The world as it relates to international hunting trips has suddenly changed and not for the better. I think we all need to face and think about the new realities created by the pandemic. There is zero doubt in my mind that there will be an over abundance of failures by operators, even some good operators .

The question in my mind is how to respond when one has a deposit up on a hunt and the operator does not have the funds to return? Personally, I have deposits up on 7 hunts in the next two years . I have 6 business class tickets and one domestic ticket paid for . This adds up to quite a bit of money.

Of these 7 trips, one has been cancelled already. I have more or less 3 months before we leave on 2 others. I suspect they will be cancelled.

I think we all need to think long and hard before making demands with respect to the deposit money. These demand may be enough to push some over the edge. I have had more than one operator tell me they will have zero income for 2020. I have had more than one tell me they have had to lay off long term employees, in some cases, employees of over 20 years. I have had more than one tell me that they will not have the money to come to the shows next year.

Yes, it is bad that we all have this money at risk. However , in the final analysis, I would rather be in my shoes as opposed to the outfitters. I hope they everyone will be reasonable when it come to dealing with this matter. Three people are on the edge in many cases.

Ya...its a real difficult situation all around Larry, without any good answers either. As I said on your other post...nobody is getting out of this one unscathed!!!

It’s tough out there.
I sent deposit money for my August hunt knowing it is at risk.
I bought tickets to fly.
My operator said the deposit money will carry over. I have faith that it will be there for me. I know that if I didn’t send it I would be making things worse.

This is not good on all fronts.

I also have a trip for this year moved to next year. I am not sure that that will happen either. And if not I do not expect my deposit to be returned.

I have no plans to book anything at the present time, too many unknowns. Being retired, I just do not have the surplus money I had while working. And I need to budget for everything to make it happen.

I also am in contact with African PH friends in Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa and they are a bust for hunting this year. They also have had to let some/most of their employees go, no money in makes it difficult to pay the employees. They are not sure what their business will be like next year or even if they will have a business.

One PH reduced his anti poaching group (3 Men) that he employed on a key part of his business. I am sure this area he hunts will be void of animals, as there is a village nearby that I observed in 2015 running a well regulated poaching group 12+ dogs and 30+ men running the area. The PH's anti-poaching team had kept them at bay.

I just bought a Texas deer lease at the beginning of the year. We fully intended to go from our Arizona trip at Lake Havasu over to Texas, hunt turkeys and fix the place up and place feeders and blinds for Fall. All that came to a screeching halt, but I am definitely expecting to be there chasing deer when this blows over.

Larry

I'm thinking that you are making a wise decision not to go. It ain't worth dying over.......

The only thing that we can do is to take it day by day and see what the upcoming months bring

I remember 2008. Many outfitters went under, never to return. It’s the indeterminacy that’s the killer.

Nobody wants to book until the crisis is over, but no one knows when that will be.

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:
...I think we all need to think long and hard before making demands with respect to the deposit money. These demand may be enough to push some over the edge. I have had more than one operator tell me they will have zero income for 2020. I have had more than one tell me they have had to lay off long term employees, in some cases, employees of over 20 years. I have had more than one tell me that they will not have the money to come to the shows next year...

My contract says a refund. I will just ask to reschedule to 2021 for the August hunt if that does not happen this year. Other clients of my outfitter seem to be doing the same.

Reports on the Net of travel organizations asking governments to amend existing laws so they are not forced to offer refunds.

But re-schedule .

The argument is everyone is suffering, and forcing companies to cash refund will drive many out of business!

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Robinson:
I remember 2008. Many outfitters went under, never to return. It’s the indeterminacy that’s the killer.

Nobody wants to book until the crisis is over, but no one knows when that will be.

In the meantime the Chinese will escalate the back-channel elicit contraband trade, poaching will escalate, and wildlife and wild-places will suffer...just as they did in 2008 and thereafter.

I honestly hope the whole world changes its attitude towards China!

They are friends of no one, and are out to get whatever they can for themselves!

Hopefully big companies will move their manufacturing facilities elsewhere in Asia.

Come to think of it, if African countries can get their act together, they can provide the manufacturing facilities.

But, I am not holding my breath.

Saeed,
I do not agree with political views, but on the issue of China - we agree.

After the Saudis, there is no greater enemy on planet earth. Iran is not the issue - the are nearly broke and will be overthrown from within soon enough, the Russians are totally predictable and greedy.

The Chinese care nothing for anything or anyone unless they profit from it. The Saudis want to dominate the energy landscape but are addicted to cash and a welfare state to keep the masses fat and happy. (And “fat” is an understatement)

The Chinese have managed to get into sub-Saharan Africa with lies, fake projects while stripping out the resources. They will leave Africa in worse shape than it has ever been, even after the colonial plundering of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.

I am hopeful that somehow someway, the Europeans and North Americans will wake up and help the Africans help themselves. The first step would be to scrap CITES and let the Africans run their own wildlife resources. Better yet, work to educate with a stewardship model rather than consumption model.

Anyway, I firmly believe that this virus mess will pass. It will become something we know a lot about, similar to HIV. I nearly quit Africa in 2003 due to HIV. Now, I know more and go back, but take precautions.

Anyway, I have 4 trips booked and will go. Starting this August if the planes fly....

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
I honestly hope the whole world changes its attitude towards China!

They are friends of no one, and are out to get whatever they can for themselves!

Hopefully big companies will move their manufacturing facilities elsewhere in Asia.

Come to think of it, if African countries can get their act together, they can provide the manufacturing facilities.

But, I am not holding my breath.

Post of the year!

I believe that China is the enemy of the world who are quietly seeking to dominate the world...they are very clever, sneaky and patient about it too

"If" African countries could get their shit together there are a whole bunch of companies that would provide manufacturing and assembly jobs there.

But they wont, the idiots are too short sighted to realize how much more they would have to steal.......if they only stole wisely.

Pigs get fat, hogs get slaughtered!

JTex I agree. However, Africa's high mortality rate, poor infrastructure & utilities, and socialism/unions/government corruption make it impossible to operate anything more than a popsicle stand there.

In regards to moving forward, international travel will resume. Our new normal however, will be surgical masks in public areas and a heightened awareness on personal hygiene. I plan on traveling as soon as things open back up. Hopefully by June.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
...

Come to think of it, if African countries can get their act together, they can provide the manufacturing facilities.

But, I am not holding my breath.

For high tech like Apple iPhones etc., it will never happen. Africa does not have the infrastructure or the educated labor force. For that matter, neither does the USA anymore. Obama had asked Steve Jobs about moving iPhone assembly back to the USA, his response: "Where will I find 80,000 Industrial engineers?" or something along those lines.

quote:

Originally posted by tanks:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
...

Come to think of it, if African countries can get their act together, they can provide the manufacturing facilities.

But, I am not holding my breath.

For high tech like Apple iPhones etc., it will never happen. Africa does not have the infrastructure or the educated labor force. For that matter, neither does the USA anymore. Obama had asked Steve Jobs about moving iPhone assembly back to the USA, his response: "Where will I find 80,000 Industrial engineers?" or something along those lines.

Do you seriously think that there are "80,000 Industrial Engineers" that make your I-Phonein China? I bet that they are uneducated people who are one ring above a sweatshop worker making $1.50 per hour.

I wouldn't believe a single word of anything that comes out of Obama's mouth.

That's 80,000 jobs that should be going to Americans

quote:

Originally posted by Alfredo C:

quote:

Originally posted by tanks:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
...

Come to think of it, if African countries can get their act together, they can provide the manufacturing facilities.

But, I am not holding my breath.

For high tech like Apple iPhones etc., it will never happen. Africa does not have the infrastructure or the educated labor force. For that matter, neither does the USA anymore. Obama had asked Steve Jobs about moving iPhone assembly back to the USA, his response: "Where will I find 80,000 Industrial engineers?" or something along those lines.

Do you seriously think that there are "80,000 Industrial Engineers" that make your I-Phonein China? I bet that they are uneducated people who are one ring above a sweatshop worker making $1.50 per hour.

I wouldn't believe a single word of anything that comes out of Obama's mouth.

That's 80,000 jobs that should be going to Americans

https://www.inc.com/glenn-leib...-what-you-think.html

Mike

India and perhaps, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia and Vietnam will be benefiting from investment in manufacturing. And China knows it.

quote:

Originally posted by dogcat:
Saeed,
I do not agree with political views, but on the issue of China - we agree.

After the Saudis, there is no greater enemy on planet earth. Iran is not the issue - the are nearly broke and will be overthrown from within soon enough, the Russians are totally predictable and greedy.

The Chinese care nothing for anything or anyone unless they profit from it. The Saudis want to dominate the energy landscape but are addicted to cash and a welfare state to keep the masses fat and happy. (And “fat” is an understatement)

The Chinese have managed to get into sub-Saharan Africa with lies, fake projects while stripping out the resources. They will leave Africa in worse shape than it has ever been, even after the colonial plundering of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.

I am hopeful that somehow someway, the Europeans and North Americans will wake up and help the Africans help themselves. The first step would be to scrap CITES and let the Africans run their own wildlife resources. Better yet, work to educate with a stewardship model rather than consumption model.

Anyway, I firmly believe that this virus mess will pass. It will become something we know a lot about, similar to HIV. I nearly quit Africa in 2003 due to HIV. Now, I know more and go back, but take precautions.

Anyway, I have 4 trips booked and will go. Starting this August if the planes fly....

Outstanding post Ross. And Happy Easter to you! He has risen!!!

My advice, for what its worth...consider N.A. hunting for the next 12 - 18 months.

Mexico, the USA and Canada have lots of great opportunities for hunters...and will most likely be the first / easiest places to travel to without difficulty.

I've spent the past 4 years focused again on chasing big elk, bears, sheep, the occasional moose, and western big game drawings in every state. Its been lots of fun...and I expect most of it will be back on line by this summer?

Just a thought!?

quote:

Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:
My advice, for what its worth...consider N.A. hunting for the next 12 - 18 months.

Mexico, the USA and Canada have lots of great opportunities for hunters...and will most likely be the first / easiest places to travel to without difficulty.

I've spent the past 4 years focused again on chasing big elk, bears, sheep, the occasional moose, and western big game drawings in every state. Its been lots of fun...and I expect most of it will be back on line by this summer?

Just a thought!?

Actually, unless one is prepared to pay double the cost of an RSA hunt for a 30-40% success rate there really are no opportunities to hunt big game in the USA for someone from out of State with the exception of black bear and mountain lion. Deer do not count.

Drawings are a joke with people waiting a dozen years or more. A friend just shot his bison in AZ after putting in for it for 16 years. Now, I was planning on fitting in a Utah mountain lion hunt with dogs next year, so will do that. But unless I am willing to pay $$$$ for a game ranch I don't see any way to hunt elk, moose etc..

One other thing I was considering was to borrow the 220 Swift I had sold to a friend of mine and go prairie dog hunting.

All being said, if flights fly, so will I.

quote:

Originally posted by tanks:

quote:

Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:
My advice, for what its worth...consider N.A. hunting for the next 12 - 18 months.

Mexico, the USA and Canada have lots of great opportunities for hunters...and will most likely be the first / easiest places to travel to without difficulty.

I've spent the past 4 years focused again on chasing big elk, bears, sheep, the occasional moose, and western big game drawings in every state. Its been lots of fun...and I expect most of it will be back on line by this summer?

Just a thought!?

Actually, unless one is prepared to pay double the cost of an RSA hunt for a 30-40% success rate there really are no opportunities to hunt big game in the USA for someone from out of State with the exception of black bear and mountain lion. Deer do not count.

Drawings are a joke with people waiting a dozen years or more. A friend just shot his bison in AZ after putting in for it for 16 years. Now, I was planning on fitting in a Utah mountain lion hunt with dogs next year, so will do that. But unless I am willing to pay $$$$ for a game ranch I don't see any way to hunt elk, moose etc..

One other thing I was considering was to borrow the 220 Swift I had sold to a friend of mine and go prairie dog hunting.

All being said, if flights fly, so will I.

+1

Tanks...I'm not ever sure where to start in response to that?

There are so many good hunting opportunities across the west...its staggering. Not all of them cost a ton of money, surely some do...but African safaris aren't cheap either I've been told?

Kansas Whitetail hunting...near 100% draw every year.

Texas hunting for Aoudad, whitetail, nilgai, etc, etc.

New Mexico has tons of LO vouchers available every year for elk / antelope, great DIY opportunities and fabulous outfitters for all species. Great bear / mtn lion hunting too on OTC tags.

Colorado has tons of LO vouchers too, OTC tags for elk, $2,500 - $3,000 antelope hunts, and some of the best mule / deer elk hunting in trophy units that can be drawn with 5 or less points if you know where to go.

Wyoming can be tough without at least a few points for most species, in most cases.

Montana has good general season hunts and some incredible elk hunts can be drawn with only a few points as well.

Idaho offers alot of good OTC hunting...I took a 379" bull just last fall on public land, in a unit that offers OTC archery tags to all comers. We have tons of bears, mtn lion too...landowners offer trespass fees with LO tags included, etc.

Yep...Arizona is a tough one, all limited tags and tough to draw.

California...generally tough to draw, but good hunts can be bought as you know.

Nevada a tough draw, but some LO vouchers available - albeit high prices / but great quality.

Utah...tough draw, but tons of conservation tags to be had, lions / bears too.

Alaska with loads of hunting opportunities out there for all species.

Canada from west to east offers everything to the traveling sportsman...more opportunities than I can mention.

Mexico for goulds turkey, coues deer, mule deer and incredible desert bighorn hunting too.

I'm not suggesting one replaces all of his/her international hunting desires, I was simply suggesting an alternative for awhile until the world returns to normal...that's all.

The outfitter I work with for the forest hunts in cameroon has had to cancel his entire season. And all the 2020 clients have agreed to go in 2021. As of the moment cameroon has shut its borders. It is possible I suppose that hunters booked in June or July could still go if things open up! But to explain the practical side of things, the work to clear the roads and prepare for the season starts in March for hunts to start in April. But does an outfitter spend his money opening roads and building camps etc. hoping to host 1 or 2 clients in June or July. From a financial point of view it is not practical for him. And any hope of recovering any concession fees would go out of the window if he even did a single hunt as the government would probably say what are you complaining about you hunted there this year!

While it is easy to forget it, hunting is a business also. Albeit a small business, a major percentage of operators probably being equivalent to your local pizza shop or chinese take away!

People keep saying "I have a contract" , have you tried getting money from a dead man whether he was a crook or not!

And how many people are going to jump on a plane this year to go hunting! And also lets be honest the age group of most of us, with associated health issues, means we have a Corona target on our back. This year at SCI I talked to two hunters who were under 40, the rest were pretty much all over 60!

I seriously wonder if there will even be conventions next year!

There are no winners in this game!


Arjun Reddy
Hunters Networks LLC
30 Ivy Hill Road
Brewster, NY 10509
Tel: +1 845 259 3628
2020, DSC booth # 2350
2020, SCI booth # 3167

quote:

Originally posted by reddy375:
The outfitter I work with for the forest hunts in cameroon has had to cancel his entire season. And all the 2020 clients have agreed to go in 2021. As of the moment cameroon has shut its borders. It is possible I suppose that hunters booked in June or July could still go if things open up! But to explain the practical side of things, the work to clear the roads and prepare for the season starts in March for hunts to start in April. But does an outfitter spend his money opening roads and building camps etc. hoping to host 1 or 2 clients in June or July. From a financial point of view it is not practical for him. And any hope of recovering any concession fees would go out of the window if he even did a single hunt as the government would probably say what are you complaining about you hunted there this year!

While it is easy to forget it, hunting is a business also. Albeit a small business, a major percentage of operators probably being equivalent to your local pizza shop or chinese take away!

People keep saying "I have a contract" , have you tried getting money from a dead man whether he was a crook or not!

And how many people are going to jump on a plane this year to go hunting! And also lets be honest the age group of most of us, with associated health issues, means we have a Corona target on our back. This year at SCI I talked to two hunters who were under 40, the rest were pretty much all over 60!

I seriously wonder if there will even be conventions next year!

There are no winners in this game!


Arjun Reddy
Hunters Networks LLC
30 Ivy Hill Road
Brewster, NY 10509
Tel: +1 845 259 3628
2020, DSC booth # 2350
2020, SCI booth # 3167

I am pushing 60 and I will be on a plane 1st chance I get

I’m still hoping for later this year for a Zim Leopard hunt that would have been doing RIGHT NOW.

Logistics in Zim on communal land isn’t what it is in a remote area of Cameroon so I am still hopeful sir this year

Had a long chat with my PH about our Tanzania hunt in late September.

It is still on, as long as we are able to travel.

IMO I do not think there is any comparison between African hunting or hunting in North America. Africa holds romance, history, variety of game, # number of game one can hunt; cull hunts, the guns, the books, the explorers, new places, new customs, new people, style of hunting, trackers, different foods, PH's, the lodging, the service, the lower cost (plains game)...

quote:

All being said, if flights fly, so will I.

Jim

quote:

Originally posted by Singleshot03:
IMO I do not think there is any comparison between African hunting or hunting in North America. Africa holds romance, history, variety of game, # number of game one can hunt; cull hunts, the guns, the books, the explorers, new places, new customs, new people, style of hunting, trackers, different foods, PH's, the lodging, the service, the lower cost (plains game)...

quote:

All being said, if flights fly, so will I.

Jim

Jim, I totally agree.

To me, NOTHING can take the place of Africa and if I can’t hunt there I cannot be excited to be anywhere else

I wish that I could find a replacement but nothing even comes close

I wish it were different

quote:

Originally posted by Singleshot03:
IMO I do not think there is any comparison between African hunting or hunting in North America. Africa holds romance, history, variety of game, # number of game one can hunt; cull hunts, the guns, the books, the explorers, new places, new customs, new people, style of hunting, trackers, different foods, PH's, the lodging, the service, the lower cost (plains game)...

quote:

All being said, if flights fly, so will I.

Jim

That might be true, but an Alaskan hunt is just as much of an adventure if not more so.

Yea, most African hunting, esp plains game and buffalo, is 100 percent. If that is your thing, great. But I get more satisfaction from shooting a big moose, big bear, or big elk than I do most African game.

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:

quote:

Originally posted by Singleshot03:
IMO I do not think there is any comparison between African hunting or hunting in North America. Africa holds romance, history, variety of game, # number of game one can hunt; cull hunts, the guns, the books, the explorers, new places, new customs, new people, style of hunting, trackers, different foods, PH's, the lodging, the service, the lower cost (plains game)...

quote:

All being said, if flights fly, so will I.

Jim

That might be true, but an Alaskan hunt is just as much of an adventure if not more so.

Yea, most African hunting, esp plains game and buffalo, is 100 percent. If that is your thing, great. But I get more satisfaction from shooting a big moose, big bear, or big elk than I do most African game.

John...I've hunted Africa 36 times in 9 different countries, my greatest adventure ever was Polar Bear hunting the frozen north. Just to see a wild polar bear was absolutely incredible...not to mention the rest of it.

quote:

Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:

quote:

Originally posted by Singleshot03:
IMO I do not think there is any comparison between African hunting or hunting in North America. Africa holds romance, history, variety of game, # number of game one can hunt; cull hunts, the guns, the books, the explorers, new places, new customs, new people, style of hunting, trackers, different foods, PH's, the lodging, the service, the lower cost (plains game)...

quote:

All being said, if flights fly, so will I.

Jim

That might be true, but an Alaskan hunt is just as much of an adventure if not more so.

Yea, most African hunting, esp plains game and buffalo, is 100 percent. If that is your thing, great. But I get more satisfaction from shooting a big moose, big bear, or big elk than I do most African game.

John...I've hunted Africa 36 times in 9 different countries, my greatest adventure ever was Polar Bear hunting the frozen north. Just to see a wild polar bear was absolutely incredible...not to mention the rest of it.

That says something, knowing how many Lions you killed

quote:

Originally posted by Alfredo C:

quote:

Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:

quote:

Originally posted by Singleshot03:
IMO I do not think there is any comparison between African hunting or hunting in North America. Africa holds romance, history, variety of game, # number of game one can hunt; cull hunts, the guns, the books, the explorers, new places, new customs, new people, style of hunting, trackers, different foods, PH's, the lodging, the service, the lower cost (plains game)...

quote:

All being said, if flights fly, so will I.

Jim

That might be true, but an Alaskan hunt is just as much of an adventure if not more so.

Yea, most African hunting, esp plains game and buffalo, is 100 percent. If that is your thing, great. But I get more satisfaction from shooting a big moose, big bear, or big elk than I do most African game.

John...I've hunted Africa 36 times in 9 different countries, my greatest adventure ever was Polar Bear hunting the frozen north. Just to see a wild polar bear was absolutely incredible...not to mention the rest of it.

That says something, knowing how many Lions you killed

I think my lion hunting days are over...but if I could do either just one more time, it would be the Polar Bear!

To me, African hunting (in general) and NA hunting are very different things.

The closest thing to NA type hunting I have had in Africa was in Ethiopia. You buy your tags in advance, you generally have to wait to get in line there, and shooting is few and far between.

In wilderness areas in North America, the environment is your biggest challenge.

In North America, you are targeting only a single or a couple species to hunt at a time, and I have often heard of guys getting the once in a lifetime draw tag and not getting their animal. In Africa, while not getting a lion/leopard/elephant happens, I have not heard of the guy who is willing to shoot something representative not coming back with at least a couple animals. I have not been hunting in Africa and not seen any game animals in more than 1-2 days. In North America, I've been relatively picky where I go, and it has been common not to see any game animal at all (even something I had no tag for) for 3-4 days.

For me, while Africa has a lot of positives, both have their points. I am not about to give up either, but freely admit that hunting while physically comfortable is more fun.

Aaron

I can understand what you are saying. Those hunts are great adventures!

While I have not pulled the trigger personally I have been there when others have on a few lion hunts.

I can say the three brown bear hunts I have been on have been far far more adventurous.

Of course Africa has its romance too.

Stay safe bud

cheers,
Arjun

quote:

Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:

quote:

Originally posted by Singleshot03:
IMO I do not think there is any comparison between African hunting or hunting in North America. Africa holds romance, history, variety of game, # number of game one can hunt; cull hunts, the guns, the books, the explorers, new places, new customs, new people, style of hunting, trackers, different foods, PH's, the lodging, the service, the lower cost (plains game)...

quote:

All being said, if flights fly, so will I.

Jim

That might be true, but an Alaskan hunt is just as much of an adventure if not more so.

Yea, most African hunting, esp plains game and buffalo, is 100 percent. If that is your thing, great. But I get more satisfaction from shooting a big moose, big bear, or big elk than I do most African game.

John...I've hunted Africa 36 times in 9 different countries, my greatest adventure ever was Polar Bear hunting the frozen north. Just to see a wild polar bear was absolutely incredible...not to mention the rest of it.

quote:

Originally posted by reddy375:
Aaron

I can understand what you are saying. Those hunts are great adventures!

While I have not pulled the trigger personally I have been there when others have on a few lion hunts.

I can say the three brown bear hunts I have been on have been far far more adventurous.

Of course Africa has its romance too.

Stay safe bud

cheers,
Arjun

quote:

Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:

quote:

Originally posted by Singleshot03:
IMO I do not think there is any comparison between African hunting or hunting in North America. Africa holds romance, history, variety of game, # number of game one can hunt; cull hunts, the guns, the books, the explorers, new places, new customs, new people, style of hunting, trackers, different foods, PH's, the lodging, the service, the lower cost (plains game)...

quote:

All being said, if flights fly, so will I.

Jim

That might be true, but an Alaskan hunt is just as much of an adventure if not more so.

Yea, most African hunting, esp plains game and buffalo, is 100 percent. If that is your thing, great. But I get more satisfaction from shooting a big moose, big bear, or big elk than I do most African game.

John...I've hunted Africa 36 times in 9 different countries, my greatest adventure ever was Polar Bear hunting the frozen north. Just to see a wild polar bear was absolutely incredible...not to mention the rest of it.

Agreed pal...I enjoy it all!

quote:

Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:

quote:

Originally posted by Alfredo C:

quote:

Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:

quote:

Originally posted by Singleshot03:
IMO I do not think there is any comparison between African hunting or hunting in North America. Africa holds romance, history, variety of game, # number of game one can hunt; cull hunts, the guns, the books, the explorers, new places, new customs, new people, style of hunting, trackers, different foods, PH's, the lodging, the service, the lower cost (plains game)...

quote:

All being said, if flights fly, so will I.

Jim

That might be true, but an Alaskan hunt is just as much of an adventure if not more so.

Yea, most African hunting, esp plains game and buffalo, is 100 percent. If that is your thing, great. But I get more satisfaction from shooting a big moose, big bear, or big elk than I do most African game.

John...I've hunted Africa 36 times in 9 different countries, my greatest adventure ever was Polar Bear hunting the frozen north. Just to see a wild polar bear was absolutely incredible...not to mention the rest of it.

That says something, knowing how many Lions you killed

I think my lion hunting days are over...but if I could do either just one more time, it would be the Polar Bear!

Aaron, just curious as to why you are finished with Lion...is it the cost, availability, etc or did you just lose the passion/thrill for it?

PS: I haven't hunted either one but I did see both in the Bronx Zoo

quote:

Originally posted by Alfredo C:

quote:

Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:

quote:

Originally posted by Alfredo C:

quote:

Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:

quote:

Originally posted by Singleshot03:
IMO I do not think there is any comparison between African hunting or hunting in North America. Africa holds romance, history, variety of game, # number of game one can hunt; cull hunts, the guns, the books, the explorers, new places, new customs, new people, style of hunting, trackers, different foods, PH's, the lodging, the service, the lower cost (plains game)...

quote:

All being said, if flights fly, so will I.

Jim

That might be true, but an Alaskan hunt is just as much of an adventure if not more so.

Yea, most African hunting, esp plains game and buffalo, is 100 percent. If that is your thing, great. But I get more satisfaction from shooting a big moose, big bear, or big elk than I do most African game.

John...I've hunted Africa 36 times in 9 different countries, my greatest adventure ever was Polar Bear hunting the frozen north. Just to see a wild polar bear was absolutely incredible...not to mention the rest of it.

That says something, knowing how many Lions you killed

I think my lion hunting days are over...but if I could do either just one more time, it would be the Polar Bear!

Aaron, just curious as to why you are finished with Lion...is it the cost, availability, etc or did you just lose the passion/thrill for it?

PS: I haven't hunted either one but I did see both in the Bronx Zoo

Mainly the cost...really good wild lions hunts are still to be had, but at a pretty high price tag. After shooting 15 of them, I guess I'm just not mad enough at em anymore to fit that bill!!!

Yea, an all in cost of $100k or more will dampen one’s enthusiasm!