Q&A with Boddington

[saed]

Conrad typing here. I've filmed Craig's shows for over a decade and am helping him with some of his online activity.

Now that we've realized what a resource this site is, we're going to try something. Craig gets quite a few questions at our booths, but we also know many of you don't make the conventions. If you have a question you've always wanted to ask him, please share and I'll get his answer for you as quickly as I can. I'll relay the questions since he's on the move so much and has a million obligations.

What question would you ask Craig if you ran into him at a convention?

 

[greyfox]

First, I had the honor and privilege of meeting Craig (COL Boddington) a few years back.
I recently read of his Weatherby Award - Congratulations.

One question: What does he do with the trophies? Are they all mounted? He must have a mansion to display all those heads!!

 

[mark-hunter]

Dear Conrad,

I have read most of Craigs books, three for his first 3 decades on African hunting (and waiting to get now the fourth one), on rifles: "safari rifles 2", and "Make it accurate", and finally "African experience" which is in my view must read for every modern day African hunter. A master piece on african literature,

So, I have a feeling I already know him!

Now that you guys came with this great initiative, I must admit that you caught me by surprise and can not squeeze any question at this point!

Anyway, I must say I feel very privileged to have this option now to have a chance to have my question enlightened by Craig, and to be member of this community with you guys!

Thank you for joining here, and welcome to the forum!

 

[seattlesetters]

Craig - Is there a “garden variety” African plans game animal that surprised you by either making a very beautiful trophy or perhaps by how intriguing it was to hunt?

I’m not talking about something exotic or expensive like Bongo or Sitatunga, but something that a first-timer might include but not normally consider?

 

[cpr0312]

Which would you prefer,? .404 J or .416 Rigby and lets say ammo availability is not a concern.

 

[Pheroze]

Have you had an opportunity to hunt with the 400 H&H that you wrote about? What are your thoughts on this caliber as an alternative to a 416 Rem Mag or Rigby?

 

[mark-hunter]

Dear Craig,
I know that Africa is main focus of your hunting activities, but I was wondering if you are planning to come back to Croatia in the long term and what species might interest you to hunt?

 

[ThomasBeaham]

You are allowed only one more safari. [Gasp!]

Where would you go, and what would you hunt?

 

[flat8]

Craig - how do we win the hearts and minds of the next generation of hunters?

 

[IdaRam]

No questions, just welcome and glad to have you here Craig and Conrad both.

 

[Adam S]

If I were able to speak with him, I would like to compliment Craig on his writing skills. I have thoroughly enjoyed his books and articles and learned quite a bit in the process. While I don't get to go on hunting trips very often, but reading about his adventures is the next best thing. Thank you!

 

[CAustin]

I recently met Craig at the Kansas City SCI Chapter show. Pictured above he was fully engaged with several attendees, including AH members @Art Lambart II, myself and @Shootist43, answering various questions. He is a captivating speaker. I bought his book on the African elephant, which he graciously autographed, and read it on a couple of plane rides.
Simply put he seems to be an all around good guy.

 

[saed]

Conrad here.

Thanks for the welcome and kind words! I sure wish I would have engaged with this site years ago. Great info and pleasant people.

Craig is going to do a Facebook Live session on Saturday at 2:30 PST this Saturday (March 31) and will answer all these questions then. I'll do my best to jot down his answers in case you're unable to join him.

Feel free to add any questions between now and then!

 

[BenKK]

G’day Craig! I’ve bought a few of your books over the years and thoroughly enjoy them. I’d like to ask about your hunt for feral camels and donkeys. I used-to play my little part in trying to manage these feral animals in our beautiful Simpson and Gibson Deserts. Cheers, Ben

 

[Catchaser]

Welcome aboard. Look forward to seeing responses to the questions.

 

[rinehart0050]

Greetings COL Boddington and team. I recently had the pleasure to meet you and get your newest book signed. Thank you for that and thank you for all your contributions to hunting and conservation.

Which of the more exotic spiral horns would you recommend pursuing first, taking into consideration safety, political unrest, and potential closures of hunting in the respective countries?

 

[Dr Ray]

What’s the hardest animal you’ve had to hunt in the continent of Africa and where and why?

 

[mark-hunter]

Dear Craig,
On this forum, from one of the members I have learned that you have shot recently your 100th buffalo.
Out of this 100, how many times did you experience buffalo charge?
Thank you!

 

[Adam Stevens]

Any advice for the next younger generations of hunters who still hope to have some of the opportunities past hunters have been able to achieve. Restrictions, political climate, mainstream media, costs etc.


Really enjoy all your books I’ve read and can’t wait to add more to the library.

 

[saed]

I got all these to Craig! See you on FB tomorrow (Saturday, March 31) at 2:30 PM Pacific Time. Thank you for all the great questions.