Has anyone here actually hunted with him? Or perhaps even spent a few minutes speaking with him? I ask because Ive heard he's so bad; but Ive never heard it from someone that actually hunted with him. In Police work we call that hearsay and its not admissible. Ive seen his DVDs, as many have and Ive read his books, admittedly his style is not mainstream; but hell neither is an African Safari to the vast majority of the world's hunters.

I ask because of personal experience in another field, where an individual who promotes alternative views has been branded something of a pariah because he scoffs at the mainstream methods. The attitude toward this person is usually unfounded and almost never from anyone who has actually had any contact with him. Its funny how many people will say such and such is terrible but they are only repeating what someone else told them.

Im just wondering if anybody here has actually hunted with Mark Sullivan and what they thought of the experience?

You need to search this topic. Several AR members have hunted with him(including the late Allen Day-RIP) and all thought he was great.

I haven't hunted with him, but I spent several minutes talking with him at SCI in 2004. I found him to be full of crap, and somewhat of a charlatan.

quote:

Originally posted by JBrown:
You need to search this topic. Several AR members have hunted with him(including the late Allen Day-RIP) and all thought he was great.

I haven't hunted with him, but I spent several minutes talking with him at SCI in 2004. I found him to be full of crap, and somewhat of a charlatan.

Can you elaborate on your experiences with him?

I have seen most all of Marks Videos. I have read his first book...
I have spoken several times with Allen Day before his death...

I have spoken with other hunters that have done Safaris with him.

And I have spoken a several times one on one with Mark himself...

No one that I have talked to rthat has hunted with him had ANYTHING negative to say about him. It was just the opposite, all stated that he was an excellent PH.

I know that Allen Day hunted with him at least twice. I do not think Mark ever fired a shot on either of Allen's hunts.

In my personal contacts with Mark Sullivan, I found him to be most friendly, most excited about hunting. When he talked about African hunting he had a "glow" in his eyes...

There is no doubt that Mark has an upfront, in your face approach, to DG hunting.

It is not for the faint of heart.

Most people do not want "that much danger' when DG hunting.

Most people do not want to Sky Dive, most people do not want to make entry into an Armed Drug House, Most People do not want to make entry to "Benladins" house...[before he was killed of course]...


Marks videos can be a little dramatic, but if you think about it, he and the client aproach until they are close enough to make a shot or two count, which kills the animal quick, instead of shooting from farther off, where the animal runs off, must be chased and then shot again from afar, then chaised again and shot from afar, repeated as necessary, until the animal is finally dead...

In the overall sceme of life, or death, the desired result for the animal, Mark's method is actually faster for the animal, IMHO...

On casual contact he may seem to be somewhat "movie starish", but on serious conversations, his intense love of African hunting, up close and personial will be most apparent.

Would I hunt with him???

Well IF I had the money, to hunt in Tanzina, I would.

I have killed seveal elephants at 6 yards or less, I have shot cape buff at 12 yards...

I would simply tell Mark, do not shoot, unless the buff,or elephant, is under 6 yards and I have shot both of my barrels, and if he is not down, then do your thing....

Same deal I have with any PH.

First I mean NO disrespect to anyone who has hunted Afrika and Dangerous Game in general, as I have not been to Afrika YET (2012 is my year). I have however hunted Bear in Canada up close and on the ground. I have also hunted Wild Boar with a T/C Contender, and faced a charge when a companion's Boar took a dislike to me instead of him and ended at my feet.

Frankly I find that kind of hunting more exciting than Whitetail from a tree stand; but that may be because I DO jump out of airplanes and as a COP and former SRT member, I HAVE gone into Crack Houses as a matter of routine. The Army trained me to "hunt" DG that shot back. I have also worked Executive Protection and published articles and a book on Personal Defense Weapons. So "up close" hunting isnt so much intimidating to me as just it might be to others. That being said my "knowledge" of African hunting comes from the pages of Roosevelt, Taylor, Ruark, Capstick, Boddington, and yes Sullivan; as such I realize my limitations on the subject.

As I am planning my 2012 safari, I am fast learning everything I "thought" I knew, needs to be re-learned. My 2012 hunt will be for Plains Game; but Im already thinking about a 2013/14 DG hunt. I havent decided yet Where, What, or Who I will be hunting with, for the DG. I did speak with Mark, he was pleasant, passionate about hunting, and offered what seems to be good advice; including some suggestions that would cost him money.

Most of the criticism I have seen posted about Mark seems to be about him shooting early or at the same time as the hunter and possibly getting in close and goading the animal to charge.

Personally, and I think many are like me, I find the actual final killing shot on an animal not the greatest part or even the memorable part of a hunt. In fact when I try and think of the actually shots on animals in all the hunting I have done I struggle to visualise these whereas the details of the hunt and stalk leading up to the killing of the animal is still quite vivid for the many memorable hunting and stalking I have done.

I often wonder what it would have been like to accompany those heros to most of us, Selous, Taylor, Bell, Hunter, etc on an African hunt. Would they have been good company and great teachers or just self centred a..holes? If I could have ever had that opportunity I would have died for it despite what others before me may have said about any of those grand old hunters. Food for thought.

Again I mean no disrespect, and this may be the soldier in me; for a long shot, I want to shoot alone. However at "bad breath" range Im not offended if I have help.

Ive been on quite a few "stalks" and they are some vivid memories. Ive also had some up close encounters that make for good stories too.

I guess I could ponder and worry about Mark Sullivan's techniques and philosophy, but, because it costs a premium to go with him, I just don't worry about all the kudos and criticisms. I find I can go with great PH's in great areas for about 1/3 less money and, that way, I don't have to worry about how a buffalo wants to die because I'll handle that decision.

That said, I had a drink with Mark at the Sea Cliff in Dar once. He thought I was someone else, I presume, 'cause he asked me to sit down when I was looking for some AR guys at the outside bar. I found him quite pleasant and I think he even bought my beer. He also was polite enough, when he discovered I wasn't whomever?, that he didn't just dismiss me, but continued the conversation and encouraged me to stay a bit. Nice guy, I thought.

Lots of folks don't like the fellow and maybe for some good reasons... strange videos, lots of smoke, maybe some fire? But for me, like Alfred E. Newman... What? Me worry? It just ain't necessary.


So, if I'm going to spend more bucks going on Safari than for a new 4WD truck, I'm not going to have the angst of wondering why folks don't like the guy who has my deposit. And... As my grandmother used to say, "Let's face it!". My safari is about me, not the PH and if wanted to go Dancing with the Stars, I'd be auditioning for TV.

JMHO.

I've never hunted with Mark Sullivan but have spoken with him several times.

Like NE 450 No 2 and JudgeG I can only say that all of my interactions were pleasant and respectful. His enthusiasm for hunting and for Africa is both obvious and contagious. I came away from every chat happy that we had spoken and chomping at the bit to go back to Africa again.

I have a number of his videos and both of his books - I like them all. Perhaps I'm missing the specific videos, but I've not seen him shoot before a client. When he has taken a shot, in most of the situations I have seen in his videos, were I the client I would probably be pleased/relieved that he had.

I would like to go on safari with Mark Sullivan and plan to save my pennies to do so. But as was pointed out by NE450No2 and many others in dozens of other threads - you have to know what you want and what you are getting - his style is not for everybody.

PM Kelly Gill, he has hunted with Mark on a number of occasions and can give you a direct perspective on Mark as a person and a PH. I think you will hear that Kelly has nothing but respect for Mark and would hunt with him anytime. And Kelly knows a thing or two about dangerous game hunting.

Gentlemen, whether you agree with his style or not, you have all confirmed my thoughts and short experience with Mark. I dont suppose everyone will like everyone else; but some people seem to go out of their way to make you dislike them and I never got that "vibe" from him.

As for his hunting style, while it may be my lack of experience; I was never bothered by it. In fact its what draws me to wanting to hunt Dangerous Game. To those that say one day youll loose; I would say but on the others I WON!

Im a Cop, so $40K for 21 days plus fees can exceed a year's salary ; but so is NOT spending it and wishing I would have when Im no longer able. Between now and booking time I hope to speak with some who have hunted with Mark as well as other Dangerous Game PHs so I can make an informed option.

Thanks

I suggest that you join the AR group that'll be at the Dallas Safari Club Convention in January. I think there's still a seat or two at the Friday night supper and there's always room at the cocktail party Saturday night.

Mark Sullivan may not be there, but a lot of other PH's will and there will be a wealth of experienced safariphiles who will not lack opinions of with whom and where to go.

Use the search function for Dallas Safari Club or DSC and you'll get all kinds of information about the "informal" AR events.

As to DG hunting, just remember, if you do it right, you most probably won't get charged, though.

quote:

Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
I know that Allen Day hunted with him at least twice. I do not think Mark ever fired a shot on either of Allen's hunts.

Tony you are absolutely correct about him not shooting anything Allen shot, but i think the reason for that is, when Allen lined up on an animal, and pulled the trigger, all anyone else had to do then was start the skinning!

...........................................................

Nganga, MS, me at a dinner function a few months back

I've met MS on more than several occassions. I would hunt with him with absolutely no reservations.
May do just that one of these days..

ditto..

quote:

I have a number of his videos and both of his books - I like them all. Perhaps I'm missing the specific videos, but I've not seen him shoot before a client. When he has taken a shot, in most of the situations I have seen in his videos, were I the client I would probably be pleased/relieved that he had.

No you have not missed anything. You just have not been caught up in the BS that is pushed on this site at every occasion with regards to MS. I have studied every video, he has never shot in any situation other than when the clients life was in direct danger. Danger that the clients willingly participated in with the understanding that MS would step in when the time was right.

It would be nice if the MS propaganda police stopped talking bullshit and gave him his dues. The constant bashing simply reaffirms the fact that it is a personal vendetta and has nothing to do with his techniques or the timing of his shots, simply a dislike of his personality.

He has brought more people to Africa through his videos than anyone else bar maybe Peter Capstick, all I ask is that those who wish to bash him first state their credentials and tell us all how they have improved the state of African conservation through hunting before they unload their usual wheelbarrow load of utter rot.
Good hunting
HQ

I have spoken to Mark many,many times.Mark is a five star guy and in my opinion one of the top PHs that ever walked the earth,he is very knowledgeable in the field and is fast and accurate with double rifle.Marks way of hunting is different then many PHs which makes him unique,its the way he(Mark)wants to hunt.Anyway I consider Mark a very good friend and all the best to him.There is alot of BS and lies that are said about Mark all of which are total BS.You can pickup the phone and call him he would be more then happy to talk to you.......

Truth be told, Mark's way of hunting is not so different from that used by a number of other PHs whose names are spoken with reverence on AR. In their cases, it makes them great PHs, in Mark's case, it makes him a risk taking jerk. Go figure.

Seems like this topic comes up every month or two! As I said on this topic, last month, I have not met Mark. I hear a lot of people bash him but I have never heard anyone who has first hand experience hunting with him say anything but praise for the man. I actually like his videos but doubt that I would hunt his way, choosing to finish the animal as soon as possible if not killed outright upon taking the first shot. That said, I don't really have any heartburn with the way he hunts. I think there is more to the man than his "on screen" personality!

On a lighter note, I've watched his video's so many times that my wife has picked up on one of his lines. The other day, we were working in the flower beds and came across a frog. Without hesitation, she said, referring to the frog, "He's looking at us, and we're looking at him. That's just the way it goes out here in the front yard". Cracked me up!

quote:

Truth be told, Mark's way of hunting is not so different from that used by a number of other PHs whose names are spoken with reverence on AR. In their cases, it makes them great PHs, in Mark's case, it makes him a risk taking jerk. Go figure.

Amen brother! Then again, this country has come to resent "Risk Takers", or so it seems up there in DC! LOL!!!

I have spent time with Mark and found him to be a class "A" guy. I would love to hunt with him. He has taken up bow hunting in the last few years and wants to take a large whitetail. I happen to have farm in the best whitetail country in Iowa. We are trying to get him a bow license for Iowa. He keeps missing the dead line for application. Bear hunting seems to get in the way.

I've talked to several hunters who know MS and who have hunted with MS. I've not heard the first negative critique. Not one, period.

I am just finishing the Sportsmen on Film "The Capstick Hunting Collection" 6 DVD set. Yes, it's great and instructional. However, even the great PHC has used many terms/phrases that Sullivan catches hell for using. The difference, in my mind, is in the delivery. I doubt anyone here would chastise PHC the same way they do Sullivan.

Never have; never will.

Hunting for me is not about ego, testosterone, bragging rights or any other measure of manhood.

To say nothing of exploitation of the game, or the experience, for the sake of commercial success.

I find him, and his methods, and his shameless and comical self-promotion, totally repugnant.

But that's just me, and I would not criticize anyone else who chose to hunt with him.

Each man to his own taste.

On a side note I checked the prices for DG hunts with Rann Safaris and hes at least as expensive as Mark Sullivan. It may be that Botswana is more costly than Tanzania or that Rann can ask for more because of his exposure on TV, who knows.

Heck DG hunting is just plain expensive; but where else do you get that kinda bang for your buck?

I have not hunted with MS but when I was first looking into hunting Africa I contacted him and he invited me to come by and have lunch (when he lived in PHX). He was an incredibly positive guy and very open about his perspectives on Africa. His descriptions of hunts in Africa were about what draws most of us to hunt Africa. I would hunt with him in a heart beat. I wish I had the funds to hunt with him today.

Edelweiss…I have known Mark personally for many years and have worked with him on a variety of hunting related projects. Mark has always been a standup guy whose word I could count on. With regard to his hunting, I have hunted with Mark in both one-on-one and two-on-one hunts. During both types of client to Ph ratios I have found Mark to be a gracious host that is dedicated to serving his clients. He is a fabulous hunter who is willing to share what he has learned and is also a very funny guy to be around.

I was interested in learning some of the techniques Mark utilizes to tip the balance his way while hunting Africa’s dangerous game. I have not been disappointed with what I have learned from Mark over the years. What I have learned can be utilized when I move close on dangerous game, track in dangerous conditions, or if I simply find myself in a sudden unexpected situation. Learning how Mark prefers to set-up his bait is also interesting. Having personally walked up to buffalo and hippo in close quarters while hunting with Mark and others I can attest to the benefits of learning from someone who has done so repeatedly. To use John Dewey’s maxim, “An ounce of experience is worth a pound of theory.”

Hunting is obviously a unique experience for each of us and what is of interests to one may not be of interest to another. As an example, some of the clients that hunt with Mark wish to get close to game while others do not.

Your safari is about what you want it to be so make certain you pick a PH that is capable of delivering your expectations. Discuss topics in advance to limit the possibility of disappointment.

AR is a useful forum to glean information from different perspectives or to share your experiences should you enjoy sharing publicly. Most of the people I know that hunt both domestically and internationally are not aware of AR so it is important to connect with hunters in other ways as well. I made it a point to speak with many of Mark’s prior clients before we had ever hunted together.

My recent 2011 hunt with Mark was great fun and as always, time spent with him was also educational. On this hunt we did a great deal of filming which is of interest to me. Looks like you are doing your research in a variety of places to make your decision and that is good. Enjoy your planning and wishing you the very best on your upcoming hunts!

I was very impressed by the all too brief conversation I had with him about a possible DG hunt in 2014. His DVDs are one of the things that got me serious about a Safari to hunt DG. In the US I have hunted Deer and small game; but it never gave me the same thrill as hunting Bear from a ground stand, or being charged by a Wild Boar.

I too have a tactical LE background. As you know, there are specific techniques that we employ in law enforcement to minimize risk and exposure in dangerous situations to tip the scales in our favor. Risk is still inherent and death is of course a reality on both ends of the rifle. Because we choose this specialty LE work it does not mean we in some way seek death but rather we understand it is a possibility because of the niche we enjoy within our career field.

I have been a DIY hunter all of my hunting life from Alaska to Pennsylvania. Although I do hunt internationally, my DIY international hunting is limited. My international hunting has primarily been done with professional hunters. As a former archery hunter I always enjoyed hunting game up close. After suffering significant injuries to my back and dominant wrist, archery became a thing of the past and I spent more time hunting with rifles.

While I have had the privilege to crawl through the thickets of Kodiak Island many times and hunting the dense foliage of POW, I felt my up close experience in Africa was lacking. Wanting to apply “close” to my African dangerous game hunting, many years ago I decided to seek the knowledge and experience from someone who had been there more than once and developed techniques.

You should continue speaking with Mark, and the many other great PHs out there, to see who will provide what it is you want to experience and learn. Hunting dangerous game is an experience of a lifetime regardless of how you choose to hunt. For me, I am not interested in shooting them from afar and do not wish to do so. Others may only want to hunt in that manner and I respect their desire to embrace what they enjoy. In the end we all are hunters.

Gents:
It is FINALLY about time to read so many positive comments about a truly fine gentleman and promoter of our activity. From my limited experience on this and other forums it boils down to this: those that have hunted with Mark are 100% positive about him and what he does. Those that speak and write to the negative have not hunted with him--it is only what they "hear." One fella here calls him "marky mark" and will not capitalize his name, but has never spent time with him. A PH from South Africa lost my booking due to his rants about Mark--done out of jealousy, I'm sure. I guess a PH who specializes in impala and blesbok gets a bit testy when putting themselves in the same category as a true PH who hunts big game.
Anyway, thanks (almost) all. You made my day.
Cal

I truely have never understood the whoie "hoop-la" over Mr Sullivan's style. Its just like I keep sayin' "They arent DANGEROUS if youre not close." Mark's "style" puts the DANGEROUS in Dangerous Game; and isnt that why we hunt them?

Some folks clearly dont like that, so be it; but can they honestly say they hunted Dangerous Game if they were 100M away?

quote:

Some folks clearly dont like that, so be it; but can they honestly say they hunted Dangerous Game if they were 100M away?

Or from a helicopter ?

Strangely none of the detractors are coming forward, Hmmmmmmm.

quote:

Strangely none of the detractors are coming forward, Hmmmmmmm.

Thats because they are away on safari

quote:

Originally posted by EDELWEISS:
Strangely none of the detractors are coming forward, Hmmmmmmm.

Edelweiss:

The subject on MS has been thrashed out time and time again and has become a rather stale point of discussion - possibly one of the reasons why you are not getting any 'takers'.

I doubt many can deny that the man has balls, but what has tainted his qualities as a hunter is his style in goading a wounded DG animal to charge (a good number of which do not)for publicity purposes.

cal pappas is correct.

I have talked to several people that have hunted with Mark Sullivan.

None of them have anything negative to say about Mark. They all remark how gung ho he was, how he treated his trackers and crew with great respect, how he always "had a plan", and how well their Safari went.

Several of them have hunted with him more than once.

None of them had any disparaging remarks.

quote:

Originally posted by African Hunters Quest:


He has brought more people to Africa through his videos than anyone else bar maybe Peter Capstick, all I ask is that those who wish to bash him first state their credentials and tell us all how they have improved the state of African conservation through hunting before they unload their usual wheelbarrow load of utter rot.
Good hunting
HQ

what did MS done for the " the state of African conservation through hunting" ??

just asking since you know so much.


thanks

quote:

Originally posted by freischuetz:

quote:

Originally posted by African Hunters Quest:


He has brought more people to Africa through his videos than anyone else bar maybe Peter Capstick, all I ask is that those who wish to bash him first state their credentials and tell us all how they have improved the state of African conservation through hunting before they unload their usual wheelbarrow load of utter rot.
Good hunting
HQ

what did MS done for the " the state of African conservation through hunting" ??

just asking since you know so much.


thanks

Freischuetz…Trophy hunting of dangerous game plays a large role in African conservation. It creates the incentive to promote and retain wildlife as a land use component. Hunting provides a way for wildlife to pay for itself. Management of hunting quotas by PHs, conservation objectives done through trophy selection, land burning, water projects, road building, etc., are small examples of how PHs such as Mark and others work daily toward these objectives.

Mark, as well as many other dangerous game PHs, brings a large number of clients to the continent every season. I personally receive many requests by email and phone almost daily for more information regarding hunting Africa and hunting with Mark by those who have watched his video trailers and movies.

I know this because I ask those who call or email me what had prompted them to reach out for more information. If you question this you can simply go to my YouTube video channel and look at the video count on video trailers I edited and posted 5 months ago (with approval). You can clearly see the view count numbers for Mark’s videos and compare them with several other video counts posted at the same time. Quite telling should you be doubtful. This has also allowed me to introduce callers to other videos that are non-Sullivan in nature that they might be interested in viewing.

We are all aware of the many donations Mark has made to SCI over the years to move that organization and their conservation efforts forward as well.