Mark S.: "The Final Good-Bye" (06

20 June 2017, 01:14

JCS271

I have never met Mark personally but he has been a very strong supporter of the Safari Rifle Challenge big bore shoot, He certainly seemed like a humble and easy going guy when we spoke on the phone (unlike a few of the characterizations I had read online). Looks like he has some seriously fun stuff on the horizon and I certainly wish him well!

20 June 2017, 01:33

larryshores

I have met him. He is a hell of a nice guy.

I am guessing he is about 67.

20 June 2017, 02:03

MJines

Wish him all the best. He has always been very gracious and generous with his time when I have spoken with him. He has lived a dream that many others envy.

20 June 2017, 02:06

Heym 450/400

I already own all his movies and books or I'd take advantage of this offer for sure...like others have said, Mark came across as one of the nicest, most genuine guys I've met at the shows. I wish him all the best...

20 June 2017, 02:08

JCS271

quote:
Originally posted by MJines:
He has lived a dream that many others envy.

God knows I do!

20 June 2017, 02:44

AnotherAZWriter

Like I said, when I donated to Stu Taylor's fund, he sent me a book and a movie...he certainly didn't have to do that.

That was enough for me.

20 June 2017, 04:23

Michael Robinson

I declined his book and video when I donated to Stu's fund.

I was holding out for an autographed copy of Sudden Death Rush By Africa's Black Death Shot to Death By Me With A Big-Assed Double Rifle Instead Of By My Client Who Can't Shoot for Sh#t.

But alas, it seems that I will be denied.

20 June 2017, 04:27

MJines

. . . speaking of threads being run off the rails.

20 June 2017, 04:28

Michael Robinson

For every post like yours, Mike, I pledge to add another terrifying word to the title.

20 June 2017, 05:45

JCS271

20 June 2017, 05:56

RCG

I just read the attached link to his website. Made me want to throw up. He is going to have a real learning curve in Mexico!

20 June 2017, 06:16

Beretta682E

quote:
Originally posted by larryshores:
I have met him. He is a hell of a nice guy.

I am guessing he is about 67.

To start out Guiding in Alaska at 67 is impressive.

Mike

20 June 2017, 08:08

larryshores

quote:
Originally posted by RCG:
I just read the attached link to his website. Made me want to throw up. He is going to have a real learning curve in Mexico!

I am curious sir. What does that mean?

20 June 2017, 08:21

crbutler

I guess I don't get the goodbye part of this... unless it's to his video production company.

He decided to get out of the video business and into the booking agent business. He's still in hunting.

Looks like he's still in the "personality" business.

In my only contact with him was he was a gentleman. This seems to be much ado about nothing...

20 June 2017, 08:39

RCG

I was always a bit on the fence concerning his public personna and his videos. I didn't like his showmanship and apparent ego compared to the quiet professionals I have hunted with in Zim and RSA. He is not my style but to each his own. He obviously has his followers.

What really turned me off was his self aggrandizing in recapping his career. "Blood on the shoes" and "I should have been killed" etc. Combine that with his latest RSA buffalo hunt that was recently offered here and his new ventures that will be "fabulous" (how many times did he use that word to describe his hunting?) and it really turned me off.

As far as a newbie offering hunts in Sonora, I'll let the the more knowledgeable hunters describe some of the difficulties and pitfalls that area has to offer. If he thinks getting a lease and providing hunts in Mexico will be a piece of cake, buyer beware.

So why isn't he hunting TZ anymore? I know nothing of TZ but there must be a reason.

I'm guessing we will soon see a bear and moose hunt offering with him as the apprentice guide and it will only cost double a regular hunt. "Death in the Alders" where your apprentice guide shoots your bear for you but you get a signed dvd of your "hunt".

20 June 2017, 08:57

Dahav

Why is he quitting TZ? One factor may be that business is down in TZ at the present time or perhaps some of the areas he used to sublease have been given back to the government?

Regardless of many people's opinion of him, he was and probably will continue to be a very successful businessman.

20 June 2017, 11:11

fulvio

quote:
Originally posted by Dahav:

Why is he quitting TZ? One factor may be that business is down in TZ at the present time or perhaps some of the areas he used to sublease have been given back to the government?

His decision to quit DG hunting in TZ would hardly be related to the loss of concessions as the outfitter involved still retains most of the prime ones, including the ones which were sub-leased to MS.

20 June 2017, 11:32

fulvio

quote:
So why isn't he hunting TZ anymore? I know nothing of TZ but there must be a reason.

No real reason to speak of other than the possibility that he's either beginning to run out of steam (to which he has freely admitted) but still offering DG hunts both in TZ and RSA or lack of new enticing titles for his DVDs.

It could be the latter seeing he's opted to sell off his large unsold stock at throw-away prices and made it clear that there will be no more - something suggests that side of the business has run short of takers.

Videos and marketing banter aside, he's in reality quite a pleasant fellow.

One thing is certain: He won't be needing a .600 to sort out a wounded Sonora Mule Deer.

20 June 2017, 12:05

Barry Groulx

Cal Pappas did a good series on him in African Hunter magazine. Best of luck to him.

20 June 2017, 13:00

surestrike

quote:
Originally posted by Dahav:
Why is he quitting TZ? One factor may be that business is down in TZ at the present time or perhaps some of the areas he used to sublease have been given back to the government?

Regardless of many people's opinion of him, he was and probably will continue to be a very successful businessman.

Business is down in Tz, yet prices are skyrocketing! Seems that somebody within the Tz government failed economics 101. The fees in Tz have severely limited the ability of people to even consider hunting in that country.

20 June 2017, 15:11

larryshores

quote:
Originally posted by RCG:
I was always a bit on the fence concerning his public personna and his videos. I didn't like his showmanship and apparent ego compared to the quiet professionals I have hunted with in Zim and RSA. He is not my style but to each his own. He obviously has his followers.

What really turned me off was his self aggrandizing in recapping his career. "Blood on the shoes" and "I should have been killed" etc. Combine that with his latest RSA buffalo hunt that was recently offered here and his new ventures that will be "fabulous" (how many times did he use that word to describe his hunting?) and it really turned me off.

As far as a newbie offering hunts in Sonora, I'll let the the more knowledgeable hunters describe some of the difficulties and pitfalls that area has to offer. If he thinks getting a lease and providing hunts in Mexico will be a piece of cake, buyer beware.

So why isn't he hunting TZ anymore? I know nothing of TZ but there must be a reason.

I'm guessing we will soon see a bear and moose hunt offering with him as the apprentice guide and it will only cost double a regular hunt. "Death in the Alders" where your apprentice guide shoots your bear for you but you get a signed dvd of your "hunt".

He is a guy who uses words like fabulous often. It might be to describe dinner. It might be to describe the weather. It might be to describe any number of things which are in no way self promoting. It is just the way he speaks. It does take a bit of getting used to.

20 June 2017, 16:57

Bwana Bunduki

quote:
Originally posted by larryshores:
quote:
Originally posted by RCG:
I was always a bit on the fence concerning his public personna and his videos. I didn't like his showmanship and apparent ego compared to the quiet professionals I have hunted with in Zim and RSA. He is not my style but to each his own. He obviously has his followers.

What really turned me off was his self aggrandizing in recapping his career. "Blood on the shoes" and "I should have been killed" etc. Combine that with his latest RSA buffalo hunt that was recently offered here and his new ventures that will be "fabulous" (how many times did he use that word to describe his hunting?) and it really turned me off.

As far as a newbie offering hunts in Sonora, I'll let the the more knowledgeable hunters describe some of the difficulties and pitfalls that area has to offer. If he thinks getting a lease and providing hunts in Mexico will be a piece of cake, buyer beware.

So why isn't he hunting TZ anymore? I know nothing of TZ but there must be a reason.

I'm guessing we will soon see a bear and moose hunt offering with him as the apprentice guide and it will only cost double a regular hunt. "Death in the Alders" where your apprentice guide shoots your bear for you but you get a signed dvd of your "hunt".

He is a guy who uses words like fabulous often. It might be to describe dinner. It might be to describe the weather. It might be to describe any number of things which are in no way self promoting. It is just the way he speaks. It does take a bit of getting used to.

I for one happen to think it is fabulous....

20 June 2017, 17:54

Jerry Huffaker

I have done work for Mark, and had more than one conversation with him, he was always a gentleman and very interesting to talk with.

20 June 2017, 18:03

larryshores

quote:
Originally posted by surestrike:
quote:
Originally posted by Dahav:
Why is he quitting TZ? One factor may be that business is down in TZ at the present time or perhaps some of the areas he used to sublease have been given back to the government?

Regardless of many people's opinion of him, he was and probably will continue to be a very successful businessman.

Business is down in Tz, yet prices are skyrocketing! Seems that somebody within the Tz government failed economics 101. The fees in Tz have severely limited the ability of people to even consider hunting in that country.

You are right. However , they have also just flat out pissed off a lot of people who decided f@&k them. I am not going back ever. Count me in that crowd.

20 June 2017, 20:38

BuffHunter63

I never met the man, but I wish him well in his future endeavors.

IMO life is too short to be so negative for someone who has not harmed you or your family/friends personally.

Fire away!

BH63

20 June 2017, 22:09

Grenadier

I think it will turn out to be a good business decision. He won't have anywhere near the hassles to deal with in the USA as he must have been dealing with in Africa. He will no longer need to concern himself with CITES permits, imports, exports, and all the problems associated with doing business in developing (third world) countries.

20 June 2017, 22:28

jorge

I'll have to look into that 12.5K Buff hunt in RSA....

21 June 2017, 00:24

Hogbreath

Having met Mark several years back, I've got to say he's one of the nicest, most gentlemanly guy I've met in a long time.
I wish him luck on his new endeavor.

21 June 2017, 04:31

bwanamrm

Wish him nothing but the best...

On the plains of hesitation lie the bleached bones of ten thousand, who on the dawn of victory lay down their weary heads resting, and there resting, died.

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch...
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!
- Rudyard Kipling

Life grows grim without senseless indulgence.

21 June 2017, 04:42

cal pappas

quote:
Originally posted by jorge:
I'll have to look into that 12.5K Buff hunt in RSA....

I will book this for 2018.
If the buff goes over 40" the hunt is 15$K
Cal

_______________________________

Cal Pappas, Willow, Alaska
www.CalPappas.com
www.CalPappas.blogspot.com
1994 Zimbabwe
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2000 Australia
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2003 Zimbabwe
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2006 Tanzania
2006 Zimbabwe--vacation
2007 Zimbabwe--vacation
2008 Zimbabwe
2012 Australia
2013 South Africa
2013 Zimbabwe
2013 Australia
2016 Zimbabwe
2017 Zimbabwe
2018 South Africa
2018 Zimbabwe--vacation
2019 South Africa
2019 Botswana
2019 Zimbabwe vacation
2021 South Africa
2021 South Africa (2nd hunt a month later)
______________________________

21 June 2017, 05:02

Badger Matt

He did my father and I a kind favor before our trip to South Africa. Very gentlemanly sort.

21 June 2017, 20:56

Bill/Oregon

Guessing he will find a wounded brownie in a willow tangle as interesting as a Cape buffalo under similar circumstances.

22 June 2017, 00:32

Bockhunter

Yes, Mark is a great man, a true american and a expert in hunting, shooting and doubles.

I wish him only the best, in Africa or Mexico or...

27 June 2017, 21:40

gunslinger55

Seems like a good deal....On Buff hunt

06 July 2017, 04:25

ExpressYourself

quote:
Originally posted by larryshores:
quote:
Originally posted by RCG:
I just read the attached link to his website. Made me want to throw up. He is going to have a real learning curve in Mexico!

I am curious sir. What does that mean?

Hi Larry…these pics don’t warrant a fresh thread but here are a couple of fairly recent pics related to the Mexico hunting from Mark. These trail cam pics are from just one of the water stations that have been created and activated. We are seeing a great deal of activity at the water stations started this year on the property. It is my understanding that providing game in this area access to water stations has not occurred for over 50 years.

Mark is currently in South Africa conducting buffalo hunts and will also be in Tanzania conducting hunts as well. I will post-up some additional pics at a later time.

Shawn

Shawn Joyce
Diizche Safari Adventures
P.O. Box 1445
Lincoln, CA 95648
E-mail: shawn.joyce@diizchesafariadventures.net
Cell: (916) 804-3318

Shoot Straight, Live the Dream, and Keep Turning the Pages to Your Next Adventure!™
Website- www.DiizcheSafariAdventures.com
Blog- http://diizchesafari.blogspot.com/
Twitter- http://twitter.com/DiizcheSafari
YouTube- http://www.youtube.com/user/shawncjoyce
Facebook- http://on.fb.me/gYytdn
Instagram: diizchesafari_official

06 July 2017, 10:59

Saeed

From what I understand, concession holders have gotten fed up with all his bullshit!

And no one would allow him to "hunt" on their areas.

06 July 2017, 14:36

fulvio

quote:
And no one would allow him to "hunt" on their areas.

All but one.

06 July 2017, 15:13

Saeed

I bet it was not the one who he had a fist fight with after finding several dead buffalos lying in the bush, where our self obsessed hero would not dare follow them!

Not sure how true this is but it came from a well respected member of AR

06 July 2017, 17:57

cal pappas

quote:
Originally posted by Saeed:
I bet it was not the one who he had a fist fight with after finding several dead buffalos lying in the bush, where our self obsessed hero would not dare follow them!

Not sure how true this is but it came from a well respected member of AR

At least we know now how rumors begin and turn into fact shortly thereafter.
Cal