I hesitate ever speaking out against an Outfitter. I usually give them the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps, this is the reason I have lost money that should have never been lost.

Having said this, I am glad that you posted this. A few years back, I was looking at booking a hunt with Theo (if we are talking about the same Theo). He booked hunts in RSA and hunts in Europe. I was looking at booking an Ibex hunt.

I am now glad that I did not do this. Thanks for the info.

As a booking agent myself,I hate to see this kind of thread as it makes it harder for me and the rest of my fellow crooks and scoundrels in this business to fleece our unsuspecting clients. Dang it, now thanks to Opus, they are on to our little scams. I have several of my victims trying to call me already this morning, but I told Jamie to tell them I was climbing Everest at the moment and was not sure when I would be returning. That always seems to work.

I am not at all defending Theo. I think the reality is that when booking a rhino hunt with other than the land owner, there are a lot more risks.

quote:

Originally posted by Dave Fulson:

As a booking agent myself,I hate to see this kind of thread as it makes it harder for me and the rest of my fellow crooks and scoundrels in this business to fleece our unsuspecting clients. Dang it, now thanks to Opus, they are on to our little scams. I have several of my victims trying to call me already this morning, but I told Jamie to tell them I was climbing Everest at the moment and was not sure when I would be returning. That always seems to work.

Wow, nothing like a little lite hyperbole.

Anyhow, as I said, there are lots and lots of booking agents. Some are great and have a good record, others, not so much. When everything goes great, everyone is happy. However, when things don't go so great, then the more parties there are at the table the more difficult resolution becomes.

Regardless if you are dealing with a booking agent or directly with an outfitter/PH it is best to contemplate what happens should something go terribly wrong.

TIA

quote:

Originally posted by Dave Fulson:
As a booking agent myself,I hate to see this kind of thread as it makes it harder for me and the rest of my fellow crooks and scoundrels in this business to fleece our unsuspecting clients. Dang it, now thanks to Opus, they are on to our little scams. I have several of my victims trying to call me already this morning, but I told Jamie to tell them I was climbing Everest at the moment and was not sure when I would be returning. That always seems to work.

Everest?? And all this time I thought you were off making bad hunting shows sponsored by companies whose products you do not use. (Sarcasm intended)

Sadly there delight that is Theo has struck again and owes me $1000 and has since March. Gone all cold turkey on me now and what I thought a while back was a decent, hard working, religious guy is just someone who is either A) screwed with money he has to take what isn't his or B) just puts a good act on to rob you

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:

quote:

Originally posted by medved:
Steve,

will you care sharing the name of your agent?

Phil

Steve & I used the same agent. He is John Barth of Adventure Unlimited.

thank you Larry.

I've never dealt with a booking agent.
But, I have dealt with a bunch of guys that have professed their religion. They're the first to put the screws to someone. Soon as that garbage comes out I turn and run while watching my back!

I have also learned on both sides of the deal. "you cannot be in business and stay 100% honest or you'll get xxkd!"

Best wishes to all of you.
George

Word on street is he's gone "underground" and has decided to ignore all his people he need credit.

I saw him post some sort of multi-level marketing thing on Facebook.

Yes, I saw that too. He's been messaged on there but never replies.

I know some folk who've paid him deposits fornhunts in 2017. Wonder if they turn up whether anyone will be there waiting for them

Certainly appears to be the case, my correspondence is ignored now too.

His mobile still rings... 00380 93261 0464