I see alot of people are booking trips like 2 years ahead. Is that really wise ? I know you get the good dates etc but what about hunting condtions, rains, drought, banning certain animals, areas switching owners etc. I like to book a hunt 3-4 months before im going and just shop around on what I would like to hunt with the good operators. Worked very good for me.

I agree Anton. The only time I booked that far out the safari company went under and I lost my deposit.

It depends. Do you want to hunt a particular species in a particular area with a particular popular PH at a particular time? Best to book ahead. If you are more flexible in your approach, you can surely find a great hunt later on, at least in this economy. Maybe at a bargain price to boot.
I have booked a couple of hunts two years out, and have only put 10% of the daily rate down as a deposit, with more due after show season the year of the hunt. A little less at risk that way.

It all depends.

If you are flexible on dates, species, duration, area, operator, PH, etc, etc, etc, then you can wait and book on short notice.

If you need to hunt in a specified time, in a certain area, for a specific species, with a preferred PH, you better book early.

I agree with you Marty. I've booked two years out a couple of times but when I do so, I'll only pay a portion of the deposit until we get closer to the hunt. So far, it's worked out great.

I have a Rocky Mountain Bighorn hunt that I'm looking at right now for the Fall of 2013. They want me to put 25% of the entire price down to hold it. I'm thinking 10% or else I'll take the chance of it selling before I commit. This particular outfitter has a good reputation, but that is a long time for someone to hold your "Nonrefundable" deposit. What if YOU have an issue between now and then. Loose your job, heart attack, etc.

The fact that it's non-refundable for any reason makes me even less excited about paying 25% down to hold the hunt 2 years from now.

I work with a bunch of companies that only require $2000 to 3000 down for a hunt deposit for 2013. Then you pay a normal deposit 9-12 months form the hunt. Seems fair and low risk that way...

The Answer to that Question is..........HELL YES !! DOUBLE & TRIPLE YES ! Allow me to share a few insights about myself....and along the way tell you what my 2.5K down has bought me. 2 1/2 YEARS of pure ANTICIPATION (as in the catsup song). 2 1/2 years of having twice the reason to stay in "kill em' with you legs shape" !! 2 1/2 years of planning & preparation, which is a HUGE percentage of the trip and fun. 2 1/2 years of talking with my family about the upcoming elephant orgy of death. 2 1/2 years of SAVING THE FRICKIN' MONEY. The THRILL OF KNOWING that when I went to Africa last year........it was NOT the end. I ALREADY had another Hummer of a trip planned for 2012. 2 1/2 years of getting to know my PH....GRAEME POLLOCK....Owner of Safari Botswana Bound.
When we show up, it WILL NOT be a HOPE for the best situation. I would go on but surely you get the picture. DO NOT CHEAT YOURSELF OUT OF OVER HALF THE FUN. My experience is these trips are much like people.....You get what you expect. Sometimes you get dissapointed....but IF YOU PLAN AND EXPECT REALISTICALLY....it is the BEST money you will ever spend. Take a guess what I am thinking about today???? Same thing as yesterday and tommorrow. Only now it is only 7 months away instead of 28.

If I'm going on my own I like to wait. You are certain to get a better deal the later you can book. But, if I'm planning with a friend we normally book 1-2 years out. You get the dates, animals, and PH's you want, plus the planning and anticipation are a great part of the hunt for me. I also book my tickets through aeroplan (air miles). There are only a few seats designated to aero plan and the best, first class seats get booked up within days of when the flights are scheduled, and that is at least a year out. "Free" tickets will often make up the difference in price from a regular priced hunt and a last minute hunt.

I am booked out to Oct of 2013. It assures me that I will get the tag and date I want, and get to look forward to it for a long time.
Get trip insurance if you are worried about something happening to you.
I have trip insurance for all my hunts.
Good Luck,
W.

quote:

Originally posted by safari-lawyer:
It all depends.

If you are flexible on dates, species, duration, area, operator, PH, etc, etc, etc, then you can wait and book on short notice.

If you need to hunt in a specified time, in a certain area, for a specific species, with a preferred PH, you better book early.

+1, Plus it is necessary if there is a group of hunters interested to hunt together.