Has anyone heard of or hunted with Unico of S.A.? I understand he has good Buff in Mozambque?? I beleive the owner is Christo ?

I spent several hours talking to Christo at SCI in Reno. I damn near booked a trip with but when my friend Paul Stones came through with what I wanted to do then I booked with Paul. I would not hesitate to do a trip with him.

crl

A girl I go to school with went with her family to Christo's place. They highly recommend him. She took a HUGE Hartebeest and her dad took a fine Kudu and Eland as well as lots of other stuff. They went for 10 days. However, in my opinion they are overpriced. You can check out their website: Unico Safaris

We hunted with Christo last year and could not have had a better hunt. He has access to huge tracts that are loaded with quality game and his PHs are superb. The staff and facilities at Unico rate 5 stars. You cannot find a better place to hunt. PM me if you have any other questions. Jerry Hoover

I'm no expert on ethics but I saw them set up an operation on an RSA farm that literally wiped out the warthog population, rifle shooting from a blind over a water hole. This is a very short time. Not a safari veteran, but not stupid either, my several days walking the ground convinced me that and other game was being shot down well below the sustainability level. They probably have several operations and I can't say this was their usual modus operendi but advise you to ask serious questions about how you will be hunting and decide what you want to do.

GaryL, it has taken me several days to respond to your post re Unico Safaris. Knowing christo as I do , I SERIOUSLY doubt Christo would sacrifice any short term gain over an enterprise that would give him a sustainable pool of animals to hunt. Although no flames are intended, I am curious as to how you reached the conclusion that animals were being harvested beyond the carrying capacity of the land. Did you have access to a helicopter survey by a biologist or another competent professional or is this merely a personal observation? Make no bones about it, Christo is an asute business man and I seriously doubt he would prefer a windfall profit to an asset that would give him a sustainable return over the long haul. Aside from that Unico gives you an incredible experience with impeccable services. I hunted with Unico on a donated hunt and was treated as if I were royalty. Would I hunt with them again and pay full price? In a NewYork second I would. Unico is not cheap, but Quality never is. Let me know what your thoughts are. Respectfully, Jerry Hoover

Jerry,
Thanks this is the type of feed back I am looking for. I have bookied with Christo for 07 in Mozambque for Leopard(with dogs) Buff and a few PG.

The need to hunt Leopards with dogs indicate clearly that a area is over hunted for leopards it is a matter of last resources and you might ending up with having to shoot a female or immature animal. There are plenty of areas with dense leopard populations where you don’t need a pack of dogs.
No hunting areas or concession a registered to Cristo Kaiser or Unico Safaris in Mozambique.

freischuetz,
You are correct Cristo does not have a concession registered in his name or his company Unico. He brokers his clients to a PH with the area registered and Christo takes the responsibility. I understand the concession is unit 12 of the Marramue area. I do have a choice for the Leopard hunt over bait or with dogs,I chose the dogs due to the high success rate of a larger Male Leopard.

You cannot go wrong with Unico. Christo will bust his butt to give you every chance of success.If Christo is taking responsibility you can be assured that all the details have been covered. Obviously this does not guarantee a kill, but you will have the maximum effort on your side. Other people have posted that Unico is expensive and my response is "Quality is rarely cheap." Many may be cheaper, An infintesimily few may be better. You made a good choice and I envy you. When you return , please post your hunt. Respectfully, Jerry Hoover

quote:

Originally posted by huntnjim:
freischuetz,
You are correct Cristo does not have a concession registered in his name or his company Unico. He brokers his clients to a PH with the area registered and Christo takes the responsibility. I understand the concession is unit 12 of the Marramue area. I do have a choice for the Leopard hunt over bait or with dogs,I chose the dogs due to the high success rate of a larger Male Leopard.

Jim

Concession (Coutada) 12 (2900km/2) Inhaminga Safaris is mainly forest area and very dense on places, the best months a from mid September to November ( better visibility) excellent place to hunt first class Trophy Suni and Red duiker, Nyala, & Chobe bushbuck. Pls. Do spend some time on hunting them it is the best place for them I know of in Southern Africa you can make easy Rowland Ward on suni and red duiker.
Other species are Blue duiker, Reedbuck, Impala, Waterbuck Eland, Kudu, Warthog, Bush Pig, Leopard, Buffalo, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest and Elephant are resident in the area. Lions occur at times. Buff hunting in the forest can be tricky.

Regarding the leopard with dogs there is no higher success rate for big males this is absolutely incorrect you will have a higher success rate connecting with a leopard yes but the dogs following any leopard scent they make no different between male or female small or big leopards and this is were the problem comes in once the leopard is up the tree and the dog are under need the tree you have to shoot the cat or go and get the dogs away from the tree! How one dog or two you maybe can call off with a pack forget it if the cat see you and you get to close to get the dogs out the leopard might jump charge or run away with the dogs behind if he comes for you ?? tell me you only will shoot a big male?
I know that last year Joe was not happy because some females got shot. All I am trying to tell you is what can happen. They lost some dogs because they run to lions last year. I breed hunting dogs, trained them and judged them on field trails so I know “sort of†what I am talking about, having worked for the last 35 years with hunting dogs. And spending the extra money for the use of dogs I rather would spend the money for extra day fees and hunt over bait!
Management of Coutada 12 changed for this year sadly Joe Martins is no longer managing this area.

Is one of the most versatile area in Mozambique and you should have a great and enjoyable hunt, (with the right expectation).


have a good hunt

Freischuetz

Wow!
Freischuetz you have made some great points and I thank you for them. However it is my understanding we will not turn loose on just any track. I too have hunted Mtn. Lions with dogs on several occasions.
We do not turn loose until we are confident of the size of the cat by judging the track.

Jim go for it and enjoy it
When are you are you going?
Maybe we meet there!

Jim, you go and have fun. Take advantage of whatever comes your way. Post your results when you return. Good luck and good hunting. Jerry Hoover