This was my first SCI convention and I was impressed. I really enjoyed it, although maybe I was too tentative because I wasn't booking or buying, just drooling and looking. But I enjoyed saying Hi to some guys I've hunted with and catching up a little. I tried to be quick, because I didn't want to tie up people when they could be making money off someone However, I spoke to the Tholo guys right before the end on Saturday and they said they were almost completely booked, even the big dollar hunts, for 2024 and I think they said a lot of 2025.

I enjoyed that after years of drooling over Heym doubles on the internet, I finally got to hold one and feel the balance. Which was cool for me. Again, I tried not to handle all the expensive stuff I can't afford, but I did pick up a few more double rifles and shotguns and feel them in my hands. I've wanted a B. Rizzini shotgun and they were there, so I was able to handle one for the first time.

I thought it was great, and hunters are the best, always friendly and nice to be around.

quote:

I really enjoyed it, although maybe I was too tentative because I wasn't booking or buying, just drooling and looking.

Drooling and looking oftentimes turns into buying and booking. Just ask a large percentage of AR members . It was a very good show.

quote:

Originally posted by dogcat:
Of course my comment is negative. How could anyone book a hunt in Zambia with all of the uncertainty?
Even if this sorts out, why should anyone trust the government?

Most quotas were issued today and note a series of operators had successfully sued Government

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Originally posted by dogcat:
Of course my comment is negative. How could anyone book a hunt in Zambia with all of the uncertainty?
Even if this sorts out, why should anyone trust the government?

Most quotas were issued today and note a series of operators had successfully sued Government

What GMA is your quota for?

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Originally posted by dogcat:
Of course my comment is negative. How could anyone book a hunt in Zambia with all of the uncertainty?
Even if this sorts out, why should anyone trust the government?

Most quotas were issued today and note a series of operators had successfully sued Government

So quotas issued today for:

1) The GMA's that remain open (mostly secondary GMA's)?

2) The areas that were retained by lawsuit (Namely Peter Chipman and Cuturi)?

I have to wonder what the long term impact of all this insanity will be on Zambia? As difficult as it has been to make a living there in the industry, I wonder how many will exit ?

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:
I have to wonder what the long term impact of all this insanity will be on Zambia? As difficult as it has been to make a living there in the industry, I wonder how many will exit ?

I know of two outfitters who told me last week that they are done in Zambia, one had a year left on his concession, the other had two years left. Neither were booking hunts on those. I hate the government craziness for the outfitters as well as the local communities. Both cited outside influence for many of the problems (read Chinese and Indian).

quote:

Originally posted by K Evans:

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:
I have to wonder what the long term impact of all this insanity will be on Zambia? As difficult as it has been to make a living there in the industry, I wonder how many will exit ?

I know of two outfitters who told me last week that they are done in Zambia, one had a year left on his concession, the other had two years left. Neither were booking hunts on those. I hate the government craziness for the outfitters as well as the local communities. Both cited outside influence for many of the problems (read Chinese and Indian).

Ah the government!

NEVER, EVER, trust politicians, no matter where they are.

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Ahrenberg:

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Originally posted by dogcat:
Of course my comment is negative. How could anyone book a hunt in Zambia with all of the uncertainty?
Even if this sorts out, why should anyone trust the government?

Most quotas were issued today and note a series of operators had successfully sued Government

What GMA is your quota for?

I do not have a quota unless the Courts decide the ransacking of Royal Kafue was illegal. I have booked safaris with long-standing associates and operators who helped me out during the Chanjuzi fiasco.

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Ahrenberg:

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Originally posted by dogcat:
Of course my comment is negative. How could anyone book a hunt in Zambia with all of the uncertainty?
Even if this sorts out, why should anyone trust the government?

Most quotas were issued today and note a series of operators had successfully sued Government

What GMA is your quota for?

I do not have a quota unless the Courts decide the ransacking of Royal Kafue was illegal. I have booked safaris with long-standing associates and operators who helped me out during the Chanjuzi fiasco.

Has Ibi been issued any quota?

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Ahrenberg:

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Originally posted by dogcat:
Of course my comment is negative. How could anyone book a hunt in Zambia with all of the uncertainty?
Even if this sorts out, why should anyone trust the government?

Most quotas were issued today and note a series of operators had successfully sued Government

What GMA is your quota for?

I do not have a quota unless the Courts decide the ransacking of Royal Kafue was illegal. I have booked safaris with long-standing associates and operators who helped me out during the Chanjuzi fiasco.

Has Ibi been issued any quota?

Not sure who has quota or not and asked for clarification from PHAZ but they have not answered my query

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Ahrenberg:

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Originally posted by dogcat:
Of course my comment is negative. How could anyone book a hunt in Zambia with all of the uncertainty?
Even if this sorts out, why should anyone trust the government?

Most quotas were issued today and note a series of operators had successfully sued Government

What GMA is your quota for?

I do not have a quota unless the Courts decide the ransacking of Royal Kafue was illegal. I have booked safaris with long-standing associates and operators who helped me out during the Chanjuzi fiasco.

Has Ibi been issued any quota?

Larry, Ibi doesn't have a hunting area (GMA) to be issued a quota.