That is one fine mount. Congrats!

quote:

Originally posted by Savoir_Faire:
This is amazing.

You've recently been on every hunting forum in cyberspace with your hand out soliciting donations from hunters, most of whom will never be able to afford to hunt Africa once in their lifetimes let alone numerous times a year like you do on the various safari operator's dimes in exchange for favorable articles, to pay the medical bills resulting from your daughter shooting her tracker in the ass and now you are on here bragging about your Lord Derby Eland mount.

How much did that mount cost you? Three, maybe four thousand dollars?

You also claimed that you and Brittany are paying the trackers salary for the remainder of the year. What is a tracker's salary in Namibia? Maybe $75-$100 a month. You're a real generous guy.

Good grief, gimme a break.

You got it all wrong.....its your post thats amazing.

Your 5th post on this fine board & your attacking one of the better contributors? (keep up the good work)
Who cares how much his mount costs, last time I looked most folks are free to do what they will with their money.

Why beat on a dead horse in regards to the tragic event? I'm sure all involved are trying to forget it, and trolls like you cant let them.

If I were you I would take advantage of the "delete post" button, before several ppl hand you your ass on here!

quote:

Savoir_Faire
new member

Good grief, gimme a break.

SF,
How about STF up! Mr. Boddington wasn't the one who pulled the trigger, dimwit.


Craig,
I just took my first LDE several months ago so I still have some time on how I would like the mount done. I have to say that your's is one of the nicest I've seen.
A thought I'm pondering is going back to get a bongo and having a side by side pedestal done since they both come from the same region - albeit the LDE is savannah and the bongo rainforest.
Again, beautiful trophy. Congrats

quote:

A thought I'm pondering is going back to get a bongo and having a side by side pedestal done since they both come from the same region - albeit the LDE is savannah and the bongo rainforest.

GREAT idea ! with some creative basework that would look amazing ...

awesome trophy craig and from the stories you have told me , a very hard earned animal indeed. the harder you work the luckier you get !

Pedestal mount Bongo? Where is the justice in that?

Craig - Thanks for sharing and congrats.
Dan - Exceptional work.

SF - Apparently this animal was taken sometime prior to the accident, not that it makes any difference to the likes of you. Perhaps you should know that comments of this sort from new posters such as yourself establish no credibility on AR and will soon result in serious questions about your veracity. They might also lead to ban if they continue.

Semper Fi

Guys, thanks to all. I don't think Savoir-F (something)'s post deserves a reply, but there were a couple of good questions. The animal was taken in March 2008 and completed in February 2009 (damn fast, since that includes shipping time--I think it arrived from Cameroon in September), but I just now got it moved into position. I haven't seen enough LDE to have a proper opinion on the best time (and never will!), but the window for really good capes is short. The beautiful black collar is the winter coat. This cape/mane still has plenty of color, but they tend to lose the collar and get pale sometime in March, perhaps depending on the individual animal. I'm pretty sure the very best capes will be taken in January and February--and I'm also sure most of the color is gone by some time in April. A bongo/LDE on one pedestal would be the ultimate mount--there would be no question about which is the top African trophy, 'cause you'd have both of 'em together. (And then you could add a mountain nyala!) Caution: It would be huge! The LDE mount was delivered to my barn while I was away and it took four of us to get it into the house--just barely made it through the doorway. Take careful measurements not just where a big trophy will be displayed, but HOW YOU'RE GONNA GET IT THERE!

I do have too many mounts, have donated some, have others displayed elsewhere. I'm trying to be conservative--and if you watch the Tracks show carefully, I don't do much of the shooting these days! Also try to avoid duplicates--but I had to have that LDE mounted the best way possible, and I'm sure glad I did!
Regards to all, Craig

quote:

Originally posted by craig boddington:
"...but I had to have that LDE mounted the best way possible, and I'm sure glad I did!"

AMEN Brother!!!!

Calling Saeed: Looks like another one has landed!

looks like cow chip or his bosum buddy adrook is back. interesting that his personal profile has absolutely info about this troll. wonder why??

SF, I think you went too far. Hunting, and writing about it, and in recent years filming it, is what I do for a living, and except for some vacation time in the Green Machine, that's all I have done for 30 years. You don't have to like it, that's the way it is. If you'd read my post, you would have understood that the mount I posted photos of was commissioned 18 months ago, and was delivered in March, long before the accident. There's also nothing I can do about that. As far as liability goes, my partners and I have at least three Africa-based cameramen in the field at all times. We film many safaris that we are not personally involved in. We do this because we want to obtain the best footage we can, and because I take my role as "host" of our Africa-based shows seriously and literally: I have no desire to do all the hunting, and in fact physically could not, since we produce two shows totaling 39 episodes. None of the hunters we film are "in our employ" in any context, whether legal, moral, or otherwise, and we have no idea where, when, or if the footage we obtain might be used. It is simply a fact that there was a videocamera on this hunt. The camera captured nothing, but since it was "off" when the cat charged it established a timeline. We--the outfitter, PH, my daughter, the cameraman, the dog handlers, the driver, myself--have avoided no known facts, although there will always be conjecture regarding what actually happened during a very frightening 2.5 seconds. I should perhaps point out yet again that I was not present, so I have much less idea what actually happened than any of the participants.

As I have said many times, and perhaps will say again many more times in years to come, my role in this has been to support my daughter and my friends, whose respective liability has not been determined. The outfitter, PH, and the man who was injured are all friends that I have hunted with before. I did in fact cover all the initial expenses, which were horrendous, and then my resources were exhausted. I did this not out of guilt, but to support my daughter and my friends. Clearly SF believes that Punki's medical treatment should have been suspended at this point. I do not share that opinion. It is the first time in my life that I have asked for help. On behalf of my daughter and my friends I asked for help. I remain grateful to and humbled by the support of the hunting community. I would prefer to think that this generosity was based on the character of our group, and the understanding that this could happen to any of us, rather than my "celebrity." (I don't know exactly what that is, but I do know that it, plus about two bucks, buys a very small cup of coffee at Starbucks.) We are all grateful for the support, which includes the many thoughtful messages as well as generous contributions. As for you, SF, you are entitled to your opinion, and I am impressed by your forthrightness while you hide behind your screen name.
Let's not pile on this guy. Apparently that's what he wants. Cheers to all, Craig

Craig, Dont let the bastards get you down. There is always some pupo out there trying to stir things up. It was an accident pure and simple. You and Brittany stepped up to make things as right as you could. When it was obvious more was needed you swallowed your pride and asked for help. In doing that you donated a couple of your expensive toys to raise money. You supported Punki and also your daughter. Some people dont have enough things in their own life that they go trying to stir up drama. Reminds me of some barracks lawyers I have met over the years.
Give my regards to Miss Brittany. Hopefully I will see you all at SCI this year. I only get to go every couple years because of my job.
Semper Fi
Also congratulations on a great trophy. I am envious.
Cheers
Mike

Thanks, Mike, this stuff does get tiresome! SF, Craig

SF, go away, please.

Saeed or Don, please ban this idiot from our forums.

SF,

I've tried to keep my nose out of this one because obviously I'm a huge Craig Boddington fan, and my opinions can be viewed as completely biased.

Craig has given you more attention than you deserve and for good reason. What you are posting is out of ignorance. For 15 years of my professional life I was a Police Officer and 2.5 seconds can make you a hero or a zero.

When you make the decision to shoot or don't shoot in that split second of terror it will change your life forever. The rest of the world gets to set back in their easy chair and pass judgement on you while there is plenty of time to reason and think about what is best, where to shoot, why to shoot, I would have done this, I would have done that, and finally how they would have dealt with it after the dust has settled.

SF, take it from me that Ms. Boddington didn't have the opportunity to arm chair quarterback like you, and Mr. Boddington has used sound principals and judgement when dealing with the after math. I've lived these situations and seen them dealt with many times in the local media and the Boddingtons have done more than there share to make things right, including answering some of the very distasteful questions on this site.

Sorry to ramble but when you have been put in the position of trigger man the whole situation takes on new meaning... DAN

Craig, thanks for sharing. I see most of the hunters adore it but I'm a bit surprised that a few more taxidermists haven't commented. As a taxidermist, I do have a few comments but nothing like SF seems to be trying to spout. (The trouble with hunters is that too often we tend to eat our young because of personal greed and jealousy. SF, keep that crap to yourself.)

I understand Wildlife Gallery's eagerness to do a great job, and most of us love to hear our customers tell us, "Make it pretty." HOWEVER, from a TAXIDERMY standpoint, and in MY PERSONAL OPINION, I think they overdid it. Not a bad thing, but the Africa silhouette seems to outshine the focal point of the mount: the animal. The entire mount almost seems "too busy" which is a distraction from the beauty of the animal itself. I know I looked at those pictures for several minutes before I actually looked at the horns.

I know it's not "competition" work and most of us TAXIDERMISTS get a bit huffy about businesses who once catered to taxidermists now competing with us as well. There are thousands of skilled artisans out there who're doing commercial work every day that could and has competed successfully. That "competition" adjective gets thrown around a great deal in our industry.

Still, it's a very pretty mount with a lot of "wow factor" involved.

Thanks for all you give back to our sport, in spite of the jerks like SF who can always find something to take exception to.

George,

Thanks for your honest opinion. You are right about the "Competition" thing. I think the reason I even brought that up is because customers are asking that allot lately. It's the taxidermy industry that started that whole thing. I've competed and those days are behind me now. Can only take so much of that and you have to get out gracefully. Anyway I do respect your opinion and thoughts. Thanks again, DAN

George, thank you! Good critical discussion! This mount is particularly beautiful--but in general I tend to agree with your comments. Put another way, I wouldn't want a whole houseful of mounts like this. Most of my mounts are plain shoulder mounts, and my few lifesize mounts are pretty straightforward: standing lion, leopard on branch, standing bongo, Marco Polo, some of the pygmy antelopes, etc. I don't have any "action" mounts or "habitat" bases (partly 'cause I can't afford 'em, partly because I prefer simplicity, and always to conserve space). Hard to capture the effect with photos; on display the base doesn't overpower the animal, probably because the animal is so imposing. Just walked into the other room to take a look. The base of the horns is at my eye level, so it really is the animal that gets the attention. If the animal were smaller the base would be overpowering, but that isn't the effect at all in this case--it takes a while before you look down and notice it, and then it adds a whole lot. Of course, this is artwork, so we're talking about taste and personal preference.
Thanks, Craig

quote:

Originally posted by craig boddington:
George, thank you! Good critical discussion! This mount is particularly beautiful--but in general I tend to agree with your comments. Put another way, I wouldn't want a whole houseful of mounts like this. Most of my mounts are plain shoulder mounts, and my few lifesize mounts are pretty straightforward: standing lion, leopard on branch, standing bongo, Marco Polo, some of the pygmy antelopes, etc. I don't have any "action" mounts or "habitat" bases (partly 'cause I can't afford 'em, partly because I prefer simplicity, and always to conserve space). Hard to capture the effect with photos; on display the base doesn't overpower the animal, probably because the animal is so imposing. Just walked into the other room to take a look. The base of the horns is at my eye level, so it really is the animal that gets the attention. If the animal were smaller the base would be overpowering, but that isn't the effect at all in this case--it takes a while before you look down and notice it, and then it adds a whole lot. Of course, this is artwork, so we're talking about taste and personal preference.
Thanks, Craig

Interesting comment about scale Craig. It's difficult to appreciate the size of the animal and mount from the mount picture alone. The statement that the the bases of the horns are at eye level adds this perspective and makes the entire presentation even more impressive.

I am planning my LDE pedestal and a life size Harnessed bushbuck and lifesize Bongo right now and that has led me to ask this:

Is this more enthusiastic type of base more difficult to keep clean and presentable over time?

To SG Olds--I haven't a clue, I've never had one like this before!!!!! I guess I'll find out. I don't really think so, the surfaces will gather dust, but so does everything else.
Cheers, C

quote:

SF, now I know you. With luck, someday I'll know your real name.
Cheers, Craig

Craig,

Saeed has asked that I take any issues that I have with you offline and address them there. I stand by what I have posted previously but am more than happy to comply with Saeed's wishes and in that spirit I have sent you a PM.

quote:

Originally posted by SG Olds:
I am planning my LDE pedestal and a life size Harnessed bushbuck and lifesize Bongo right now and that has led me to ask this:

Is this more enthusiastic type of base more difficult to keep clean and presentable over time?

SG - I think all your taxidermy really needs to be dusted and cleaned twice a year at a minimum. I hate that part but it's just like any other piece of furniture you put in the house. As for the pedestal bases we build them with a smooth finish like a fine piece of furniture to make it easier to dust. The mounts themselves are very well preserved now days with commercial tanned skins. A feather duster and a damp cloth works just fine. The eyes are glass and can be cleaned with a Q-tip and windex. All in all it does create more cleaning in the house, office or trophy room... DAN

quote:

Originally posted by Savoir_Faire:

quote:

SF, now I know you. With luck, someday I'll know your real name.
Cheers, Craig

Craig,

Saeed has asked that I take any issues that I have with you offline and address them there. I stand by what I have posted previously but am more than happy to comply with Saeed's wishes and in that spirit I have sent you a PM. Time will tell if you respond.

I stand by my belief that you are an opportunist whose is more than willing to bullshit your fellow hunters for financial gain. If you want to know my real name I will be more than happy to give it to you in a PM and will no have no problem stopping by your booth to say hello at SCI next year. You are in the wrong here not me and you know it.

Craig has his choice if he wants to answer you.

But, this is my own opinion.

Why would Craig respond to your PM?
All you are showing is gross jealousy of a man who is doing what he loves, and others enjoy it and are willing to pay to read his books and see his vdeos.

You, and anyone else who does not like what Craig is doing, are not forced to support him. Don't buy his boks, and don't watch his shows.

Who is NOT an opportunist in one sense or another in this life? If we were not, we would not surivive. But we as humans have a choice as ell, to believe what we want or disbelieve others.

Many hunters, who have the experience in the field, can relate to Craigs stories and videos, hence his popularity. And the support he got for his daughters accident makes a lot of us hunters very proud that people who do not know him or his daughter personally were willing to help them.

He did not force anyone to help with anything, everyone who helped did it by their on free will.


"...You are in the wrong here not me and you know it..."

By the looks of things, the above statement is as far from the truth is it can get.

You can write Craig or go visit him at SCI, that is your choice. It is his choice if he wants to answer you or talk to you then.

quote:

Originally posted by cmfic1:
Your 5th post on this fine board & your attacking one of the better contributors? (keep up the good work)

It was only his 5th post under this alias. One doesn't need the olafactory sense of a bloodhound to smell this turd entering the room.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
It is his choice if he wants to answer you or talk to you then.

He did respond to my PM and I appreciate that. He had mistaken me for someone who had sent him abusive PMs previously, I am not that person.

Also, the amount of the wounded man's medical bills is apparently much higher and some of the injuries more serious than what is evident from reading prior threads devoted to the subject.

I actually do buy his books and watch his videos, any criticism was not motivated by jealousy or dislike of his books and things. I have enjoyed them all.

We sort of agreed to disagree and I will say no more. I have went back and edited some of my prior posts on this thread for that reason.

Craig B.
Back to the post!!!
Very nice, most exceptional piece of art.
I want to ask you about some autographs if I may I will PM you.
I will see you in Dallas.
Larry
Clovis, NM

Great job there, General!

And yes, gentlemen, Don Slater is my real name and I do live in Shelby, Ohio!

Dan--

I was not being critical I was just thinking of the leaves and twigs which are the devil to keep dust free compared to the animal. I think that it is just the cost of having a nice complex mount.

Thanks for your reply.

I hate to see a good forum tainted with people like Savoir_Faire, it is a big downer.
Craig there are many of us who enjoy what you have provided, and hope you will continue

As a 30 year GI, I think you can rest reasonably well that General Boddington isn't a virgin to someone with a stray hair up their butts. It may be sad, but think of it this way, if it weren't for the bitter SOB's in this world, we'd never be able to truly appreciate the sweetness of others.

As a Chief in the Air Force, I knew just by walking into a room I was gonna piss of at least half the people there simply because I was breathing. I've probably done the same on this website. Never changed my attitude or my drive towards satisfying my own principles. If you're at 50%, you're still better than our President and all our congressmen. Life is good.

For everyone reading.

There is a wonderful feature called Ignor.
If you will click on the name of SF and look at the drop down you will see the ability to IGNORE.
By doing so you will not have to read anything written by this person. AND THEN If no one answers the inane comments these type of posters make we will stay on track with the positive posts we begin with.
Frank
Frank

Craig, thank you very much for the post and for letting us in on your Taxidermist- Very Creative. The closeups really added to my enjoyment and appreciation of the mount. These go into my file for the future.
Frank

Thanks to all for your kind words. S-F and I have had a further private exchange, and I think we understand each other a lot better. I'm looking forward to meeting him at one of the shows.
Let's talk about hunting!
Oh, I dusted the eland this morning..along with the rest of the stuff!
Regard to all, Craig

I have also deleted an earlier post. I had mistaken identity on S-F. In the previous flurry of negative stuff I got one particular PM that made extremely lewd comments about my daughter, which I'm sure we all agree is off the page--and sure to boil the blood. That "gentleman" is no longer on AR, but I mistakenly thought he had resurfaced as S-F. This is not the case, and I'm okay with S-F. I can take criticism, although that isn't why I post on this forum--just keep it clean and avoid personal attacks.
Thanks, C

quote:

just keep it clean and avoid personal attacks.

Amen

Craig, I would like to ask you to keep posting on this site as your insight is well appreciated. JC

I would like to thank you for continued posting and for sharing with us all.

I also apologize for those lacking the personal character it takes to communicate with others without resorting to ridiculous personal attacks.

I really enjoy your writing and especially enjoy yours and others sharing your African Experience.
Frank

I would very much like to see photos of Mr. Boddington's other work. If I recall correctly his first LDE was in CAR and was a grand hunt.
Hunters are just people and not realizing that makes you surprised by the conduct of SF types.
The man sacrificed a lot in the service of this country which seems to be way over carrying capacity in jack-asses.
This increasingly rare American thanks you Mr. B.

quote:

Originally posted by Frank Martinez:
I would like to thank you for continued posting and for sharing with us all.

I also apologize for those lacking the personal character it takes to communicate with others without resorting to ridiculous personal attacks.

I really enjoy your writing and especially enjoy yours and others sharing your African Experience.
Frank

+1, I really like your writing and I am jealous of all the experiences you get to go on. But I am not one that I am so jealous that I have to attack you for being able to do what I dream about. I have been able to make it to Africa a few times, going in October again for some plains game, but you have been places I wish I could make it to and hunt some of the animals that are truly incredible.

By the way I love the Derby Eland mount.

Thanks, guys. We're past this, let's talk about hunting!!!! Regards to all, Craig