Big game African hunt packages are taking a huge hit from the economy
By Kyle Carter
ESPNOutdoors.com

ORLANDO, Fla. — At an event that is nothing but business, both big and small, 95 percent of the chatter leads straight to the economy, and 95 percent of that is negative.

Outside of the gun manufacturers, most of the industry has taken some sort of negative hit in the last eight months, but perhaps no section has been hit harder than the high dollar, big game safari hunts that go to different parts of Africa and across the world.

Chris Lordan, a manager and outfitter for Africa Sport Hunting Safaris, said in a day and a half at the SHOT Show, they hadn't sold a single hunt — but Lordan added that selling two hunts in a show would be a success and there's still plenty of show left.

"Repeat lines we've done well," Lordan said, referring to customers that have hunted with them before. "We haven't really noticed in major change. We expected worse than what we've seen to be honest."

Two booths down, Walter Enslin of Kwan Safaris wasn't as optimistic. Kwan cut their prices nearly in half to try and adjust to the failing global economy and, according to Enslin, have gotten almost no return.

"We're trying to make it feasible for the normal guy in America to come to South Africa," Enslin said. "It hasn't worked. I just don't think the money is there this year. Those prices should get a lot more attention than they are."

Like African Sport Hunting Safaris, Enslin said Kwan is not having trouble keeping the hunters that have been with them for years, it's the new customer business that's all but completely shut down.

"The guy that walks through an outdoor show and comes by your booth and wants to go on a hunt is no more — there isn't any first-time safari business," Enslin said.

Kiley Matthews, co-owner and operator of Africa Sport Hunting Safaris, said they haven't lowered their prices, but they have attempted to add to the value of their original prices. The company is now offering photo expeditions in addition to the hunt, to make it more of a family affair.

"If you add that on as a specialized service for the guys that want to come with their family, it makes a big difference," Lordan said.

But the problem remains that in an economy that's forcing families and individuals to take a closer look at their finances, a $15,000 hunt can make room for a lot of gas and groceries.

"If you lose 100k and your $50 million strong, what's the difference?" Enslin said. "But Joe on the street who's loosing his 401k just doesn't have the money."

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There is no doubt that he economic situation has and will take its toll on the Safari business - a no brainer.

However, I think this excessive gloom and doom is partly due to the fact that a good portion of hunters are likely holding back to see where the safari prices will finally land and then will book when they feel they are getting the most out of their stretched budgets.

4-5K can make all of the difference in the world when it comes to a "go / no-go" decision being made.

JW out.

when the going gets tough the tough gets going

its time to get creative

My guess is the guys who are going to be the hardest hit will be those at the lower end of the market.

FWIW, we've seen a slight slowdown, but nothing dramatic and 2010 is already looking to be a busy year for us. The guys I know who are at the high end of the market tell me they're already pretty much fully booked.

I reckon Jeff has a good point though...