For months now, I've been privy to a situation which has culminated in what I feel must be a rather rare occurence, these days. A client, I know of, had booked an extravagant hunt, for late September 2003, with a Tanzania outfitter. The client's agent, a friend of mine, brought this to my attention only because the client had invited him along. Plans, practice and preps were going well until around late July, when it was determined that the client needed to undergo emergency eye surgery, for a detached retina. Oh, Boy. Apparently, the procedure went well, as the client was told he may be fit to go, as scheduled. Obviously, the client did not care to lose all, as stipulated by contract, should he back out within 90 days of the hunt date. He insisted that he would risk going and resumed preparations. Then, just the other day, the agent informed me that the cient's retina had "torn or separated" and that the unfortunate chap would, again, require surgery, mere days before departure. An absolute disaster, right? Well, actually ... no. I have it that the Outfitter has taken pity on the client and deferred all monies to 2004. I thought that was a very fine gesture, indeed, considering the large sum he was already entitled to. Pretty nice .... eh??

Nick,
Yes it was and I think the Tanzanian outfitters name should be published so we could all be privy to who this gentleman is. May get some additional business for him!

Nick,
That is fine news, news which we don't hear very often. While the outfitter sounds like a compassionate and good man, I'm sure some of the credit goes to the hard working agent. Care to share names?

The outfitter deserves a round of applause and an improved reputation for his kindness!

That sort of thing comes back as good business.

I wish all outfitters were so kind. Mere days after I put 50% down for a hunt in Texas my hunting buddy was forced to drop out because of a condition requiring surgery. The outfitter informed me that the price of my hunt was going up about significantly because of the change from 2x1 to 1x1. Then I suffered a crippling gall bladder attack and was scheduled for surgery. My surgeon said I would be healed enough to fly and hunt "in time". Well one post operative infection (bronchitis) and head cold later, I could not hear, sit still or walk more than a hundred yards. I cancelled the hunt. I asked if I would get some credit if I rebooked for the next year. The answer was NO.

I'm not certain of the outfitter but Mbogo375 may know. When Jim's hunt got messed up, I contacted him about this situation, with the hope it might work out well for all concerned. I never thought the client would be allowed to fly and shoot heavy rifles after eye surgery. I could hardly believe he was ready, to the last. If Jim does not know, or does not see this thread, I'll try to get the name tomorrow and post it right here.
The agent is my friend: John LaSala www.africanhuntingadventures.com

He books for Wengert-Windrose but I really don't know for sure at this time.

[ 09-23-2003, 07:03: Message edited by: Nickudu ]

John is really a great guy. As a matter of fact, I got an e-mail from him today, and, as usual, he was trying to do a favor for someone.

For those of you who wish to use Barnes bullets, either X's or solids, and do not reload, he can do it for you at a very reasonable cost.

John LaSala booked my trip for me to Namibia next May. He was very professional, answered all of my questions and stays on top of things. I highly recommend him.

Though I never booked through him Mr LaSala is a man. I almost booked twice with him but couldnt due to circumstances beyond my control. I would recommend him to anyone.

I booked SA with John for April 2004. Never tires of what I am sure are old questions.

The subject client had booked direct with "Usangu Safaris Limited" (Tawico Hunting Safaris) Much in his favor, I would surmise, is the fact that he booked 2 separate 21 Day safaris! Wowza ...