I would like to ask the opinion of the Forum, both clients and outfitters alike. Is the Sporting Agency/Agent a relic of the past or does its function remain applicable in this day and age and for the future of the Safari Industry? And if so what functions should the Agent fulfill? What changes should be made from the current set-ups?

I like to use an agent for the following reasons:
*They arrange all the booking
*They sort all the permits for hunting, rifle/gun transport etc
*If they are any use a quick phone call can sort most problems
*They can advise on flight
* They also can offer invaluable advice on the hunt itself i.e. what to expect, what to essential items to bring etc

I suppose what I am trying to say they offer a single point of contact which takes a lot of stress out of the process, I have been on some hunts where the bureaucracy and paperwork almost puts you off hunting abroad.

I use them and will continue to use them.

The knowledge they bring to the table is invaluable.

I look to them for advice on:

1- Outfitters
2- PH
3- Areas
4 -Timing
5- Equipment
6- Logistical issues
7- Latest information
8- I occasionally get offered a cancellation at a great price.

I am sure there are others.

They are also a point of contact of contact in case of issues.

I have done both gone with an agent and gone without.

You can get screwed either way.

You can get a great hunt either way.

There are places I will never go without an agent that I trust. There are a lot of agents on AR, there are a lot of outfitters that book their own hunts (too small to hire an agent, or the margins kill them).

Agents screw outfitters, outfitters screw agents and everyone screws the hunter.

Great agents are just that, and there are lots of those on here as well.

Some hunts Europeans agents have better prices on that American ones. This isn't a conversion rate, this is a fact of negotiation.

I see Spanish hunts for ibex at $4000-6500 normally for European Hunters at dollar not euro prices. I see the same hunts offered by American booking agencies at twice to three times that. Prices for Tur, Ibex in Krygiz and Kazahk, and Turkey can also be much more expensive with an American booking agency.

West Africa is generally a lot cheaper when booked through a European outfitter. Namibia seems to be more expensive.

A European hunter wanting to hunt North America is better off using a North American based booking agency or probably even better booking direct.

The problem in America is that anyone can do it, you don't have to be a licensed travel agent to do it. Anyone can sit on their computer and book hunts. Get a copy of Safari Magazine and take a look at the number of booking agents.

I made a joke about them being a necessary evil once, and for some hunts I think that is the case. The good ones are true professionals.

The ones that have screwed me over are gone, as it is hard to be a dishonest dickhead in this line of work.

BWW:

While what you are saying is true, there are some reasons for the price differences in some cases. For example, I was shocked to learn that the license for a Marco Polo is far more expensive for an American than a European. Thus the price differential. It makes it appear that outfitter/booking agent is screwing American hunters. The reality is that they are not, it is the government of the country in question.

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:
BWW:

While what you are saying is true, there are some reasons for the price differences in some cases. For example, I was shocked to learn that the license for a Marco Polo is far more expensive for an American than a European. Thus the price differential. It makes it appear that outfitter/booking agent is screwing American hunters. The reality is that they are not, it is the government of the country in question.

Larry this is because USFW only issue X (around 50 it was) number of import permits for MP every year so these permits for American hunters are a premium in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

I do not want to be disrespectful to Mark, Aaron or any other booking agent.

I just prefer to speak directly with the owner and when things get serious the PH I will be hunting with.

I spend a lot of time researching, etc. and one deal breaker is whether or not I can or cannot talk to my PH. If I cannot talk to my PH I will go another direction.

Agents serve a good purpose don't get me wrong and some are my friends but I much prefer to talk directly to the owner so there is no gray area, question, someone said this or that, etc.
One of my good friends books every hunt he goes on through the same agent. They have an awesome relationship and it works for both of them.

Had some owners tell me they have no idea who my PH would be and I understand that but I move on to another outfitter.

There is to much time, effort and $$$ involved so I just have a process I prefer to do on my own.

There are different niches in life for everyone and some really good agents out there with a lot of connections. I am sure I will use an agent in the future for some hunts I would consider in Europe where I have little knowledge.

Manyathelio,

With the rise of the Internet it is easier for hunters to do their own research. Having said that many folks still prefer to use an agent for all the reasons previously given. Personally my business is fairly small but it gets a little better each year and bookings are up so far this year. So to answer your question I do think the agents role is still relevant.

Mark

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:
BWW:

While what you are saying is true, there are some reasons for the price differences in some cases. For example, I was shocked to learn that the license for a Marco Polo is far more expensive for an American than a European. Thus the price differential. It makes it appear that outfitter/booking agent is screwing American hunters. The reality is that they are not, it is the government of the country in question.

That is not what I am saying at all. I didn't even use that as an example. My example is for Spanish ibex, and for Spanish ibex and all other hunts in Spain American booking agents charge considerably more than European ones.

Greenland seems to have the same problems. At least one or two American agencies charges Americans 10,000 per bull muskox. Most European agencies and Mr. Ready have much cheaper muskox hunts.

The question is simple, hunting consultants are invaluable IMO / of course I am one.

But look at the facts!

1. I spend my entire day dealing with hunters / outfitters around the world (every day) While you are working as a contractor, a doctor, an attorney, an insurance agent during the day, and I'm working at HUNTING. I am working in the hunting industry, period - are you?

2. Africa alone, I've done 36 DG safaris to 8 different countries, with many different outfitters. Not to mention all the other places I have been to around the world, including Asia, Europe, Canada, North America, AUS, New Zealand, South America, Mexico - and many of them several times. Why would you not want to rely on my knowledge / experience in many different places?

3. I am NOT biased! A single outfitter has a single hunt / area to sell. Often times I have numerous areas / hunts to sell. I'll recommend what fits best with your needs / desires (from personal experience) not just try to convince you the one / only option I have as an outfitter is the one you need to choose.

4. Obviously I use myself as an example, but many hunt consultants out there are good guys. To not use one when booking a hunt you are not 100% familiar with (when it costs you the hunter / buyer absolutely nothing) to my way of thinking is just silly. But of course my opinion may be a bit biased.

quote:

Originally posted by LittleJoe:
I do not want to be disrespectful to Mark, Aaron or any other booking agent.

I just prefer to speak directly with the owner and when things get serious the PH I will be hunting with.

I spend a lot of time researching, etc. and one deal breaker is whether or not I can or cannot talk to my PH. If I cannot talk to my PH I will go another direction.

Agents serve a good purpose don't get me wrong and some are my friends but I much prefer to talk directly to the owner so there is no gray area, question, someone said this or that, etc.
One of my good friends books every hunt he goes on through the same agent. They have an awesome relationship and it works for both of them.

Had some owners tell me they have no idea who my PH would be and I understand that but I move on to another outfitter.

There is to much time, effort and $$$ involved so I just have a process I prefer to do on my own.

There are different niches in life for everyone and some really good agents out there with a lot of connections. I am sure I will use an agent in the future for some hunts I would consider in Europe where I have little knowledge.

You should speak with outfitter, of course. But, I'll generally have knowledge / experience and an unbiased opinion that you the client / hunter likely will not.

I prefer dealing with an agent for the reasons stated above.

Further, I know where they live.....

Aaron, I agree with your comments and as you know I have hunted with you and booked hunts through you.

We both speak our minds which can be a blessing and a curse.

Sadly some other agents just want the sale and won't be honest about it. Yes, there are some really good agents, yourself, Mark etc but like in all walks of like the sale is the key not putting the right person with the right outfitter.

quote:

Originally posted by LittleJoe:
Aaron, I agree with your comments and as you know I have hunted with you and booked hunts through you.

We both speak our minds which can be a blessing and a curse.

Sadly some other agents just want the sale and won't be honest about it. Yes, there are some really good agents, yourself, Mark etc but like in all walks of like the sale is the key not putting the right person with the right outfitter.

Yes sir you have, and I sincerely appreciate it pal!!!

Your comments are valid, no doubt! Like I say, my opinion is a bit biased.

quote:

2. Africa alone, I've done 36 DG safaris to 8 different countries, with many different outfitters. Not to mention all the other places I have been to around the world

This is the kind of agent one needs to strongly consider when booking a hunt; one who has "been there and done it". Aaron and a select few others fit the bill.
Unfortunately gentlemen such as Aaron are few and far between, most of the others are just in for a quick buck.

And no, I am not lobbying, merely stating a fact.

quote:

Originally posted by Cumbrian:
I like to use an agent for the following reasons:
*They arrange all the booking
*They sort all the permits for hunting, rifle/gun transport etc
*If they are any use a quick phone call can sort most problems
*They can advise on flight
* They also can offer invaluable advice on the hunt itself i.e. what to expect, what to essential items to bring etc

+1

I tell the agent what I want, send money, and they handle the rest. Since they are on the same time zone, easy to talk or text them.

I also like that I can put my trophy fees in an escrow account with them vs carrying a pile of cash with me.

Never had an issue learning who I am hunting with either. Always been able to talk or visit with the PH before the hunt when they are here for the conventions.