The Lion quality and success rates (albeit restricted quotas) in Zambia have been unmatched in Africa last season. And we can prove it.

I tried to buy one recently and have been told that they are sold out. And informed that some of the prime areas are solidly booked for 2018.

What is really interesting is that the majority are American clients.

It would seem that there are many who desire the privilege of hunting these cats at whatever the circumstance.

Thus my question - is the USF&W ban on Lion having any effect on Africa at all?

Andrew:

Trump is going to fix those problems.

They are not as abundant and wild as they were even 15 or so years ago.They are extremely expensive and being so are watched and guarded more than ever.I believe I would find hunting lion today less appealing than I would a while back.

You are on the ground more than I, but it's my understanding that in Tanzania there have been a substantial number of concessions returned to the government due to lack of hunters buying high value hunts for lion and elephant... and the reason is lack of importablity.

The Zim folks I know state that elephant hunting is less lucrative and there are trophy hunts that do not sell even if discounted somewhat significantly.

For now, the volume in DG safaris have been Buffalo, which is a rather competitive market, and leopard, which seems to be more of a money maker than Buffalo.

I suspect that if importability was not an issue, you would have more folks in the market for the lion hunts that are there, and the prices would be higher (read profitability) for the ones that are sold.

I know that rhino took a dip in pricing last year over fear...I am not sure if the price will stabilize or increase until our political issues are worked out a bit... getting Obama out of office and Trumps folks confirmed and seeing just how much change a new leader can make with our entrenched bureaucracy with regards to the rules.

This year I think bookings will be up due to consumer confidence. Next year will be based on actual changes.

quote:

my understanding that in Tanzania there have been a substantial number of concessions returned to the government due to lack of hunters buying high value hunts for lion and elephant... and the reason is lack of importablity.

Chris,

The majority of "returned" concessions is the result of their owners not fully realizing what it takes, both financially and responsibly, in managing a hunting concession, some of which came with a hefty price tag which had to be paid up front and ensure these funds are recovered from clients.

It never dawned on those ex-owners that if want want to be part of that game it costs money to play, it requires having knowledge of the hunting industry and more importantly knowing how and where to market, etc. - the fact that TZ has already almost priced itself out of the market was certainly of no help in nailing their coffins.

Quite frankly it has nothing to do with the import restrictions of either Lion or Elephant as neither are completely regulated by or dependent on the American market. As stated above, its more related to TZ pricing itself out of the market through over-pricing (IMO).

quote:

Originally posted by fulvio:

quote:

my understanding that in Tanzania there have been a substantial number of concessions returned to the government due to lack of hunters buying high value hunts for lion and elephant... and the reason is lack of importablity.

Chris,

The majority of "returned" concessions is the result of their owners not fully realizing what it takes, both financially and responsibly, in managing a hunting concession, some of which came with a hefty price tag which had to be paid up front and ensure these funds are recovered from clients.

It never dawned on those ex-owners that if want want to be part of that game it costs money to play, it requires having knowledge of the hunting industry and more importantly knowing how and where to market, etc. - the fact that TZ has already almost priced itself out of the market was certainly of no help in nailing their coffins.

Quite frankly it has nothing to do with the import restrictions of either Lion or Elephant as neither are completely regulated by or dependent on the American market. As stated above, its more related to TZ pricing itself out of the market through over-pricing (IMO).

Interesting - as a number of concessions in Zambia that were awarded to those who were not previously in the safari business have been handed back.

I have a mate who just took on a very remote Luangwa concession. Fantastic area and game but incurs expensive charters. Combine that with concession fees it becomes difficult to sell.

To hunt Lion is a privilege nowadays and i recommend you do it now. Possibly you cannot bring your trophy home but who knows that maybe the evolution of your sport?

quote:

Originally posted by fulvio:

As stated above, its more related to TZ pricing itself out of the market through over-pricing (IMO).

Pay the government for the concession.

Pay the government for license.

Pay the government for fees.

Pay the government for trophy fees.

Starting in 2016, pay government 18% VAT on what you have already paid them.

What will the government do in 2017 to pluck the golden goose.

Sorry.


fairgame, glad lion hunting in the Zambia market is doing great.