My father is trying to put together his first Buff hunt for 2007. In speaking with a few agents, outfitters, and references he came across a couple of things that he did not get clarified.

1) A couple people have mentioned to try to avoid Campfire Camps in Zim? What is a campfire camp? Is it a gov't program of some sort? A fly-by nite type outfitter?

2) Others have mentioned to avoid outfitters with Government Concessions. Something about the US not supposed to be doing biz with the Zim govt...and doing biz with outfitters having govt concessions is like doing biz with the Zim govt...illegal? Any truth to this govt concessions deal?

3) Anything else he should be keeping an eye out for? If it helps, he would IDEALLY like to find a 7 day buff hunt, good shot at 40", and budget at $10k.

Thanks for any help you can offer!

1) Someone is yanking your chain. Nothing wrong with Campfire areas.

2)Ditto. (They are the best places).

3) You should be able to get a 10-day hunt for that, and may need it. 40"ers don't grow on trees!

Call or e-mail HHK.

Living here and being involved with the quota setting I think I can give you some pointers.

1) CAMPFIRE - Communal Areas Management Plan For Indigenous REsources. IE Hunting on Tribal Land where the communities get the meat and a share (usually arround 45%) of the money you pay for a safari.

Some of the CAMFIRE concessions have been heavily overshot. A combination of a government (national Parks) policy of setting quite libberal quotas so that there was enough money to encourage the community to conserve their wildlife and rampant poaching (ie the community not conserving their wildlife!) That said, the best trophies to come out of Zim are frequently from Communal areas.

Try Bill Bedfords Ingwe Safaris (ingwew@mweb.co.zw or phone 263-4-860290) or Swainsons safaris (I think swainsons@mweb.co.zw)

2) Not all of the "government Concessions are in the hands of people on the US Banned list, or even have partneres on the US Banned list! For a good hunt with few disapointments try HHK (hhk@mweb.co.zw). or Swainsons

If you are dead set against that try one of the operators in the Save conservancy like Shangan Hunters or Roger Whittal or couple of others. Or ask Bill bedfors (Ingwe) for a hunt on his ranch adjacent to Hwange National Park

Or - consult a reputable agent like Ann on this forum.

If you want emails for the save lads PM me and when I get i9nto town I'll look them up and answer

Okay, let's get serious.

HHK:
During Reno,
Graham Himgston 469-835-7960

If you can't get ahold of Graham, call Brent Hein (469-835-79610). One of my favorite PH's.

Andy Hunter, also at Reno. He can get you a buff somewhere. Til Feb 6: 713-569-1675

Also Peter Barnard is at Reno, booth 3408, not that that helps, since I don't have a phone number. A nice guy. He may be checking his e-mail.

Pete Barnard
Bvekenya Safaris
P.O.BOX WGT 805
Harare
Zimbabwe
Tel/fax-263-4-335540
www.bvekenyasafaris.com

Also Buzz Charlton. buzz@cmsafaris.com Maybe someone has a US phone number. He may be looking at his e-mail, though.

Andy Hunter emailed me the other day and said he was booked for 05. I havent met him but the communications I've had with him he seems staight up.