I may have been imbibing in to many adult beverages, but have I detected an increase in the amount of "Super Duper, Discounted, Once in a life time hunts" being offered by our esteemed Outfitters who post here?
What's going on?
1. I'm wrong, and the discounted hunts are not uncommon.
2. We have perhaps, reached a saturation point on what an average hunter is willing to spend for an African hunt?
3. The hassle required to fly with guns to much for the avarage guy? (RSA in particular)
4. The post 9/11 TSA airport bullshit to much?
A courious mind is, well, courious.

Flying is really the least of my worries.

I have gotten calls from Booking Agents and outfitters about discounted hunts, sometimes it is a sickness, or business related for a person to miss a trip, but sometimes a guy thought he could afford the hunt but couldn't.

I have also found that the "Good" Outfitters will always be booked. I am not saying that the discounted hunts here are not through "good" outfitters, but it takes years of experience and a lot of money into good marketing that has a good ROI. Many outfitters are better than good, but since Joe Customer doesn't know that he will not book a hunt. Many outfitters have a hard time with marketing. Also many outfitters are trying to get there foot in the door. Discounting a hunt will attract customers, and then you have good marketing by word of mouth about the hunt. Flyers and pretty pictures do not sell hunts; they attract customers. The better the quality of material that is produced, the more people it will attract. As used in diamonds, proper color and clarity is key to attracting the consumer. Many outfitters do not have the quality of brochure. (I am getting OT though.) Flyers and pictures attract, references and word of mouth sell.

I always wonder how many millions of dollars (yes millions) of free advertising that AR is used for. Posting a POSITIVE hunting report can book probably another few hunts. With some outfitters I bet its booked 10 or more.

Also look at it from this perspective.

Cost of Running a Camp is say $5,000 a month. (We are working with round figures, sub any number you want)

Say you have clients booked for August and October but nothing in September. Well if you close the camp all of your trackers, cooks and camp staff will leave to find other work or be disgruntled with you since they won't make tips either.

Discounting a hunt from going rate to discounted rate will slim the margins for profit in September. But if you are an outfitter, and that is your only job, would you rather make a little or break even or loose $5,000 a month since you still had to pay trackers, cooks or other staff since you don't want them to leave.

You will still make profit off the Trophy fees, keep your camp staff happy, keep the hunter happy who will then go back and post a positive report on AR and book you 3 trips for next year so you won't be unbooked.

Plus hopefully the hunter will go on a shooting spree since it was discounted and your margins will rise.

This is my rant based on how my mind works. I am always looking at bottom line, ROI and always different forms of marketing.

I've been on two reduced rate late bookings hunts. The first was the best hunt of my life possibly. The second was SURELY the WORST hunt of my life!

Hey there Cats. Where these two of your many Africa trips?

I MISS CATS

TJ,

Just my impression, but I don't think there have been any more discounted hunts than in the past. At least I'm not seeing an increase based on email or other postings.

It may be that AR has a few more booking agents than in the past and there are more Members who are passing along offers from outfitters.

So, overall I don't see a big increase, but maybe more offers are being posted on AR.

Regards,

Terry

bulldog I will assume you are refering to me with the Cats directive and do not know why. I've never hunted cats with the exception of a few I dusted while turkey hunting.
Would you mind clearing the matter for me?

sierrabravo45 remarked

quote:

Many outfitters have a hard time with marketing. Also many outfitters are trying to get there foot in the door. Discounting a hunt will attract customers, and then you have good marketing by word of mouth about the hunt.

Your mind works at least a bit like mine!

I do really try very hard to make sure that any discounted hunt offered is the "best hunt" in a hunters' life least an experience like that reported by Chugach and a bad hunt report on this forum ruins my entire marketing effort.

I realize that I've just added a bit to my already large debt to Saheed for some free advertizing. Thanks Saheed, I owe you!

In good hunting.

quote:

Originally posted by Chugach:
bulldog I will assume you are refering to me with the Cats directive and do not know why. I've never hunted cats with the exception of a few I dusted while turkey hunting.
Would you mind clearing the matter for me?

Gimme a break......

Well I guess you confused me with someone else. No large deal to me other than your attitude.

Ever been to Africa?

quote:

Originally posted by bulldog563:
Ever been to Africa?

Yup I have, we takin' a poll?

I was talking to Cats.... Oh sorry... I meant Chugach... But his lack of an answer is an answer in itself.

quote:

Originally posted by bulldog563:
I was talking to Cats.... Oh sorry... I meant Chugach... But his lack of an answer is an answer in itself.

Is there a point you're trying to make? Why not come out and say what's on your mind. I'm sure I'm not the only one who is confused as to what in the world you're talking about.

Anyone who has been reading this forum for more then a couple months knows exactly what I am talking about.

Do a search for posts from a user named Cats who has since been banned for admitting to having multiple identities here. He was/is a REAL CLASS ACT!

.... funny how whenever his name comes up a relatively new user from Penn.... Oh nevermind, I am probably just being paranoid.

Are you saying that I'm "Cats" now too? Yes, I think you're paranoid.

I can assure you (and I welcome the moderators and site administrators to check this via IP information) I am a new user here. I found this site while doing a search on Africa hunting, as I'm leaving May 19 for my first ever Africa trip. I've been on this site for a total now of a few weeks. I have no idea who "Cats" is, but I wonder why you'd make these sarcastic remarks rather than just notify a moderator if you think something is wrong? I also have no idea who "Chugach" is.

This site is a great resource for people travelling to Africa. Please leave personal agendas out of a thread that has a good conversation going.

TJ

Let me address at least part of your inquiry. You asked if a number of factors had made Africa less attractive or just too much hassle for the average hunter. Let me assure you that bookings for '06, '07 and into '08 don't reflect that at all from the least expensive plains game hunt to full blown 21 day DG affairs. In fact my impression is that people are more likely now to put down significant sums of money for hunts than anytime since 9/11. Also interestingly enough when I talk to people about safari planning they don't seem very concerned about TSA, counter person or RSA airport inconveniences. We do cover all the bases with our clients so they have the proper paperwork and are not blindsided by any forseeable airport snafu.

We did discount the Mahenge Tanzania hunts initially because we had started our marketing so late in the year for the '06 season. It now looks like because of hunter response that we will be able to offer these very reasonable prices into the forseeable future.

So I guess in general I think hunters are more interested in safari than before and the prices and travel irritants are not a big factor at this time.

Also I think because AR has so many members that trends that we see on AR appear to be representative of the whole safari industry and I don't think that is always true.

Mark

how was the bear hunt Mark?

AZ

Heck of a hunt for the money! I did a short report on BIG GAME HUNTING but haven't got any pics downloaded yet.

Mark

bulldog: Like I said you have me mistaken with another. At the very least admit your mistake and we'll be done with it. Or you may opt to present any comments the moderators supply to you about my IP imfo.
I've done some reading of your posts and the type of threads you place them on. Why is it the same handful of people continue to stir the shit pot so often? Could it be you and others are so insecure as to your own worth on these forums?

quote:

Originally posted by Chugach:
bulldog: Like I said you have me mistaken with another. At the very least admit your mistake and we'll be done with it. Or you may opt to present any comments the moderators supply to you about my IP imfo.
I've done some reading of your posts and the type of threads you place them on. Why is it the same handful of people continue to stir the shit pot so often? Could it be you and others are so insecure as to your own worth on these forums?

Same line of bull that was used by Cats when he quit using the Wynnwood handle.

quote:

3. The hassle required to fly with guns to much for the avarage guy? (RSA in particular)

There have been some posts of late that have reported very favourably in regards to this situation - as I said a while back, the system changed, it had (has) glitches and will have nonsense to deal with before it is ironed out. I, and many others, have written letters to the relevant authorities and it seems now, with the new set up, its going very well.

I don't know, as I have never brought a firearm into RSA from overseas, but as I said, some AR reports have been favourable. In fact, someone (It may have been Alf, but I am not 100% sure) reported all kinds of headaches importing guns into the USA too.

paul55

Lets talk, where are you going hunting
and what are you hunting for?

quote:

Originally posted by Chugach:
bulldog: Like I said you have me mistaken with another. At the very least admit your mistake and we'll be done with it. Or you may opt to present any comments the moderators supply to you about my IP imfo.
I've done some reading of your posts and the type of threads you place them on. Why is it the same handful of people continue to stir the shit pot so often? Could it be you and others are so insecure as to your own worth on these forums?

You have got to be kidding... My posts and the type of threads I post them on?.... This coming from the guy that posted someone elses (very famous) trophy pics as his own.... The guy who claimed to be an expert archer who had taken multiple Cape Buffalo with a bow but judging by his pictures couldn't sneak up on a rock (and who never even hunted Africa).... The guy who claimed to be an Alaskan guide (also debunked).... The guy who is such a loser that he has to make up multiple false identities on the internet to make himself feel better about his failure of a life and then when busted tries to say it was a joke from the beginning.... WOW....

You are even too stupid to be able to pull off having multiple identities... I mean it really wouldn't be that hard. Just a couple different IP's and being able to come up with original comments that don't contradict eachother. But I guess that is beyond your intelligence level.

Funny how whenever someone calls you out for being a worthless fat sack of crap, multiple new posters from Penn show up to protect you.

Smooth pussy, real smooth.

Terrence, Wynwood, Cats, Chugach, driver, paull55, etc, etc...Everyone, including the moderators, knows who you are along with your various other aliases.

Aside from all this in the end I kind of feel bad for you. It must be a horrible existence to wake up everyday to your pathetic life (talk about a waking nightmare). But you know, this is the real world and not everyone grows up to be the man or woman they always wanted to be. The difference between you and a real man is that a real man has the balls to do something about it and effect a change in their own life instead of dreaming about the things he wishes that he had the guts to do, and then posting it on the internet where everyone reading it knows you are full of it.

But you know, you were right about something for once. I did make a mistake. That mistake was even acknowledging you (or your other handles) in the first place, because that is what you want in the end. I will not make that mistake again.

To all the legitimate members;

I apologize for hijacking this thread to give attention to a loser like pussy. It will not happen again. From now on I will ignore Terrence and all his other aliases and I hope you will do the same.

Remember if you don't feed the trolls eventually they die of starvation... or at the very least lose a little weight.

quote:

Originally posted by RM007:
paul55

Lets talk, where are you going hunting
and what are you hunting for?

RM007,

Are you going the same dates? I'll be in the Limpopo area hunting Blue Wildebeest, Impala, Warthog and Blesbuck.

Paul55, if I'm not mistaken you said you were hunting near Ellisras. You may be interested to know that there is no malaria in that area so there's no need to take prophylactics. (I see you mentioned you and your wife were taking these on another thread)

Bulldog,

OK, you had to go and mention my name yet again in on of your tirades. I'm calling you on your 'supposed knowledge' of who I am. If you think you're so wise, you'll jump on this opportunity to make some quick $$$.

I'm offering you a bet of $5000 (which will go a long way towards paying for a trip to Africa) or any other amount you name. You see, I have absolutely nothing to lose, because I have no idea what the heck you're talking about with this 'Cats' fella. It's simple, I'm betting that I am not Cats, and that I am in fact a new user that's only been here a few weeks. You are betting that I am all of these other people that you think I am.

We need someone trustworthy to mediate this bet. I'm willing to trust a moderator. If you take the bet, we both acknowledge the bet that we're making with a notorized statement (including proof of identity) and we each send these notorized statements to the moderator of this forum. We'll see if you're man enough to live up to your end of the bet and pay, or if I'd have to sue you to get my money. This is why we need the notorized statements. I can tell just by your tirades here that you're not a man of your words.

I apologize also to everyone for this thread getting off topic. I do not appreciate being called something that I am not. With all of the scares of identity theft these days, it's not a joke to me when I get on a new website and I get accused of being someone that's been there for a long time and caused trouble. What a way to treat new users.

This Bulldog is a real piece of work. If you're from Pennsylvania, then you're this 'Cats' person. Well Bulldog, put up or SHUT UP! I look forward to you being stupid enough to take my $5000 bet.

quote:

Originally posted by ChrisTroskie:
Paul55, if I'm not mistaken you said you were hunting near Ellisras. You may be interested to know that there is no malaria in that area so there's no need to take prophylactics. (I see you mentioned you and your wife were taking these on another thread)

Chris,

We were told that we should take them to be on the safe side, as although the area is said to be Malaria free, it's getting pretty close to a Malaria area. I'd rather be safe than sorry. It is good to know though in case my wife or I have side effects from the Doxy, that we could stop taking it without too much risk.

Paul

No reason to be concerned - Ellisras is safe as far as malaria is concerned but I guess its better to be safe than sorry.

quote:

Chris,

We were told that we should take them to be on the safe side, as although the area is said to be Malaria free, it's getting pretty close to a Malaria area. I'd rather be safe than sorry. It is good to know though in case my wife or I have side effects from the Doxy, that we could stop taking it without too much risk.

Hi Paul,
Chris is right, Ellisras is totally safe as far as malaria is concerned. Travel clinics often operate on a 'province basis' as it is an easy unit of analysis. Also, hunting is mainly in winter, even futher reducing your risk. In RSA, the only bad malaria areas tend to be those very extreme eastern areas with low altitude.
I doubt you will find any locals who have ever taken malaria precuations in Ellisras.

Save yourself the effects of the drugs IMO, but I guess it is your choice. Juts my 2 cents!

Cheers

Jeez!

This thread makes me wonder who I am!


465H&H

Chris and kayaker,

I'm glad to hear that there is nothing to worry about. Part of the reason for the precaution in our case is that we're going this week (3 more days!) From what I understand, we're not going in the middle of winter, it's more like fall or pre-winter. The other thing is that I'm not sure where all we'll be travelling/hunting, and again, maybe better safe than sorry. If either of us starts experiencing side effects once we start to take the medication though, we might take your advice and stop taking it.

465: I know who I am, but it seems someone here seems to know better than I do as to who I am. I'll be back from my trip and posting some pics around the 28th of May.

BTW, who told you it is advisable to take anti malaria drugs - your outfitter?

quote:

Originally posted by 465H&H:
Jeez!

This thread makes me wonder who I am!


465H&H

I was thinking the same thing.

Maybe everyone should post a photo of themselves when they start posting so we know who they are.

Chris,

I did some internet research and came across the CDC website. Since 'Northern Province' was mentioned, I asked my doctor for the Malaria meds. I told the outfitter I was booking through, and he said he didn't think we needed it, but that most people do take them just to be safe. I guess my intent was just be be safe rather than sorry. Now I'm starting to hear though that maybe there is nothing to worry about. I'll think this through a bit the next few days. Thanks again for the advice.

sierra: I'll be posting a photo soon enough. May 28 when I get home.

Like I said these little turds come here to stir the shit and when called on it go off like Mopane flies on a sweaty brow! Whatever happened to stopping by AR to read and discuss hunting and reloading?
Paul55 you are new here and for the most part so am I. You should read some of the stuff a very few here post about people they've never met. I called bulldog out as well to have him contact a moderator and do a simple IP search . Have you noticed he did not reply with that imfo. ? Hang around the majority are just like you and I being they only wish to read and talk about the land they enjoy hunting on. This bulldog thinks only one person lives in Penna.

Paul55
not going to be in your area but I thouht
talking about your hunt would be more interesting than all the
I am hunting Namibia in aug.
good luck on your hunt and post lots of pictures when you get back

RM,

I agree. Good luck on your hunt also. I will definitely post pics as soon as we get back. My wife LOVES her camera.

Paul

Rm007 what part of Namibia are you headed to in August and when are your dates? Are you trying for a Hartmans, they sure are an attractive animal. They are on my wish list this year in Namibia so are eland.
I just bought a new digital with a 10X zoom this past weekend. Trying to get it figured out before the trip.

chugach

I'll be hunting 4 aug - 25 aug
Leopard is #1 on my list along with eland,
kudu, mt zebra, gemsbok and red hartabeest
and anything else till the money runs out
been saving 3 yrs since my last trip