Boddington-IS HIS WRITING FACT OR FLUFF?

15 February 2002, 08:33

<Paul Machmeier>

A couple of evenings ago, I was reading an issue of SCI mag during the Olympic ice skating pairs comp, I wondered how Boddington's writing would stack-up--based on fact, not subjective grading.
That said-all the following is MHO of what I see.
SCI MAG- Jan/Feb article on "The African Experience" Part III, Planning Your Safari. Rate that as excellent as Guns,Gear,Ammo,Optics,Clothing, etc, was covered very well. Wish I had that info available ten years ago instead of learning the hard way.
RIFLE SHOOTER-Mar/Ap Issue on "Shot Placement" Rated as Good, Could have more examples and references.
BOOKS: "Safari Rifles", "Make It Accurate", "Where Lions Roar" Rating good to excellent on most content.
Well, IMHO Craig Boddington is the most versatile African Game Hunter/Writer currently active, not an expert in weaponry, gunsmithing, or ballistics but in general hunting savy and experience necessary to have a great, safe hunt. Yes, I know some of it seems repetitive, but I'm not at a level of experience where I can't learn from him. I think a lot of posters here have still not filled out their "Big Five or Seven" punch card.
As far as all the other stuff: CRF vs. Push Feed, calibers,Rifle types-quality,short mag vs. std. Magnums; these discussion will go on for ever. No end in sight, Ha. Nor should there ever be. That's how we learn!

I feel Boddington cannot jump the fence and discuss the topics on this forum and still have a friend or sponser left. That means he does a great job getting the information out without pissing on everyone's shoes, just few.
Any comment???

15 February 2002, 08:48

<Buffman>

I would like to know how he got started in the writing business and obtained the status he has with publishers.

15 February 2002, 08:58

Paul H

While I have been known to find his latest magazine articles a bit lacking

I thoroughly enjoyed his cartridge intro's in the A-Square Any Shot You Want manual.

15 February 2002, 09:13

N'gagi

I know a guide who has been hunting MANY times with Gen. Boddington, and he has told me that Boddingtom MORE than deserves the credit for what he does.

For example, I have read several articles where he talks about flubbing shots, missing animals or poor shooting in general. My friend suggests he downplays his own abilities to avoid appearing as a braggart or too cocky. He's an exceptional marksman and is as good in the field tracking, stalking and field dressing as any guide or outfitter. He's not just along for the ride.

He also claims to not be very mechanical, but my source also says he's very good at working on rifles and diagnosing problems.

He's also in outstanding physical condition.

I've asked why he doesn't pipe up and defend him here, and he said one, he doesn't think he needs defending, and two he doesn't want to betray his privacy that way.

Just so you don't think I'm suggesting we build a statue of the man, I heard from another guy who shared a camp with him in Africa that he could be a little surly sometimes. He suggested that anybody who has been divorced as many times as Boddington may have a rough edge to him.

I think he's as good as anybody out there, and is certainly prolific. He must write during every waking moment.

I also like Clay Harvey's writing style. What ever happened to him anyway?

15 February 2002, 09:26

<George Hoffman>

I have known Craig, for many years and have had several personal conversations with him.
Even more conversations when I wrote or sumitted articles to Hunting magazine while he was editor.
I find Craig to be a good observer of what goes on in the real world and do not find any fault with his obversations. I am also, sure in his business he may have to make some compromises from time to time.
George

15 February 2002, 09:26

Lorenzo

My view about Gral. Boddington:
1) He is an experienced hunter.
2)His books are great.
3)It's a pity that he don't participate in this Forum.

The hunters world would be much better with more Boddingtons roaming around.
I read some chapter of "Safaris Rifles" for 18th time every single day.
I'm a great fan of him.
Just my 2 cents.

15 February 2002, 09:31

DB Bill

You know what an editor likes?....a writer he can depend on to turn out coherent copy on time that hopefully has some good photos to go with it.

The only "fault" I find with Boddington's writing, and this is a fault of almost every active writer today, is that you find "almost" the same article in a variety of magazines...especially if you write for any of the Petersen magazine....but how can you fault a writer who has written a decent article on varmint hunting, for example, of spinning it off and making money by submitting pieces that are kissing cousins for content to a variety of magazines and even trade journals.

Give the guy a break I'd share a camp with him anytime.

15 February 2002, 09:36

Pathfinder

I personally enjoy reading General Boddington's stuff and have no meaningful critizim of his writings. Many on this forum whom I respect support him as a man as well. That's good enough for me until or unless I know differently.

15 February 2002, 09:45

<Aaron Rust>

Africa2003,

I also know a guy that has hunted with the General a few times and he said almost the exact same thing! Is your friend Namibian?

15 February 2002, 10:09

<Infidel>

quote:
Originally posted by DB Bill:
The only "fault" I find with Boddington's writing, and this is a fault of almost every active writer today, is that you find "almost" the same article in a variety of magazines...

It isn't just today's writers. I'm in the middle of the first of a two-volume collection of Elmer Keith's magazine columns. The columns are reprrinted in chronological order, and some of them are nearly exact duplicates; others have entire sections of several paragraphs cut and pasted verbatim.

They're still entertaining.

I guess if it's worth saying, it's worth saying again.

15 February 2002, 10:17

Zero Drift

One thing you can say about the man - he has plenty of hunting experience. It would appear he spends more time in the field than behind a desk. - I want his job!

All in all, he accurately reports what he experiences. And his level of experience makes him a pretty damn good hunter in my opinion.

15 February 2002, 11:18

Nickudu

Boddington can be a real pest at times. He telephones or emails me, sometimes twice a week, pleading to tag along on my next outing or to allow him to pick my brain for some upcoming technical article. I like the fiesty little kid but I sometimes wish he'd just go out and find some other mentor to latch on to.

Boddington is the best all-round gunwriter out there. I'd be deliriously happy to share a campfire with him.

[This message has been edited by Nickudu (edited 02-15-2002).]

15 February 2002, 12:30

Wachtel

Based on just the one book (Safari Rifles) I'd say he's one of the best, ie most "read-able", writers of the genre I've encountered so far. Not to be repetetive must be very difficult in such a narrow field as ours

15 February 2002, 12:31

MacD37

Gentelmen, Gen Boddington has been subjected to the most vile criticism on other forums, that it's a wonder to me he even goes out in public.

The good General is quite a bit younger than I, and I have followed his writeing since his earliest contributions. This was a time when nearly all rifles had come out with push feed actions, and no body knew the difference. Boddington had a handicap that caused him to have to use push feed rifles because no suitable CRF rifles could be found for the southpaw. This fact has caused him to be labeled as a whore for the gun manufacturers. The fact is IMO, he simply has never seen a rifle he cannot find some good in, I understand this as I'm much the same way, though I have deffinent preferences, I like them all, some more than others, as most of you do. His main thing is HUNTING, and writeing about HUNTING. This, and the fact that he is basicly a shy person, and not one prone to honk his own horn, has made him seem defensless to some. I don't see it that way at all. I believe there are few people today who could hold a light for him to run by.

His articles being posted in many magazines, is not the fault of Boddington, but Peterson publising gurus who only look at the bottom line, and most have no background in hunting, or firearms, but simply think in terms of $$$$$$$! Once the article is turned over to Peterson, it belongs to them to do with as they please.

Recently he posted on one of the forums, and was drummed off the forum like a leper, and did not return, yet the bad mouthing went on for days. Thank God for the mostly positive posts here on Saeeds forum. This shows the class that has always been evident here.

I'm one who enjoys his writeing, and talking to him in person. He is a class act IMO!

------------------
..Mac >>>===(x)===>
also DUGABOY1
DUGABOY DESIGNS
Collector/trader of fine double rifles, and African wildlife art

15 February 2002, 14:52

HunterJim

quote:
Originally posted by DB Bill:
<snip>
The only "fault" I find with Boddington's writing, and this is a fault of almost every active writer today, is that you find "almost" the same article in a variety of magazines...especially if you write for any of the Petersen magazine....but how can you fault a writer who has written a decent article on varmint hunting, for example, of spinning it off and making money by submitting pieces that are kissing cousins for content to a variety of magazines and even trade journals.
Give the guy a break I'd share a camp with him anytime.

Bill & Forum Fellows,

I know Craig enough to talk to on a social basis, I don't work with him. He always talks to my wife about left-hand rifles because she is a lefty too.

Magazine writers are taught to use the same material for as many articles as they can. Because publishers pay relatively little for each article, you need a multiplier effect to help your revenue.

The only down side I see to Craig's stuff is he is over-exposed in today's market. You can't open a magazine without him looking our at you. The quality of his work is excellent though.

jim dodd

------------------
"if you are to busy to
hunt, you are too busy."

[This message has been edited by HunterJim (edited 02-15-2002).]

15 February 2002, 16:18

biggametv

It is but one man's opinion, but at the end of the day, I believe Boddington will be remembered as THE Africa/hunting author of our time.

15 February 2002, 17:03

MacD37

quote:
Originally posted by biggametv:
It is but one man's opinion, but at the end of the day, I believe Boddington will be remembered as THE Africa/hunting author of our time.

I'LL SECOND THE ABOVE STATEMENT !

------------------
..Mac >>>===(x)===>
also DUGABOY1
DUGABOY DESIGNS
Collector/trader of fine double rifles, and African wildlife art

15 February 2002, 20:54

Brian M

I respect the man for having a job that allows him to hunt all over the world.

I do not think though that he is any "great" African hunter.Take any person off this board who can hit a pie plate at 100 yards with a rifle of suitable caliber,and stick someone who will pay for his hunts behind him and they can do EVERYTHING that Boddington has done so far.

It does not take talent or a high IQ.It takes money and time.Boddington has both.

There was a guy on TV the other day that had certainly taken more game than Boddington had ever dreamed of-his trophy room was larger than most people's houses and was stacked to the brim with mounts.He has hunted all over the world,and has taken high scoring SCI and Rowland Ward trophys.

He openly admits to not being a very good hunter.All his hunts are done with a licensed guide,no matter what the game.He also openly admits to not knowing much about guns-he owns six but only hunts with two,a plastic Remington 30/06 and some sort of 375 H&H.

This guy has taken more game than probibly most people on this board combined,but he is no great hunter.He simply has lots of time and lots of money.

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I'm out to wrong rights,depress the opressed,and generaly make an ass of myself!

16 February 2002, 09:48

McCray

Sometimes I think that for as popular as it is, Boddington Bashing should be an Olympic event.

Given the choice, I would rather share a campfire with him than most of his detractors. Come to think of it, I'd rather share a campfire with some of his books than most of the detractors.

Lets see, he's engineered his career so that he can do what he wants and gets paid for it. He goes all over the world and hunts in places most people couldn't find with an atlas. He counts among his friends some of the most well respected people in the hunting "industry". And he certainly has more hands-on experience with Africa, hunting and guns than any other outdoor writer.

But if he writes an article that the reader doesn't agree with, he's branded a whore and accused of being on the payroll of whatever company he's writing about?????

As for me, I think some of the Boddington Haters Union members need to get a life. There are far more important things to worry about.

Joe

[This message has been edited by JMac (edited 02-15-2002).]

16 February 2002, 00:52

Pete E

Personally I enjoy Boddingtons writing's both the magazine articles and his books. However even sitting over here in the UK I can see him being over exposed on the US market. But hey, I guess he is just trying to earn a living...Trouble is there is only so much you can say about rifles and balistics and that kind of stuff seems to be his bread and butter in many ways...

One question though??? Does he ever hunt alone? I mean I can recall him hunting in all sorts of situations and places around the world, but I don't ever recall anything where he actually goes out alone and hunts, even if only for the humble Whitetail on public land....

Bottom line, I enjoy his writing and always take notice of what he says, even if I don't always agree. I generally always get something from his writing's and would be more than happy to share a campfire with him...maybe he should just decrease his magazine work and concentrate more on books???

Pete

16 February 2002, 04:05

<Harry>

Atta Boy JMac!!
Radios and TV's have dials and magazines have pages...if you don't like something...turn a dial or turn the page.
I have enjoyed what time I have been able to spend with Craig.

16 February 2002, 04:10

MacD37

quote:
Originally posted by Pete E:

One question though??? Does he ever hunt alone? I mean I can recall him hunting in all sorts of situations and places around the world, but I don't ever recall anything where he actually goes out alone and hunts, even if only for the humble Whitetail on public land....
Pete

Pete,
I think the problem with the Gen hunting alone today is his lack of "TIME" more than anything else. The logistics of even a deer hunt in remote country is a time consumeing thing, time I think Creag doesn't have to spare. The time to do camp chores alone will cut deeply into his writeing time. He takes a laptop on all hunts, and writes in the evenings, while the camp hands are takeing care of things like gathering fire wood, cleaning the dishes, and grooming the horses.

You can talk to anyone who has hunted with Boddington, and they will tell you he is more than up to the mark, when it comes to hunting. In the case of Africa, not only the legistics of running a camp in the bush, but the law, in most cases, require you to be outfitted, and guided, if you are an alien. A 21 day un-outfitted hunt done on your own in Africa would cost you 40 days because of the prior, and post preperation alone, not to mention the work of around 15 people normally in a Safari camp in the bush, not to mention not haveing a concession. With the constraints on his time it is a wonder to me he finds time to hunt at all!

Brian M,
I have my doubts that your guy on TV has that much more game under his belt than the BODD, I think you are too young to remember when Craig was just a little 2nd Luetenant in the Marine Corps, mailing his little freelance articles into the magazines from the four corners of the Earth, where he was stationed at the time. He did several Safaris on his own because he was close to the hunting by being stationed there. I have nowhere near the amount of so-called exotic game species to my credit,that Craig has, and if I had mounted everything I had taken, I could fill the "ASTRO DOME" with mounts, yet I only have 18 or so mounts in my home, and a few in sporting goods stores, and friend's gun shops.

It simply it has become PC, I think, to bash any writer in the hunting, and gun fields. I simply cannot understand why people will say things about them on the world net, that they wouldn't say to their face.

My grand father told me, when I was a kid, (a long time ago) "Son, decide what you like to do, then find a way to get somebody to pay you to do it, and you will die a happy man" C. Boddington has done that, and most of his detractors, I suspect, do most of their hunting on the computer, and are simply "GREEN WITH ENVY", noting more!

------------------
..Mac >>>===(x)===>
also DUGABOY1
DUGABOY DESIGNS
Collector/trader of fine double rifles, and African wildlife art

16 February 2002, 05:12

Pete E

Mac,

I can see where your coming from with regards the time and logistics issues but I would love to hear him talk about some more "everyday hunts" even if they did occur sometime in his past....Please don't take this as a critisim, more as just a "wish"..In my book he does a pretty good job all things considered...

Regards,

Pete

16 February 2002, 05:33

500grains

It looks like I walked into the middle of a Boddington love fest!

I do not like his articles for the following reasons:

1. Lack of specifics. Vague information is not helpful.

2. Lack of constructive criticism. He loves every gun, every scope, every cartridge, every hunt, etc.

Consequently I learn nothing from his writing.

16 February 2002, 08:43

<Jagermeister>

Pete...what would an everyday hunt be for a guy like boddington? And, would it be exciting or interesting to read about, just because you could relate to it more? I know he does a lot of articles on regular deer hunting,not to mention deer rifles (always 270, 280, and 30-06) which I find lame. I think the thing abotu an eeverday hunt, as you called it, is that most hunters experience this enough, so what's the use in reading about it?

16 February 2002, 09:30

MAC

I met the man a few weeks ago in Denver. I always kind of expected him to be somewhat of an elitist. I must admit however that he was extremely nice to me. When he found out that I am a career military man and am currently on recruiting duty, he shook my hand and thanked me for the job I'm doing. It made an impression on me.

I may not always agree with what he writes, but I did like my first impression of him.

Mac

16 February 2002, 12:01

Pete E

Jagermiester,

Good points...I guess what I'm really looking for is something where he stands on his own two feet rather than relies on guides or PH's. I don't doubt that he can't stand on his own as a hunter and as Mac said earlier there are certainly good reasons why he uses the services of others.

If nothing else these threads show how hard it is for a writer to please everybody who reads the magazines!

Regards,

Peter

16 February 2002, 20:54

<Mats>

quote:
Originally posted by 500grains:
...He loves every gun, every scope, every cartridge, every hunt, etc.

Well hell, so do I! It's called passion.

-- Mats

17 February 2002, 02:17

p dog shooter

I find that he does just as good job as the other writers. But there is only so much to say about any given rifle or caliber. The old gun hands among us most likely find very useful info in any article. That we haven't read in the past. I lot of gun writeing is for people with limited exspeareace. So it is hard to impress the people who have been there done that.
I wish that I had the time and money it takes to travel all over and shoot all the types of game. TO be a world wide hunter you need cash. Most of us well never beable to take more than one trip to many of the hunting locations listed. So we dream of them and read about them.
I my self don't buy any hunting mags anymore because it is the same old same old stuff that has been in print for a long time. 90 % ads and pushing products very litte useful infro for someone that owns many rifles and handguns and has been a student of the gun for over 40 years. Oh once in a great while you well pick up a decent tip but most of the time nothing there.
Not saying I wouldn't don't like to travel and shoot things it is great thing to do( and get paid for it) but some have and some don't.

17 February 2002, 02:19

p dog shooter

That should read we would find very little useful info. that we haven't read in the past.

17 February 2002, 04:19

dan belisle

Come on guys. It's a business. Not every article is going to be a revelation. As well, I'm sure that the articles in question are news to someone reading them. Plus, as previously mentioned, it's a volume business. He has to move a lot of product to make money. Neither gunwriting or reserve military pays really well. I think he's doing well at it, and I enjoy his stuff enough to keep reading it. 30-06 vs 270 articles are old news, but they sell magazines. FWIW - Dan

17 February 2002, 06:15

Atkinson

I believe Boddington has as much hunting experience as anyone on earth today, He may not have shot 800 plus elephants as Tony Sanchez Arino has but then Tony has not shot in Viet Nam, Afganistan, Scotland and all parts of the world as boddington has...

I have a great respect for the man and the fact that he had the where to fore to jump into an outhouse of gunscribes and come out smelling like a rose....

He is a scholer and a gentleman and an all around bad influence on folks who crave Africa....He draws them to the dark continent like flys on poop!!

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Ray Atkinson

ray@atkinsonhunting.com
atkinsonhunting.com

17 February 2002, 12:50

Brian M

Mac,
Yes,this guy has DEFINETLY killed more game than Boddington.If I remember correctly he had taken all the slams (deer,sheep,bear,ect.),several times over,plus he takes three safaris a year in Africa,usually taking the complete Big 5 at least once a year.

One also remember that Boddington is still relitively young.There are multi-millionaires in their 80s that have been hunting the world over since the 1950s and have probibly killed ten times as much game as Boddington.

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I'm out to wrong rights,depress the opressed,and generaly make an ass of myself!

[This message has been edited by Brian M (edited 02-17-2002).]