Guys,
I appreciate everybody's opinions so far. This is definitely the best website and family of traditional archers I know. Let me do a better job of defining my intentions.
1. I want to do a video that shows "the heart and soul" of a traditional bowhunter. By that I mean, when we are excited, expect to see excited. You won't get any precued "Holy Moses!" or other contrived exclamations for the camera, but you will see some folks who love making good shots on game. I don't expect any high fiving, but the situation will unfold as it unfolds, neck hugging, happy dancing and all...but never with any disrespect to the animal who's life was taken.
2. I think kill shots are essential to making a good instrucional video. The vitals on African game is different than on most of our North American critters, and showing proper shot placement is essential to educating future hunters. I don't, however, intend this to be a blood and guts sort of movie. I am not going for a gore effect, but neither do I want to seem ashamed of the actual act that culminates from a successful hunt.
3. I intend to show a lot of African scenery and wildlife. We actually have some non-hunting days scheduled to see other game and non game species as well as take in the African culture and countryside. There is a lot to experience in Africa outside of shooting critters.
4. I have been thinking a lot of detailing proper practice routines, packing, expectations, travel, finding the right PH, equipment choices, etc. This is really where my dilema lies. I don't know how useful, fun, and informative this would be to the average viewer. If you guys want it, I will do it. Like I said, you could always fast forward to the other stuff. I spend a good deal of time answering questions to guys who are planning a trip and had a million questions of my own when I started. If it would be beneficial, I will put it in. I just don't want to bore anybody to death.
5. I will do my best to leave out the "silly music"
, but please bear with me if a little traditional African music slips in.
6. I, too, like to hear about what equipment everyone uses, and will be sure to include some of this without sounding to much like a commercial.
7. Katman and Dustin, I like both of your ideas very much, and will try to work them into the format.
Guys, I really appreciate each opinion. I know that I will not be able to make everybody happy, but I want to provide a product that does a service to my friends here, while remaining true to who I am as a hunter. The best part is, this video is going to involve several of your friends here on Tradgang. This is really a grand experiment as most of us have never met in person. Our relationships were developed on this site, and the work you see will have culminated from that. Keep the input coming. Best wishes, Brady