quote:

Originally posted by GunsCore:
Thanks for the update. I think adding a 7 day quarantine period on the end of any hunt is a big deal breaker for most of us. I agree as it looks like 2020 is toast as far as foreign hunting is concerned. I have a hunt scheduled to begin Aug. 1st but I doubt it will come off. The Outfitter is willing to postpone it one year which is probably the best either of us can expect. I will still go this year if I can get there and back without a quarantine period.

quote:

Originally posted by SafariSean:
....... this is no prediction but just a guess based on what I know to be happening in Uruguay and other undeveloped countries that are reporting widespread outbreaks. In Uruguay they have so many deaths that they are leaving the dead in the streets for collection and deposit in mass graves and unfortunately......,

quote:

Originally posted by SafariSean:
On February 28th The Safari Connection announced a temporary cessation of operations until April 1st. We delayed in announcing a longer shutdown to try and gauge how quickly our country and the rest of our planet reacted to the impending Corona threat. Out of an abundance of caution I am now closing all air travel operations and the taking of deposits until at least July 1st. This includes all the individuals and companies we represent, I.E. Mike Blignaut Safaris and Martin Pieters Safaris, until that time as well. One change in our position is that due to the extreme hardships this is placing on African operators we are accepting deposits for 2021. If you are considering a hunt with us or any other reputable company, I urge all my fellow hunters that are not in a difficult financial position to move forward with your plans to book a hunt. Our friends need our help to survive this and a small deposit now can make the difference between total financial collapse and a chance to still be here to take us hunting in 2021. For those that are out of work and that are concerned about their own financial position we will still block out dates for a potential hunt on your word alone, no deposit required.
All of that being stated I want to also address how travel will occur in the future to international destinations. There has not been any government statement or guidelines set yet but IN MY OPINION travel to countries that have unmitigated Covid 19 will not be wide open as we have all been used to seeing. I feel that until a vaccine is developed and in place that travelers should expect to go through the same process that embassy and some military officials are facing now. When returning to the USA from p[laces where there is no testing and the infection rate is unknown or known to be wide spread travelers will face a 2 test 7 day quarantine at an approved government facility before being released to return home. Embassy staffers have been lodged at various hotels around DC until 2 clean tests have been done and it is rational to suggest ALL international travelers will face the same requirements. SO, plan on adding those days to your trip, it won’t be pleasant but if it keeps our country from facing this yet again in the fall then so be it.
I would also like to mention how I feel this event will play out, this is no prediction but just a guess based on what I know to be happening in Ecuador other undeveloped countries that are reporting widespread outbreaks. In Uruguay they have so many deaths that they are leaving the dead in the streets for collection and deposit in mass graves and unfortunately, I feel that most of Africa will face the same reality soon. There is widespread outbreaks in the townships around Joberg now and none of the other hunting countries have sufficient testing or none, so we won’t really know what is going on in Zim, Zambia, Mozambique and Namibia until we see the numbers of dead spike. Namibia will likely be the least impacted just based on the countries extremely low population, but it will still be impacted.
In closing I will say I don’t intend to post another update until July 1st but it is my gut feeling that there will NOT be hunting in Africa in 2020. I sincerely hope I am wrong but that’s the way I am leaning just looking at how this has worked here and taking into consideration that the southern hemisphere is just now going into fall and winter which unfortunately will only accelerate the spread of Covid 19.
If anyone has any questions or enquiries about travel and hunting, I am answering the phone and will be happy to help if I can. SS

quote:

Originally posted by AilsaWheels:

quote:

Originally posted by SafariSean:
....... this is no prediction but just a guess based on what I know to be happening in Uruguay and other undeveloped countries that are reporting widespread outbreaks. In Uruguay they have so many deaths that they are leaving the dead in the streets for collection and deposit in mass graves and unfortunately......,

I corrected my post to Ecuador, when I was writing that I was actually planning a bird shoot in Uraguay a freudian slip sorry. I do a lot of business in Salt Lake the info about townships is coming from reliable missionary sources.

Interesting. Officially, Uruguay has 473 cases and 7 deaths.

You mentioned the townships around Joberg, can you expand more on what you are hearing from there?

quote:

Originally posted by SFRanger7GP:
SafariSean: Where are you getting your Uruguay information? I am on a chat with friends in almost every Latin American country to include Uruguay. That is simply not true what you stated.

quote:

Originally posted by Bud Meadows:
I trust what Safari Sean says as much as I trust gas station sushi. His statement about Uruguay leaving dead bodies out in the street is total bullshit. As of this morning, the World Health Organization reports SEVEN deaths total out of 473 cases. Most of these cases were spread by affluent people who attended a large social gathering. Affluent people, even in Uruguay, don’t leave their deceased relatives out in the street. Representing a PH like Martin Pieters and encouraging making deposits for future hunts is lunacy. Do a quick search here on AR of past clients who Mr. Peters cheated out of pre-paid yet unfilled trophy fees and other shenanigans. If he won’t refund legitimate funds that he owes, I sure wouldn’t trust him with any deposit for a future hunt.

quote:

Originally posted by SafariSean:

quote:

Originally posted by Bud Meadows:
I trust what Safari Sean says as much as I trust gas station sushi. His statement about Uruguay leaving dead bodies out in the street is total bullshit. As of this morning, the World Health Organization reports SEVEN deaths total out of 473 cases. Most of these cases were spread by affluent people who attended a large social gathering. Affluent people, even in Uruguay, don’t leave their deceased relatives out in the street. Representing a PH like Martin Pieters and encouraging making deposits for future hunts is lunacy. Do a quick search here on AR of past clients who Mr. Peters cheated out of pre-paid yet unfilled trophy fees and other shenanigans. If he won’t refund legitimate funds that he owes, I sure wouldn’t trust him with any deposit for a future hunt.

quote:

Originally posted by Bud Meadows:
I trust what Safari Sean says as much as I trust gas station sushi. His statement about Uruguay leaving dead bodies out in the street is total bullshit. As of this morning, the World Health Organization reports SEVEN deaths total out of 473 cases. Most of these cases were spread by affluent people who attended a large social gathering. Affluent people, even in Uruguay, don’t leave their deceased relatives out in the street. Representing a PH like Martin Pieters and encouraging making deposits for future hunts is lunacy. Do a quick search here on AR of past clients who Mr. Peters cheated out of pre-paid yet unfilled trophy fees and other shenanigans. If he won’t refund legitimate funds that he owes, I sure wouldn’t trust him with any deposit for a future hunt.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by SafariSean:

quote:

Originally posted by Bud Meadows:
I trust what Safari Sean says as much as I trust gas station sushi. His statement about Uruguay leaving dead bodies out in the street is total bullshit. As of this morning, the World Health Organization reports SEVEN deaths total out of 473 cases. Most of these cases were spread by affluent people who attended a large social gathering. Affluent people, even in Uruguay, don’t leave their deceased relatives out in the street. Representing a PH like Martin Pieters and encouraging making deposits for future hunts is lunacy. Do a quick search here on AR of past clients who Mr. Peters cheated out of pre-paid yet unfilled trophy fees and other shenanigans. If he won’t refund legitimate funds that he owes, I sure wouldn’t trust him with any deposit for a future hunt.

From what had transpired here in the past of Martin’s behavior, I doubt you are going to get many clients!

I sure would never consider him as my hunting destination!

This is no reflection on you at all, it you might wish to investigate who are associating with.

quote:

Originally posted by SafariSean:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by SafariSean:

quote:

Originally posted by Bud Meadows:
I trust what Safari Sean says as much as I trust gas station sushi. His statement about Uruguay leaving dead bodies out in the street is total bullshit. As of this morning, the World Health Organization reports SEVEN deaths total out of 473 cases. Most of these cases were spread by affluent people who attended a large social gathering. Affluent people, even in Uruguay, don’t leave their deceased relatives out in the street. Representing a PH like Martin Pieters and encouraging making deposits for future hunts is lunacy. Do a quick search here on AR of past clients who Mr. Peters cheated out of pre-paid yet unfilled trophy fees and other shenanigans. If he won’t refund legitimate funds that he owes, I sure wouldn’t trust him with any deposit for a future hunt.

From what had transpired here in the past of Martin’s behavior, I doubt you are going to get many clients!

I sure would never consider him as my hunting destination!

This is no reflection on you at all, it you might wish to investigate who are associating with.

I've known Martin for years and yes he's had issues. Go back 1 year and see how many negative post have been made about Martin. NONE. I was hired to be his USA office and fix the eff ups. I made blanket statements on many platforms about refunding or replacing any hu t anyone had an issue with regarding MPS. when you send me money it stays here in the USA and I guarantee the hunt personally 100%. I understand the previous management issues are concerning but if you think that any of the fine Zim professionals that I can provide you with for a hunt at Matetsi are corrupt you're wrong. Our Matetsi until is one of the best hunting blocks available in Africa and Chap Esterhuizen, Mike Blignaut, any of my listed recommended PHs would provide a hint 2nd to none.

quote:

Originally posted by SafariSean:

quote:

Originally posted by Opus1:
Considering the financial situation of most operators at the moment, as a client I would not risk a single cent on deposits at this time. More than a handful of operators have already quietly closed their doors and all accrued deposits have evaporated and will not be returned or honored.

This is what I am telling my clients - Until international travel and more importantly African hunting returns to some semblance of normalcy, my suggestion for everyone is to be patient. We may still do some hunting in 2020, but it is way too soon to say when. In regards to 2021, all estimates are that COVID-19 will continue to be a public health concern well into 2021 and many may choose not to hunt next year. This will put huge pressure on operators who must secure concessions and permits in advance of the hunting season and it is doubtful many will stick their neck out too far.

So it will become even more critical to verify permits before you book a hunt and put deposits down. It is not entirely unusual to oversell available permits and I believe this will become more prevalent in 2021. Use caution and common sense.

To clarify this not only am I suggesting that the people that can afford to make a deposit I would also implore anyone that can afford it to send a deposit and consider it as a loan against a future hunting opportunity with no set dates. There's no safety net in Africa for these companies they need our support. I thought that by stating I would accept the word of a hunter for booking dates with current economic issues and asking those less affected to send money to Africa that my intent was clear. I'm NOT accepting in money here at the Safari Connection but I hope there ar AR members that will send $$$ to those they've hunted with before and or trust.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by SafariSean:

quote:

Originally posted by Bud Meadows:
I trust what Safari Sean says as much as I trust gas station sushi. His statement about Uruguay leaving dead bodies out in the street is total bullshit. As of this morning, the World Health Organization reports SEVEN deaths total out of 473 cases. Most of these cases were spread by affluent people who attended a large social gathering. Affluent people, even in Uruguay, don’t leave their deceased relatives out in the street. Representing a PH like Martin Pieters and encouraging making deposits for future hunts is lunacy. Do a quick search here on AR of past clients who Mr. Peters cheated out of pre-paid yet unfilled trophy fees and other shenanigans. If he won’t refund legitimate funds that he owes, I sure wouldn’t trust him with any deposit for a future hunt.

From what had transpired here in the past of Martin’s behavior, I doubt you are going to get many clients!

I sure would never consider him as my hunting destination!

This is no reflection on you at all, it you might wish to investigate who are associating with.

quote:

Originally posted by Alfredo C:
Sean I for one DO remember you offering to mediate Martins wrong doings BUT to represent a character like him especially after knowing what he has done to people leaves a bad taste in ones mouth.

I guess, why are you representing a thief like Martin? Why him? I would think that a guy like you who is in the business that you are in wouldn’t touch a guy like Marin with a 10 foot pole.

You sound like a very nice, intelligent, and honest guy who is trying to do the right thing by people but representing a guy like Martin takes away from your credibility

My 2cents for what it’s worth

quote:

Originally posted by Cajun1956:
Apparently, some trophy hunters enjoy shooting 'bling wearing' dangerous game.

...

quote:

Originally posted by Cajun1956:
Apparently, some trophy hunters enjoy shooting 'bling wearing' dangerous game.

Yeah, I know, it's legal in most, if not all, countries in Southern Africa.

Just ain't on my bucket list shamwari dzangu.

Please carry on.

quote:

Originally posted by Bud Meadows:
SAFARI SEAN: I am honored that a flim flam artist such as yourself has to resort to name calling rather than address the issues I raised. By my count, Mr Pieters has cheated at least SIX AR members out of money: Wrenchmaster, Shoulderman,the Drazen brothers, Bobmn, df06 and Palmer. You’ve stated that you “offered to mediate any problems that occurred before I joined Martin” but “offering” and actually recovering moneys owed are two different things. You also claim that your “area of expertise “ is “travel details” but you confused Uruguay with another country when citing false statistics. Associating with someone like Pieters is either an act of desperation for funds or just plain stupidity. Who is the “internet coward” when the things I say are all true and your responses are infantile name calling?

quote:

I have offered to mediate any problems that occurred before I joined Martin.

quote:

Originally posted by SafariSean:

You sir are an ass you would not accuse me of being dishonest face to face you are just another internet coward. Maybe you should visit some of my other post here and on AH where I have offered to mediate any problems that occurred before I joined Martin. I did make a mistake stating the country was Uraguay when I meant to sat Ecuador so please accept my apologies coward.

quote:

Originally posted by 86thecat:

quote:

Originally posted by SafariSean:

You sir are an ass you would not accuse me of being dishonest face to face you are just another internet coward. Maybe you should visit some of my other post here and on AH where I have offered to mediate any problems that occurred before I joined Martin. I did make a mistake stating the country was Uraguay when I meant to sat Ecuador so please accept my apologies coward.

I was not aware that making personal threats and name calling was a successful mediation technique.
Learn something new every day.

quote:

Originally posted by 86thecat:

I was not aware that making personal threats and name calling was a successful mediation technique.
Learn something new every day.

quote:

SIX AR members out of money: Wrenchmaster, Shoulderman,the Drazen brothers, Bobmn, df06 and Palmer. You’ve stated that you “offered to mediate any problems that occurred before I joined Martin”

quote:

Originally posted by boliep:

quote:

Originally posted by 86thecat:

I was not aware that making personal threats and name calling was a successful mediation technique.
Learn something new every day.

Only if you are the mafia.



.

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:
The people I hunt with make sure every penny of my money is accounted for and would bend over backwards to make sure I was refunded a penny if they owed me.

Likewise...I am generous to them. We do every hunt with a verbal agreement. I plan on it staying that way.

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:
The people I hunt with make sure every penny of my money is accounted for and would bend over backwards to make sure I was refunded a penny if they owed me.

Likewise...I am generous to them. We do every hunt with a verbal agreement. I plan on it staying that way.

That is because you are a gentleman that honours a simple handshake.