The Accurate Reloading Forums THE ACCURATE RELOADING.COM FORUMS Hunting African Big Game Hunting Martin Pieters Safaris - A Troubling ExperienceGo | New | Find | Notify | Tools | Reply | |
| Martin Pieters Safaris - A Troubling Experience | Login/Join |
One of Us |
I am also waiting on the response DRSS Searcy 470 NE | |||
|
One of Us |
Excellent response, thanks. Personally, I offer no ill feelings towards you. I had a problem on a Trophy Elephant hunt in 2006. It was so long ago and since Botswana is closed, I can't see any reason to not make mention of it. I did all I could do via negotiation. The outfitters wasn't willing to listen. I took my lump and moved along. It really had nothing to do with the quality of the hunt. It was more a trophy prep/handling issue. We simply see different paths to the same end. Regards, Steve Formerly "Nganga" | |||
|
| one of us |
Unless the OP is flat out lying, which is obviously not the case by M. Pieters response, he was absolutely FUCKED by Pieters who knew all of the details about the bait and switch long before the OP and his brother arrived in Africa. Pieters is an absolute scammer in this example. Why isn't revenge/confrontation a good reason to tell this sad tale? If it costs Pieters business, and hopefully a lot of it, more's the better. He deserves it. xxxxxxxxxx When considering US based operations of guides/outfitters, check and see if they are NRA members. If not, why support someone who doesn't support us? Consider spending your money elsewhere. NEVER, EVER book a hunt with BLAIR WORLDWIDE HUNTING or JEFF BLAIR. I have come to understand that in hunting, the goal is not the goal but the process. | |||
|
one of us |
Or perhaps the hope that others avoid his mistake/misfortune? If I have a bad meal at Joe's House of Pasta, and post a bad review, is it because I hate Joe and want revenge? Or perhaps it is because I appreciate reviews from others to help me avoid a bad meal, so I do my part to help them avoid a bad meal as well? Hunting: Exercising dominion over creation at 2800 fps. | |||
|
| One of Us |
Duckear, Precisely. Chris | |||
|
| One of Us |
If the venue where the discussion is, is generally neutral and unbiased, yes. AR has its forum favorites and a protected class (outfitters). If you are one, you are protected and met with hostility. If the ground was even for all, I would have nothing to argue. I've never hunted nor met any of the players involved. Formerly "Nganga" | |||
|
| one of us |
The problem with your 'path' is the guy you had issues with over your trophy prep is very likely still in the safari business and without knowing your issues, my once in a lifetime kudu trophy gets ruined because I didn't know who/what to avoid or the right questions to ask. Your stiff upper lip attitude isn't very affordable to the rest of us. Not to be overly dramatic, but "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." Sadly, you seem to have the do nothing part down pat. Hunting: Exercising dominion over creation at 2800 fps. | |||
|
| one of us |
One thing I noticed on Martin Pieters hunt offers is that they are over priced,IMO. | |||
|
| One of Us |
Saeed, A question: From your perspective, in what scenario would be posting negative information about hunt or outfitter not be considered 'retribution' and OK to do. Perhaps coercing an outfitter for a refund? That would be wrong. Said another way, what would be the other motivations if not for making the hunting community aware of a substantially concerning issue? While I show 'new' on my profile, I've been on AR for a number of years and have found thoughtful reviews (both good and bad) to be a very helpful resource as I was learning the African ropes. Best, Chris | |||
|
| Administrator |
What a load of bullshit! No outfitter is protected on AR. No one pays a penny to offer hunts here. They live by their word, or leave themselves wide open to any other member. | |||
|
| One of Us |
I applaud you for this, which is the way it ought to be. | |||
|
| one of us |
But there seems to be relationships going on behind the scenes between some people. | |||
|
| One of Us |
Sorry Saeed, that is a fact, as I see it. I will not get any support on this opinion for precisely the same reason. Steve Formerly "Nganga" | |||
|
One of Us |
I have to agree. Chris is coming off as the more credible party here IMHO. I find Martin's response a bit thin. I took the time to go back and reread the negative thread on him that was referenced by RAC from a couple of years back, also filed at show time BTW. I found his response to be thin on that one as well and in a similar fashion. Both of these negative reports contain a similar theme, that of Martin outsourcing a hunt with another outfit. I don't have a dog in this fight but from his reputation here on AR, it seems maybe Martin's outfit is a good one to hunt with in his areas with his guys, but outsourcing to other areas with other outfits are not is forte? In any event, I'm glad the information is out there. Good or bad, it's best to be aware of trouble spots. Doesn't mean the entire operation is rotten. Just that certain dealings need to be well vetted. Along those lines, wasn't there another Namibia Caprivi "top of the market" ele hunt report not long ago where the client didn't get what he bargained for. Granted, that one seemed a bit "sour grapes" on the client's part, but this report has made me step back and question whether or not the issue is centered around the ele hunts being sold in that area now that Zim ivory is non-importable to the US and affecting the market? | |||
|
| One of Us |
Stiff upper lip? Got it. The end result are the same. Whether a kudu cape or a Mountain Nyala cape. Class envy? You have no clue. Formerly "Nganga" | |||
|
| One of Us |
It doesn't matter if the usual crowd jumps down someone's throat for posting a negative report about a favorite outfitter....the report in and of itself can inform potential clients to be warned before they choose to put their money down...and in the end that's all that matters. You might still choose to book but you can't say you weren't warned. | |||
|
| One of Us |
Heym 450 /400, Thank you, well said. Chris | |||
|
| One of Us |
My favorite outfitters are only as good as my last hunt. Nobody is perfect but a screw job is a screw job. Sorta like not being able to hunt leopard even though there are leopard on bait. Jeff | |||
|
| One of Us |
So there ARE forum favorites?  Formerly "Nganga" | |||
|
| One of Us |
I'm not the one saying there isn't...  But there is a difference between "forum favorites" and "crowd favorites" | |||
|
| One of Us |
It seems I've unintentionally started a thread on 'forum favorites'. Shall we discuss "active bred lion hunting in South Africa" or "what's the best all around caliber for Africa" next? How about "hound hunting for leopard" or the "right tip amount"? See, I really do read AR.  | |||
|
one of us |
Steve, I would disagree with you on the neutrality of the venue. Some member's here may have their favorite outfitters/PHs and leap to their defense, both fairly and unfairly but you will not find a more neutral venue for this type of discussion. Saeed allows everyone to post on equal levels since there are no advertising dollars at stake. Outfitter's posts here at their own risk since they can't complain or ask for special treatment just because they pay for advertising. I've contracted four hunts with different outfitters on this website (including Martin Pieters) and have good and not so good things to say about every one of them. No hunt will be absolutely perfect and most people don't expect that but what people should expect is that the good parts will outweigh the bad. When it doesn't and these issues seriously effect the quality of the experience then I feel that it's absolutely correct to tell it on this website. I believe that reviews good and bad are owed to the website because of all the information that the membership and hosts have provided us over the years. Frank "I don't know what there is about buffalo that frightens me so.....He looks like he hates you personally. He looks like you owe him money." - Robert Ruark, Horn of the Hunter, 1953 NRA Life, SAF Life, CRPA Life, DRSS lite | |||
|
| One of Us |
What Saeed and Don provide is neutral. What the crowd here provides is a little less so. I suspect that some of the members here could have a absolutely legitimate gripe, and their past behavior and the way they come across here would instantly get them dismissed as the kook brigade anyhow, and some of our members would be taken a bit more seriously that they should... I could see Saeed posting something that everyone would buy in to as an April fools joke... I do have my suspicions, which may be wholly unfounded, when a new member comes on and starts complaining about something... but the way folks can get treated around here (especially in the hunt report section) does make this site not for the thin skinned. I doubt some of this behavior would happen in person, but that isn't what the glory of the anonymous internet gets you... | |||
|
| One of Us |
Ok, I just see them as one in the same. I'm not saying Saeed points to and gives special consideration. But if, lets say CMS is mentioned in a negative light...well, you know. Formerly "Nganga" | |||
|
| One of Us |
I just attribute all of this to Russian hacking AR! Plain and simple...er...uh...no, I don't have any proof but I feel it in my bones. | |||
|
| one of us |
I will not hunt with them again after my last hunt. | |||
|
| One of Us |
It would go over like a turd in a punch bowl...however, if the report was an honest account of what happened I would give it serious consideration before booking with said outfitter. The difference in my mind would be CMS wouldn't get themselves into this type of mess and if they did, would correct it properly...or at least that is what the "good ones" are supposed to do. | |||
|
| one of us |
You must be booked with them. | |||
|
| One of Us |
I believe the rule of Caveat Emptor applies to booking hunts. I think it prudent to book with a reputable outfitter who regularly does business (hunting) in the country/region in which the hunt is to be conducted. if for no other reason than to cut down on the paperwork on both sides, and have logistics well established and in place. (camp, staff, etc). Even with all that in place things can go to hell and a handbasket. Bad weather, drought, government interference ( U.S and foreign) illness, and the list goes on to items that destroy a potentially good hunt. It all comes down to risk management. As one who has hunted Africa many times and continues to do so as well as live in Tanzania a goodly portion of the year, risk is always high. Do what is so often recommended, research, research, research then pray nothing goes wrong Tim | |||
|
| One of Us |
Shootaway- please clarify why you would not hunt with us after your last hunt. We have given you several excellent hunts , entertained some somewhat interesting behavior on your behalf to say the least and always given you 100% as we do for every client! Here is your chance George!!! | |||
|
| One of Us |
I think the OP has done a great job explaining the events of the hunt. I am unsure why one would be "offended" by his posts. He is not telling anyone to not hunt with Martin. In addition, Martin was offered (and did so) a chance to explain the situation. It does not matter if I like or dislike Martin's response. What does matter is that I now have more information that can/could help with a future booking. I am glad to see these type of posts on AR. They have helped me A LOT, and also changed my mind on another unrelated hunt! | |||
|
One of Us |
Reality is that not all reviews and opinions are created equal. Credibility is earned. With both outfitters and clients. Most tend to judge folks based on the body of their work. This is as it should be in my view. When someone with a low post count comes along in the middle of show season and levels a complaint about a hunt that took place months ago against an outfitter that has a history of generally satisfied clients . . . I plan to approach such a complaint with a healthy dose of skepticism. However, as has been demonstrated on AR countless times, there are others that are prepared to take as the gospel the first word uttered by someone complaining and immediately start calling for a rope. Flip side, credibility can be destroyed over time too. Someone with many posts can enjoy as little credibility as, perhaps even less than, someone with a handful of posts. George is a good example of the latter. Mike | |||
|
| One of Us |
No sir...I have little interest in hunting Zimbabwe. We all have our preferred countries and Zim was just never what I dreamed of. Someday I'll hunt there and CMS would be tops on my list along with the BVC With Nigel Theisen. I can't imagine why you wouldn't hunt there again...it seems better than you deserve at times | |||
|
| One of Us |
 | |||
|
One of Us |
| |||
|
| one of us |
Too many asshole clients for one. | |||
|
| One of Us |
George, you've got too many mirrors in your home. There's really only one of you. | |||
|
| one of us |
Then I have a whole list of other things. | |||
|
| One of Us |
Did you bring up these issues with CMS prior or bring them to light in your hunt reports? And if not...why not? I suspect I know the answer but I'm trying to be polite to you. | |||
|
| One of Us |
Like what? That they help save your ass when you screw up and shoot a cow buff. | |||
|
| Powered by Social Strata | Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 ... 17 |
 | Please Wait. Your request is being processed... |
|
The Accurate Reloading Forums THE ACCURATE RELOADING.COM FORUMS Hunting African Big Game Hunting Martin Pieters Safaris - A Troubling Experience
Visit our on-line store for AR Memorabilia