Now I see why no specifics were provided.

Way too much whining going on around here, IMHO.

quote:

Originally posted by Russ Gould:
Regarding names: The first case (Zim trophies) involves a hunter who reads and sometimes posts on this forum and a PH who is also well-supported by groupies on this forum. The client will no doubt post the full details (and it now involves a third very well known person in the industry, and that's a story in and of itself) when he decides the time is right. Right now he has been advised that if he does go public, he will have "burned his bridges". In other words, he won't get his trophies if he goes public. So he is giving the people involved one last chance to straighten this out.

Given the fact that the unnamed indivudual has filed a negative hunt report with Don Causey and thus has "burned his bridges", it would seem that we were being presented with banter from the sewing circle as hard fact.

While I cannot say that I have any sympathy for Russ in engaging in yet another futile effort to turn half truths and innuendo into fact , I do have a great deal of empathy for his dog. Russ has screwed the pooch so many times that the poor animal must have a chronic case of irritable bowel syndrome.

Is there a veterinarian in the house?

I'll be the first to say I've booked a hunt thru Russ even before I found AR. Actually, Russ sent me an email suggesting I look at this website before leaving the States. It was my first trip on the other side of the pond for this newbie, and I can honestly say all 'stupid' questions were answered honestly and fairly, based upon what I saw and experienced while on safari. I wouldn't hesitate to book another hunt with a company Russ represents in the future, and I'm currently researching a company represented by Wendell.

I've had the opportunity to share a few meals with Russ when I'm in his neck of the woods from time to time. He has been nothing but a gracious host.

Regardless of what business you are in, things sometimes fall through the cracks. They are not meant to, but sometimes do. I don't care who you are, I'm sure you've let a thing or two fall through a crack and as some of you suggest, 'screwed the proverbial pooch, too!' And, for those of you who say you haven't, are a damn liar.

Having said that, if a person wanted to they could go back through this posts on this website and find whatever dirt they wanted to for which ever booking agent they wanted to. i.e. Russ and the guncase; Vaughan not delivering trophies in a timely manor (happened when I first joined); PVT, Ray, and Judge episode; Boet Nol vs 404WJJeffery, etc. As I stated above, if you've been in business long enough, something bad has probably taken place regardless of accidently or purposely.

It really seems nothing more than a contest IMHO.

Graybird,

It appears to me that only one person is doing the pissing.

Russ on Gokwe

Russ once again

I agree with you that one could go back and find bad comments about any operator here on AR, the difference in this case is that Russ is doing all he can to run down another agent, and, given his history of lies, he should be the last person questioning someone elses honesty. The lies I am referring to are the ones linked in this post; if they were true Russ should have the guts to post why in a public forum just like he posted the innuendo.

I appreciate that you had a good experience with Russ and am not trying to change your perception of him; I just wanted to give my perception of him.

"the difference in this case is that Russ is doing all he can to run down another agent"
I'm sorry, but I did not see this in Russ's original post at all. What we here on AR is, as usual, the cognescenti (the in crowd) who seem to know what is going on, and already have their alliances, and the rest of us, the plebians, who are trying to lean something. The bullshit about "doing your homework" is just that, bullshit! It is like claiming that the stock market is a level playing field. It isn't, and unless you are "in the know" neither is (it seems) safari hunts in Africa.
Now, I am no fan of Russ's (after the gun case fiasco) but I do think that Russ's email served to inform me, at least, of additional potential pitfalls.
Still hoping for my DG hunt......
Peter.

quote:

the agent (not me, but a well known one) has done zilch to help

I know Wendell and can tell everyone on this forum, without any knowledge of this hunter's situation and without any reservation, that the above quote is absolute bullshit.

John

let me say from the start, I know absolutely nothing about any of this this so-called warning, but I doubt it is as accurate as we're expected to believe! I find there is always two sides to every playing card. One side tells the hand, and the other is a mystery. To judge the hand from only the back of the card is not an easy thing to get right!

I agree that true misconduct by Safari co., PH, or booking agent, should be reported to those who may use them. That said,I like a little evidence form both sides before making up my mind. The fact that I may choose to believe one side or the other, doesn't make it a good choice, and not one someone else should follow, without checking it out on his own.

The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at a tempting moment, for your own reasons!

Of course it's false. When Russ says "we" he means "I". He's the king of disinformation and innuendo. In fact, he's proven himself to be highly reliable in that regard.

Remember, this is the booking agent that told everyone not to go to Zim but that instead we should establish a welfare fund for the Zim PHs...as he continued booking and sending hunters to his PH in Zim. I'm reminded of Shakari's comment regarding something else..."dumber than a sack of spanners".

It is my trophy shipment that Russ Gould and Wendell Reich are referring to and is of great debate in this post. I have not responded to anything here as we were told by Don Causey not to "complicate matters" by contacting Wendell in any way. He also stated that "I think that you are at risk of never getting these trophies". So by posting this here there is a possbility of not ever receiving them due to retribution from the parties involved. My reason for comming foreword is that this thread has become a pissing match. I did not intent for a conflict to break out on AR over my trophy shipment. I just want to receive my trophies, that is all. You can call me a whiner or attack me here but how would you feel if you paid over $20,000 for a hunt (almost half my wages for a year) and still have not received your trophies after 22 months? Yes, shit happens, but it's easy to say that when its someone else's trophies rotting in a crate in Zimbabwe. This has not been one mistake but a series of them that put us in this situation. TR2 forms went "missing", Ivory cards were lost twice, problems with the bank and then no acquittal number issued from the bank. I do not think that there was intentional malice involved but in my opinion I do think that neglect and or indifference played a big part in Tshabezi Sarfaris not getting the trophies shipped. I did not want to involve Don Causey but I was advised by several individuals in the industry (Russ Gould was not one) to contact him. Out of desperation and lack of answers we finally did. I had stated and will continue to state that it was a great hunt. A definite "A" rating due in large part to PH Kirk Mason who is a true professional. But as far as the trophy shipment a definite "F" as we are still waiting. We have not told Don Causey to publish a negative hunt report, we have told him our patience are running out. After all when you have been told for well over a year that your trophies will be shipped in 6 to 8 weeks you don't believe them any more. We knew that there would be issues once the elections took place and the CITES problems arose but to blame this situation on that is incorrect. This issue started long before that transpired, and should have been taken care of before as well. If you are inclined I could give you a chronological account of the problems we have had but that would bore everyone.

As far as a free elephant hunt in writing, that did not take place. We were told by Wendell per a phone conversation that Dudley was willing to give us a free elephant hunt if our trophies did not arive. It was never put in (writing) to us from anyone. This is not what we were after, a free hunt. We only want to get out trophies home to be tanned before they were ruined. As stated earlier we have been told to wait and let it sort itself out for so long that we contacted Don Causey as a last result. No action was really taken until Don contacted Wendell and Dudley for answers. I am not sure why it had to get to this level in the first place. Isn't sending trophies back a rountine part of a hunt? To be perfecty honest it was not until the second time we contacted Don that anybody really took notice of our situation. My wife actually got ahold of Dudley on the phone yesterday and he stated that he was going to the bank today to take care of the situation. To his credit he was apologetic and did offer to replace any hides that were ruined. Why did this take so long to reslove this? On a positive note we did receive some E-mails today stating that the siutation with the bank has been taken care of, only after five months of waiting. I really hope that this situation is in the home stretch as it has caused alot of stress and anxiety for me and my wife for a long time now. I sincerly hope that this conflict and mudd slinging stops here on AR as I did not intend for my unfortunate circumstances to be the conflict of others. Once again I hope that by disregarding what I have been told and "going public" about this does not affect me receiving my trophies in any way. By posting this maybe it clears up some things and that my trophies will be in the US soon.


WLA

Thanks WLA for clearing up the lie about the agent not doing zilch. I'm sure this has been a difficult situation for you but you need to exercise some more patience. You admit that you had an "A" hunt. That's fantastic. You admit that the agent and safari company are trying to help you...to the point of offering you replacement capes and even a FREE return elephant hunt. That's over the top fantastic. In fact, I'm wondering why you haven't accepted the free return hunt? You would rather get negative instead of a free return hunt? Can you explain that? There are many companies that would not offer you that so be grateful for that.

In fact, if anyone wants to offer a hunt to me where you will lose the trophies in advance so I can return free, PLEASE get in touch with me.

WLA,

Thanks for chiming in.

Your reply actually sheds some light on the situation.

quote:

Originally posted by WLA:
I have not responded to anything here as we were told by Don Causey not to "complicate matters" by contacting Wendell in any way. He also stated that "I think that you are at risk of never getting these trophies".

I have sent numerous emails to you, I even called you, when you are usually home, and left a message. You have not communicated with me because Don told you not to?

He told you that you "I think that you are at risk of never getting these trophies". That is upsetting as you contacted him for support, and he has made the situation worse. Cultivating fear and doubt and hampering the comunication process. What did he hope to accomplish?

quote:

Originally posted by WLA:
So by posting this here there is a possbility of not ever receiving them due to retribution from the parties involved.

This comes straight from Don telling you this. I saw that email from him to you.

This is even more upsetting as Don is insinuating that if you publish this we will "get back at you" and not deliver your trophies.

Who does he think we are? A bunch of high school girls? Who would do something like that?

I have appollogized to you dozens of times via email and on the phone in person since this started. I want this sorted out as much as you do.

I have done all an agent in the States can do. I have kept in contact with Dudley and the shippers asking about the progress and keeping you updated. I have offered, in writing, to you that we will replace the capes if they are damaged, and give you a free Elephant hunt. I have offered, in writing, capes of mine that I have already had tanned to replace yours.

Everyone wants your trophies to ship, and everyone is doing all they can to make it happen.

I got an email today from Dudley that the acquittal number came through today so the shippers should be getting the other documentation ready now for shipping.

Hang in there.

WLA- Sorry to hear of the unfortunate circumstances which adversely affected your experience in Africa. As controversial as this thread may seem, it may just be the fire which got the ball rolling and made it a light at the end of the tunnel. I find it very ironic that the issue seems to be taken care of on the eve of this post being made public. Hopefully you do get them in and whole. I will probably never venture to Africa for this very reason. I would find it excruciating to spend 1/2 a year's pay only to have it all end so poorly.

quote:

Thanks WLA for clearing up the lie about the agent not doing zilch

This is just amazing! Yukon did you not read that NOTHING happened until Don Causey got involved:
No action was really taken until Don contacted Wendell and Dudley for answers.
Are we reading the same post? Is 22 months not long enough?
You would rather get negative instead of a free return hunt
He said he does not want a free hunt, he wants his trophies. That's what he paid for.
Does a hunt not include the correct handling of the trophies, or is that separate? Not dumping on you, just amazed that we both read the same post and see something different!
I keep thinking "this could be me", and all I would get from the AR "in group" would be "well did you get it in writing?", as if that would help! It wouldn't! The outfitter/PH etc. would just turn his tame dogs loose.
Peter.

I am thinking that the next time I book a hunt I am going to write in a clause that if I don't receive my trophies by a certain date the outfitter/PH/booking agent, will refund any trophy fees incurred.

That would only be fair.

If it is in fact true that Mr Causey is holding your trophies hostage and will keep them if you report his poor performance than I think we have real problem on our hands.

That is absolute and total BS if it's true.

No problem Peter but I ask you to do something before you make up your mind. Take a close look at everything that has happened on this thread and be sure to read the topics on the links that other guys have posted about Russ. Then ask yourself, "What does Russ have to do with the business of another booking agent? Has he done similar things before and who did he target then? Is this the first, second or third time he has done something like this?"

Take a look at what Don Causey has done and what Wendell has tried to do with his client and then make your own decision. Don't just skim the posts but take a look at everything including Wendell's rebuttal. You come across as a reasonable guy. I'm sure you can figure it out for yourself.

quote:

Originally posted by Fjold:
The other issue is that when someone gets cheated by a PH or outfitter and brings it up on the internet they usually get crucified by the outfitters/PH's friends and their claims get labeled as "bitching and crying".

I don't know why I read these threads. It usually ends up becoming a big

A hunter comes back complaining rightly or wrongly about how his hunt with "Buzz Fulton VanClement Sharp" went wrong and how the "Big Atkinreich Trackers Hill Adventures" booking agency participated in or didn't try to help him from getting scammed.

He first tries to keep the name of the company out of it because he knows he's going to be told he's a whiner and/or a liar. Others will take his side simply because they have an axe to grind with one of the companies involved. Accusations from both sides fly and usually before it's all said and done some of those involved stop posting here for a while, if not permenantly.

Sometimes it gets cleared up, but more often than not those like me watching from the sidelines hoping we'll learn something, just get confused.

From the many threads like this about the only positive that has come out for me was the chance to make those composite names above.

(And for those mentioned in the composite names I just picked those at random and don't mean to imply anything by inclusion; please don't send Doug Chester Esq. after me)

quote:

Originally posted by cable68:
(And for those mentioned in the composite names I just picked those at random and don't mean to imply anything by inclusion; please don't send Doug Chester Esq. after me)

Now that's funny !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

quote:

Originally posted by 404WJJeffery:
So, at this point, when I see PHs or booking agents posting here on AR, my first reaction is you are all full of BS until proven otherwise - overselling and under producing. I will continue to hunt but I am sure I will be a less pleasant, more demanding client than I previously have been.

It is sad that you had these experiences. I know for a fact that there are some people on this forum I will not book a hunt with......as clients, and they probably will not book with me either. That is life, and you cannot please everyone. There are a lot of good Ph's out there, and as a business, there is bound to be some disagreements from time to time between service provider and clients......How you handle those, makes you the winner or loser IMO.

I know only three PH's on this forum, personaly, and will refer any client to them any day, if I cannot help them. It is also fair, I think, that forum members should use forum PH's with good references, from other forum members to book their hunts...,,,with the obvious results if it was a good or bad experience.....As I said before, things do go wrong in this industry, sometimes, but if it goes wrong consistently....then you should smell a rat.....

IMO

Charl van Rooyen
www.infinito-safaris.com

quote:

What does Russ have to do with the business of another booking agent

Good point Yukon! I will follow your advice and re-read the thread. Having said that, while we may question the motivation, can we not also ask: "Are the facts as stated true?"
There seems to be a herd mentality on this forum (not saying you are part of this, of course!) Just recently, Ganyana posted a note about the dangers of Zim. Everyone agreed. Then it was noted that Don Causey was saying that hunting was still safe. Everyone (and I mean everyone) on this forum jumped on Don Causey for daring to make such statements and contradicting our own Ganyana! Guess what, the hunting areas probably are safe.
With the hooha involving PVT, Atkinson and others, it is difficult to know who you can trust!
Peter.

quote:

quote:
Originally posted by WLA:
I have not responded to anything here as we were told by Don Causey not to "complicate matters" by contacting Wendell in any way. He also stated that "I think that you are at risk of never getting these trophies".

How could not contacting Wendell be the best thing to do?

Geez, Don Causey, could you explain this?
How does the owner of a publication that is supposed to provide unbiased reports, make such a request?

Quote Russ Gould
"The "PH" was based in South Africa, of course,"

Quote surestrike
"These South African boys in particular need to wake up or the hunters are going to stop coming."

Come on guys !!! What a horrid generalisation. This thread really has highlighted the worst amongst us, but don't pick on an entire nation!

There are THOUSANDS of PHs operating in South and Southern Africa, most not even able to do dangerous game, but still earning a hard, HONEST living doing the job almost exclusively for the love of it. For many of us it would be a dream existence, if we only had the balls...

Here is PHASA's member list. They can't be all bad?
http://phasa.co.za/index.php?pid=7

quote:

Originally posted by Wendell Reich:

It might interest everyone to know that Dudley has offered (In writing) that if the client does not receive his trophies, he will give him another free Elephant hunt.

That speaks extremely well of Dudley! In fact I might secretly hope that the trophies never arrived...

quote:

Originally posted by 500grains:

quote:

Originally posted by Wendell Reich:

It might interest everyone to know that Dudley has offered (In writing) that if the client does not receive his trophies, he will give him another free Elephant hunt.

That speaks extremely well of Dudley! In fact I might secretly hope that the trophies never arrived...

I'm not taking sides here, BUT that is NOT what the client says.....to wit....and I quote, "As far as a free elephant hunt in writing, that did not take place. We were told by Wendell per a phone conversation that Dudley was willing to give us a free elephant hunt if our trophies did not arive. It was never put in (writing) to us from anyone." So if it's in writing apparently he hasn't seen it.

Is this the real situation:

quote:

TR2 forms went "missing", Ivory cards were lost twice, problems with the bank and then no acquittal number issued from the bank. I do not think that there was intentional malice involved but in my opinion I do think that neglect and or indifference played a big part in Tshabezi Sarfaris not getting the trophies shipped

If so, then the Wendell defenders should stop worrying! It seems that the blame is laid squarely at the doors of Tshabezi Safaris. Perhaps those folks who say that there are two sides of every issue should tell us (me) what the other side is. Is has been 22 months and it sounds like WLA has been getting no responses to his inquiries. One has to wonder, of course, why he has the impression that there is an implied threat about not getting his trophies if he "goes public". Am I reading this right ie. people are upset because of the impugning of Wendell, or are folks also defending Tshabezi Safaris?
BTW in the interests of fair disclosure I believe that I may have dealt with Wendell once. I believe that I bought a double rifle from him, my MK Owen! If so, Wendell I lOVE YOU!
(Modified) Wendell has informed me via PM that he is not the person who sold me my MK Owen so, given that, I take back my offer of love. However, he does seem an OK guy. Am I correct in saying that an American "broker" does not necessarily have unlimited clout when dealing with the outfitter?
Peter.

It is not uncommon to read here and elsewhere of similar problems w/either the agent, outfitter, PH, etc. in Africa and the hunter/client is pretty much on his own if no one can come to his assistance so I might suggest a program that is closely followed in the contracting world and that is simply a system of progress payments, 50% up front, 50%upon completion or some form thereof. Outfitter/agent/PH, etc. gets half up front upon arrival to the location, and upon delivery of the heads/trophy(s) the balance would be paid. I am sure other "wrinkles" could be included to sweeten the deal for both parties, but bottom line is no one gets his full pay/fee until the contract is complete in all aspects. No discussion, no arguments, plain and simple and places responsibility on all parties. If the outfitter has trouble with those handling the game heads then he has a serious problem, no pay. If the time to deliver the goods is beyone a predetermined date, penalties apply. Outfitter/agent/PH may not like this, but the hunter is the customer/client and what he likes or agrees to do is what "feeds the bulldog."
As someone mentioned all dealings have the potential of problems and some do, but program similar to described above will go a long way in solving proverbial pissing matches. Free elephant hunts require to return to AFrica and do not consider that an option Fullfill the original contract and all is good to go. One person stated he spent some 1/2 of his annual income and is out of pocket as a result of a liftime hunt/dream. Hunt in AFrica under those conditions, don't think so. Had not long ago been gearing up for hunt in South AFrica, but seems to me anywhere in Africa is at best a risky bet and believe I will remain here in the US of A and hunt deer, bear, elk, antelope, grouse, pheasant, squirrel and such and just be content with reading about Africa.

I think that's a bad decision, at best. I've spent years working in Africa, mainly experiencing the horrible side of Africa, which is just that.

But late in life, I have hunted Africa twice, once a great ten day trip with Warthog Safaris booked directly through the company in RSA, and a referral to Wendell from a friend who had had a successful buffalo hunt in TZ. I had two great trips. The PG safari with Warthog had a couple of problems concerning a wounded wildebeest where I felt that I was treated unfairly initially, but it came out in the wash.

The buff safari to the Selous was a trip of a lifetime with a Tanzanian company run by Tanzanian nationals. I had a top notch PH, received top notch service in a first rate camp, and was completely satisfied. Enthusiastically satisfied, I might add.

I did not meet Wendell on AR and, as a matter of fact, only came to this forum a few months after the conclusion of the hunt. Wendell treated me honestly and fairly and was very helpful.

I am not a Wendell "groupie" as has been mentioned is a previous post. At 65, I'm too damned old to be a "groupie" for anyone. All I know is that I was treated farily and got what I was promised.

If you decline to hunt Africa because of the misadventures of a few forum members, I think you are horribly cheating yourself out of a lifetime experience, particularly if you elect not to hunt the Selous Game Reserve. I have spent my life travleing the world to many exotic locations, and the Selous will forever remain one of my fvorite top two or three locations that I would love to return to.

Shit happens. It happens fequently in Zim, as the situation there with the banks deteriorates almost daily and the whole contry is hanging by a thread. Were I to hunt Zim, I would do so with the ever-present realization that I might never see my trophies again. That's just the way things have deteriorated.

I am booked with Wendell as the guest of a friend on a 21 day in Tanzania in July '09 with Luke Samaras, one of the highly rated companies in the business. I'll be hunting a ten-day for buff while my generous friend hunts several species available on the 21 day. I'll video some of his experiences when I'm not out myself.

There will be problems, but I have no doubt that Wendell will do all in his power to assist us, should major problems develop.

If you limit yourself to avoiding Africa because of the negative experiences of a few, I personally feel for you, because you are depriving yourself of one of the greatest experiences in hunting.

Believe it or not, my only agenda is to provide facts and truth to the folks who post questions on this forum, and if I get to book a few hunts or sell a gun or two in the process then I am happy.

I don't have any specific agenda targeted at any specific persons. If some of the information I provide reflects negatively on other folks in the industry, then that's just too bad, frankly.

However, it appears that certain others see fit to attribute all sorts of evil motives and strategies to me, and have called me the kind of names that I doubt any of them would have the balls to call me to my face.

So I am forced to elaborate.

Regarding Gokwe North and Dudley Rogers, I know for a fact that the district council, in January of this year, told other operators that the Council was repossessing the concession and was inviting offers for the concession, starting in 2009 and possibly even in 2008. Dudley's contract runs through 2009 or 10, I learned later. These operators were told that the council was not happy with the current operator and thus they were going to repossess. I don't know what the specific problems were. It appears that Dudley is still hunting there for this season, and the Council is has been quiet of late (due to elections, or perhaps whatever dispute was settled). I mentioned what I knew about this situation, in response to two postings on this forum about two months apart, where posters were seeking information about this concession, or it was suggested in response to a question that they consider a hunt in Gokwe N. I did not initiate the posts. My agenda was only to supply facts that were relevant to the poster's questions, facts that could potentially have saved them a lot of grief. Until others mentioned the names, I didn't know who Dudley was, nor did I know that Wendell was his agent. It soon became apparent, from the responses, who the agent and operator were, and that these gents have friends on this forum who chose to sling mud at me. I was not, and am still not, at liberty to divulge the name of the person who supplied me with the original information about the Gokwe concession. Suffice it to say that I am 100% sure of the veracity of this person and the information. I think the rest of the story will come out, sooner or later, of its own accord.

After these posts degenerated into a puerile mud-slinging affair with the Dudley supporters slinging mud at me for the most part, WLA contacted me to see if I could help him with his trophies. He had hunted Gokwe and he was looking for help from any quarter. I spent considerable time on the phone with him, and called my contacts in Zim to find out what could be done. I did this again to help an ordinary hunter, not looking for trouble or to pull anyone else down.

It was I who had to explain to WBT what an acquittal number was, and under what circumstances and acquittal number is withheld. The acquittal no. is the reserve bank sign-off on the export of trophies, and is only granted when the paperwork is in order and the foreign currency for the hunt (both daily rates and trophy fees) is accounted for and has been deposited to an official forex account. The govt has a keen interest in ensuring that these funds are deposited as they automatically convert the majority of this money into Zim $ at the pathetic official rate. In other words, they take their cut. If they don't get their cut, the acquittal no. is withheld and the trophies cannot be exported. This is what, in the final analysis, was holding up WBT's shipment. And I also have information that there were no widespread problems obtaining acquittal numbers from the Reserve Bank for the 2006 and 2007 seasons. So this was not a general problem, it was specific to this shipment.

I have to wonder why it was me, and not Wendell or Dudley, that explained all this to WBT. If these gentlemen were bending over backwards to help WBT and to constantly communicate with him, why he had to reach out to me and others for help? I am sure Wendell is a fine agent and he has many supporters and happy clients. But in this situation, he failed his client. I am sure Dudley has many happy clients. But in this situation, he failed his client. In the final analysis, it was Don Causey that sorted through the mess.

WBT in the meantime, was so frustrated at the lack of concrete progress and the ducking and weaving, that he decided, based on the advice of others, to contact Don Causey and to file a hunt report. Don persuaded WBT not to make the report, got personally involved, and suddenly the wheels started turning. Dudley, for the firt time in over a year, personally took a phone call from WBT. The next day, the acquittal no. was miraculously granted. So the credit goes to Don here. Let's be clear about that.

This most recent posting was not directed at Dudley or Wendell, as you will note I specifically did NOT name names. Wendell identified himself and Dudley as being the players here. Once again, the intent of my posting was to point out to prospective hunters, the kind of pitfalls and problems that they may encounter in this business.

In the process of these three postings, various posters on this forum, each for his own reasons, has seen fit to attribute all sorts of evil motives to me, to call me names, to make all sorts of vulgar comments, to distort my postings to support their flimsy theories, and to discredit me as much as they possibly can. It's generally the same choir each time which tells you something right there. Those gentlemen need something better to do with their time, obviously.

quote:

Originally posted by Russ Gould:
I have to wonder why it was me, and not Wendell or Dudley, that explained all this to WBT. If these gentlemen were bending over backwards to help WBT and to constantly communicate with him, why he had to reach out to me and others for help? I am sure Wendell is a fine agent and he has many supporters and happy clients. But in this situation, he failed his client. I am sure Dudley has many happy clients. But in this situation, he failed his client. In the final analysis, it was Don Causey that sorted through the mess.

Cool, the agent fight continues.

Russ,

I think it is commendable that you went out of your way to help a fellow hunter who was not even your client. And if, as you say, your intentions here were not driven by any hidden agenda and were purely to offer information to others to enable them to avoid similar pitfalls, you have my apologies for being one of your critics.

But, with all due respect, rightly or wrongly, your past participation here has created the perception among many readers regarding your motives and credibility. And to many people, their perception is no different from their reality.

You have been around long enough to know there are two sides to every story. In fact, in the infamous gun case issue, you jumped in to defend yourself in order to have both sides heard.

As a professional in the business, I am sure that you are well aware of what rumors can do to one's business. When those rumors involve the business of one of your competitors, it leaves people with the impression that the motive in spreading the rumor is more self serving than altruistic. And the "information" remains merely a rumor until that information is substantiated in some manner either through a third party or by the other party weighing in on the issue.

The same goes for communicating only one side's view of a problem. There are always two sides to a story, and publishing only one side as "fact" makes the messenger appear to be an interested advocate rather than one seeking to resolve a problem.

As for not naming specific names, that is a bit disingenous. In this case, there were past topics that discussed this very situation, and it was not difficult to put 2 and 2 together. Also, given the prior dust up on a rumor involving the same agent, one would strongly suspect who the target of the current finger pointing was.

If your motives were truly honorable, the way you have approached things and the manner they were communicated are working against you. It has impacted your credibility among many here, who are inclined to question your motives based on past experience.

Sometimes, it is not the message, but the way the message is delivered and offering rumor and a one sided version of events as the whole truth.

RUSS
and you can add a section of the Custom Gun makers / Smiths in the same boat, a bunch of crooks!!!
Daniel

quote:

In the final analysis, it was Don Causey that sorted through the mess.

Apparently, only in your opinion.

It's called discretion Russ.

Main Entry: dis·cre·tion
Pronunciation: \dis-ˈkre-shən\

Function:noun

1: the quality of being discreet : circumspection; especially : cautious reserve in speech
2: ability to make responsible decisions
3 a: individual choice or judgment

Nobody is required to make a post on AR to inform everyone that they have juicy gossip about competitors.

Your initial post had intentions.

It becomes a feeding frenzy for information (specifically names) if you post that a client had problems with a hunt, and intentionally withhold the names.

You knew that you would get PM's and people would beg for the names of all the dastardly parties involved.

You wanted this.

The point is, you heard something and made the choice to start a topic to attempt to expose this issue. An issue that is a work in progress, not an intentional injustice that was made in the past.

Don't sit there and pretend that your motives were pure and act offended that people called you out on it.

Since WLA's trophies have become the focus, here it is in a nutshell. WLA can correct me if any of this is inaccurate.

The hold up is not with delivering the trophies to the shipper, it never has been. The trophies have been sitting in the crate at the shippers for many months. The holdup has been a paperwork issue that neither Dudley or I have any control over.

WLA's letter to Don Causey is dated Feb 16. This is nothing new. Don Causey had nothing to do with the bank in Zimbabwe issuing the acquittal no. this week. It just finally happened.

Nobody did anything differently because there was a letter to Don.

Tshabezi made a mistake and lost the initial paperwork. Re-issuing the paperwork is more difficult than getting it initially. You can't make a government employee or a bank employee come to work and do their paperwork, even if you are in Zimbabwe.

Yes, his trophy shipping has been an incredibly difficult road. He will get them though. Nobody has stopped working on it. It is a work in progress. It will be resolved. If there are additional problems, concessions have been made to make it right.
--

So the bottom line is that if this wasn't Zim it would be no big deal and he would have gotten new paper work and already have his trophies?

quote:

Originally posted by GeoffM24:
So the bottom line is that if this wasn't Zim it would be no big deal and he would have gotten new paper work and already have his trophies?

Yep, pretty much.

quote:

Since WLA's trophies have become the focus, here it is in a nutshell. WLA can correct me if any of this is inaccurate.

The hold up is not with delivering the trophies to the shipper, it never has been. The trophies have been sitting in the crate at the shippers for many months. The holdup has been a paperwork issue that neither Dudley or I have any control over.

WLA's letter to Don Causey is dated Feb 16. This is nothing new. Don Causey had nothing to do with the bank in Zimbabwe issuing the acquittal no. this week. It just finally happened.

Nobody did anything differently because there was a letter to Don.

Tshabezi made a mistake and lost the initial paperwork. Re-issuing the paperwork is more difficult than getting it initially. You can't make a government employee or a bank employee come to work and do their paperwork, even if you are in Zimbabwe.

Yes, his trophy shipping has been an incredibly difficult road. He will get them though. Nobody has stopped working on it. It is a work in progress. It will be resolved. If there are additional problems, concessions have been made to make it right.
--


Wendell Reich
Hunter's Quest International
Red Bluff Ranch
wendell@huntersquest.com

quote:

Originally posted by Wendell Reich:

quote:

Originally posted by GeoffM24:
So the bottom line is that if this wasn't Zim it would be no big deal and he would have gotten new paper work and already have his trophies?

Yep, pretty much.

The above is exactly the reason I posted the two sides of the playing card! You simply cannot know the whole truth till you see both sides, so hold your bets, till you can see!

In this case, there were past topics that discussed this very situation, and it was not difficult to put 2 and 2 together. Also, given the prior dust up on a rumor involving the same agent, one would strongly suspect who the target of the current finger pointing was.
Jim, thanks for the well reasoned post. However, as I mentioned above, all the subtle points you mentioned were totally lost on me
being a "plebian" rather than "in the know". I have heard nothing that would prevent me from booking either with Russ or with Wendell, however, I would have serious concerns about Tshabezi Safaris. I find it a very curious coincidence that these problems look like they might be getting resolved right around the time that the events outlined in the thread are made public. I am still looking for a defence of the safari company and an explanation as to why Dudley (whoever he is) failed to communicate with the client (one year?) Some of the attempts to "make it right" are, to be quite honest, laughable eg. if your hides don't come, no sweat, we'll just give you some others. Hell you may as well buy some mounts from the Classifieds.
Still learning!
Peter.

I don't know any of the parties in this dispute personally. I've met Wendell at DSC and a few other shows, but never booked through him. I briefly shared a camp with Dudley and his client a few years ago and was favorably impressed. I've also talked with Dudley at a number of hunting shows. To my knowledge, I haven't met Russ or WLA.

It is fair to say that 22 months is too long to wait for trophies. Having waited over a year before myself, I understand how powerless and frustrated you feel. Mishaps occur, however, and timely responses by goverrnment officials are not exactly the norm in much of Africa, let alone Zim. I actually believe the trophies will arrive someday, and not as the result of this thread, Russ or Don Causey. Maybe one of them did pull some strings, and if so, great for them and great for WLA. Patience is an incredible virtue both while on safari and after you return. The slower pace and different attitudes are part of what makes Africa so special.

While it is instructional to all to realize that much of the third world doesn't operate on American timetables, I must say this overall thread did not seem to focus on informing people. The inuendo and tone were not necessary. The thread HAS been informative, however, primarily about people's character. I wouldn't hesitate to hunt with Dudley, and would have no qualms about using Wendell, either.

Altogether, I find the hunting industry in Africa to be quite reputable. No group is perfect, and folks like OAA and some rogues continue to give a black eye to the entire industry. We certainly have our share of rogue outfitters in the US, too, and there are disreputable doctors, lawyers, bankers, CFO's, etc. Nothing unique enough to deserve the title "We Suck", IMHO.
But, there is nothing like a good "cat fight" to hold everyone's attention when we could be dreaming about our next safaris instead.

Bill

I am going to say my final words on this thread and then let it rest.

It seems that several people, including Wendell, believe that this posting and two prior postings are all part of a campaign on my part to discredit Wendell and Dudley. The more diligent scorekeepers have published links to the prior two posts in question. Some historians have gone back aeons to try to prove that I am Darth Vader come down to earth.

To these people, I would just like to point out that

1. I have made several hundred postings on this forum over the years, and these three are the only ones that anyone has construed as an attack on my competitors. If this were my modus operandi, there would be more than three. And if I had it in for Wendell, he would not be so mystified as to why this is the case, as there is absolutely no history between us. Or between Dudley and me for that matter. I have never met either man, or had any dealings with them.

2. If you care to look back at these three postings, you will see that this current thread is the only one I initiated. The other two were responses to questions about hunting in Gokwe N. that I responded to.

3. I had no idea Wendell (or anyone on AR)represented Gokwe N when I responded to the first posting. And even though Wendell responded to that posting, I didn't see the response and was unaware of the minor fuss it created, until I after I posted the same reply to a similar question several months later. This created a bigger fuss and one of the posts caused me to go back and look at the first thread and it was only then, after I had made both postings, that I realized that Wendell was the agent and this person called Dudley was the PH for this area. As far as I knew, it was someone called Abie Steyn.

4. In this (current) third post, which was not about Wendell or Gokwe specifically, but about pitfalls in the industry, of course I was aware that Wendell was the agent and Dudley the PH in the first incident cited. But note, I steered clear of the specific names and had no plan to personally add the names at any stage. It was Wendell himself who identified the players, not me. And RWT wasn't planning to identify the players either, as he stated he didn't want to "burn his bridges". Yes, it was a provocative posting, but AR needs some fresh meat for the vultures once in a while. And there are folks who are not as experienced as others that need to know about these types of incidents, without needing to know who the players were/are.

4. I believe that if I know, or strongly suspect, that there is a bomb on a plane, discretion is not the right way to handle the problem. I owe it to the passengers/posters to tell what I know. The reputation of the pilot, travel agent, airline etc. are secondary. Yes, I suppose I could have answered by PM, but so could every posting on AR be answered by PM. That doesn't seem to be the spirit of AR, which is open disclosure and information sharing.

5. If anyone doubts the veracity of the other two incidents I have posted, one is taken right from the pages of this forum by Doug Turnbull; and the other was handled by email between the parties. If someone wants to step forward as the inquisitor, I will put you in touch with the person concerned and he can verify, on behalf of all the interested parties, that he was scammed out of his $5K deposit, and that I am still trying to help him straighten it out. I am not going to publish his name or email address on this forum, for obvious reasons.

Hard as it may be to believe, I don't have any axe to grind with the specific parties, other than a general need at this time to clear my name of all the nasty allegations (and I might add, many of those calling for "proof" of my allegations don't mind making the nastiest allegations with the flimsiest of foundations). These allegations have been made by people who don't believe or don't like my posting(s), or who perhaps know them to be true and are protesting too much, and don't have anything better to do than to develop conspiracy theories. Again, I believe this forum is about sharing information and providing answers to those who ask. I provide information where I can. I also try to help those, like Bill Adams, who ask for help. If someone's toes get trodden on in the process, that's regrettable but unavoidable to some degree.

I am sorry if Dudley and Wendell have taken some heat in the process, so have I, who least deserves it.

Now there are some folks who are going to believe me, and some who will be forever convinced that my intentions are evil and underhand, no matter what I say. I can't do much about them, and I don't plan to lose much sleep over it either. In the long run, as I have said earlier, the rest of the story has a way of coming out.

I hope this thread has helped some people, even if it has caused grief to myself, Wendell and others. Those are my closing comments on this thread.

quote:

Originally posted by MacD37:


The above is exactly the reason I posted the two sides of the playing card! You simply cannot know the whole truth till you see both sides, so hold your bets, till you can see!

Mac,

Good analogy with the card thing, especially coming from one who is not playing with a full deck!