IMPORTANT NOTE: THE OFFER BELOW HAS BEEN SUBSTANTIALLY UPGRADED AND IS REPOSTED ON PAGE 2 OF THREADS' CURRENT POSTINGS BY MYSELF ON 29 MARCH 2009 AT 18:49.


Andrew McLaren Safaris Free Trophy and Herd Management, Varmint and Wingshooting Hunting 2009

In response to a very good deal posting by a another Hunting Outfitter someone suggested that hunts are now going so cheap, soon someone will offer free hunts. Someone offer free hunts? Well, Andrew McLaren has indeed recently offered a free hunt to an esteemed AR member. It was for just very few days free and very few trophy animals free.

But the real question remains: Can I offer a no-strings attached free hunt that would make it worth some taker’s effort and cost to fly out from USA or Europe specially to take up that hunt? What, besides the opportunity to enjoy acting as a PH, can Andrew McLaren get from such an offer? The partial reply to this is that if you make an offer and need to “get something from it” it is really not a free offer! It then becomes bartering! But quite apart from free hunts for potential Booking Agents, and others where I hope to get something from it; can I offer a decent free hunt with absolutely no strings attached? Sure, I do it all the time: I have recently offered a free hunts to, besides the first hunt mentioned, free no strings attached hunts for two different AR posters: First one of these recent free hunts was offered to AR poster know as 375 fanatic, and more recently I have also offered a free hunt to another AR poster known as Wimpie. But these offers were to friends that I know personally to “Come, bring your wife/girlfriend and kids and spend a few days here to hunt a springbuck at my cost.” It is not the same as offering a free hunt to an unknown stranger who has to fly out all the way from USA or Europe just in order to take up your offer.

Can I offer a free hunt that would make the expense of flying out here worth the taker’s while? The true reply to this question is: Yes, I think I can, but obviously it will depend on what value such a taker places on the experience versus the flight ticket costs. But do I want to? Why should I want to offer a free hunt to a high $ earner who can easily afford to pay for what I offer for free, but for which I have to pay for from my very meager funds? It is true that I enjoy helping a foreign client get a decent ethical hunting experience. I do in fact enjoy it very much, that is why I’m a PH in the first place! So, if I can afford to pay for the trophies and other expenses involved with the offering of a free hunt, and I will enjoy guiding a taker on such a free hunt, who should I offer it to? Perhaps it will be easier to ask: Who do I not want to take up this offer of a free hunt? I will for the moment leave it to the participants of this forum to make suggestions of how to decide who should get a free hunt, and who should not get it?

What is on offer? A fully legal and ethical hunt in true grasveld biome hunt in the Free State guided by a PH with 26 years of experience and conducted from the accommodation facilities at Mervilla for a number of the smaller and less costly true grassveld adapted species.

How many hunting days? As many days hunting as you can afford to be away from your work/family, but probably more than 5 to 7 to a maximum free 14 days. This is really all inclusive of whatever you will need to hunt here: Pickup from & return to Bloemfontein regional airport, accommodation, meals, laundry and beer and sundowners in moderation.

Trophy animals? The following is included as part of my free hunt offer: One each of the very best trophy quality male of the following species that you can find on Mervilla or any one of the hunting concessions in my immediate area: Springbuck, bklesbuck and steenbuck. Add to these a female springbuck and a female blesbuck to complete the list of free antelope. Now add a whole bunch of varmints, such as jackal, vervet monkey, caracal, porcupine, hyrax and springhare, any number of ducks and geese as well as upland birds and limited doves and pigeons that you manage to hunt in the time spent here. All antelope trophies will be skinned and field prepared and delivered to a good local taxidermist together with the hunters’ taxidermy instructions. But taxidermy [or Dip and Pack] and shipping costs are for the hunter’s account. Any varmints or birds that the hunter wants to preserve will be chilled or frozen and delivered to taxidermist for skinning and preparation at the cost of the hunter. Or he/she can do the skinning of such varmints him/herself! I will help and assist, but there is simply no way that I will skin a stinking jackal or porcupine for free! Now this is just a very modest offer of three low cost trophies and a few females, but it is just about all that I can honestly afford to give away for free with no strings attached.

That’s it: Free daily rates for a reasonable hunting period, 3 free trophy animals, 2 free females and a bunch of other stuff, also all for free.

Additions? If the taker of this offer feels that he/she wants to hunt some additional larger animal, or more blesbuck and springbuck, I can arrange to have it hunted at a cost that will be very reasonable. Be guided by the prices listed in my web pages for any additional blesbuck and springbuck as well as black wildebeest, gemsbuck and red hartebeest as examples of the larger plains game species generally hunted in this area. Furthermore if the taker of this offer wants to share his/her hunting with a partner I will host that partner as a 2X1 client at very low daily rates and trophy fees, that will be determined. In my setting of these fees the idea will NOT be to “make up for the free hunt costs” but to just be sure that I cover the additional costs of hosting the second hunter or observer.

Strings attached? None! Posting of an honest hunt report on AR will be appreciated, but is not a pre-condition. Let me know at andrew@mclarensafaris.com of your desire to hunt plains game in South Africa.

In good hunting.

Andrew McLaren

Your a top bloke Andrew which is why I am hunting with you again in June.

I know this offer will help another African Newbie to start their African Hunting 'Career'.

Me, me, me , pick me.


See you at Aim?

Andrew,

What, no free buffalo or elephant thrown in??

Maybe you'll start a new trend with this generous offer.

Let's see; yes, I could take 14 days off work. I also don't need any beer or sundowners.

quote:

Originally posted by Grumulkin:
Let's see; yes, I could take 14 days off work. I also don't need any beer or sundowners.

Me too, I can eat what I shoot, don`t need any sundowners or any specialtreatments

Andrew,
Your offer is most generous if I may be so bold as to suggest maybe this shold be for a first time hunter.
Maybe a short essay on why he or she shoud be chosen to go on the hunt.
And wouldn't it be fun if through the generosity of AR members we could raise a little extra for some additonal trophys.
Count me in for a donation.

Michael J

quote:

Originally posted by michaelj:
Andrew,
Your offer is most generous if I may be so bold as to suggest maybe this shold be for a first time hunter.

Michael J

Excellent idea!

What a fantastic offer. I'm in!

I am not going back until May 2010 but would love to extend my stay to take you up on that offer.

Send a kid... he'll be back repeatedly, and you'll recoup expenses for this hunt!

I jest. I do like the idea of an essay contest for first timers, and I'll send you (Andrew) a bottle of whatever you want for being so generous (if you don't drink, make a suggestion). I'm not a rich man, but character of this sort should be rewarded. My hat is off to you.

Andrew,

Please feel free to pass the bottles onto me if they're good malt whisky and I'll be pleased to exchange them for Klipdrift on a 1 for 1 basis.......

On a more serious note, I think you're making a very generous offer and also think the essay idea is great!!

Im leaving at 3am tomorrow to visit Andrew and hopefully take my first springbuck i will post photos after the hunt and write a story

Thanks Andrew

Bring my bottle of malt whisky back with you please!

Pm sent.
Very generous offer.

Bully! A most generous offer indeed. If this is a lottery type thing, please add my name to the list of hopefulls. If it is not, then please let folks know what is required to be considered, as I'd like to give her a whirl, as it were. Funny, I was just working on the wife the other day about heading to Africa to hunt, stating to her that airfare to Africa has gotten quite cheap lately (matter of factly, of course)

At the end of that conversation she took pity on me and my hunting addiction and placated me by agreeing for us to take a quick trip to south FL next month to hunt hogs and fish for mahi and sails. It's not Africa, but hey, I'm not complaining.

I travelled in a couple African countries as a child on a so-called photo safari (Kenya and Tanzania) and fell in love with the amazing beauty of the place, as well as the warmth of its people. I knew then I'd be back some day to hunt. It will happen, that much is certain.

If I were to 'win', I'd want to add a few animals for certain, but I'll not get ahead of myself. Whomever goes, great dream fodder for all! Thanks, Andrew.

Andrew,
What a most generous offering. I do believe that essay qualification and selection by you alone should be the basis. I suggest that it be offered to the wounded troops of the Coalition having served in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Members of AR can spread the word and encourage applicants to submit to you.

Never hunted Africa but have always wanted to go to the Dark Continent. I am a hard working RN in medium sized ER. Not a rich man by any means but would be willing to work the OT to pay for the flight and dipping /packing etc. Don't have any rich relatives to take me so I probably would never go unless something like this is offered. I am a responsible ethical hunter. Hope I can take this excursion!

Andrew,

You have a HEART of GOLD...This is something I've never heard before!!!

Fantastic!!!

I say an ESSAY for sure....

and I'd say only to a first-timer,

and I'd say offer it to someone who is older and yet healthy who may as not ever-go before the GOOD LORD takes him/her home!!!

Just my thoughts anyways!!!

But hats-off to you brother!!!

You've shown your TRUE COLORS here today!!!

God Bless!!!

Hi All,

Right since Andrew is on this crusade - I have decided to join in.

I will offer the lucky hunter the following at no cost or strings attached:
- pre issued firearm import permits
- meet and greet assistance at Johannesburg International Airport
- Hotel Accomodation on the first night if required, incl dinner, drinks, etc
- Assistance on Departure from Johannesburg
- As well as any transfer or Tour within Johannesburg to do some curious shopping, etc.
- Alternatively should we not be able to arrange a flight to Bloemfontein for the winner, I will arrange that he or she be driven through from Johannesburg

Does anyone have any extra frequent flyer miles lying around that he would be willing to part with? or even a donation towards the flight from the US to SA? Maybe even donating an additional trophy animal?

Regards


Aubrey

Thanks to all that have responded; either in a serious manner or as some leg pulling. All are welcomed.

Thanks particularly for those who have sent direct e-mails or even PM's and gave their brief "Why you should choose me CV's". By and large I'm of the opinion that all understood my intentions correctly. This in contrast to what so often has happened on this forum to my postings: Some or all often totally misunderstanding what I mean and then get annoyed jumping all over me. Despite often being a poor communicator, here I succeeded in getting the right message across.

As it is my donation, maybe I can call the shots on some issues? David Hulme, sorry but as an accomplished author of a sellout book you may not take part in an "Essay Writing Competition" to determine who wins this hunt. It would be most unfair to have a Dane, Norwegian or anyone with a home or first language other than English have to compete against someone like you? In fact just mentioning the words "….. wins this hunt" makes me realize that I personally would not like any sort of competition to determine the lucky winner. Rather let the lucky guy win, by pure luck! Well, at least that is how I feel about it right now. But as this is a public forum, and my donation is for public uptake, I'm very open to your other suggestions and comments.

Thanks Aubrey for your most welcome additional donation. It significantly improves what I offered. In particular thanks for the suggestion that some others may also want to donate in kind or in cash. That is a good idea!

In short about the actual hunt: At present any time in July will be good - but this may be a bit dependant on my joining David Hulme on his hike around Zimbabwe. Surely September will be a good month to aim for actually having the hunt. Fact is that I will lean over backwards to accommodate the lucky hunter whenever it suits him/her. The decision on when can be left to be taken a bit later, but it will be in good time to ensure that the lucky hunter/huntress can get good airfare deals.

Just BTW, where are the female hunters in this? Or the wives who want to visit South Africa while hubby hunts? Please send me your “Why should you choose me” CV’s directly to andrew@mclarensafaris.com Everyone will be considered.

Thanks again for the kind comments. Any further suggestions and comments are most welcome, and, if I may speak on behalf of the lucky winner, any further donations like Aubrey's.

In good hunting.

Andrew McLaren

Excellent post and offer Andrew. Whoever gets to take Andrew up on this will have a wonderful time. I hunted with him in 2005 and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Since I've already gone and can't manage to go again right now , I nominate Kamo Gari.

Andrew,

My hat's off to you for your generosity in helping make someone's dream come true. For some such help will make all the difference.

Have enjoyed your posts over time. Also thought very highly of Shakari ... and that was confirmed when I had a chance to have breakfast with him in 2006 at the Cliffs in Dar. Hope to have breakfast or lunch with you someday!

Andrew:

A very nice gesture. Did you forget to wear your hat for a few days?

As for me, since up to this point in the economic cycle, I can still afford to pay for my pleasures (and we all do, one way or the other) I would not feel good about taking someone's place who perhaps can't afford the whole expense. Count me out but my hats off to you.

I have never witnessed such generosity before. Or received any . Message sent indicating my wishes to be considered.

Mr. McLaren,
I have sent you an email in response to this amazing offer!

heath

Hi Guys

I was fortunate enough to spend yesterday with andrew. We did an afternoon hunt for spingbuck on foot. I must say that it is not an easy thing as there is just grass and not a lot of cover. To say the least i got my opportunity on a nice mature representive on about 150m and totaly missed it i felt like a total Idiot as we waited about 30 min to get the opportunity.

I could have taken a Nice Blesbuck but that was not why i was there. Imust say that the WINNER will be a very lucky guy and i know he will have a great hunt

thanks again to Andrew and Celia for al your hospitality you stay in a beautifull area and this Bushveld boytjie totally underestimated the grasslands but i will definitly be back in June for my Springbuck

Andrew,
This is a very generous offer and the winner would be a lucky person. Just the experience of seeing Africa alone, regardless of what animals a person killed or didn't kill would be enough for me. They mystery, the scenes and all that this would entail. However im not ashamed to say you can count me in the drawing or however you do it if you are so inclined. I wouldn't need the sundowners. Either way I think this is a great idea

Andrew,
What a great offer! I would love to be counted in for a draw.

If you want an essay, would you like it if I wrote it with my blood?

Andrew,
I would like to have a chance to be counted in for the draw.

I have never even been on an out of state hunt let alone one in africa, I will be emailing you an essay soon.

Thanks
Thomas Petty

Hi Andrew

Imust say that is a great thing you doing.

Now let me put my 5 cents in to it i will pay for one or two trophy fees in exchange for a beer with you.

Regards
Luan

It just keeps getting better. This is going to turn out to be a fantastic hunt for whoever wins it. I really like the idea of donating it to a young hunter or wounded war veteran. Meaning US/Canadian/British/allied war veteran, not Zimbabwean, ha ha ha ha ha....

Dave

quote:

Originally posted by luan:
Hi Andrew

Imust say that is a great thing you doing.

Now let me put my 5 cents in to it i will pay for one or two trophy fees in exchange for a beer with you.

Regards
Luan

Luan,

I take you up on that kind offer. See you a bit later today. I'm on my way with an assortment of flat trays of 24 cans of various brewing houses and styles. WE ARE GOING TO DRINK SOME BEER! Some lucky hunter is going to shoot some trophies!

In good hunting.

Andrew McLaren

What a generous offer, Andrew. I won't include myself in the deal, because I have visited Africa dozens of times and have been lucky enough to hunt there twice and will hopefully return in July.

There are many who lurk this board, dreaming of such an opportunity, and I think it's great that some first time hunter will get the opportunity to "smell the smoke of Africa." Good on you!

quote:

Originally posted by Andrew McLaren:

quote:

Originally posted by luan:
Hi Andrew

Imust say that is a great thing you doing.

Now let me put my 5 cents in to it i will pay for one or two trophy fees in exchange for a beer with you.

Regards
Luan

Luan,

I take you up on that kind offer. See you a bit later today. I'm on my way with an assortment of flat trays of 24 cans of various brewing houses and styles. WE ARE GOING TO DRINK SOME BEER! Some lucky hunter is going to shoot some trophies!

In good hunting.

Andrew McLaren

You guys just waited till im in cape town then you organize a party

With such an amazing offer, you can't blame me for trying!

E-mail sent to be counted in the draw.

quote:

Originally posted by Late-Bloomer:
Andrew,

You have a HEART of GOLD...This is something I've never heard before!!!

Fantastic!!!

I say an ESSAY for sure....

and I'd say only to a first-timer,

and I'd say offer it to someone who is older and yet healthy who may as not ever-go before the GOOD LORD takes him/her home!!!

Just my thoughts anyways!!!

But hats-off to you brother!!!

You've shown your TRUE COLORS here today!!!

God Bless!!!

I agree with Latebloomer, an older person who probably WON'T EVER HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO SHOULD BE GIVEN SERIOUS CONSIDERATION.

Mr. McLaren,

I applaud you for your genrous offer. With all the gloom of the US economy, some hunters dreams of visiting Africa slipping away with the depreciation of their retirement funds, and some outfitters facing losing their business, you are a true altruist.

I've always been a little afraid of visiting Africa because of some of the stories I read on these forums about problems with travel, problems with PHs, problems with taxidermy, and problems with booking agents, but you sound like the type of guys that a first-timer to Africa could feel comfortable with. I envy the person whom you select for this hunt.

Folks

Andrew has done me the honour of asking if I would be prepared to act as one of judges on the entry evaluation panel and help decide the final winner. I gladly accept this invitation and my two co-judges (at least for the time being) shall remain nameless. Both are well known and well respected members of our forum and we have decided that the rules will be as follows:

1. The hunt offered is as described fully in the original posting on this thread. Should the hunter wish to be accompanied by another hunter, both will be guided as 2X1hunters sharing one PH.

2. The hunt MUST be taken up during the period 1 July to 31 July 2009.

3. Only entries received as e-mails at andrew@mclarensafaris.com and copied to shakari3@mweb.co.za before 10 April 2009 with the words “Entry for Free Hunt” in the subject line will be considered. The email address from which the entry was sent will be regarded as the hunters official email address.

The email message must contain the following:

• AR name of entrant if applicable.

• Real name, physical residential or work address and day and/or night contact telephone number(s). [Will be kept confidential by judges.]

• A clear statement that entrant has not yet hunted as a paying client in any country in Africa.

• A clear statement to the effect that entrant accepts the rules and has the funds available to buy a flight ticket and has the time in the period of July 2009 actually go on the hunt if chosen as winner.

• A paragraph or so in which the reasons why the entrant wishes to go on this hunt are described. [A note particularly for those with poor command of English or poor writing skills: This is NOT an essay writing competition; but merely a brief paragraph intended to convince the judges that you have good and worthy reasons to want to go on the hunt.]

• If an entrant intends sharing the hunt with another hunter and/or or non-hunting observer(s) write a brief motivation why you wish and choose the particular person(s) to accompany you.

• Tell of one thing that you have actually done to plough back something into your passion of hunting.

• Undertake to write and post a hunt report in the “Hunt Reports - African Hunting” section of AR Forum before the end of August 2009. Even if it is a ‘negative’ report it should at least reflect if the basic offer was honored or not.

4. The judges will decide on the winner and announce the winner by posting in this thread before 17 April 2009. The judges will also select a first, and second runner ups to whom the hunt will be awarded in case some unforeseen catastrophe makes it impossible for the winner to go. [Note: Andrew McLaren will act only in a support role and not as a member of the final evaluation or decision panel of judges.]

5. The announced winner has time until 30 April 2009 to convince the judges that he has bought or booked the required flight ticket. Failing to accomplish this will make his entry and the awarding of the hunt to him/her null and void and the first runner up will immediately be given an opportunity to take up the hunt as winner.

So gentlemen, and indeed ladies, we look forward to receiving your e-mails.