lying or the DoD, USMC, numerous veterans orgs, etc are all in collusion. Occum's Razor gives a clear indication.

quote:

at least part of the time my editors pay me to be a jerk. Like with the story in question!

CB-here on AR, Aug 18, 2007

This is a direct quote posted by Craig to me right here on AR. Am I "a belittling shithead" for taking him at his word when HE writes this? I don't know him to know when he's expressing his sincere honest opinion or a paid-for jerk one. If anyone else has a method to distinguish between the two please I sincerely ask them to post it. Others can certainly draw their own conclusions of course! This is the last I'll post on this. Cheers to all. Bob

PS:Edited.

You know, could the taping over the Leupold scope be done by some stupid editor or producer?

I wouldn't put it past them.

quote:

Originally posted by jdollar:
What I don’t understand is how someone with his degree of writing success and sponsorship ended up bankrupt…..

And with 3 ex-wives...That may have contributed.
Current is number 4.
Along with the shooting of a tracker by his daughter - Brittany. I believe he paid for quite a bit of the care for this tracker.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
You know, could the taping over the Leupold scope be done by some stupid editor or producer?

I wouldn't put it past them.

Don't know who applied the tape. The shot was taken with the Leupold on the gun then removed and replaced by the Trijicon for close up photos and re-enactments. This came directly from the PH.

quote:

Originally posted by Use Enough Gun:

quote:

What I don’t understand is how someone with his degree of writing success and sponsorship ended up bankrupt…..

You could ask that very same question about all of the sports figures and celebrities that have been through bankruptcy as well. Simply change the word 'writing' to 'athletic' or 'acting'. I think that you all got your petty pound of flesh from Boddington long ago when he was bashed repeatedly here on AR and left. My suggestion is that you all let it rest and move on. He's not coming back. AR has been in his review mirror for many years. Moreover, I doubt that he gives a damn what any of you think at this point in time.

The big difference is CB apparently spent money he borrowed (or was fronted in a book deal) to produce a large part of his hunting resume. Athletes don't build their athletic resume using other people's money.

My only dealing with Boddinton was at a safari club dinner about 20 years ago. I was planning a hunt to Tanzania which included the northern animals for a smoking deal and he tried to get me to change my hunt and go with his buddy Russ Broom to hunt Zimbabwe. Thats when i knew CB was all about the $$$.
That Tanzania hunt was one of my best safaris. Im so glad that i wasent a hero worshiper and decided to go to Tanzania.

quote:

Originally posted by dogcat:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
You know, could the taping over the Leupold scope be done by some stupid editor or producer?

I wouldn't put it past them.

Don't know who applied the tape. The shot was taken with the Leupold on the gun then removed and replaced by the Trijicon for close up photos and re-enactments. This came directly from the PH.

Brad Pitt does not do his own stunts

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:

quote:

Originally posted by Use Enough Gun:

quote:

What I don’t understand is how someone with his degree of writing success and sponsorship ended up bankrupt…..

You could ask that very same question about all of the sports figures and celebrities that have been through bankruptcy as well. Simply change the word 'writing' to 'athletic' or 'acting'. I think that you all got your petty pound of flesh from Boddington long ago when he was bashed repeatedly here on AR and left. My suggestion is that you all let it rest and move on. He's not coming back. AR has been in his review mirror for many years. Moreover, I doubt that he gives a damn what any of you think at this point in time.

The big difference is CB apparently spent money he borrowed (or was fronted in a book deal) to produce a large part of his hunting resume. Athletes don't build their athletic resume using other people's money.

True. Borrowing for luxury items is not a good plan.

His books are mostly fine - I have read several and bought the DVD’s.
Safari Rifles is excellent and well documented. However, there are at least 5 others books on the same subject, each very good with Pondoro Taylor’s being entertaining at least.
The other books are fine, but not exceptional - much like his writing and hunt reports in magazines. My issue on most of his and other’s writing is that something, a product, a hunt or a gadget is being the entire time.

This is not new. Every hunting show on TV and nearly every DVD is a sales pitch.

What is irritating is the lack of credibility. Again not new. Most advertising is a modified lie at best.

When I hear one read - “Best kudu hunting in Africa” or “ Best area in Africa” or “Best and oldest Safari Company”, I ignore them and promise myself to NEVER hunt with them.

I do not rely “Boddington Endorsed Outfitter” or African Hunting Gavette “Tested and verified” or “Orvis Endorsed” mean very little to me.

So, where do you go from here?
Get informed. Don’t listen to sales pitches. Check every recent reference. Do your homework!
There are virtually no experts out there. Be your own expert!

I personally think Boddington is a decent ambassador of our lifestyle. He certainly has more experience in diverse hunting locations than anyone I have ever met. I had a couple of interactions with him and he was kind and friendly. I base my opinion of the man on that, not internet drama.

I have one foot in the hunting world and another foot in the fishing world; both worlds are polar opposites.

In the fishing world, legends like Lefty Kreh are celebrated; and living masters like Flip Pallot and Bob Clouser are revered for their knowledge and willingness to teach others. All of these great anglers had sponsors and endorsed products, but we see that as a necessary element of making a career out of fishing. None of these great anglers are perfect, but their contributions to the technical aspects of the lifestyle and conservation are treasured.

The hunting (and shooting) community is the opposite; and is riddled with jealousy, animosity, hate, and personal attacks (even on family members). I never understood this facet of the hunting community, and I personally don't like it.

Sure, there are hunting celebrities out there worthy of our disdain due to unethical practices and disrespect for game (Keith Warren); but Boddington is not one of them.

I could care less if a celebrity hunter gets a free hunt or gets a sponsorship. Good for them on their success in an industry that is hard to get into. The only thing I ask, is that they use their influence to promote ethical hunting, conservation, and respect for game.

Perfectly stated Desert Dog, just go ahead and drop the mike!

Well stated Desert Dog. I haven't thought about your comments on the fishing community but they ring very true. Fishermen, excepting those in tournaments, seem to be a more agreeable lot and willing to acknowledge and recognize their pioneers and icons. Heck I use Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting and Fishing Lodges and have always experienced great trips. Same on using advice and booking through agents like Yellow Dog, Frontier and WTA. Rarely have had issues going through these agents and when I did, a phone call usually resolved the problem...

I was on a hunt with him for testing McMillan safari rifles out of Phoenix. They were new at the time and I just happened to fall into it. He was the celebrity in camp and assume it was a free hunt. I wanted to bring my rifles but was told I would not get in the movie if I did so. So I was issued a pair of rifles that summer to get ready for hunt. My extractor broke on the .416 in AZ before hunt. It was fixed. The .300 wm was equipped with a Nightforce 5-22. Good scope but overkill and was met with ridicule by PHs. They were testing ammo out as well and one was a Berger vld hunter in the .300 ( the .416 had proper bullets)I was dubious of this choice for African game. On my Buffalo hunt at some point my winged safety stuck on safe. Pretty bad on a DG hunt. I used a leather man to rip it out of bolt shroud and ran it without a safety. Easy to say I was not impressed. Hammered a couple buff though. Had the VLD bullet blow up in a nice plains game trophy and turned into a cluster but we got it. CB wanted a 30” nyala. I bagged one straight on out of luck. He killed a smaller one but had to keep going back to the trough till he got a decent one. Not sure how many it took. It was all about pimping the McMillan shwag for the cameras. At the end of the hunt we were interviewed on camera what we thought of the gear. I was honest and it never made the cut lol. We were offered to buy the guns and I passed.

As a campfire buddy and camp mate he was great. Spent some great times telling stories around the fire and socializing around the dinner table and camp. Flew over and back as well on same flight. When I run into him he always remembers me. So there that

I learned a lot about marketing and hunts on that trip. But it was fun none the less but I will never use someone else’s rifles or ammo again

quote:

Originally posted by gunslinger55:
I was on a hunt with him for testing McMillan safari rifles out of Phoenix. They were new at the time and I just happened to fall into it. He was the celebrity in camp and assume it was a free hunt. I wanted to bring my rifles but was told I would not get in the movie if I did so. So I was issued a pair of rifles that summer to get ready for hunt. My extractor broke on the .416 in AZ before hunt. It was fixed. The .300 wm was equipped with a Nightforce 5-22. Good scope but overkill and was met with ridicule by PHs. They were testing ammo out as well and one was a Berger vld hunter in the .300 ( the .416 had proper bullets)I was dubious of this choice for African game. On my Buffalo hunt at some point my winged safety stuck on safe. Pretty bad on a DG hunt. I used a leather man to rip it out of bolt shroud and ran it without a safety. Easy to say I was not impressed. Hammered a couple buff though. Had the VLD bullet blow up in a nice plains game trophy and turned into a cluster but we got it. CB wanted a 30” nyala. I bagged one straight on out of luck. He killed a smaller one but had to keep going back to the trough till he got a decent one. Not sure how many it took. It was all about pimping the McMillan shwag for the cameras. At the end of the hunt we were interviewed on camera what we thought of the gear. I was honest and it never made the cut lol. We were offered to buy the guns and I passed.

As a campfire buddy and camp mate he was great. Spent some great times telling stories around the fire and socializing around the dinner table and camp. Flew over and back as well on same flight. When I run into him he always remembers me. So there that

I learned a lot about marketing and hunts on that trip. But it was fun none the less but I will never use someone else’s rifles or ammo again

As I have always thought.

Don’t believe any bullshit from a paid advertisement!

I trust the American Rifleman the most. But one must read carefully between the lines even there. My sense is that they used to be more objective and freer with their criticism than they are now.

Nowadays, instead of condemning an inferior product, the American Rifleman writers will generally just damn the product with faint praise.

No doubt out of fear of alienating actual and potential advertisers.

I will say that the American Rifleman five round accuracy tests do reliably tell that story and that is worth something.

Where advertising and paid promoters are concerned, turn your bullshit detector up to 11.

Very true indeed

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by gunslinger55:
I was on a hunt with him for testing McMillan safari rifles out of Phoenix. They were new at the time and I just happened to fall into it. He was the celebrity in camp and assume it was a free hunt. I wanted to bring my rifles but was told I would not get in the movie if I did so. So I was issued a pair of rifles that summer to get ready for hunt. My extractor broke on the .416 in AZ before hunt. It was fixed. The .300 wm was equipped with a Nightforce 5-22. Good scope but overkill and was met with ridicule by PHs. They were testing ammo out as well and one was a Berger vld hunter in the .300 ( the .416 had proper bullets)I was dubious of this choice for African game. On my Buffalo hunt at some point my winged safety stuck on safe. Pretty bad on a DG hunt. I used a leather man to rip it out of bolt shroud and ran it without a safety. Easy to say I was not impressed. Hammered a couple buff though. Had the VLD bullet blow up in a nice plains game trophy and turned into a cluster but we got it. CB wanted a 30” nyala. I bagged one straight on out of luck. He killed a smaller one but had to keep going back to the trough till he got a decent one. Not sure how many it took. It was all about pimping the McMillan shwag for the cameras. At the end of the hunt we were interviewed on camera what we thought of the gear. I was honest and it never made the cut lol. We were offered to buy the guns and I passed.

As a campfire buddy and camp mate he was great. Spent some great times telling stories around the fire and socializing around the dinner table and camp. Flew over and back as well on same flight. When I run into him he always remembers me. So there that

I learned a lot about marketing and hunts on that trip. But it was fun none the less but I will never use someone else’s rifles or ammo again

As I have always thought.

Don’t believe any bullshit from a paid advertisement!

quote:

I do not rely “Boddington Endorsed Outfitter” or African Hunting Gavette “Tested and verified” or “Orvis Endorsed” mean very little to me.

Absolutely agree

Actually, I go the other way.

I AVOID buying anything endorsed by any celebrity!

It means the product cannot stand on its merit, and they have to pay some dickhead to encourage me to buy it.

And I have to pay extra for the privilege!

Keep on dreaming!

quote:

Originally posted by desert dog:
I personally think Boddington is a decent ambassador of our lifestyle. He certainly has more experience in diverse hunting locations than anyone I have ever met. I had a couple of interactions with him and he was kind and friendly. I base my opinion of the man on that, not internet drama.

I have one foot in the hunting world and another foot in the fishing world; both worlds are polar opposites.

In the fishing world, legends like Lefty Kreh are celebrated; and living masters like Flip Pallot and Bob Clouser are revered for their knowledge and willingness to teach others. All of these great anglers had sponsors and endorsed products, but we see that as a necessary element of making a career out of fishing. None of these great anglers are perfect, but their contributions to the technical aspects of the lifestyle and conservation are treasured.

The hunting (and shooting) community is the opposite; and is riddled with jealousy, animosity, hate, and personal attacks (even on family members). I never understood this facet of the hunting community, and I personally don't like it.

Sure, there are hunting celebrities out there worthy of our disdain due to unethical practices and disrespect for game (Keith Warren); but Boddington is not one of them.

I could care less if a celebrity hunter gets a free hunt or gets a sponsorship. Good for them on their success in an industry that is hard to get into. The only thing I ask, is that they use their influence to promote ethical hunting, conservation, and respect for game.

The fishing world does not have an equivalent to SCI, which is probably a big part of why the cultures are different.

quote:

Originally posted by DLS:

quote:

Originally posted by desert dog:
I personally think Boddington is a decent ambassador of our lifestyle. He certainly has more experience in diverse hunting locations than anyone I have ever met. I had a couple of interactions with him and he was kind and friendly. I base my opinion of the man on that, not internet drama.

I have one foot in the hunting world and another foot in the fishing world; both worlds are polar opposites.

In the fishing world, legends like Lefty Kreh are celebrated; and living masters like Flip Pallot and Bob Clouser are revered for their knowledge and willingness to teach others. All of these great anglers had sponsors and endorsed products, but we see that as a necessary element of making a career out of fishing. None of these great anglers are perfect, but their contributions to the technical aspects of the lifestyle and conservation are treasured.

The hunting (and shooting) community is the opposite; and is riddled with jealousy, animosity, hate, and personal attacks (even on family members). I never understood this facet of the hunting community, and I personally don't like it.

Sure, there are hunting celebrities out there worthy of our disdain due to unethical practices and disrespect for game (Keith Warren); but Boddington is not one of them.

I could care less if a celebrity hunter gets a free hunt or gets a sponsorship. Good for them on their success in an industry that is hard to get into. The only thing I ask, is that they use their influence to promote ethical hunting, conservation, and respect for game.

The fishing world does not have an equivalent to SCI, which is probably a big part of why the cultures are different.

Well, if we are going to bring fishing into this, the very few fishing shows I have seen have been as stupid as the worst of the so called “hunting” shows.

Bottom line is, if you are a paid agent trying to promote something, better make sure it actually lives up to your expectations!

Editing the results afterwards to sugar it is not very good.

Absolutely

My only real issue with Col. Boddington is the one that AAZW points out.

If you are being paid to say something, you should disclose it.

Every medical talk I’ve given and any professional literature or conference requires a statement of interest where you report any conflicts or payments.

Frankly, overseas hunting is big enough money I feel it should be stated.

Can I kind of figure out who is giving who money? Sure.

Can I get an idea of how much? No.

I’ve hunted enough and talked to enough outfitters (after they have had a few) to hear plenty of stories about money, lack of tipping, and payment in kind by industry types. (Not saying about anyone in particular)

To say that the authors are unbiased is a gross misstatement. Can they give you some points? Absolutely. Can it be entertaining? Absolutely.

But we all have seen the armchair guys who did one farm hunt and read a healthy dose of Capstick and became experts…. Their “knowledge” is certainly contaminated by the shadings from paid writers.

I will certainly continue to read Col. Boddington’s work. I’m sure I would enjoy being in camp with him if it happened from what I’ve heard about him. But I know his experiences are going to be different (and much less expensive) than mine. He’s also in a position that the outfitters know he can do them a lot of harm… so he gets treated better than the hoi polloi paying the freight… so let the buyer beware.

It is funny how some of the people who are upset Boddington declared bankruptcy are the same ones not upset President Trump businesses declared bankruptcy multiple times.

I do not like Bankruptcy. As a policy it is much better than debtor’s prison regardless of what a few here may think only When it benefits them rhetorically.

Also, there is no crime nor bad policy to use what one is paid on a book deal to go hunt to write more books.

Remember being a gun/hunting writer is just a business like any other business. They are in it to make money. If a sponsor is paying for the trip or paying them then the sponsor is expecting something for the money spent. The hunter/writer could be a great person or a jerk it really does not matter its just a business transaction.

People very often ask a defense attorney how they can defend a mass murder. The answer is simple. It is their job. It does not matter if the attorney likes or even thinks the defendant is guilty, his job is to defend them to the best of their ability. The same can be said of writers, there job is to promote the product, they are getting paid to do that and they should do it to the best of their ability.

We as consumers should realize that and not criticize someone like CB for doing his job.