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Originally posted by Outdoor Writer:

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Originally posted by LionHunter:
So, you see, sport hunting and fishing has been around for at least 100 years. Likewise the record book, as a means to rank trophies and compare them to one another. Hope that all makes sense.

Mike, Mike, Mike,

Please don't patronize me.

I'm well aware of how long hunting and fishing have been around as a "sport" -- in reality as a personal pastime, hobby or interest.

The only reason the term "sport" became associated with either hunting and fishing was to distinguish the RECREATIONAL side of them from the commercial aspect, which is still a big part of the fishing scene, as you are well aware.

It still doesn't translate to them EVER meant to be a COMPETITION -- profit-making or not.

And yes, the various record books have also been around for a long time, but never have they been so abused and misused as they have been over the past 30-40 years. Just go back 50 years and read some old hunting magazines. One would have to look long and hard to find consistent mentions of "scores" and/or the various record books as is seen today.

How do I know? Because I started my writing career in 1968. Now, though, if I propose an article about some guy's hard-earned trophy _____, the first thing the editor wants to know is "what did it score?" and "where would it be in the ____book?"

Just look at the magazines of today, and it's easy to see that score is everything now. The worst are the ego-driven ones such as Eastman's, Trohy Hunter, Mulie Crazy or perhaps even Safari.

In short, for too many folks hunting has become a "my penis is bigger than yours" instead of a simple pastime to be enjoyed for what it is. And when the success of the hunt is determined by the size of the penis, it's even worse.

And lest we forget, the topic of this thread is "The hunt for medals."

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IMO the biggest change to the writing world is the tremendous influence that "sponsors" have on writing. This certainly was not the case 30 years ago, at least in the hunting world.

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Originally posted by fairgame:

The reason I am concerned is that I have recently had two enquiries for Roan in Luangwa and both ‘have to have it’ for some SCI category. It was then pointed out to me that I was over priced compared to the bargains to be had in West Africa, and although these are western and not southern Roan this seemed of no importance? Seemingly neither was the hunting of, location and quality of experience.

Another example (and there are many) is that I have hunted these ‘have to haves’ and the safaris were little more than a frantic and frustrating search for different species.

Surely this is not what hunting in Africa is about? Or is it?

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Originally posted by Saeed:

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IMO the biggest change to the writing world is the tremendous influence that "sponsors" have on writing. This certainly was not the case 30 years ago, at least in the hunting world.

Actually, I don't think anything has changed at all.

Even in the old days, "sponsors" paid writers to go to Africa and write about their hunts. Not forgetting, of course, to mention the products in a very favorable light.

The only difference is, now we have the Internet, and lots of things that might have been kept quite then are brought in the open now.

I have heard some rather unsavoury stories about some of my heros of the past. Those very same writers who had me wait impatiently for their next allotment in a magazine.

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Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:

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Originally posted by Saeed:

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IMO the biggest change to the writing world is the tremendous influence that "sponsors" have on writing. This certainly was not the case 30 years ago, at least in the hunting world.

Actually, I don't think anything has changed at all.

Even in the old days, "sponsors" paid writers to go to Africa and write about their hunts. Not forgetting, of course, to mention the products in a very favorable light.

The only difference is, now we have the Internet, and lots of things that might have been kept quite then are brought in the open now.

I have heard some rather unsavoury stories about some of my heros of the past. Those very same writers who had me wait impatiently for their next allotment in a magazine.

Saeed,

I am talking specifically about serving as a "consultant" to a stock company or an optics company, getting paid by them in cash to do so, and then writing about the two companies without disclosing that to the public.

This is a far different thing than going on a hunt where a vendor picks up the tab. We all know if Remington is on the hunt, they pick up the tab (but it should still be pointed out).

We used to never have writers "star" in an ad. Have you ever seen a picture of Jack O'Connor with a flashlight? Have you ever seen a picture of Howard Hill in an ad for an arrow? I don't even ever recall seeing Jim Charmicel or Bob Brister in an ad or an endorsement. John Wotters? Forget it; he would sooner give up writing.

I think the first writer on the hunting scene that started this was Chuck Adams for Easton, but I might be wrong. I have stacks of old mags from the 60s and the tone of those stories is completely different from today.

Times have changed, and not for the better IMO.

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Originally posted by fairgame:

I must abmit young Craig standing over a dead Buffalo blurbing on about Surefire torches sure goes against the grain.

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Originally posted by fairgame:
I must abmit young Craig standing over a dead Buffalo blurbing on about Surefire torches sure goes against the grain.

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Originally posted by HAY-MAN:
In regards to the medal hunt, I've been to SCI Reno one time and overall it was an enjoyable experience meeting the outfitters and seeing all the booths etc. But, when it came to seeing the dudes running around with their various medals and ribbons pinned to their chest or hanging around their neck signifying their trophy quests I must say I found it to be embarrassing. I'm sure I would enjoy some of the hunts they've gone on and I've been on a few myself but I've never entered an animal in the books and straight up would never wear one of those silly awards and strut around SCI.

Scott

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Originally posted by Larry Sellers:
Same old thing over and over!! Just hunt the way YOU want too and let everyone else hunt like THEY want too!! Why is it neccessary to always push the "my way or the highway" attitude on this subject?? Nobody makes you pursue the awards, glory, and public attention, if you don't want it don't do it and more power to those that do. I for one think it's really cool that everyone can pursue their passions the way THEY want.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

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Originally posted by tendrams:
Anyone else believe in "hunting karma"? I, for one, firmly assert that the LESS one cares about inches or weight or mass, the more likely that person is to succeed in the aquisition of these things. It's always the guy with the measuring tape in their pockets who seem to come up short.