Mark. is your problem resolved yet?

Since I don't have the trophies in hand and haven't heard from any shipping agent or the NAPHA, I'd have to say NO. Are you having the same problem??

Mark:
No, I used van Heerden Safaris and had my taxidermy done by Namasis Taxidermy north of Windhoek.
I know the secretary for NAPHA personally. I emailed her your problem, she answered today that she thought she had solved your problem. She's a good gal, and I trust her.
Good Luck.

Mark,
It took 15 months to get my trophies from Botswana. From August 2001 to November 2002. It was blamed on a foot&mouth disease quarantine. But, I think some human feet were in their owner's mouths too.

My cape buffalo and red lechwe were the only salvageable heads. The rest turned into European mounts, since the skulls, horns, and tusks weathered the year and more in the Francistown warehouse better than the capes. In fact, my two impala were switched, but their horns were each at least an inch longer than the ones I shot, and the bullet holes in the deteriorated capes were not where I had put them. I've heard of ground shrinkage, but that is not what I got.

I won't be doing any repeat business with certain parties involved in this. Any of your involved parties would be smart to make good pronto and then some.

Mark and RIP

Did yoy guys use a US booking agent ? and get a reference?
I thought that that was the whole point In using an agent?
I am new to this whole thingand was just curious. I hope that that Vaughn fellow does the honerable thing and your problem gets resolved.

regards
JPaul

Mark,

I was at the shipping agent and they are only waiting on the VET export permit and they gave me assurances that your trophies will be on the way to you. Once the documentation and costs for shipping is complete they will contact you.

As for NAPHA, the secretary called me and said that they had not received your correspondance, though they had been informed and I assume that it was the previous poster who alerted her to this thread. I did however proceed to fill her in on what has taken place and where the trophy's are at this stage.

I have accepted responsibility openly (previously) on this forum and appologized to you, I have offered 10 days at half rate in an attempt to make good on this dilema (small yet sincere). Your trophies will get to you, all I respectfully ask is patience from you now and thank you for the patience you have shown up untill now.
You have chosen to pick on the potential negative points in my last e-mail to you without mentioning the positive. You have your Lion skin tanned at no cost to you, the compromise on originally making your trip affordable, the 57" Kudu, the 37 and 39" Gemsbok bulls, the 15" Springboks, the not so big but very old Wildebeest and then the Lion.

I am not perfect and will not claim to be (as this testimony would prove me a lier ), the fact that you do not yet have your trophy's is stressing me no end, the negative exposure and embarrasment are things I can do without.
Most importantly, I enjoyed meeting you and your wife and choose to remember the good time that we had and pray that you forgive me.

JT,

Thanks for your help. As stated I did e-mail the NAPHA on 11-25-04 and again on 12-6-04 using the link on their web page. napha@natron.net Here is a copy of the e-mail I sent:

Hi,

My name is ****** M. "mark" ***** and we have a problem with a PH who, I was told, is one of your members. My wife and I hunted the first two weeks of September, 2003 with Vaughan Fulton, of Fulton Classic Safaris and as of today we still haven't gotten our trophies. By trophies I mean raw skins and horns, NO taxidermy work or tanning was to be done. Vaughan was to just dip, pack and ship everything to us. It has now been over 14 months and as stated we haven't recived anything. The last contact I had with Vaughan was in mid-August when he stated by e-mail that we should be getting our trophies in few weeks or so. It has now been 3 months since that e-mail and I haven't heard another word from him or any one else regarding this matter. I am now writing you in hope that you can help us with this matter.

Mark *****
*****, Al. USA
***-***-****

Do you mind if I ask how she has solved the problem? And if you would be so kind, would you pass this along to her? Inculding my e-mail address lan_nel@bellsouth.net

Mark:
I ain't got a dog in this fight and probably should keep my 2 bits out of it, but, I thought I might be able to help solve your problem. I also hate to see a well known PH in Namibia get a bad name, unless he deserves it. I don't know Vaughan at all, but I've heard good stuff about him.
I emailed the Secretary on 12-10 advising her of your problem. She returned an email on 12-13 telling me that "it looks as though the matter has been sorted out." Vaughan then posted his above answer on 12-14. I can only assume that she contacted Vaughan and told him of my email.He then answered on the forum.
I hope the matter gets sorted out and you get your stuff Post Haste.
I will add this, I have had emails lost in the shuffle in Namibia. I think their electronic/phone system is about equal to ours in the 60s.
I wish you luck in getting your Trophies. If I can be of any further help, just post here. I check quite often.If you want me to shutup and keep my big mouth out of it, just say so. I will not take offense.
Good Luck, T.J.

"all I respectfully ask is patience from you now and thank you for the patience you have shown up untill now."

Vaughan. From the end of our hunt with you, Sepetember 2003, until June of 2004 I was patient. As I recall I did not e-mail you once about our trophies. Then in August when you said "in a few more weeks" I was disappointed and upset. Now its December, 15 months after our hunt with you, my thoughts and emotions run from one extreme to the other. Just this weekend I heard a guy say " you'll never guide someone more grateful just to be here than me". When I heard that I thought to myself I can remember feeling that way while hunting with you and wondering how this matter became this big mess. Then on other days, when a co-worker or one of the guys at the gun shop ask if we've got our trophies I feel embarrassed and ashamed. There is some days when all I want to do is say "the hell with it" you can keep the damn trophies if it will be an end to this mess and I can just move on. And some days I'm just pissed off!

"You have chosen to pick on the potential negative points in my last e-mail to you without mentioning the positive." Possibly, so I'll attach your e-mail to the end of this post.

"You have your Lion skin tanned at no cost to you"
OK, I guess I should thank you. But if we had recieved our trophies in a timely manner this wouldn't be an issue, now would it.

"the compromise on originally making your trip affordable"
Vaughan as I recall we discussed it and you did offer us this hunt at an agreed upon reduced rate. I thought we were both happy with that arrangement. If you were not, why are you just now bringing this up? Also are you implying that because our hunt was at a reduced rate that this delay in receiveing our trophies is acceptable? Are you saying we've got what we paid for? Wish I would have known this up front.

"the negative exposure and embarrasment are things I can do without."
Vaughan, while sitting around your campfire you told me " the Safari business is based on reputation". I just can't see how this is my fault? I've done what I felt I should do. Look at it this way. If for six months a guy told you to "hold those dates for me, the check is in the mail" and you still didn't have the check would you still be holding the dates for him? Its the same thing. For six months you've been telling me "you'll get your trophies", well its a simple matter. If I had our trophies this wouldn't have happened.

"I have offered 10 days at half rate in an attempt to make good on this dilema (small yet sincere)"
While I have no doubt that your offer is sincere, I have no plans to take you up on it.

Vaughans e-mail

Hello Mark,



I pray and trust that you and LaRita are happy and healthy.



It has never been my intention to treat you in an un professional or unfair manner there have been hold ups for which I am responsible as well as our Vet department. Regardless I sincerely apologize and would hope pray you will forgive me.



Your trophy’s have been at the shipping agent for some time, now this may be a small compromise but your Lion skin has been tanned and looks very good the condition of your remaining trophys are also good. Your trophy’s will be on the way to you within the next couple of weeks as the agent is waiting on the export permit for the Lion. Mark will you please confirm the address and name of taxidermist that you would like your trophy’s shipped to.

In addition when I posted on AR and offered to have hunters at 10 days half the daily rate, this was intended for you as well and not to make a fool of you. You have every right to feel anxious and upset about your trophy’s however I may not be speedy Gonzales on some issues but I do see things through to the end. Funny as this may sound I am taking the positive out and this will be the last time there is a delay on my hunters trophy’s from my point of responsibility and for this I thank you.



Mark I really enjoyed meeting and hunting with you and LaRita I do not regret and I am not angry with you only embarrassed, please accept my sincere apologies and hopefully we may hunt together in the future and you will see the improvements.



I sincerely hope that LaRita has made a full recovery.



Best Regards,



Vaughan Fulton

"I ain't got a dog in this fight" Yeah, I understand. Thanks for all your help sofar.

Mark65x55



WE in the industry and I am sure ALL valued guests have much sympathy for you and nothing we say will heal the pain and frustation ....



Africa can be a bastard at times and there are many stories yet to be told that make the mind boggle ...



We personally have had (Wildlife Authorities) in power hold us to ransome to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars, inefficincy has reared its ugly head at times, and TOTALLY unforseen circumstances have and will always come at some time or another to bite us ALL ..... As the saying goes; There But For The Grace Of God go I.



I am sure there is an (explanation for the situation) that both you and Vaughan are locked up in. I do believe that whatever the circumstances are they need to be spelt out chapter and verse once and for all and that although it wont fix the past problem it might ease the soul a little and help mend the bridge.



Very few respected outfitters will willingly delay the shipping of a clients trophies and I DONT for one moment believe this to be the case at all, other extenuating circumstances must obviously have prevailed, proberbly beyond Vaughan's contol and that is what needs to be unearthed and cleared up thus hopefully to minimise it occuring again



QUOTE FROM A RESPECTED COMPANY ( non hunting ) in NZ



L V Martin & Son Limited has been a member of the Wellington business community since 1934.



It has always been innovative with its marketing approach and always with the same focus - CUSTOMER SERVICE.



When Television first began broadcast in New Zealand, ALAN MARTIN saw the opportunity to take a real step forward in this area. He gained New Zealand Icon status by personally fronting Television ads stating



"It is the putting right that counts, and if it's not put right ask for me, ALAN MARTIN."



WE all can draw experience from the above statement at one time or another



Finally, I am truly in sympathy with the unacceptable delays being experienced by you and the heartache both parties are experiencing



Peter

I am eagerly awaiting to see how this all resolves.

I have limited, but positive personal dealings with Mark, and have found him to be a stand-up guy. I have been thinking about booking a trip to Namibia with Vaughn, based mainly on Mark's experience. I may have to rethink that now.

Guess it ain't over till the fat lady sings, and she apparently works in the shipping office.

I HUNTED WITH A FELLOW WHO USED TO POST ALOT ON THIS SITE IN 2003. I GOT THE BIGGEST SCREWING OF MY LIFE. I FEEL YOU MAY HAVE MORE SAFTY WITH AN US AGENT. SOME OF THESE FOLKS WHO SELL THEMSELFS AS OUTFITTERSS OR PH DON'T HAVE RESOURCES TO FOLLOW THOUGH WITH WHAT THEY SELL. I CAN ONLY SPEAK FOR WHAT HAPPENED TO ME.



I AM NOT SPEAKING ABOUT VAUGHN.



URDUBOB



AND YES I AM YELLING!

Has anyone called the shipping agent? A simple call or e-mail to the shipping agent with the following 2 questions would be very helpful.

1. When were my trophies delivered to you?
2. Why have they not shipped yet?

Has this been done?

I'd be interested to know who the shipping agent/company is. I had a run in with one in Namibia a few years ago. Fortunately that worked out becasue I was so persistant.

FWIW, I had a shipment of trophies from RSA delayed nearly two years because the NATAL NATURE CONSERVATION "lost" the paperwork. It eventually worked out, the documents were "found", my things are now at the taxidermist. But ca-ca happens often when you deal with Africa, expect it. See Ganyana's recent post on that one. Is it frustrating? Yes, but Africa is big and old and moves on its own time table. I'll still always want to hunt there.

About 12 years ago I bought a bow from a local archery shop to shoot spring 3-D tournaments with. I paid about $550 for it, this was when $550 was more than I made in a week, and the day I bought it the owner of the shop was my best friend. Anyway six weeks later, while shooting in my backyard, the bow came all apart. I took it back to the guy I bought it from and he acted like he didn�t know me. Well, two months later I got it back, after I had missed half of the tournament season. Want to know what I did with that bow? I give it away the day I got it. There was no way in hell I was ever going to shoot that bow again and no way I�ll ever go into that shop again. To this day I have no regrets about doing it and I can sleep at night. That�s almost the point I�m at with this mess. I�m pretty sure hunting is suppose to be fun and something you enjoy, well this has become neither. I�d like to just move on, put an end to this and be done with it. I fact I think I�ll talk to LaRita tonight and see if we can�t just do that. I�m fed up with the whole mess, my part of the trophies no longer mean to me what they once did and if she feels the same way we�re done with this.

I also had trophies which took almost two years to arrive or longer for some.

The taxidermist in South Africa lost the paperwork and then claimed he never was given it in the first place even though I saw it handed over by the PH. The outfitter whom the PH booked through went missing and so did all the original books.

Another experienced resident PH and outfitter heard about it and gave his own time to help "fix" the problem, pull some strings and get 'special' replacement export documents. This took quite a few months and he managed all the various parties along the way to ensure it eventually succeeded. Never earnt a dollar along the way but will get the favour repaid one day.

I deliberately kept the issue fairly low key, as sometimes a lot of public complaining doesn't help a lot especially if the people involved directly are trying to do their best but maybe are having to overcome obstacles from other parties. This is Africa after all and the saying "AWA - Africa Wins Again" is often relevant. Time and patience often works different there and never have I been embarrassed by 'late receipt of trophies'. They always have taken time.

Instead of 'emailing' try picking up the telephone and speak to the outfitter, shipping agent, taxidermist, whomever. I certainly would have done this before posting public comments.

In all the posts I still haven't read any real reason for the delay but there must be one. This is the crux of the issue.

I am sure with a little more patience you will get your trophies and still be happy with them. Good luck anyway.

Sure makes "no trophy" hunts like tuskless ele and culling more of thought if that's your thing...it's all part of the game (no pun). My 5 PG animals took 15 months from N. Province of RSA and I was told that is about "Right".



I've read all the posts in this thread with some interest (mostly for future reference) and have the opinion of a strong possibility that the PH just didn't follow through for whatever reason...maybe slow in doing his part...normal delays were multiplied by this fact. He seems very apologetic for someone who comes across as bordering on "guiltless"...and "the system is failing me..." Truth is a powerful ally or it can be a bitch of a hound...so what's the real story?

I must say it is sad to see you loose interest in these trophies, especially the Lion. I know guys who have spent many thousands of dollars to take a Lion ... and I mean MANY THOUSANDS. You lucked out and took one at a discounted plainsgame rate.

So they are delayed a few months. Do not let that sour the experience of taking the Lion ... or any of the other great trophies you took ... or just the experience of hunting in a fantastic area.

You have some great trophies, when they arrive, I would hope that you could forget about the delays and difficulties. I would hope that you can look at the Lion and remember the hunt.

Many pains are endured for the taking of a trophy. Thorns in the knees, sore muscles, many dollars spent ... etc. These all disappear when I see the final product. I would hope you are able to put it behind you and look at the Kudu or Lion and just remember the first time you walked up to the animal and the first time you touched it.

Those are the trophies nobody can take from you.

Absence can make the heart grow fonder, but the anxiety of the wait, especially at the fault of one we once trusted, can make for a very sour reunion. Hopefully, as Wendell has mentioned, the memories will stream back quickly and you will replay the fun of it all in your heart...allowing the pain to fade. I can say from experience that the 15 months I waited vanished quickly when I hung the heads on the wall and remembered the details of each hunt...

Mark,

I am sorry to hear you say that and hope you reconsider!

Vaughan,

I have guided five members of this board on free-ranging hunts here in Texas that have also hunted with you in Namibia, including Mark and LaRita. Each and every one of them told me what a great job you did on their hunt and that they truly enjoyed the experience.

As an outsider following all of this, I have to say that it sounds to me like you just didn't stay on top of this the way you should have. You handle the shipping arrangements for your hunters. I personally think it is your responsiblity to stay with it until the job is done and handle any problems that arise. I know you feel bad about this, but I don't think that is enough. From your recent post, it sounds like you have come to the same conclusion and are going to monitor the shipping status more closely and be more hands on in the future.

There are no winners here......

Bob

I don't have a dog in this fight and I've never met Vaughan personally. But I will say that Vaughan has been in the industry for many years (as have I) and he has an excellent reputation as a PH and an outfitter and also as a man of integrity.

There has obviously been a stuff up somewhere along the line, but my guess is that it's someone else's stuff up, rather than anything to do with Vaughan and that Vaughan is too much of a gentleman and too much of a professional to put the blame where it deserves to be put.........I'm sure he's doing his best to make things right.

In my business I occasionally ship to Africa. What a nightmare. Generally some previously unforseen problem comes up requiring more money than was initally anticipated. I can sympathize with your plight but don't know what to say about it. That's Africa.
ps Some trophies of mine and my cousins disappeared altogether.

You have some great trophies, when they arrive, I would hope that you could forget about the delays and difficulties.
But, I think that IS the problem. While the trophies are not in his possession, he has NO idea whether he will ever get them. Whether when he gets them they will, in fact be his. Whether they will not be ruined. The fact remains that the uncertainty is the killer. When I am waiting for my refund check from the IRS, I KNOW that I will get it eventually, so, I am not anxious. In the case of trophies, as has been documented above, that is just not so. I have met Vaughn and he certainly seems a very 'standup" guy. But, my impression is that he is also very busy. I too would like a final analysis of exactly what happened, and I don't really buy this "protecting someone else" gentlemanly behavior. The way around this is to say 'Fred screwed up" but it is my responability, and I accept that".
The hunting trip is not over until the trophies are received. When I received mine earlier this year, I felt that my hunt was over.
Peter.

Reading between the lines ....

Quote:

---

Vaughan was to just dip, pack and ship everything to us

---

Quote:

---

You have your Lion skin tanned at no cost to you, the compromise on originally making your trip affordable

---

A tanned skin is not just "dip, pack and ship". I have never seen a tanned skin back from a taxidermist in under nine to twelve months. Maybe tanned by mistake, or maybe not everything is being reported correctly here.

Nitrox,

I DID NOT request the Lion skin to be tanned. In fact Vaughans e-mail dated 11-26-04 was the first I heard of it being tanned, nothing had been said about it up until then. Our instructions to Vaughan were to dip, pack and ship us the raw skins and horns, we would have the taxidermy done in Alabama. I�m not sure why the Lion skin was tanned and to be honest I too have been questioning why it was tanned. I�m just thinking out loud here, but to pay for the shipping and get something that�s not ours or that is ruined would really be very disappointing. Not saying thats whats going on, just questioning things.

Nitrox,
On 12-14-04 Vaughan stated
"I was at the shipping agent and they are only waiting on the VET export permit and they gave me assurances that your trophies will be on the way to you. Once the documentation and costs for shipping is complete they will contact you."

Then on 12-15-04 Carlin Sobotta of the NAPHA Office states
"I have taken the matter up with Mr. Fulton and he has assured me that the trophies have been sent."

What I find odd is that I still haven't been contacted by a shipping agent.

I talked to my wife last night and this morning. I was and am about ready to give this up but she wants to give it a few more weeks. I know a lot of it doesn't add up but I guess we'll see what happens.

Mark
I don't have a horse in this race.I don't know this
man at all.But having been on a few hunts I think he
will get your stuff to you.I also believe he has made
a good faith effort to make it right.
Just my .02
I hope it works out for you.
Jeff