Is Richard Auckoo Fowler the Iquitos Scoundrel?
Is Richard Auckoo Fowler the Scoundrel of Iquitos Peru?
Richard Fowler, one of the controversial “characters” of Iquitos, is under attack again. I have been following along on several forums and blogs, such as this entry, Two Gringos Swindled by Another Gringo in Iquitos, in the Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree forum.
By far the most literate and entertaining blog with references to Richard Fowler is Going Feral in South America. The post, titled The Sloe Tide, has this exerpt:
“You frighten me Richard Fowler,” hissed a weary and cross-legged Frederick Noble. Peppery perspiration was stained and seeping through his Amazon shirt made only from the most gore-texy of gore-tex items. Richard Fowler grinned as his sinewy bulbs of knuckle searched over to Noble and fished into the blimp owner’s breast pocket for a cherry cheroot. He struck the waterproof-ed match and lit his tube of fire. Noble watched the gaunt and possibly drunk man inhale. The smoke lingered beneath the foliage and banana leaves before being expounded by beams of dusty sunlight cutting into their cavity of canopy.”
There are very few Gringos working in tourism in Iquitos, so I know Richard Fowler. We are neither partners nor competitors. I am not writing this to attack or defend Richard Auckoo Fowler. I am writing this to tell it like it like I see it. That is what I do.
Many of the accusations are probably true. Fowler is an alcoholic, and possibly a drug user. His documents may not be in order. He can wear a person out just by talking, and most of the stories are about his exploits and Auckooisms.
Richard’s niche is mostly hard core, adventurous, soldier of fortune, survivalist types. His tours are rough, with few comforts.
He can identify nearly everything in the rainforest by its common English, Spanish, and scientific name and knows their ethno-botanical use. He can enter the deepest, densest remote area and, most importantly, get back out again. He can call in jungle cats. He has stalked and captured one of the rarest mammals on earth, an Amazon Wild Dog. These qualities place him among the elite guides.
I know two older gentlemen who will not go to the jungle with anyone else. He is strong; they use him for a walking stick.
Richard charges $50 per day or $100 if it is one person. One of the complaints is he was getting rich while not paying the natives enough. That complaint is crazy. He is not getting rich. He can’t pay the rent. I wouldn’t take you across the river within sight of Iquitos for $50.
Do not pack your preconceptions into the Amazon Rainforest. Unskilled hard labor right here in Iquitos is $3 per day. For a Matses indigenous a hundred miles up the Rio Yavari, $3 per day is a windfall. It is $3 more than they would have if Richard Auckoo Fowler did not take a few adventurers to them.
A person whose internet name is J Hampshire has pursued the vendetta against Richard Auckoo Fowler. Apparently J Hampshire had a bad experience with Fowler. Auckoo claims he has no idea who J Hampshire is.
I admire the effort that J Hampshire has put into this cause. He has contacted every paper in Iquitos, posted on lots of blogs and forums, and tried many other methods to ruin Richard. Fowler’s rap sheet is all over Iquitos, Florida, the internet, and thus the world. I have examined it carefully.
It is interesting how small events change the course of a person’s life. Auckoo’s problems with the law started out with an assault and battery, then a disorderly conduct, then an assault and battery, and then there are several years with no infractions. I bet the judge said, “Son, you like to fight and cause trouble. Either join the armed forces and go to Viet Nam or go to jail. Which will it be?”
“Viet Nam, your honor.” In Viet Nam, Fowler learned to be really dangerous.
In 1975 he was charged with transporting explosives with intent to do harm to life and limb. It is important to note that all charges were dismissed.
In fact all charges were dismissed until 1996 when he paid a $253 fine and spent some time in jail. When you look closely at Fowler’s rap sheet, all but one of the charges were dismissed. He paid his fine, served his time, and made a new life. Let it go.
Fowler may be a seriously flawed human being. J Hampshire may be a good person with every reason to be angry. However, in my opinion, J Hampshire crossed the line when he swift-boated Richard Fowler’s military service.
Richard Fowler, while serving in the 101st Airborne at the age of 19, fought to recapture the city of Hue during the Tet offensive in late January and early February of 1968. I am asking you, as a point of honor, do not swift-boat Richard Fowler’s military service. No matter what Richard Fowler’s other faults may be he is an American hero.
I am sure this post will be controversial and I look forward to reading the comments from anyone that has been on an expedition with Richard Auckoo Fowler, both pro and con.
Is Richard Auckoo Fowler the Scoundrel of Iquitos Peru?
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Bill Grimes
Great post, interesting, unique. I wish there was a photo here without the makeup. Note, it looks like I am traveling to Peru in late February of 2007. I think time to say hello to all the usual suspects.Hope they do not swift-boat me, is this used correct with Wally or he took the Swift Boat on his ona. Andy in Bankgok November 2007
Andy of HoboTraveler.com — Submit Hotel URL
Comment by Andy of HoboTraveler.com — November 17, 2007 @ 3:24 am
I am still in shock after seeing the terrible crimes that Richard Fowler was arrested for in Florida. His “rapsheet” posted at www.geocities.com/richard_aukcoo_fowler clearly shows that Fowler was arrested on 8 different occasions and charged with 13 crimes and was convicted 7 times. Indeed Fowler was convicted of transporting bombs! I shudder when I think of how I was alone with this sick criminal in the jungle. This is not a very good recommendation for someone you want to trust your life with in the jungle. Ask yourself, what kind of person uses bombs to hurt other people? I was extremely naive to have believed and trusted this conman.
Believe me, the Amazon jungle is not the kind of place you want to be unprepared, and unprepared is an understatement when talking about one of Fowler’s tours. He didn’t even bring a water filter. He forced me to drink filthy river water that gave me parasites that ruined my health. It’s a wonder that I didn’t get malaria too considering the mosquito net he gave me that was full of holes. Being alone in the jungle with Richard Fowler was pure hell! Early in the morning he was already too drunk and drugged to walk. He couldn’t even stand up or talk coherently, much less lead a tour. Incredibly, the most dangerous thing I encountered in the jungle was Richard Fowler’s ego. He constantly bragged about himself and how great a guide he was. Also he was very rude and threatening to me, and I was alone in the jungle with him, a woman.
Swindling a naive tourist is one thing, but abusing natives is really a terrible thing. I was really shocked at the lack of respect that Richard Fowler had for the Indians guides. What’s worse, he got the Indians drunk after the trip and did not share any of his huge profit with them.
Besides swindling tourists and abusing natives, Fowler is disrespectful of the wildlife. He offered to give me a gun to go hunting. He told me that it was legal because he had a Peruvian gun license. Destroying wildlife is not exacting what I was expecting when I signed up for Fowler’s tour. Fowler was indeed convicted of trafficking in wildlife (”poaching”) in Florida (Arrest 7) and continues to destroy the wildlife in Peru.
To make a long story short, the trip ended in the police station and the tourist office with me getting some of my money back. My report is with the Tourist office, and I saw other reports on the Internet about him, in fact, when I was with him at the police station last year, he did not have a working permit and his visa was two years out of date, so I’m very surprised and disappointed he is still operating out of Iquitos.
Please do not be naive and believe Fowler’s lies that he is a war hero. This is just part of his con. What evidence is there? Absolutely none. Fowler says he won four bronze stars but checking the US Government archives at www.archives.gov reveals Fowler is lying with no record of a Richard Fowler receiving any bronze stars.
Please don’t be foolish and put your life in the hands of this convicted felon posing as a tour guide, and please don’t let Richard Fowler continue to abuse natives and destroy wildlife.
Veronica Barrett
Comment by Veronica Barrett — November 17, 2007 @ 11:00 am
Veronica, you are a liar. Where does it say he was convicted 7 times. I see one conviction. Your credibility is zero with me. How much did you tip the indigenous? Did you even read my article or did you just cut and paste this shit on my blog? You had to swift-boat him didn’t you? That is an absolute insult. What have you ever done for your country? Go ahead, impress me.
Comment by Bill — November 17, 2007 @ 11:15 am
I am no fan of Richard Fowler, we nearly came to blows in March 2005 when I printed an article in the Iquitos Times entitled “Gringo Guide Frauds Fellow Countrymen”
this was the english translation of an article printed in the local newspaper “La Region”.
However, I did go with Richard Fowler and 2 tourists in October 1999. We went and camped at a remote lake some 5 hours trek from the village of Capitan Clavera
on the Ucuyali River. We had a fantastic trip.
It is my considered opinion that most of the trips he makes are very good (I have spoken to some of his clients), but like any business its impossible to satisfy everyone, so some complain. I blame Fowler for this because his expeditions are hard and are not for old men,old women, children or pussies.
Tahir Shah the acclaimed travel writer wrote a best selling book called “The Trail of Feathers” ,Fowler was the guide for Tahir Shah on the 6 week expedition
researching the book. Tahir Shah dedicated his book to Richard Fowler.
Fowler takes about 10 groups of usually no more than 2 people per year into the jungle. He makes about $4,000 profit per YEAR and he supports his Wife and his 2 twin step daughters. He is always broke.
I am not defending Fowler I too am only telling it as it is. I would like to see some comments from the many people who have had good trips with Fowler.
To those that want to condemn him “Let those without sin cast the first stone”
Comment by Mike Collis — November 17, 2007 @ 11:58 am
I was with Richard on a three week cross country trip from Genera Herra all the way to the Rio Yavari to visit the Matses indigenous and participate in their sappho / frog ceremonies. The water was up at this time so we actually slept in hammocks in the trees. Richard kept us alive, seriously. He is by far the best guide in the Peruvian Amazon. When we seemed tired and bored, he’d go off and in 15 minutes come back with a tarantula on his shoulder. Huge! We’d pass that around for awhile too. He caught caiman, poison snakes, an andaconda and then took us fishing for piranhas. We caught several and cooked them up for dinner. He is amazing.
Why would someone like this jhampshire person want to take the time to actually ruin the career of someone? And that rap sheet you have posted? didn’t you see that all the charges were dismissed. And trying to bomb, i.e. KILL people? Where did it say that? Yes he was arrested for having bomb materials but no, they were not for killing people. And note too that that charge was dropped as well.
Jhampshire, you are a sick human being.
Auckoo Fowler is also a vietnam vet, 4 Bronze Stars for bravery, master sargent, high level black belts in several systems.
Perhaps Hampshire was just intimidated.
Comment by Jebt — November 17, 2007 @ 12:03 pm
Last year I was taken to visit the Matse tribe by Richard Fowler. It was a terrible trip, he was drunk most of the time, I hired him as a naturalist, and most of his information was of hero stories about himself. I paid him $100 a day, and the tribe carried our bags, showed us their land, gave us food and accommodation. For this he gave them $3 per day. When I complained, he threatened me. I managed on my return to Iquitos to get some money back for the trip. It was a deeply disappointing experience and very sad to see the indians being exploited. The tourist office were very sympathetic, and he did not have valid work papers. I’m very surprised to see that he is still being permitted to swindle tourists and abuse Indians. I am sure that tourists and Indians will continue to be exploited by him as long as he is in business in Iquitos.
The biggest danger of the Amazon River that I found was the runaway ego of this ‘naturalist’. BEWARE!
Comment by rani2000 — November 17, 2007 @ 12:06 pm
The Amazon was incredible and beautiful, and I would recommend the Amazon jungle as a trip to anyone. Our guide, Richard Fowler, was dreadful. He is an absolute expert on nature but is also an irrational, irritable individual prone to being drunk for much of the daylight hours of the trip and not focusing on actually getting into the jungle on walks/trails. He focused more on disappearing for a few hours, with little explanation on his return other than attempting to insult us by telling us very loudly that we were ‘just like Americans, with their need for instant gratification’ (he is American, and we had asked where he had been for the last three hours). I hope you pick a better guide. Either way, not even this experience can take away from the beauty of the Amazon–a truly magical place.
Comment by D B D — November 17, 2007 @ 12:10 pm
Veronica, from the way that you have chosen to bastardize Richard, it is easily seen that you are an ugly woman - Mentally and physically. It is exactly as Bill has written concerning Richard’s rap sheet. Yes, he was arrested many times but as you can CLEARLY see, the charges were dropped, except for one. There is not another person that I would feel comfortable with in deep jungle other than Auckoo. Hell, when my son came here to visit me and asked that we go out into the jungle, I could have done that easily enough, but I told him that he would learn much more if he went cross country with Richard, and so he did. It was high water, flooded jungle, they slept in trees, etc. an experience of a lifetime.
Who are you to harass Richard because he bought beers for his workers? Isn’t it their place to complain about that? And do you really believe that they have complained? They love it when Richard comes. They get WORK and they get paid for it! And why would Richard give or share his profits with them after a trip is finished? What an insane idea. Is that what you do when you hire people to do a job for you? Who in their right mind does this? Just goes to show that you are as crazy as you appear in your post.
And if you two really had that many problems while you were in the jungle together, why bother to say to us that Richard offered to put a gun in your hands? You are dreamin’ girl.
Richard is a family man, married to a Peruvian and he raises her two twin daughters. THAT’S WHO HE SHARES HIS PROFITS WITH!
And as of about 7 years ago, you do not have to have papers saying you are a guide. Anyone can take people out to the jungle. Before that, you technically had to be a Guia Official and they done away with that now and didn’t have it when you were here.
If I remember correctly, aren’t you the woman that also asked him to take you to a shaman so you could do a ceremony? And when Richard took you there for the Ceremony, he waited for you the next morning at the house and when you arrived you were pissed off because he left you there? Did Richard tell you that he wanted to be in the Ceremony as well? What did you want? Have him sitting there with you holding your hand? You were in good hands already. And aren’t you the same person that took a 6 pack of beer with you and then got irritated when the beer was gone and you only drank a couple of cans? Blamed that on Richard too, didn’t you? It was not Richard that took those beers dear. It was those indigenous that you believed he should have given some of his profit to. Hahahahhahahahahah You bleeding hearts that don’t live here in the jungle and think you know what’s going on. You’re probably one of those that believes that the Peruvian jungle is burning down, right? Probably believe that tbe dolfins are in danger, right? Probably think that piranhas will eat you if you get in the river, right? And on and on and on. Give me a break! I bet you tell your story of being in the jungle with this evil Richard Fowler every chance you get, right? And why do you keep telling it? Because you had the trip of a lifetime and you’ll never forget it. Wake up and smell the roses girl.
Comment by alan shoemaker — November 17, 2007 @ 12:14 pm
If I was told that I was going to be taken 100 miles from Iquitos and left there in the rainforest with only a machette, a compass and any jungle guide from Iquitos then I would choose Fowler every time.
Comment by Anon — November 17, 2007 @ 12:29 pm
Veronica, let me repeat, you are a liar! First of all, I have had hundreds of conversations with Richard Fowler and not once did he ever say he was awarded a bronze star. Given that he is pretty proud of his service that seems odd that he never mentioned so praise worthy as four bronze stars to me but you claim he told you he had four of them. I can see with my own eyes that you lied at least once in your comment so why should we believe anything you say?
Richard and I were in the city of Hue, Viet Nam the last days of January and the first weeks of February 1968. Historically that time period is known as the Tet Offensive, some call it the Massacre at Hue. Maybe you have heard of it? You can check the records or you can take my word for it. I do not know if Richard was awarded the bronze star or not, and that has no bearing at all on whether he is a hero. I personally know hundreds of heros with no medals and you probably do also but are not aware of it. I find it very offensive that you think a person has to have a bronze star to be a hero or to deserve respect.
I just took your advice and spent two hours on the internet trying to find a list of Bronze Star recipients from the Viet Nam War. There is no list available. The only way to access Richard Fowler’s service records requires this information;
Required Information
Your request must contain certain basic information for us to locate your service records. This information includes:
* The veteran’s complete name used while in service
* Service number
* Social security number
* Branch of service
* Dates of service
* Date and place of birth (especially if the service number is not known).
* If you suspect your records may have been involved in the 1973 fire, also include:
o Place of discharge
o Last unit of assignment
o Place of entry into the service, if known.
* All requests must be signed and dated by the veteran or next-of-kin.
Veronica Barrett, there is no way you accessed Richard’s file. Did you know about the fire in 1973 that destroyed the records? Of course you did. You are one disgusting human being. If you had not swift-boated his military service, I would not even be after you right now. But you did. You are a liar with zero credibility. You should stay away from me.
Comment by Bill — November 17, 2007 @ 2:56 pm
I just had lunch with Richard and asked him about the Stars. I was wrong. He does not have 2 or 3 Stars at all.
He has 5 And the Distinguished Service Medal as well AND a very Honorable Discharge.
Comment by alan shoemaker — November 17, 2007 @ 3:05 pm
To J.Hampshire.
Unfortunately I don-t know who you are,but anyway I want to thank you for the information about this man.It just shows me that it was right what I thought of him.I have told several people not to take his services,but unfortunately there are quite a few tourists who come to the Amazon and don-t think in conservation,but only in their private exotic adventure,without caring the least bit.
Comment by Anon — November 17, 2007 @ 6:59 pm
I have been going to Iquitos for many years taking tourists to the jungles, all my trips were light jungle,I am now retired,whenever I had someone that wanted a deep adventure, I would always recemmend RICHARD (AUKCOO) I have known him for at least 6 or 7 years,and I have found him to be an honest and very friendly person. All the people that I have heard from that took a trip with him were very happy with their adventure. but if you looking for an easy trip then you should not be looking for a trip with AUKCOO. I consider Richard a good friend that I hope to see every time I go to Iquitos.As for the bad mouthers I think you bit off more than you could handle. As far as I am concerned if I was going to go on a DEEP JUNGLE TRIP I would have Richard as my guide.And I hope to see him and all my fellow Iquitos friends,this year when I go in Feb.2008
Comment by AMAZONCHUCK-CHUCK HALEY — November 17, 2007 @ 8:46 pm
Bill,
Sorry you had problems trying to find records of military awards at the National Archives (www.archives.gov). The records are there and accessible online, you just need to know where to look. NO Vietnam era records were destroyed in the fire in 1973, and it only affected Army personnel discharged November 1, 1912, to January 1, 1960.
The names of the 80,701 recipients of military honors and awards during the Vietnam conflict are in the Access to Archival Databases (AAD). To search the database, go to-
http://aad.archives.gov/aad/fielded-search.jsp?dt=1457&tf=F&cat=WR28&bc=sl
This is the “Records of Awards and Decorations of Honor During the Vietnam Conflict.” If you enter the value “Richard Fowler” for the Name of Individual, two records come up. One of them was for a Richard E. Fowler of the US Navy who received a Bronze Star and the other was for a Richard Fowler of the US Army who received the Army Commendation Medal. There is NO record of a Richard Fowler of the US Army receiving either a Bronze Star or a Distinguished Service Medal.
Curiously, entering “William Grimes” yields a William H. Grimes of the US Army who was awarded a Bronze Star Medal. Is this you Bill?
In any case, it would seem that Richard Fowler never received 5 Bronze Star Medals and a Distinguished Service Medal as he claims.
Comment by John Carlson — November 18, 2007 @ 2:33 am
I will clear this up, one way or the other. He says, you said, we said, they said. I really don’t think he’s lying as he has told me about this for the last 8 years. That said, even if he is bragging, that’s all that is: Bragging. He’s still the best naturalist in this region of the jungle if not the entire Amazon.
Comment by alan shoemaker — November 18, 2007 @ 10:58 am
I just met with Richard and this is all cleared up now. I am very sorry to tell you
that Veronica is wrong. Richard A. Fowler does indeed have 5 Bronze Stars AND the Distinguished Service Medal.
As to why you can’t find it on the net, that’s your best guess. He has no idea. He can get something like a D2 to show
that he has them but that takes time and frankly, Why Bother? I know him and have no doubt he has the Stars.
Does he drink some beers when he is out in the jungle? Most of the time no, because where he usually takes people they don’t have beer stands. But when you get back to a sizeable village, then he would have some beers but that is usually WITH HIS PASSENGERS.
Comment by alan shoemaker — November 18, 2007 @ 12:49 pm
STOLEN VALOR
Alan Shoemaker, you as a DEA fugitive, have no credibility. Why do you insist on insulting the intelligence of everyone reading this board by saying that Fowler is not “lying” about receiving medals, only “bragging.” There is a big difference between lying and bragging.
Under the recently passed “Stolen Valor Act,” lying about receiving US military honors is a serious federal crime punishable by up to 31 years in jail and a $1.1 million fine. The need for the Act came about because of large numbers of fake military heroes like Richard Fowler. For more information, please see-
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/081107dnmetmilitaryscam.30310c2.html
To me, as a Vietnam veteran and recipient of a bronze star medal, I am deeply offended by someone who lies about having received military honors and awards. This is a great insult to those of us who did receive medals and we diminish the honor of our true heroes if we allow conmen, such as Richard Fowler, to lie and say they received military medals.
Richard Fowler’s lying about having received medals is not just bragging, it is truly CRIMINAL. Richard Fowler shame on you for claiming credit for acts of courage you did not commit!
William Jones
Comment by William Jones — November 18, 2007 @ 1:20 pm
This post has never been about whether Richard Fowler is one of the best naturalists in the upper Amazon. I believe we can all agree on that. This post asks the question, Is Richard Aukcoo Fowler the Iquitos Scoundrel? It is his character that is in question, not his knowledge of the rainforest eco-system.
I believe the only way to answer this question in a positive way is for Richard to produce some evidence that he is in fact a recipient of one of the highest awards for bravery in the armed forces. It might be possible that his information was not properly documented in the computer system.
Richard Fowler, I urge you to immediately file the paper work necessary to resolve the questions about your military service. Make that a top priority. In my eyes, if you present evidence of one bronze star, it could go a long ways to improving your reputation. Without some evidence or testimonial by one of your commanding officers there will always be a cloud raining on your parade.
Comment by Bill — November 18, 2007 @ 3:27 pm
#1 Thanks Andy the Hobo Traveler, I will be delighted to see you back in Iquitos next Feb. I doubt you will be swift-boated, but you never know around here.
#2 Veronica, you deliberately misrepresented Richard Fowler’s rap sheet.
#4 Mike, thanks for your insights.
#5 Jebt, your testimonial is interesting. Apparently he “bragged” to you about 4 bronze stars. Funny everyone seemed to know about all the bronze stars except me.
#6 Rani2000, again I do not doubt many of your charges about him being drunk, bragging and threatening. However, I know the Matses respect Richard more than most guides, and I doubt they felt short changed. I hope you left a tip for them, or helped them in some way. Also he did not charge you too much.
#7 D B D, I am sorry your Amazon experience was tainted. I know Richard is reading this, and I hope he will try to improve.
#8 Alan, apparently you know Veronica. I guess a lot of things went wrong for her. It is too bad she did not have a better experience. I hope Richard considers all of this as an opportunity to examine his interaction with tourists. As tour operators we can not make every one happy but there seem to be way too many complaints circling around Richards tours. Richard, what can you do better?
#9 Anon, I agree.
#11 Alan, none of us know what to think now.
#12 Anon, of course you are correct, and we all need to do our part to protect this wonderful area. One little old guide is not doing much harm. The threat comes from 400,000 inhabitants living off of and exploiting these precious resources. An education that includes birth control would be better than chastising one skinny old guide.
#13 Amazon Chuck, thank you very much for commenting on the Captains Blog. I agree with you and you made a good point. I wonder why women or city slickers would ever choose Auckoo, unless they wanted to test themselves. Women and people from the city, not accustomed to roughing it, would be much better off with Amazon Chuck or Dawn on the Amazon. On the other hand, soldier of fortune, survivalist, Rambos would probably not appreciate Dawn on the Amazon and they should choose Auckoo. I think that is a big part of the problem.
#14 John, thank you very much for this information. You have moved our dialog forward into a new area, and possibly more controversy. Do you know of any examples of soldiers slipping through the computer cracks and not being listed when they should be? My name is William D. Grimes, USMC, no bronze star. Most soldiers are heroes in my eyes. That is why I was angry that Richard was being swift-boated. It is important for Richard Fowler to show people like me some evidence of a bronze star. I was prepared to assume he was a hero, even though I had never heard of him having a bronze star. It would be nearly unforgivable to “brag” about multiple medals if it is not true. That would qualify him to be one of the Iquitos Scoundrels, so I do hope for his sake it is not true.
Curiously, entering “John Carlson” yields a John M. Carlson of the US Army who was awarded a Bronze Star Medal. Is this you John?
#15 and #16 Alan that is too lame. That sounds like George Bush looking Vladimir Putin in the eyes and seeing his soul. It is not cleared up. Cleared up would be you helping Richard find a photograph of the medals, or file the necessary paperwork to verify his service record. I think the information I posted in comment #10 is probably the place to start. Do it today.
#17 I appreciate your comment William Jones and honor your service to our country. However, it is still not absolutely sure that Richard Fowler is not a hero. I want to give him time to produce some evidence to back up his boast.
I found this in the FAQ page of the link John Carlson sent us; “There is not a record of all awards and decorations of honor presented during the Viet Nam war. We have determined that the majority of records are of awards presented to U. S. Army personnel, who served in units attached to the Military Assistance Command Vietnam or MACV. Such as MACV Advisory groups.
I would like to believe that Richard Fowler has been awarded a bronze star. I believe he is a hero, bronze star or no bronze star. Before you handcuff him, lets wait and see what documents can be found to substantiate his claim.
Comment by Bill — November 18, 2007 @ 6:19 pm
Fowler’s Hoax with the Bush Dog
Please let me introduce myself, being new to this blog. My name is Otto Runtz and I am a scientist from Germany who specializes in wildlife biology. Bill, with you permission, I would like to challenge and put to rest the myth that Richard Fowler is one of the best “naturalists” in the upper Amazon. As a case in point, I would like to use the example of his alleged capturing of one of the rarest mammals on earth, the Bush Dog (Speothos venaticus). I will prove that this is nothing more than one of his hoaxes, analogous to his scam that he was awarded 5 bronze stars for bravery.
The Bush Dog is a small animal, whose head and body are only about two feet long and weighs about 10 pounds. It has reddish-blond colored fur, small rounded ears and a short round muzzle. Please take a look at the images of the Bush Dog at-
http://saveamericasforests.org/Yasuni/Biodiversity/Bush%20Dog.html
http://www.arkive.org/species/GES/mammals/Speothos_venaticus/GES010891.html
One can see that the Bush Dog has very distinct characteristics and can be easily distinguished from the dark-furred, large pointed-eared domesticated dog (Canis lupus familiaris) seen with Richard Fowler in the photograph at-
http://www.iquitostimes.com/rfowler-amazon-bush-dog.htm
This is clearly a hoax perpetuated by Fowler and anyone can clearly see that the dog in the photograph with Fowler is a rather common mutt and not a rare Bush Dog.
Bill, you stated that Fowler’s capturing of a Bush Dog places him among the elite guides. I believe these photographs prove that Fowler’s ability as a guide is nothing more than that of a two-bit conman that underestimates the intelligence of others. No biologist with any kind of integrity or competence would ever try to pull off a hoax like this one. It is a myth that Fowler is an expert “naturalist.” Fowler has no education in biology and is merely a small-time swindler tricking naive tourists. What’s worse, as has been pointed out in this blog, is the fact that Fowler has no respect for wildlife and actually gives guns to tourists to kill animals.
This evidence should put an end to Fowler’s Bush Dog hoax and with it the myth that Fowler is an expert “naturalist.” Richard Fowler is merely a small-time swindler posing as a biologist working with a DEA fugitive posing as a shaman (Alan Shoemaker) to defraud innocent tourists.
Comment by Otto Runtz — November 18, 2007 @ 7:23 pm
Richard was 101st Airborne Division, 1st Brig., 2nd 502, Charlie Company.
Army Ranger.
http://www.geocities.com/c2502_101/index.html
Sargent - Squad Leader Tet Offensive, Hamburger Hill, etc. Grimes was there too.
Airborne 101
Find his body, turn him over and kiss his ass.
Check it out:
17 Alfa, Request Fire Mission / Fire for Effect Information on the computer to these sources concerned that I served with you guys with Charlie Company, that I was a Sargent and please follow this up with the facts that I did serve, was a Sargent, Bronze Stars, etc.
Under fire and costing me money and business and reputation. Cyber Terrisom attack by greedy competitors or jealous people, I don’t know but Fire For Effect Now.
He’s a bit pissed off right now from… especially others that served and that jump on the shit wagon of distrust.
Frankly, I am fucking ashamed at you too. You got a bronze or silver star and you what to threaten another military man, a Ranger with 5 Stars that was MACV? Two years in Nam doing this work. Trigger time the whole time?
KMA and turn your fucking medals in, you don’t deserve them.
Charlie Charlie Widow Makers don’t fuck around.
Comment by alan shoemaker — November 18, 2007 @ 7:50 pm
Richard was 101st Airborne Division, 1st Brig., 2nd 502, Charlie Company.
Army Ranger.
http://www.geocities.com/c2502_101/index.html
Sargent - Squad Leader Tet Offensive, Hamburger Hill, etc. Grimes was there too.
Airborne 101
Find his body, turn him over and kiss his ass.
Check it out:
17 Alfa, Request Fire Mission / Fire for Effect Information on the computer to these sources concerned that I served with you guys with Charlie Company, that I was a Sargent and please follow this up with the facts that I did serve, was a Sargent, Bronze Stars, etc.
Under fire and costing me money and business and reputation. Cyber Terrisom attack by greedy competitors or jealous people, I don’t know but Fire For Effect Now.
Target Area: www.thorntree.com (Lonely Planet) and www.dawnontheamazon.com/blog
He’s a bit pissed off right now from… especially others that served and that jump on the shit wagon of distrust.
Frankly, I am fucking ashamed at you too. You got a bronze or silver star and you what to threaten another military man, a Ranger with 5 Stars that was MACV? Two years in Nam doing this work. Trigger time the whole time?
KMA and turn your fucking medals in, you don’t deserve them.
Charlie Charlie Widow Makers don’t fuck around.
Comment by alan shoemaker — November 18, 2007 @ 7:51 pm
I havent known Richard for toolong, but I do know that he likes to assume you dont know something to be able to make things up on his own. Various times I caught him in a lie regarding animals and biology. I only called it on him once and he recived it like a gentleman. For me it is not all that difficult to think he is lying about his past but I also would prefer to belive he is honest. I do have respect for Richard, and all the people who I have met that have gone out with Richard have comeback stronger and or with differnt perspectives on life.
As it has been said, his trips are not for everyone and Richard realizes that. mabey he needs to pick his clients out better.
Alan, you are such a kiss ass, you may think he is the best naturalist guide in the Amazon, but i know of several other Peruvian and American naturalist guides. The reason, you know more herbalists than naturalists.
This will all hopefully come out in Richards favor as a learning experience and some good promotion
Comment by Anon — November 18, 2007 @ 7:54 pm
Anon, KMA.
I just tell the truth.
Comment by alan shoemaker — November 18, 2007 @ 9:10 pm
Hello Otto, welcome to the Captains Blog. We seem to stay knee deep in controversy around here. I hope you will stick it out and help us clean up our mess. Yes, point well taken about the bush dog. I have never seen one. I understand there are two species of wild dog here. Is that true? I don’t suppose the other one has pointed ears either? Otto, have you met Richard? Have you been in the rainforest with him? For me, one does not have to be “educated in biology” to be a good naturalist. He never calls himself a biologist, always a naturalist.
Another point that you make that I agree with is that Richard is “small time”. I am surprised at all of the attention he has generated. When I look around Iquitos I see a few really evil, mean men that should be in prison. Cocaine smugglers and dealers, thieves, and defrauders, I feel like this is a waste of energy over a little potato, when there are large potato dumplings that need locking up, for instance, see Is Gerald Mayeaux the Iquitos Scoundrel
http://dawnontheamazon.com/blog/2007/04/17/is-gerald-mayeaux-the-iquitos-scoundrel/
Comment by Bill — November 18, 2007 @ 9:31 pm
I just received this threatening email through my web site. Thought you folks might be interested in this;
name = Dale A. Joritz
email = djoritz5@yahoo.com
subject = Richard Fowler
comments = It was brought to my attention that YOU are questioning the
service record of Richard Fowler.
I served in Vietnam with Richard. We were both members of C company,
2nd Battalion 502nd Infantry Reg. 101st Airborne Division.
I can furnish records showing Richard was a member of the company and
among many other medals, he was awarded the Army Commendation award
(which my name is also on)
I can also give you contact information for our Platoon leader, Roger
Stallard, who is a retired Major. If you need more, I will give you
information for our Company Commander during Richard’s tour. Mac Hayes
(retired Col.) will also be happy to confirm Richard’s tour.
It is people like you, who have the nerve to question a man’s service
in the U.S. Army, that makes all of us veterans extremely PISSED OFF. We
see it as a slap in the face, when we have to validate our service to
those who only benefited from our service to our country.
Dale A Joritz
djoritz5@yahoo.com
C/2/502 101st Airborne
Vietnam 1968 - 1969
Comment by Bill — November 18, 2007 @ 10:07 pm
You fuckers that don’t use your real names should be sent to another planet. Get some fucking balls or get the hell out of here.
Comment by alan shoemaker — November 18, 2007 @ 11:03 pm
Take Cover.
Comment by alan shoemaker — November 18, 2007 @ 11:11 pm
Jeez Al, you seem to be getting upset. Mabey you know how the rest of the bunch feels when you never give a straight answer, or keep your story on one track. You?? tell the truth??? than KMA must stand for Kick My Ass, No thanks, I will leave that to the DEA
Comment by anon and keeping it that way — November 19, 2007 @ 9:53 am
COWARDICE UNDER FIRE
Why does Richard Fowler have to hide behind Alan Shoemaker just like Gerald Mayeaux is doing?
Don’t Fowler and Mayeaux have any balls? If they did, they wouldn’t be afraid to comment on this blog.
Fowler’s and Mayeaux’s cowardice with respect to this blog seems to confirm to worst about them.
Comment by John Stuart — November 19, 2007 @ 11:57 am
Dale Joritz just emailed me with a document attached that shows Richard Fowler, and Dale Joritz were awarded the Army Commendation Medal on the 18th of January 1969, General order # 586. He is going to email their commanding officer and ask for his comments on Richard.
He says you all have it wrong about Richard’s service in Nam. “He was Hard Corp and wasn’t afraid of anything. What took place with him before and after the Nam, is his life, and his alone. I can only speak for the time from 68-69.”
I agree with Dale.
Comment by Bill — November 19, 2007 @ 1:54 pm
Yes Bill, you are correct. There are two wild dog species and the photo we all have seen it the other species. Perhaps Otto did not know this so I will reserve comment about him.
Comment by alan shoemaker — November 19, 2007 @ 5:49 pm
Regarding the dog, there are 2 registerd species of canids in the neotropics (excluding colder climates)Atelocynus microtus the short eared dog and Speothos venaticus the bush dog. Honestly the dog that Richard is holding does not fit perfectly with photos of the other species. Is it possible that it is a third species of bush dog? or a sub species. The ears are not all that pointy and the fur matches that of a forest dwelling animal. The only thing really suprising are the small white patches above the eyes. I would like to see some more pictures and if possible another specimen alive.
It is not all that rare that a new canid species can be found for example there are over 5 species of canids in North America 3 species of cats and a couple types of bats.
The neotropics has 6 known species of cats
2 known canids and hundreds of species of bats.
I belive there are mammalian species to be found yet.
Comment by Antuco — November 19, 2007 @ 6:25 pm
OK ANTUCO, WHY WAS THERE ONLY ONE PICTURE OF THE DOG AND HOW ARE YOU GOING TO HOLD A WILD ANIMAL AS HE IS?
Comment by anon — November 19, 2007 @ 6:28 pm
Bill, I just received this revealing email from Hilton “Butch” Paxton and thought people might be interested. It seems the reason Richard Fowler can not produce evidence of his 5 Bronze Stars and Distinguished Service Medal is because he was never in combat, rather he may have been a “slacker” back in the rear.
from hilton paxton
to John Carlsonn ,
date Nov 19, 2007 4:21 PM
subject Re: Stolen valor by Richard Fowler of the C/2/502 101st Airborne
Sir:
I served with C/2/502 inf 101st Abn Division 2nd Plt. from 10/1/68 until 11/01/69. Their was no one named Fowler with us at any time during this period, at least in combat. May have been back in the rear with the rest of the slackers! Thanks and good work.
Hilton Paxton
Comment by John Carlson — November 19, 2007 @ 9:50 pm
Bill, you like all the hits you get?
And… Santa is not coming to town.
WWW.soga-del-alma.org
Comment by alan shoemaker — November 19, 2007 @ 10:50 pm
The dog is actually Atelocynus microtis, please refer to the pictures of the following website
http://www.animais.villenet.com.br/htmlgalerias/frame_especie_atelocynus_microtis.htm
He was only mistaken by the species and it is understandable because if you do searches using their latin names, the pictures for Arelocynus vary from rounded to slightly pointed like the one in richards possesion.
As for anon, he may have other pictures and he told me that after it accepted food from him, it became less aggressive. Being a hungry young female……….anything is possible.
I would like to know what Otto Runtzs name really is because i dont quite belive his story.
To further cocrete the mammal is Atelocynus refer to http://www.canids.org/species/Short-eared_dog.pdf
and compare the footpads to that of the dog in Richards photo
http://www.iquitostimes.com/rfowler-amazon-bush-dog.htm
Comment by Antuco — November 19, 2007 @ 11:06 pm
Otto???? no comment????
www.otorongoexpeditions.com
Comment by Antuco — November 20, 2007 @ 10:23 am
Fowler’s Hoax with the Bush Dog
Otto clearly revealed the hoax that Richard Fowler was trying to pull when he lied and said he captured an “Amazon Bush Dog,” one of the rarest mammals in South America. Antuco, now you are trying to change Fowler’s story and say he really meant to say it was a “Short-eared Dog”. Give me a break! Fowler is clearly trying to pull a hoax and has been caught “red-handed”.
Antuco, if Fowler wants to change his story and say he really meant to say it was a “Short-Eared Dog”, and not an “Amazon Bush Dog” please allow him to do so on his own without your help. In addition, Antuco you are changing your own story too. Before you said, “Honestly the dog that Richard is holding does not fit perfectly with photos of the other species”. You also said that the dog might be a newly discovered species. Now you change your story and say the dog is actually a “Short-eared Dog”.
In any case, the dog in Fowler’s possession is obviously a domesticated dog and lacks the short-ears, thin fox-like muzzle and large bushy tail characteristic of the “Short-eared Dog.” Any attempt by Fowler to start a new hoax by saying the dog in his possession was really a “Short-eared Dog” will fail. Fowler has lost all his credibility as an expert “naturalist”.
Comment by Tom MacNamara — November 20, 2007 @ 10:39 am
What a lot of attention Richard is getting, he must love it,
as they say (whoever they are!) all publicity is good publicity, hope it creates some business for you mate.
Well heres my 2 cents worth on Richard, i spent a week or so in the Jungle with him living with the Matze Indians, where I fished for Piranhas, went hunting with the Matzes, chased armadillos, was chased by Tapais, did frog poison and drank San Pedro in a torrential downpour in a dug out canoe 100 miles from anywhere, it was Fear and Loathing crossed with Apocalypse Now. His tours are definitely not for everyone, I would not recommend honeymooners, couch potatoes or fundamentalist Christians hire him (especially considering his friends the Matzes killed the missionaries 20 odd years ago), but if you want to take a walk on the wild side…
here is my response to some of the comments made about him;
1) He likes a drink, yes he does, no doubt, but if thats a crime, most of Iquitos is in trouble. Plus he doesn’t deny it, so if you didn’t know that before you went with him you are stupid.
would I hire him again, NO DOUBTS ABOUT IT!!!
2) Crack head, this has to be a tad of an over exaggeration, definately has a history with drugs, look at his rap sheet, but crack head come on a bit dramatic!
3) Dangerous criminal, yes he does have a checkered past, but dangerous? A couple of mister meaners, some drug possession and a fire arm in the 70’s, hardly Al Keheda material; infact on our first meeting he showed me his rap sheet, I said, “This aint a rapsheet, its a resume!” I hired him on the spot. Look sweethearts, this is South America, not Orange County, if you removed all the crooks, ex and current from Iquitos, there would be nobody there!
4) expert naturalist?, no doubts about it
5) silver tongue devil?, no doubts about it
6) tells the occasional tall story?, no doubts about it
7) insane? certifiably, no doubts about it, this was confirmed for me when i watched him chewing magic mushrooms with an Indian, washed down with a beer as he smoked a cigarette while sitting next to a pile of 44 gallon drums filled with gasoline.
As Richard himself says, “I’m bad in the city, good in the jungle.”
He even says, “I only give one guarantee, I will get you out alive.” (thanks for fulfilling that guarantee!) So you are warned before hand…
As one the ex pats living there said to me, “If i was stuck in the jungle a 100 miles from anywhere and i could I only pick one person to get me out, I would pick Richard.”
what a holiday go to bloody Florida, want an adventure call Richard, I dare ya!
(he has no mobile phone, just wander the streets yelling Aukhoo, you will find him soon enough)
Comment by Aaron — November 20, 2007 @ 10:47 am
I´ve known Richard Fowler for several years now. I can tell you from personal experience that the accusations levied against him are bullshit. You should be ashamed of yourself for tryinmg to discredit his reputation as an american patriot that served his country. He is perhaps one of the most knowledgable guides in the jungle, and he does pay his Indian help when he is in the jungle. I have witnessed this firsthand. I have gone on several expeditions with Richard and he was nothing less than professional. Perhaps the cyber terrorism is nothing more than a few jealous people trying to discredit his god name as a jungle guide so they can try to scrape up the crumbs he leaves behind.
Vermont
Comment by Time Traveller — November 20, 2007 @ 3:22 pm
Beware! Richard Fowler is a drug informant.
Comment #40 by “Aaron” is obviously Alan Shoemaker, a fellow tour guide of Fowler’s in Iquitos and a DEA fugitive. Could the webmaster please verify that the IP Address of “Aaron” is from Peru. What Alan Shoemaker is doing with his comments here is trying to push drugs. That’s what Shoemaker does, being arrested for drug trafficking in both the US and Peru. That’s why he specifically mentions crack, San Pedro, magic mushrooms and “Fear and Loathing.” Fowler and Shoemaker are promoting “drug tourism” in Peru.
Drug tourism is a bad idea. Let me tell you why. Fowler and Shoemaker are not to be trusted. They would not hesitate to sell you drugs and then turn you over to the police informing them about your possessing drugs. You only have to look at the Peruvian prisons to see that I am right. Virtually all of the Americans in Peruvian jails are there on drug offenses, many of them victims of Fowler and Shoemaker. I know. They set up my brother who has been rotting in a Peruvian jail for two years awaiting trial. I would like to give you more details, but I have been advised by my brother’s Peruvian lawyer to not say anything. Want more proof that Fowler is an informant? Then just look at his rapsheet at www.geocities.com/richard_aukcoo_fowler. Note that many of his drug arrests were dismissed or reduced. This is because Richard Fowler is a drug informant, otherwise known as a SNITCH.
For more information about Alan Shoemaker, please visit the US Drug Enforcement Administration website at www.usdoj.gov/dea/fugitives/atlanta/shoemaker.html. Ask yourself why the Peruvian police have not deported him. The answer is obvious.
Please beware. Richard Fowler and Alan Shoemaker only avoid arrest and deportation by the Peruvian police because they are drug informants, turning in the very people they sell drugs to. Do not trust these pushers and snitches. They are really bad news!
Snitches are Bitches!
Comment by Truth Seeker — November 21, 2007 @ 10:16 am
RICHARD FOWLER IS A THIEF WHO ROBBED TAHIR SHAH
I received the following email from Tahir Shah, a filmmaker and author, who made the mistake of hiring Richard Fowler as a guide. Fowler let him down, comitting numerous “misdeeds” and was fired by Shah. In retaliation, Fowler stole 25 hours of film from Shah and held it ransom. Ask yourself, what kind of a tour guide would rob his client? Would you really want to be alone in the jungle and put your life in the hands of a criminal like this?
from Tahir Shah
to J. Hampshire
date Nov 19, 2007 10:50 AM
subject Re: Criminal history of Richard “Aukcoo” Fowler, terrorist and drug trafficker
Thank you for your email which I read with interest. You may be unaware of my book HOUSE OF THE TIGER KING, or of the film we made of the same name… it details a full breakdown of Mr. Fowler’s misdeeds. He let me down and my film crew down and ended up stealing 25 hours of film… and holding it to ransom, A sad, sad tale. I am sure he didn’t talk about TIGER KING.
Will look at the links when I have a moment, today or tomorrow.
With best wishes,
Tahir Shah
Comment by J. Hampshire — November 21, 2007 @ 12:44 pm
Ok, it is obvious that there are certain persons hellbent with a motive to destroy Mr.Fowler. I gave my 2 cents on the part that I can help out with. “Tom MacNamara” “Otto Runtz” go ahead and speak what you will on a subject that you are not too familiar with, and try to fool someone who has no idea. Go on with the caracter defaming and have a good time. Meanwhile, I will be investigating the “bushdog”.
Comment by Antuco — November 21, 2007 @ 4:00 pm
yea, they may be drug informants… but it sounds like you want to blame the drug problem of your brother on richard… hmmm always the fault of another…
Another thing.. I happen to have conversed with richards last client truth seeker and it matches up with what richard says….. so i am going to go rent some boots from mad fucking mick beacause the bullshit here is too damn deep for my sandals.
Comment by anon — November 22, 2007 @ 1:41 pm
As far as Tahir Shaw goes, he dedicated his first book to him, it was a best seller. It’s really odd that now he would write an email to someone posing as JHampshire instead of posting directly here, right? And IF Richard took some film, there certainly must have been a good reason for him to have done that. And what would you believe that reason might be?
And Bill G.. When you don’t know who is spamming your blog and you allow comments from people that accuse others of being drug informats, you are putting people in danger. We live here in Peru and just yesterday they found a dea agent dead in his house. They are investigating. When you allow this type of comment to be public, that someone says that both Richard and I are informats, you are putting us in danger, especially when you KNOW this is not true. So I consider you complicitious by your allowing these types of comments to be made public and so I put you on notice of such as well.
Comment by alan shoemaker — November 22, 2007 @ 8:34 pm
By the way, Aaron is from Australia, been working in Brazil. He’s a writer, came to me for a trip of a lifetime that I really couldn’t offer like Aukcoo could, so I gave him to Richard. Perhaps you’ve seen him around: Tall, long blond hair, tatoos everywhere. There are many false people on here as Bill knows because he Pings them, but Aaron is not one of them.
Comment by alan shoemaker — November 22, 2007 @ 8:38 pm
REVELATIONS!!! Comment #47 is the first shread of truth that Alan speaks!!!!!!!!
HAlEILUJA!!!!!
Comment by AnonnonA — November 23, 2007 @ 8:18 am
Hello Truth Seeker,
I am very sorry that your brother is languishing in a peruvian jail for drug related offences.
I say this; If you can’t do the time,
Don’t do the crime.
Comment by A new anon — November 23, 2007 @ 9:53 am
A certain former Florida resident that was involed in frog farming, also got involved with some drugs. He died Wednesday with a needle in his arm locked in his room. It seems this sort of thing is not all that rare. Many tell me of many cases of foreigners getting in too deep and end up dead. There are a few more here on their way also. My point, Richard is still alive, it cant bee all that bad. Someone constantly on cocain or crack, wouldnt keep up. It might only be weed and beer.
Comment by anona spp. — November 23, 2007 @ 3:50 pm
You have been warned Bill G.. Take heed.
Comment by alan shoemaker — November 23, 2007 @ 6:30 pm
Hello everyone,
I just returned from an expedition exploring a part of the rainforest none of us have ever been. I liked it a lot, even though I did not see a single Amazon Bush Dog. Now I am back in Iquitos, and have to look at the backbiting comments on my blog.
I am going to start with you Otto Runtz, scientist from Germany, comment # 20. You should have responded to my question about the two species of wild Amazon dog in comment # 25. You should have responded to comments # 32, 33, and 37, 38, and particularly # 44. Runtz, kiss my ass you mean mouthing back biter. I was just with natives that do not know the scientific name of any species but they can imitate the sound of every jungle creature. They told me there are three species of wild dogs. Now who am I going to believe? Let me narrow it down for you, NOT YOU. They know more about wildlife than you or I will ever know. They never studied one minute of biology.
Richard calls himself a naturalist. What is wrong with that? We can all claim to be naturalists. We do not have to graduate from naturalist school. I never call myself a biologist,…or a naturalist. I call myself an outdoorsman. I did not go to outdoorsman school. I learned the hard way. On nearly every expedition I have mistaken the identity of birds or plants. Are you going to call me any names? Say I am a hoax? Go ahead piss me off some more.
It is a life time project to learn all of the greatest bio-diversity on earth. In the upper Amazon watershed and rainforest there are thousands of species of trees and woody plants, thousands of bird, butterfly, flower, and fish species. Before you criticize Richard any more, show me your stuff, Tom MacNamara. What makes you such an expert?
I am tired right now. Tomorrow I plan to blow the lid right off this blog. Stay tuned, I think it could be interesting.
Bill Grimes, Outdoorsman
Please note, this is my real name.
Comment by Bill — November 23, 2007 @ 6:35 pm
****THANK YOU BILL****
Anthony Giardenelli
NATURALIST
***also***
Hunter, Fisherman, Falconer,
Wildlife Rehabilitator
Dont belive me??
Check out
http://picasaweb.google.com/otorongolodge
Comment by Antuco — November 23, 2007 @ 7:30 pm
Very good Bill. Richard does not pretend to be anyone other than himself and his alter ego Aukcoo. Naturalist, Viet Namn vet with awards, married to a Peruvian and he supports her two adopted children as best he can.
Comment by alan shoemaker — November 24, 2007 @ 9:30 am
I am formally asking Veronica Barret, John Carlson, William Jones, Otto Runtz, John Stewart, Tom MacNamara, Truthseeker, J Hampshire, Rani2000, and others, as a favor to me, to stop attacking Richard Auckoo Fowler, about his military service or his ability as a naturalist, on this blog, on the internet, or other media. You are wasting time and energy on the wrong person. I have more important things to do, and I am sure you do to. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Comment by Bill — November 25, 2007 @ 8:27 pm
Thanks Bill. Richard is in contact with his commanding officer in Nam at the time and he will get his DD2 or whatever that is… showing all his awards.
But that has not cleared up the real problem. He was accused of being a drug informant. This is a dangerous and BLATANT lie and could cost him his life here, and/or the kidnapping of his children. For you to allow this on here is beyond reason to me.
Comment by alan shoemaker — November 25, 2007 @ 9:34 pm
Thanks for the description Alan, although you failed to mention “dashingly good looking”, then they would know for sure I am not you (just kidding). Now to business, Dear Truth Seeker, look matey I am really sorry your brother in stuck in the can, that truely sucks. BUT, Lets stick to the facts, firstly your interpretation of who I am is wrong, yes I am more than happy for you to do an IP search of my address, you will indeed find it is from Rio de Janeiro. Just because i mention Fear and Loathing (one of my favorite books) and have a knowledge of various drugs is hardly a basis to think i am Alan. Sorry to tell you but there are many people that know about such topics!!!
And for the record, Richard (nor Alan for that matter) tried to sell me anything, drugs or otherwise. The only thing I purchased off Richard was one of his tours. Nor did they offer or “push” any drugs onto me. I spoke to Allen in regards to a book I am writing about Shamanism and the tourist trade surrounding it, and I hired Richard to go to the Matze Indians to experience the sappo ritual, incidentally I brought the San Pedro, so I guess thats makes me a pusher, how will i sleep at night.
Its a jungle out there…
Comment by Aaron — November 26, 2007 @ 11:20 am
I’m visiting Iquitos in April, and I was looking for an off-the beaten path sort of adventure guide. In the course of doing this, I came across the debate here. I must say it is absolutely fascinating reading. I don’t have any first-hand experience, but so far nothing has been said that would dissuade me from thinking that Richard Fowler would be a pretty good choice for a guide.
Nobody seems to disagree that he is an expert. As for the rest, frankly, I’d like a guide with a bit of color. Heavy drinking, war stories, and a sketchy past are not the worst things. I’m hiring an adventure guide, not a nanny.
The worst I’ve heard of the all the rip-off stories is that he took $100 or $150 from a tourist and either they had a crappy time or didn’t get what they thought they were getting, or he drank too much, and bragged a lot. (Or some combination of the above.) I dunno… losing $150 on a trip that wasn’t to your liking isn’t nearly as bad as “my wife got eaten by a jaguar”. If he’s such a bad guide, how many clients have died on him? How many has he killed in a drunken rage?
The abuse of indiginous peoples seems to come down to that he pays them too little and shared some beer. It was written that he showed a lack of respect for these folks, but the lack of respect couldn’t have been that bad because author states that “what was worse” is that he got the indiginous guides drunk after the tour. I dunno… but up here the people who get me drunk after work usually go by the term “friends”. Do I not understand how things work down there?
As to his military record. It should be noted that the database of records that was pointed to is not complete. For example: I searched for John Kerry, and came up with nothing. The site states that these are incomplete records. Although, I can’t imagine what difference this makes in whether or not Richard is good or bad guide. Seems like unnecessary character assasination.
Whatever it is about this guy, he certainly inspires extremes of emotion on both sides of the debate. Sounds like a hell of an interesting chap.
By the way, as long as I’m here… is there a place in Iquitos where I can charter a small powerboat for a day? Haven’t been able to find anything on the web so far.
Good day!
-Will
Comment by Will Sterling — November 27, 2007 @ 5:06 pm
Hi Will,
Thanks for taking an interest in our little story. I hope that you come back on the Captains Blog after your adventure with Richard and give us your opinion of all that happens. It should be an interesting read.
Consider this web site about chartering a boat for the day in Iquitos Peru; www.dawnontheamazon.com
You can email me from the contact page of that site, and I will put you in touch with Richard Fowler. I hope you will not be disappointed in me. I am not nearly as “colorful” as Richard.
Comment by Bill — November 27, 2007 @ 5:37 pm
I have a boat as well…
alanshoemaker@hotmail.com and can guarantee that Richard will be on it too.!!!
Comment by alan shoemaker — November 27, 2007 @ 10:05 pm
We must be the change we wish to see.
Don’t know who wrote that, but it is.
Comment by alan shoemaker — November 27, 2007 @ 11:09 pm
Comment 58 by Will Sterling understands Richard better than any of you. Richard and his wife were guest at our wedding 3 years ago and is very colorful. Personally he loves his wife and children and thinks any man who cheats on his wife should be used for Jaguar bait.
Comment by David Volkmann — December 2, 2007 @ 3:33 pm
AUKCOO!
Comment by alan shoemaker — December 4, 2007 @ 10:30 pm
Richard Fowler is a good guide and knows the amazon jungle very good. He is one of the legendary amazon explorers like Randall Adventure and Training. If I pick a guide in Iquitos it would be Richard. If I was in the US then I would go with Randall. Both of them know the jungle well and both have connections with the Peru government.
Comment by three past midnight — December 9, 2007 @ 12:25 pm
I went to the jungle with Richard and two american guys for 7 days. I have a lot of pictures from the trip and in them you can see only happy faces. He offers real jungle and the clients know it in anvance. We spent that 7 days as anyone do in the jungle. We had a great time, good food and clean water. We didn’t have any confort as in the city, but if you want confort you better stay at home.
Criminal records? Papers not in order? That’s a nonse, many southamericans live illegally in the states and you can’t point them as criminals. And about his record, I don’t think a judge would have set him free knowing he is a criminal. He is a good man with too much energy, that why he is able to stand the hardship in the jungle. Not everyone do.
Comment by Manuel González — January 3, 2008 @ 9:36 pm
I’ve been following the the cyber assault on Richard “aukcoo” Fowler over the last few months with interest. Last year my wife and I spent two weeks in the jungle with Richard and I can state that we got exactly what he promised, an unpredictable adventure trip. Full contact amazon as he likes to call it. It’s true that Richard’s trips are not for everyone,there are no creature comforts and Richard will not claim he is going to provide any. It amuses me to read comments from disgruntled,irate and generally pissed off tourists who, presumably,found the jungle not to their liking.One has to wonder what they were expecting. Did they assume Richard would make the amazon a less harsh enviorment for them? We had a great time and hope to return and hire Richard again. As for getting the natives drunk, I did that all on my own and agood time was had by all.With regards to any criminal record Richard may or may not have, who gives a shit? In what way does that effect his efficacy as a guide? The most ridiculous thing I’ve read is Richard as a drug informant, I say this because I badgered the hell out of him to get me some weed for the trip and he was unable to do so.How nefariously conected he must be! Richard is a colorful entertaining loveable lunatic and I stongly recommend him as a guide to anybody looking to get off the beaten track. ROCK ON AUKCOO.
Comment by Doug Williamson — January 6, 2008 @ 1:24 pm
As Aukoo said, imitating the disgruntled tourist,
Where’s the monkey, are we going to see the monkey now? when are we going to see the monkey?”
for the love of Christ!
If you what to read about one of his mis adventures check out the Apocalypse Amazon, searching for Sapo at;
www.iquitostimes.com
Comment by Aaron — January 17, 2008 @ 10:02 am
I have spent 2 weeks in 2004 with Richard in Jungle. I would do it again in a blink of eye. It’s actually only guide in Peru I would trust. This is very competitive trade, somebody trying to smear his reputation and ruin his business. To get an idea what Richard have to offer, one should read book “Trail of Feathers” by Tahir Shah. Author put dedication on the first page: “To Richard for keeping his promises”. This was after first trip with Richard. Bigger and more interesting part in the book was about Richard. If no Richard book would be weak. Tahir paid peanuts for the boat and Richar’s service. Second trip with film crew went sour because they refused pay what promised. Tahir is good writer, but he is a real blue blooded prince. As we all know, princes are spoiled and like to boss around. Rich people always feel that they entitled to service without paying. I’m on the Richard’s side on this. I found Richard after reading this book, so far it was the best trip I ever had. You should be realistic with your expectations, Amazon expedition is nothing like trip to local zoo or park, and you will be dealing with seasoned Vietnam veteran. He is not a summer camp boy scout leader. He is real human being. And some of them likes to drink beer, tell stories and entertain the way they know. I slept like baby in the jungle just because Richard was around. Richard HIGHLY RESPECTED PERSON in remote villages and he works with the BEST and HONEST people. He is welcome guest to any house.
I met Alan Shoemaker as well, very nice guy who works in Shamanic/spiritual tourism field. Intelligent, helpful and honest person. His house is wide open for everyone. He will help and advice. Just because Alan & Richard and their sharming spouses I would like to visit Iquitos again.
In a whole story just follow the money trail. Not too many tourists in Iquitos, but a lot scoundrels after their money. For them its easy money. A lot lodges build around which sell prepackaged tours. Shamanic rituals for thousands of $$$! Just walk in the street in Iquitos, dozens self appointed guides ready to take you for the ride. It’s easy to spread rumors about competitors and harm their business. “They are foreigners strange, alien, not like us. They have all the money anyway, they taking our jobs” Sounds familiar? “I’m good, they are bad. Give me $100.00!”
To Gringos. This is A JUNGLE. my friend. THIS IS SOUTH AMERICA. Not picket fenced community with $ 5.00 morning coffee and 401k plan. Have you noticed that a lot of people even has no shoes here? Have you seen mangy dogs dragging their spilled guts on the street? Do you know that a lot of children die here before their fifth birthday. The ones ho live are infected with parasites and lice.
Do you know that porters who cary you bags abandoned their little gardens and hunting just to please you and earn a couple bucks, while their families waiting hungry. You leave generous tip in sushi bar at home, but here you don’t feel like doing it. Do you know how difficult life for ex-pats here? Try to live here. How long you will last. You came back in one piece and be thankful. Next time go to Disneyland or Las Vegas, Basta!I met Alan Shoemaker as well, very nice guy who works in Shamanic/spiritual tourism field. Inteligent, helpfull and honest person.
In whole story just follow the money trail. Not too many tourists here, but a lot sqoundrels after their money, A lot lodges build around which sell prepacked tours. Just walk in the street in Iquitos, dozens self appointed guides ready to take you for the ride. Easy to spread rumors about competitors and harm their business. “I’m good, they are bad. Give me $100.00!”
To Gringos. This is A JUNGLE. my friend. THIS IS SOUTH AMERICA. Not your gated comunity with $ 5.00 morning coffe. Have you noticed that a lot of people even has no shoes, have you seen mangy dogs dragging their spilled guts on the street? Do you know that a lot of children die here before their fifth birthday. The ones ho live infected with parasites and lice.
Do you know that porters who cary you bags abandoned their lititle gardens and hunting just to please you and earn a couple bucks. You leave generous tip in sushi bar at home, but here you don’t feell like doing it. Do you know how difiicult life for expats here? Try to live here. How long you will last. You came back in one piece and be thankfull. Next time go to Disneyland or Las Vegas, Basta!
P.S.: Anyone considering hire Richard as a jungle guide, please bring him bunch of Punch Maduro cigars. He likes to smoke more than anything. Not a crack, cigars.
Comment by Roland Andrijauskas — February 27, 2008 @ 3:43 am
Sorry for repeated and overlapping text.
Roland
Comment by Roland Andrijauskas — February 27, 2008 @ 3:51 am
Hi Roland, Yours is one of the most powerful comments, either pro or con, that we have on this blog. Thank you for taking the time to express your opinion so well.
Bill Grimes
Comment by Bill — February 27, 2008 @ 6:58 am
I have reposted the same text to my Blog with some pictures added to illustrate it.
http://rollindust.blogspot.com/2008/02/rumble-in-jungle.html
Roland A.
Comment by Roland Andrijauskas — February 27, 2008 @ 3:58 pm
I went alone on a trip with Richard in January 2007. It was the most amazing experience of any of my trips, and Richard is the one that made it that way. I felt very secure, Richard is a great guide and he is very respected by the indigenous guides that work with him. I can’t wait to go back to Peru on a trip with him. Forget about Macchu Piccu, Nazca, Lima or anything else, a jungle trip with Richard is the most amazing thing that you can do in Peru. Lifechanging.
And, by the way, unlike his detractors, I am a real person (check my blog, atually in Romanian).
J Hapshire and all other detractors are playing real low–I got several mails threatening me with legal action unles I take down all my stories and photos with him from my blog. They are the real scums in all this story.
Viva la vida loca, like Aukcoo says!
Alan, please send my best to Aukcoo!
Comment by Marius Ursache — March 2, 2008 @ 9:26 am
Marius, I will tell him and shoe him. Thanks!
Comment by Alan Shoemaker — March 25, 2008 @ 8:29 pm
I just saw this DII or whatever it is called. He has 6 Bronze Stars… and other things.
He´s the real deal. If anyone wants to see this piece of paper, let me know.
Comment by alan shoemaker — June 17, 2008 @ 11:22 pm
All you “Swift Boaters” out there; shame on you.
Bill Grimes
Comment by Bill — June 18, 2008 @ 6:26 am
Hi Marius,
I was really impressed with your blog; I can read it (I’m Romanian too). I plan to go to Iquitos in August and I could use any piece of advice you could give me. Will you please contact me: florindotboraatgmaildotcom
Comment by Florin — June 18, 2008 @ 2:49 pm
He really is a true hero, American
Comment by alan shoemaker — June 18, 2008 @ 11:40 pm
I spent about thirteen days in the jungle with Richard this past July. I enjoy adventure travel when I go on vacations. I usually go to the mountains, as I enjoy alpine mountaineering. I decided on a change this year. As usual, I research experts, naturalists, guides, and expedition leaders before I choose one for my vacation excursions. So, I researched experts with real jungle experience to take me into the Peruvian Amazon. I spoke and e-mailed adventure writers, people who have previously traveled into the Peruvian Amazon, and visited tens of differnet web pages. I told each of the people I spoke with, or e-mailed, of exactly the things I wanted to see and do in the Amazon. This included the Sapo ceremony, trying Nu-Nu, fishing for piranha, see as much Amazon wildlife as possible, visiting native Amazonian tribal people, etc. The list was long. All the people I contacted knew I was not up for a canned tourist vacation. I was given the name of Richard “Auk-coo” Fowler. So, I went to his Custom Wilderness Adventures web page. I liked what I saw, especially the part about his ability to customize his excursions. I was not interested in taking a prearranged tour and see what someone else wants me to see. I had a list of things I wanted to do and was not interested in having to sit through, or participate, in some activity that I did not have an interest in. After seeing Richard’s page, I stumbled onto this page. I read the positive and the negative remarks made. I decided the remarks had no bearing on my goal, and that was to do the things on my list. Most important to me was obtaining a naturalist who was an expert and flexable enough to be able to make the things I wanted to do happen. I e-mailed Richard with my list of things. He said it should be no problem getting all the things done. Well, Richard made it all happen, and more. I participated in all the ceremonies, saw and did all the things on my list, and did things that Richard recommended I see and do. It was fabulous. After my trip, I can’t amagine any other naturalist being able to accomplish the things Richard was able to have me experience and see. If you want to see the Amazon through a window, go stay at one of the white tablecloth lodges. But, if you want to really EXPERIENCE the Amazon, go with Richard.
“Auk-coo”
Mike Squier
Comment by Mike Squier — August 23, 2008 @ 2:39 pm
Hi Mike, Thanks for sharing your experience with us. I think it is becoming more and more clear that Richard Fowler is not the Iquitos Scoundrel some internet vigilante was trying to make him out to be.
Bill Grimes
Comment by Bill — August 23, 2008 @ 3:21 pm