I have been fielding phone calls from some concerned clients about Vaughan Fulton's areas in Western Namibia, by Etosha Park.

There is a rumor going around that he has lost the two areas on the Western side of Etosha Park. These concessions come up for tender every 3 years. The official results of the tenders of these areas are not due out until early December, however, it does look likely that these two areas Vaughan had will be given to another operator.

Vaughan was the first operator to hunt these areas. They had never been commercially hunted before. He took these areas and showed us what they are capable of. Many of you have been here and seen the quality of the game, the camp and the area.

There are plenty of other options for Vaughan at this time. There are other areas just as good as these areas and he will carry on hunting in the same style as before. I have no doubt that the new areas he will choose will be of the highest quality. Those of you who know Vaughan can attest to the fact that he does hold everyone to the highest of standards, including his hunting areas.

I spoke with Vaughan today about the change and he is very positive and looks forward to going into new country and assures everyone that the change in hunting areas will be to their satisfaction, or they will receive a full refund.

This change has no effect on Vaughans areas in the Caprivi.

Right now, this is all the information I have. For those of you who are booked to hunt with Vaughan in 2007 and onward, I will be contacting each of you with information as the situation unfolds.

I am booked with Vaughan for next year and if Vaughan says it's good then that's enough for me-I am still going. Probably will turn out to be a positve as I think he will have two new unhunted conservacies and I for one intend to go and collect some of those as yet unhunted animals. Just my thoughts!

I spent a year seriously researching outfitters for my first hunt in Africa. Just my luck that the day I decided to commit and set dates, the news came out about Vaughan's concessions. A good hunting area is important, but a good outfitter is more important in my opinion. I have gone ahead and reserved dates through Wendell for May, 2008. I am confident that everything is going to work out fine. Every thing I have read about Vaughan and is his PH's leads me to believe that I have little to worry about.

FWIW...I know in 2005 Vaughan was considering not even bidding on Ehi- and Oma- due to basic African politics, so I bet he has something for a fallback.

Lot of new conservancies being chartered.

If anyone can "make a plan"... I'm betting on Vaughan.

If I wasn't booked with Vaughan for the Caprivi next year I'd probably offer to help set up any new camps he would be putting in! With some hunting in the meantime of course......

Vaughan knows the areas and works too hard to fail. I'd go to the new areas in a heart beat!

'African Politics' is right.........

I met Vaughan in 1995 and hunted with him first in 1997. I assure everyone that he will have a fine hunting operation in whatever location he decides.

Mike

Has anyone heard anything new about this?

I believe Boet Nel has gotten this area. He told via email he had a new area up by Etosha.

Wayne

Montana, you are right. I asked Boet Nel via email and he said it was Vaughn's concession. He said it was one of the best! He is up there now putting in a camp I believe. Can't wait to see him in July!

I am waiting on him now to have details of a possible Buff hunt for me in June. But have another great option on the table too If my wallet was fatter I could do them both but
There is always next year, I have gotten bit by the Africa bug in a big way.

W

Montana,

Yep, I hear you! It was awesome over there! Look forward to being back in July. Won't shoot as much game as going more to enjoy the times with family and friends. I am going to hopefully plan a hunt for a few years from now for the fiancee and kids.

I spoke with Vaughan yesterday, and you can all rest assured that he has a great plan for the upcoming Safari season. I can't reveal any of the details right now, but, trust me, it's a great one.