oldelkhunter, I beg to disagree with you on the subject of guides using Swarovski optics. I have been on several hunts where the guides used them.

On a hunt in Idaho, the guide used Swarovski 10X42 binocs. In Texas, the guide used 8 X 56. In Alberta and BC, both guides used them. On the latest hunt in BC, my guide used a Swarovski spotting scope and a pair of 10 X 42 binoculars.

Guides who are really professional spend money on their optics. More often than not, I find they have better stuff than I do when it comes to binoculars and spotting scopes. Their other gear may be a bit spartan, but they spend money on what makes them money.

As to hunting shows, I seldom watch them. I had one experience where I was on a hunt where one of the " Great White Hunters" was filming footage for a show. It left a horrible impression on me when they dragged a buck around for three days and wasted the meat (spoilage). Most of these guys are self-promoters of the highest water. Hunting is just a business to them. If it doesn' t make them money, they aren' t interested.