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Alf,

Thanks for your posting. Thank you very much indeed. I'm not going to even attempt to reply. I'll just sit back and read what the experts have to say. I know how I treat my clients and would like to hear some of the other Hunting Outfitters' views on this one.

In good hunting.

Andrew McLaren.

PS: Create reasoanble expectations, and then surpass them, has long been my motto.

quote:

PS: Create reasoanble expectations, and then surpass them, has long been my motto.

And you're pretty good at it!

Not an expert. Just my opinion and how I personally like to do things.

***

My attitude on safari is to have a good time. It is meant to be a recreation for me and a holiday. Good hunting is what I am after.

However I do recognise that for the outfitter that it is a business and they have been paid good dollars so I also expect them to perform. They also expect usually a deposit as a committment which to means is a two way street.

I do not, or try not to book with someone who I think is shifty or promises more than I think they can deliver. I go elsewhere if I think that. I ALWAYS want to speak to the outfiiter direct. An agent is a middleman, but they deliver next to nothing to the result. Talking to the outfitter especially when there are serious questions to ask is the only way to go.

A good outfitter will:
1. Discuss with their client what their main objectives are, especially which game and advise a realistic target. Eg it is not realistic to expect to hold out for big buffalo on a 7 day safari unless you are prepared to go home empty handed. I DO expect to see and have reasonable chances at buffalo however. A 21 day safari might be a different story but again if a 38 inch buff is the norm the good ones advise that. Hunting is a game of chance. Hell personally it doesn't bother me, never have carried a tape measure.

If a guy expects to completely fill out his game bag he will be lucky to be able do it.

2. The outfitter will determine the fitness level of the client and advise them accordingly. Up to the client to communicate this too of course.

On my two Aussie Top End buffalo hunts this year, I know October was hot (from previous experience) and had no intention of walking for 15 kilometes after a buffalo. Carrying enough water alone is a problem in Oct/Nov. And it is not much fun either.

The August hunt was a different story (cooler) and we did do some serious kilometes around the hills.

Both of these scenarios were discussed with the outfitter before hand to make sure we were on the same wavelength as to expectations.

3. The outfitter will work hard, within reason to make the safari a success.

4. I expect the agreed upon hunting area, camps, PHs (within reason), quota etc to all be available. If not this should be communicated as soon as possible when known and alternatives offered or refund offered.

5. A full quotation of expected fees, taxes, costs to be supplied when booking. No hidden or extras tacked on at all, unless entirely my option on an extra hunt for me. Most outfitters cover themselves by stating changes to taxes, gov't fees will be passed on if changed.

6. I now really want it all down in writing so there is no disputes just what was promised. I take copies of all correspondence with, just in case. Never had a problem and never had to refer to them so far.

Other stuff too, but that will do.

When I arrive at the airport to be picked up I am there to have a good hunt and a fun time. The decisions been made and I am committed. All the guff can be left behind.

On the other hand if someone did try to screw me, I would give them a right royal screwing back. That's what Hunt Reports exist for (as well as positve reports of course), to warn other people off of unscrupulous, dishonest or incompetent operators. the internet is a wonderful venue for people to sell on. It is also a wonderful information tool that is cheap to utilise for clietns as well.


***

I had the case too where the buffalo were feeding and drinking at night and scooting back across the boundary by daylight. We tried lots of ways to get them but no luck. It was the second buffalo however so didn't go home empty handed. Otherwise the place was pretty empty of all male species, saw lots of females though. Luckily I took some other game elsewhere, but buffalo were my main and only real target.

ALF

Let's forget I'm a booking agent for awhile. What I expect when booking a safari for myself is the folowing:

1. The hunting area should be good for the animals I want. I don't mean they exist there but they are relatively abundant and give me a better than average chance of shooting those animals of good trophy quality.

2. PH should be familiar with hunting area and more importantly intimately familiar with hunting the species that I want. If I hunt lion I need to hunt with a guy that knows lion hunting and has done it successfully many times.

3. The camp needs to be in good repair with a trained staff. There should also be good quanities of nice well prepared food and beverages avaialble at all times plus plenty of ice.

4. I would also expect the agent/outfitter to tell me if my expectation were out of line. If I told him I wanted 3 big buffalo, both cats, a big elephant plus sable, roan etc. and I wanted to hunt 2x1 for 21 days. I would hope he would tell me that I was dreaming but make a suggestion as to what he thought my realistic goals should be.

I also think it is my responsibility as a client to have done some research myself and to make my priorities clear to the agent/outfitter/PH. If you want both leopard and lion but lion is your priority you don't want the safari operator to put you in a great leopard area that only offers a marginal chance at a lion.

I don't know that this answers the question but this is what I expect when I book a safari and I'd like to think that is the experience our clients have.

Regards,

Mark

Long story short - this year I hunted Buffalo in the Omay and was not aware that this area is a difficult area to hunt, terrane, poaching etc. The PH said at the offset we would hunt at my pace, after a day and a half I just had to have an understanding with him. I told him I was here to have fun and hopefully get a buffalo but I was damned if I was going to die here. As a result of the consversation we had a good couple of days of enjoyable hunting and I did get a nice 38" hard boss buf.

What do I want from an Outfitter?

Above all else: Honesty....

ALF,

Me, of little experience having only been to Africa once, I expect a PH to be professional, honest, and trustworthy. It is far easier dealing with terrain, lack of game, my physical abilities, weather, etc as soon as the PH is aware of any snags that may occur. "Things happen" in all walks of life and after all they call this hunting, not finding.

However, I also believe it is up to the client to perform due diligence to make sure they understand exactly what they are getting into and what to expect. Not only with the PH, but the booking agent, the area they are hunting, the quantity and trophy quality, SAP, travel, etc.

With the wonderful resources available right here at AR, a client has little excuse of not understanding every detail and potential snag.

But after saying all of that, sometimes s..t happens that is beyond everyones control. If you have done your due diligence and it sill falls apart, start planning your next Safari

Fred