G'day all,

My first trip is coming-up, and I am very excited!

Anyway, firstly we are being met by someone from Afton House, and Annelise is helping with the paperwork side of things. I've scanned and sent certified copies of various ID / ownership documents, and have now completed the SAPS520 form, which she also wants e-mailed to her. I followed the example she sent me. But I still have questions. And I'll ask her tomorrow via e-mail, but thought I'd ask here first.

1. I completed a SAPS 520 I got from the SAPS police website, and it is slightly different in one place to the example Annelise sent. Just a simple update?

2. In the example, it showed a signature and name and place at the end - twice. Anyway, I thought I heard somewhere else that you're not meant to sign it until you're standing in front of the officer.

3. I'm taking a Ruger No.1. I know the serial number on the action, but the form asks for one on the barrel as well. As far as I can see, there is none. What's up with that?

4. What is the process? What will the Afton House representative actually do with our papers? Do I bring papers, or does Afton House bring them?

5. I didn't see a place for my letter of intent. I have a letter of invitation. I guess I better write one, as I have heard that SAPS want to see it. Is this right?

I will ask Annelise, but just wanted to ask you guys as well.

Cheers,

Ben

serial numbers on action is no problem
no need for letters if your hunting rsa. you outfitter will take care of that for you
i have always sent paperwork back and rep took care of it and has everything waiting when i arrived
i have never been asked for a letter but things change there all the time

The SA Police asked for my invitation letter 3 weeks ago. Did not have a letter of intent. Wouldn't hurt to have one. We were hunting Namibia overnighting at AfrikaSky.

They just want a number on the gun action stamped is okay. Don't sign it till your in the office.
Stop just to the right of the baggage claim going out and sign the book, then go to the office around the corner and out into the lobby your gun will be there.. Had all my forms filled out while on the plane, had to do something for 17 hours lol.
Did it myself, no problem, have a letter of invitation, they will ask. took all of about 10 minutes and your out of their.
I guess you could hire gum help but in 6 times I never have. It's not a problem, they are helpful and easy to work with.

Godfrey, a driver from African Sky's was meeting us and went with me into the office, one of his friends was working their and he knows the guys pretty good. That always helps.

One for the barrel would be for guns with interchangable barrels. Blasers would be one, which I own, and each barrel has its own serial number.

I flew directly to my Safari destination that day so no help on Afton for you.
Did need a letter of invite.

Oh your days of semi-sanity are surely over! If you are like us, finding the finances and time to go again is all we really live for. Although we have changed the destinations to Zim. and CAR on the last two. We are working on our next trip. Be prepared to be bitten!

Thanks, fellows. SBP, I haven't even done this first one yet, and I am plotting and scheming the next!

BenKK,

Keep a copy of everything pertaining to you hunt organized in a file folder. Keep it with you all the time. Also make a couple of copies of your passport in the file.

The next one is a lot easier.