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Mark Watts - Drama Queen?
18 January 2008, 18:08
Aspen Hill AdventuresMark Watts - Drama Queen?
I have read his latest article and was surprised at how much of it was devoted to his difficulties with his PH. If I recall correctly, doesn't he have problems with every PH he hunts with?
What is that all about?
~Ann
18 January 2008, 18:21
SaeedAnn,
Is this report available on the Net?
If so, can we have a link to it please?
18 January 2008, 18:39
retreeverSaeed it is in the new SCI magazine with the bull ele on front cover..
Mike
Michael Podwika... DRSS bigbores and hunting
www.pvt.co.za " MAKE THE SHOT " 450#2 Famars
18 January 2008, 19:00
Cazador humildeI heard a little bit of the other side. Seems he thought the camp should have been arranged more democratically, give more power and say so to the staff, trackers, skinners, etc.
Yeah, that'll work. But, apparently at the end he tipped like the king of Siam.
That story was a riot!
18 January 2008, 19:11
jorgeAnn, you nailed it and there were a lot more issues there that were not discussed but most will be able to discern. jorge
USN (ret)
DRSS Verney-Carron 450NE
Cogswell & Harrison 375 Fl NE
Sabatti Big Five 375 FL Magnum NE
DSC Life Member
NRA Life Member
18 January 2008, 19:15
Michael RobinsonDrama queen about says it - from what I can tell, he's a frustrated, wannabe movie star who is starved for attention.
He has made his hunting trips into competitive, commercial endeavors. The facts and straight reporting are not enough for that. So, he injects supposed emotional conflict - makes it into a soap opera.
Much the same as what's his name, "let them choose how they are to die," Mark Sullivan - except that Sullivan gives human emotions to buffalo and hippo.
Maybe they can team up. Instead of "Fire and Ice," they could call their safari film "Fool and Ass."
God save us all from so-called "celebrities" and their endless emotional and other insecurities.
Mike
Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer.
18 January 2008, 19:51
LeopardtrackI didn't get the whole 'Fire & Ice' thing either.
Just what was the problem between them, and if there was a clash in personality's, why does Marc hunt continue to book with a PH he doesn't see eye to eye with??
I don't get it.
18 January 2008, 20:00
Canuckquote:
Drama queen about says it - from what I can tell, he's a frustrated, wannabe movie star who is starved for attention.
I've only watched "Perfectly Shot Tanzania" or whatever it was called....my impression was exactly as above. The guy is all about "look at me, aren't I wonderful".
I think he should hunt with Mark Sullivan. If they don't have a massive blowup (like one would expect from 2 "alpha" males - using the term loosely, but I am sure they each consider themselves to be so), they would probably get along like gangbusters. Either way, thats probably the only time I would consider buying another one of either of their videos...curiousity would get the better of me.
Cheers,
Canuck
18 January 2008, 20:02
Bwana BundukiWhy does he need a PH to begin with? With his ability to orchestrate percect camp harmony, lead is crew, make the perfect shot and "correspond" with the animals why bother? He is in fact a tool.
Jeff
18 January 2008, 20:10
mscMR, I'm still rolling with laughter!!!
quote:
Originally posted by mrlexma:
Drama queen about says it - from what I can tell, he's a frustrated, wannabe movie star who is starved for attention.
He has made his hunting trips into competitive, commercial endeavors. The facts and straight reporting are not enough for that. So, he injects supposed emotional conflict - makes it into a soap opera.
Much the same as what's his name, "let them choose how they are to die," Mark Sullivan - except that Sullivan gives human emotions to buffalo and hippo.
Maybe they can team up. Instead of "Fire and Ice," they could call their safari film "Fool and Ass."
God save us all from so-called "celebrities" and their endless emotional and other insecurities.
18 January 2008, 23:17
Die Ou JagterDamn, after reading this string I had to read the article. I had never read any of his articles or watched any of his videos and now I wish my string had never been broken. What a waste and I don't blame it on SCI for publishing the article.
19 January 2008, 00:08
MacD37I, unfortunately, baught both of his first two videos at one time, at the DSC show a couple years ago, and that is a mistake I'll not repeat! Who ever said Mark W, and Mark S would get along just fine, may be a little delusional, because MS couldn't stand all of MW’s ONE SHOT KILLS, and they would have a shoot-out to see who got to shoot all the buffalo!
..........................
....Mac >>>===(x)===> MacD37, ...and DUGABOY1
DRSS Charter member
"If I die today, I've had a life well spent, for I've been to see the Elephant, and smelled the smoke of Africa!"~ME 1982
Hands of Old Elmer Keith
19 January 2008, 02:14
Blair338/378quote:
Originally posted by Canuck:
quote:
Drama queen about says it - from what I can tell, he's a frustrated, wannabe movie star who is starved for attention.
I've only watched "Perfectly Shot Tanzania" or whatever it was called....my impression was exactly as above. The guy is all about "look at me, aren't I wonderful".
I think he should hunt with Mark Sullivan. If they don't have a massive blowup (like one would expect from 2 "alpha" males - using the term loosely, but I am sure they each consider themselves to be so), they would probably get along like gangbusters. Either way, thats probably the only time I would consider buying another one of either of their videos...curiousity would get the better of me.
Cheers,
Canuck
Cunning plan, Canuck!
Verbera!, Iugula!, Iugula!!!
Blair.
19 January 2008, 02:15
Blair338/378quote:
Originally posted by msc:
MR, I'm still rolling with laughter!!!
quote:
Originally posted by mrlexma:
Drama queen about says it - from what I can tell, he's a frustrated, wannabe movie star who is starved for attention.
He has made his hunting trips into competitive, commercial endeavors. The facts and straight reporting are not enough for that. So, he injects supposed emotional conflict - makes it into a soap opera.
Much the same as what's his name, "let them choose how they are to die," Mark Sullivan - except that Sullivan gives human emotions to buffalo and hippo.
Maybe they can team up. Instead of "Fire and Ice," they could call their safari film "Fool and Ass."
God save us all from so-called "celebrities" and their endless emotional and other insecurities.
+1
Verbera!, Iugula!, Iugula!!!
Blair.
19 January 2008, 02:29
graybirdI too didn't understand his motive behind the article.
Graybird
"Make no mistake, it's not revenge he's after ... it's the reckoning."
19 January 2008, 04:53
WoodmnctryDang!---- I unfortunately tossed that issue in the process of moving my office!!--UGH!
G
OMG!-- my bow is "pull-push feed" - how dreadfully embarrasing!!!!!
19 January 2008, 06:18
jdollarthe very title of his first few videos should tell you all you need to know about his ego. and if any doubt about said ego lingered in your mind, the SCI article would definitely erased those doubts.
Vote Trump- Putin’s best friend…
To quote a former AND CURRENT Trumpiteer - DUMP TRUMP
19 January 2008, 08:19
SaeedI was going to find my Safari magazine and read it.
Now I think I will pass.
19 January 2008, 08:36
jetdrvrMe, too.
19 January 2008, 10:29
RIPI enjoyed Marc Watts videos until the "Fire and Ice" crybaby stuff. Pitiful big baby Marc.
19 January 2008, 16:04
studdogWhy would they print stories by Marc? It's just dribble! Another whiner and pacifier. Get him out of there!
"shoot quick but take your time"
19 January 2008, 18:18
Aspen Hill AdventuresDidn't he hunt with Peter Chipman and also have 'issues'? His experiences seem so unpleasant I wonder why he even bothers to go hunting.
Saeed, maybe you could have Walter read the article and see what his take is?
~Ann
19 January 2008, 18:27
Blair338/378quote:
Originally posted by Aspen Hill Adventures:
Didn't he hunt with Peter Chipman and also have 'issues'? His experiences seem so unpleasant I wonder why he even bothers to go hunting.
Saeed, maybe you could have Walter read the article and see what his take is?
Cunning plan with Walter, Ann
Verbera!, Iugula!, Iugula!!!
Blair.
19 January 2008, 18:38
D99He post on here occasionally, maybe he will read this and tone down his next DVDs.
I won't buy another one unless he does one on Central Africa. The YO one is fantastic!
19 January 2008, 23:17
Bwana MojaHi guys and Ann. This is Marc. The negative tone regarding some of the posts on this board is astounding sometimes. I could easily take the cheap way out and say these comments are not worth dignifying, but as a media professional I'm a strong proponent of the first ammendment believing everyone is entitled to his and her opinion. So I'll address some of the louder points.
1) Fire & Ice was a reference to the overall tone of the safari. In the end it worked out well for Andrew and I and we're both on record stating that. We both worked through our differences and in the process enjoyed a wonderful safari. All safaris are not just bang, bang bang, body count, instant rewards. Cultural exchanges and relationships are built throughout the process, and that was the essence of the story.
2) The safari was postive for both of us. There's no bitterness today and the conflict was not manufactured to hype the video. It is a realistic portrayal of exactly what unfolded.
3) I admit in the story I'm a slightly different kind of guy for a PH to hunt with and all eighteen of my safaris have been 100% pleasurable and successful.
4) I'm not a wannabe actor. I've enjoyed a successful media career yes, but have spoken out against staging, re-creations and foney re-enactments (i.e. jabbing animals with gun barrels knowing the animal is already dead, fake pointing and bino viewing and fake whispering to hype hunting drama. That's acting which in the hunting world is wrong.) What I write and produce is realistic Africa exactly as it confronts this hunter. I've never cut a single deal with any PH to state otherwise.
5) Peter Chipman and I were never locked in any sort of conflict. For anyone to suggest that is a flat out clear distortion of the facts. And when lies are written on this board, as hunters we've done ourself all a disservice.
6) MS and I have talked about hunting together on video. Stay tuned. He won't be doing much shooting though!
I may have missed some of the other points, but the above statements are responses to the "loudest" posts. I'll stack my commitment to Africa, positive portrayals in the safari world and ethical/realistic hunting up against anybody's in the industry. Those who make statements to the contrary are simply ranting, guessing, jumping on somebody's negative bandwagon and have not been exposed to my body of work.
I would not have been able to enjoy the safari success that I have if I were a Drama Queen. If anyone wants to chat with me feel free to come visit my booth in Reno. Call my mobile (773) 848-1957 or office (312) 226 4047, anytime. I am completely open about anything regarding my hunting; perception, misunderstandings or reality.
As I've stated before on this board, we have enough enemies from the other side. Post such as the above do a good job of also cultivating enemies within.
See ya in Reno and happy hunting,
Marc Watts
20 January 2008, 02:19
Jim Manionquote:
6) MS and I have talked about hunting together on video. Stay tuned. He won't be doing much shooting though!
HOLY SMOKES!
Will it be possible to get both of your heads in one shot?
We do indeed have more than enough adversaries who want nothing more than to ban all hunting. And unfortunately, the hunting tradition is not being passed on as it was when we were younger. Let us not forget that there is another generation of young hunters whose curiousity leads them to this site and others like it. For me, I would trade all of my past hunts and all of those in my future to insure that the hunting tradition is embraced by the next generation.
My take on the article - I read it this AM, and there was a little drama there. There were a couple of times where I was wondering where the love was. The "lessons learned" I took away from it was the importance of the fit with the PH, and not to let a perceived conflict get in the way of a successful safari. Most of us spend a lot of time selecting just the right rifle and reloading our own ammunition, but the PH part of the equation sometimes is overlooked.
With all of that said, this IS Accurate Reloading, and there is no shortage of opinion here. No one is immune from criticism (most of us have the scars to prove it!). And when you put yourself in the public eye, you tend to draw more than the usual amount of "critical introspection".
Happy hunting and best of luck.
SCI Life Member
DSC Life Member
20 January 2008, 03:50
Kyler HamannI may have read an article or two by Marc, but I don't recall seeing any of the videos so maybe he's quite different on tape.
BUT I happened to be randomly squadded with him a few years ago for several days of sporting clays competition. I felt he was quite a gentleman and generally a pleasure to be around.
He has a point too about sticking together to save our hunting and gun rights.
Often I get the impression that people ONLY watch the hunting videos/TV shows and read the articles/books to have something to complain about. If you listen in the hunting fields, at the shooting ranges and monitor shooting/hunting forums there's an amazingly biased ratio of us bashing our OWN compared to the antis (the TRUE enemy).
Kyler
20 January 2008, 05:40
yukon deltaMy conversations with Marc have been very pleasant. I think he would be an interesting person to have in camp and visit with. No matter what you think, the man takes his hunting seriously and knows where to place his shots. He also shows his misses so kudos for that.
If his style of hunt video turns you off then don't watch it. You need to keep in mind that his career is media based and this is what he does. I enjoy seeing videos that are produced and engineered well, which isn't all that common in hunting videos. We're all so used to seeing 1/2 crappy videos that when something like Boddington's and Watt's videos turn up everyone complains about how "commercial" they are. Think about it...
_______________________________
20 January 2008, 08:53
Ahmed Sultanquote:
the man takes his hunting seriously and knows where to place his shots.
Most of the "hunters" that go to Africa do that. Nothing to brag about one shot kills on African game.
Ahmed Sultan
20 January 2008, 09:13
yukon deltaI don't think Marc's shooting skills are common at all. He's definitely better than average and in better shape too. Again, not every shot but quite a few of them are just superb.
_______________________________
20 January 2008, 09:29
Ahmed SultanYukon I admit that I don't know about common shooting skills in your area. But in our area there is alot of mountain hunting and 300 yard shots on ibex and urial are normal and taken by hunters with average shooting skills. Perhaps that is why I don’t think that normal shots i.e. 125 yards on African game (which is much larger) require that much of shooting skills.
When I was in Tajikistan a hunter from Canada Shot his MP from a distance above 800 Yards that in my book is above average and not common shooting skills.
Ahmed Sultan
20 January 2008, 14:46
RIPquote:
Originally posted by Aspen Hill Adventures:
Didn't he hunt with Peter Chipman and also have 'issues'? His experiences seem so unpleasant I wonder why he even bothers to go hunting.
Saeed, maybe you could have Walter read the article and see what his take is?
Ann,
This Chipman "conjecture" seems to be the only thing on this thread that was baseless.
What do you know that the rest of us don't know.
Marc,
Now you know we don't like the soap opera stuff.
I've got all your videos except the latest. I'll get that one now, and enjoy it I hope, with no whining.
Good hunting, Bwana Moja.
22 January 2008, 00:15
G L KrauseMarc, If you are following this thread, I have three of your videos and love the production quality of all of them. However, I have never been too keen on your over-emphasis on the shot placement when killing these magnificent animals. I personally find it a bit distasteful to see you approach a beautiful trophy and hear the first thing that you say to be something like "Roll him over and lets look at that shot".
That being said, I give you the utmost credit and respect for answering these comments in a reasoned and unspiteful way, especially considering some of the nasty slurs that have been posted here. We can all disagree, but there's no need for all the name calling between brother hunters. Good luck in your future hunts.
"I envy not him that eats better meat than I do; nor him that is richer, or that wears better clothes than I do; I envy him, and him only, that kills bigger deer than I do." Izaak Walton (modified)
22 January 2008, 00:32
D99quote:
Originally posted by Ahmed Sultan:
Yukon I admit that I don't know about common shooting skills in your area. But in our area there is alot of mountain hunting and 300 yard shots on ibex and urial are normal and taken by hunters with average shooting skills. Perhaps that is why I don’t think that normal shots i.e. 125 yards on African game (which is much larger) require that much of shooting skills.
When I was in Tajikistan a hunter from Canada Shot his MP from a distance above 800 Yards that in my book is above average and not common shooting skills.
800 yards is a long ways to be shooting, especially on a $35,000 hunting trophy.
22 January 2008, 00:50
Canuckquote:
Originally posted by SableTrail:
Hi guys and Ann. This is Marc. The negative tone regarding some of the posts on this board is astounding sometimes. I could easily take the cheap way out and say these comments are not worth dignifying, but as a media professional I'm a strong proponent of the first ammendment believing everyone is entitled to his and her opinion. So I'll address some of the louder points.
1) Fire & Ice was a reference to the overall tone of the safari. In the end it worked out well for Andrew and I and we're both on record stating that. We both worked through our differences and in the process enjoyed a wonderful safari. All safaris are not just bang, bang bang, body count, instant rewards. Cultural exchanges and relationships are built throughout the process, and that was the essence of the story.
2) The safari was postive for both of us. There's no bitterness today and the conflict was not manufactured to hype the video. It is a realistic portrayal of exactly what unfolded.
3) I admit in the story I'm a slightly different kind of guy for a PH to hunt with and all eighteen of my safaris have been 100% pleasurable and successful.
4) I'm not a wannabe actor. I've enjoyed a successful media career yes, but have spoken out against staging, re-creations and foney re-enactments (i.e. jabbing animals with gun barrels knowing the animal is already dead, fake pointing and bino viewing and fake whispering to hype hunting drama. That's acting which in the hunting world is wrong.) What I write and produce is realistic Africa exactly as it confronts this hunter. I've never cut a single deal with any PH to state otherwise.
5) Peter Chipman and I were never locked in any sort of conflict. For anyone to suggest that is a flat out clear distortion of the facts. And when lies are written on this board, as hunters we've done ourself all a disservice.
6) MS and I have talked about hunting together on video. Stay tuned. He won't be doing much shooting though!
I may have missed some of the other points, but the above statements are responses to the "loudest" posts. I'll stack my commitment to Africa, positive portrayals in the safari world and ethical/realistic hunting up against anybody's in the industry. Those who make statements to the contrary are simply ranting, guessing, jumping on somebody's negative bandwagon and have not been exposed to my body of work.
I would not have been able to enjoy the safari success that I have if I were a Drama Queen. If anyone wants to chat with me feel free to come visit my booth in Reno. Call my mobile (773) 848-1957 or office (312) 226 4047, anytime. I am completely open about anything regarding my hunting; perception, misunderstandings or reality.
As I've stated before on this board, we have enough enemies from the other side. Post such as the above do a good job of also cultivating enemies within.
See ya in Reno and happy hunting,
Marc Watts
Marc,
Enjoyed your post, much more than the video. I do not mean that as a shot, but as a compliment, as you already know what I thought of the video based on my post above.
Anyway, thanks for taking the time to respond, thoughtfully and articulately. If I am ever in your company, I'd be glad to buy you a refreshment and explain what I dislike (and like...I didn't think it was all bad) about the videos, or just shoot the breeze about hunting and shooting.
And if you do hunt with Mark Sullivan and make a video, I'll stand by my word and buy it.
It will be the only Mark Sullivan video I ever buy again, but I might be more forgiving with yours based on your post above. Without the context, all we have is what we percieve...
Cheers,
Chris
22 January 2008, 00:58
Die Ou JagterThis forum and the hunting fraternity are like a family, siblings can knock the snot out of each other but let an outsider step in or say anything derogitory and they have the whole family to contend with, JMO.
22 January 2008, 01:38
crane
22 January 2008, 03:00
Bwana MojaHey I love all you guys and don't take any of the insults personally. (Just hate 'em when my son sees 'em.) But he's got big shoulders and his dad has been in the public eye from the moment he came into this world. So he's getting used to it.
Like Die said, we are a fraternity and I know I could count on any one of you if a wounded buff was charging me and I was all out of bullets.
Let's sew this one up here cuz I gotta a plane to catch to Reno. Now let's move on to some of the more important hunting matters of the day, such as whether Craig got married!
Cheers,
Moja
22 January 2008, 03:27
Michael RobinsonMarc, if you came across half as well in your videos as you have in this thread, they would definitely sell better and you would have fewer, if any, critics in the hunting fraternity, myself included.
IMHO only, of course.
Mike
Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer.
22 January 2008, 04:19
Aspen Hill AdventuresMarc,
Thanks for your detailed email, I really appreciate your time. To all who read, Marc is definitely a gentleman and a scholar and handled my criticsism very well. I will offer my apologies if you did not have a similar conflict with Mr. Chipman, I must have you confused with someone else. My bad.
One day I will take time to view your DVD's. They seem popular here and I respect a lot of the opinion posted by many of the A-R membership.
FWIW- I think if you do engage Mark Sullivan for a hunt it would be FAR too much drama for me!
Good luck!
~Ann