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Well stated. ROYAL KAFUE LTD Email - kafueroyal@gmail.com Tel/Whatsapp (00260) 975315144 Instagram - kafueroyal | |||
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If you want to talk about rising prices, consider this: My first safari was a two-country hunt in March 1983 -- five days in Zimbabwe's Matetsi where I shot buffalo, kudu and sable, and five days on the Rooipoort Estate near Kimberley, South Africa, where I shot gemsbok, hartebeest, springbok and warthog as the guest of the South African Tourism Board. I came across the receipts for the Zimbabwe leg a couple of months ago. The trophy fees for the three Zim animals were $1,500 and change. Shipping and handling of seven sets of capes and horns from Johannesburg to Tucson came to a bit over $400. Bill Quimby | |||
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I was a young LT that year, but I just did some quick math and those TFs back then would have cost significantly more of my household income in 1983 than today's rates would. By a huge amount. But then again, that year I went to Alaska and lived the dream... | |||
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Here is a crazy comparison, I hunted Polar bear in 2011 total cost of expedition was just over $35 000 for almost 21 days away, It will cost more than double that to hunt 21 days in Africa excluding your trophy fees, If anything this should be the opposite, JK | |||
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With the change in import status to the US, I would not be surprised to see prices of Polar Bear hunts fall over the next few years. For some of us, not that a policy change would be good for the species, that is the only hope to maybe hunt lion someday. Now that I think about it, a pretty rational strategy for middle class hunters would be to go for the unimportable species and then use the price savings to build a house in Canada or Europe to store them. | |||
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Buzz hit it dead center on every area. If confused, please carefully read his post again. No one,even safari clients, would be more pleased to see prices on concessions and trophy fees drop than the folks ( outfitters) that have to pay upfront for them! We do however understand the pinch it places on our customers, and in many cases their ability to afford a safari at all. We, Buzz, Chifuti, and other Zim outfitters are the ones in daily discussions with Parks people and associated politicos to try to beat common economics into their thick skulls. It is an uphill grind my friends, but without our efforts both in the past, and today, the prices would be even higher than you see today. NO ONE is getting rich in the hunting game in ZIM, and each dollar is beyond hard earned I assure you. Dave Fulson | |||
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We are all screwed, as we all love to hunt especially in Africa, so we will pay till we drop dead even if it means we cut money on everything else. I save, I borrow and I bitch and here I go... Hobbies are expensive and people that provide those kinda entertainments for our hobbies know it and "VOILA" I came to conclusion that I will be broke till I die... " Until the day breaks and the nights shadows flee away " Big ivory for my pillow and 2.5% of Neanderthal DNA flowing thru my veins. When I'm ready to go, pack a bag of gunpowder up my ass and strike a fire to my pecker, until I squeal like a boar. Yours truly , Milan The Boarkiller - World according to Milan PS I have big boar on my floor...but it ain't dead, just scared to move... Man should be happy and in good humor until the day he dies... Only fools hope to live forever “ Hávamál” | |||
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Well said Boarkiller!! you have only one live enjoy it. Phillip du Plessis www.intrepidsafaris.com info@intrepidsafaris.co.za +27 83 633 5197 US cell 817 793 5168 | |||
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Agreed. Always remember this: You are going to be dead for a L-O-N-G time! | |||
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Got back last night from the last of four meetings with landowners. I felt physically sick. Kudu bulls are being priced out of the market. I specialise in big bulls, and everyone that has hunted with us knows what quality these mountains hold. The price that we pay for Kudu bulls has tripled. Most places say outright that hunters have been paying too low trophy fees for big kudu bulls too long. It is the old sage of demand. You good folks will not believe what hunters (that do not spend any time on hunting forums) are prepared to pay for a big Kudu bull. Expect trophy prices for Kudu in 2014-2015 to be in the $3-4,000.00 class if you want a bull over 55". This is sad, and just another proof of bygone days. I will also sit in my chair one day and my grand kids will look at me with big eyes when I tell them that my big old grey bull on the wall with his 60" cork screw was a gift from a friend in 2007........ Charl van Rooyen Owner Infinito Travel Group www.infinito-safaris.com charl@infinito-safaris.com Cell: +27 78 444 7661 Tel: +27 13 262 4077 Fax:+27 13 262 3845 Hereford Street 28A Groblersdal 0470 Limpopo R.S.A. "For the Infinite adventure" Plains Game Dangerous Game Bucket List Specialists Wing-Shooting In House Taxidermy Studio In House Dip and Pack Facility In House Shipping Service Non-Hunting Tours and Safaris Flight bookings "I promise every hunter visiting us our personal attention from the moment we meet you, until your trophies hang on your wall. Our all inclusive service chain means you work with one person (me) taking responsibility during the whole process. Affordable and reputable Hunting Safaris is our game! With a our all inclusive door to door service, who else do you want to have fun with?" South Africa Tanzania Uganda | |||
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Really?!?!?!! Sorry Charl, but after reading your post, I too, felt physically sick. Pure, unadultered GREED is the ONLY WORD that comes to my mind regarding these landowners.  By the way, in order to enjoy the one life that you have to live, you have to be able to reasonably afford it.  So glad to have hunted the last 11 African safaris when I did. 2014 will be the very last one for me if this is the direction that the African Hunting Industry is taking. | |||
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USE ENOUGH GUN, The problem that we have as outfitters Like the Zim guys that deal with the government we deal with landowners, Now in my case I own quit A bit of land my self but even with that I hunt A lot on private ranches that don't belong to me and we are 100% in the hands of the land owners, and honestly they have raised the prices A lot and they are getting it!! On some wildlife auctions this year big Kudus bulls went as much as US$20 000, YES THAT IS US$20 000. There will always be deals out there and I am sure most outfitters will negotiate pricing with A client but it will keep on going up, I and frankly I don't blame the ranchers as I said I own my own land and it is becoming very expensive just to keep the lights on! let alone make a good living. Merry X mas and happy hunting!! Phillip du Plessis www.intrepidsafaris.com info@intrepidsafaris.co.za +27 83 633 5197 US cell 817 793 5168 | |||
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So where do these greedy landowners get the idea that hunters will pay more for these top trophies? A day spent in the bush is a day added to your life Hunt Australia - Website Hunt Australia - Facebook Hunt Australia - TV | |||
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The guy I hunt abroad with and I have tried to go to Africa every 2nd or 3rd year. We split that with trips to South America. We are actively discussing one last trip to Africa "one of these years" but are actively planning a change towards more trips to South America. Both of us can afford additional African trips if we really want to, but there a is a value to the experience that is being exceeded in Africa. Part of that value includes remote places, new people and cultures, and the plain joy of hunting. South America doesn't have leopards or lions, but you don't have to pay huge trophy fees, transportation of trophy fees, and import fees. And there are plenty of poisonous snakes there too  Chuck | |||
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Check out the trophy fees for buffalo compared to what they were even two years ago. Financial obligations with my older parents and kids took a huge chunk this year and that was the real reason, but the recent price spike for animals in Zim did not help in my decision to regretfully cancel my leopard hunt. Very deppressing. USN (ret) DRSS Verney-Carron 450NE Cogswell & Harrison 375 Fl NE Sabatti Big Five 375 FL Magnum NE DSC Life Member NRA Life Member | |||
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I have experienced all of this with the big bears, sheep, elk, whitetails, and duck leases, that is why I am always vigilante for a new affordable adventure. I am glad I pushed hard the last few years in Africa, because it appears the value is collapsing. I never considered Tanzania and Botswana as worth the money and now all of Africa appears to be headed that way. I will just have to be flexible and wait for the deals to pop up. BUTCH C'est Tout Bon (It is all good) | |||
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Matt they are paying it already. Phillip du Plessis www.intrepidsafaris.com info@intrepidsafaris.co.za +27 83 633 5197 US cell 817 793 5168 | |||
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I have huntd Africa ( Namibia, Zim x2, Moz) and very much want to return...like others I must look for the best bang for my buck... Having said that, these "greedy" landowners- -aren't they just looking to get what the pre$ent market will bear? As with the high $ North American trophy big bears & sheep...is it not pretty much supply & demand in action? My intent isn't to stir up controversy, I'm merely wondering how many of us posters, if we owned land with much-sought-after game critters living on it, and our income came from others paying to hunt said critters, would we not charge as much as we could get? | |||
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He seems to have forgotten that one of his countrymen apparently splashed out $100K for a ranched cape buffalo several years back.  | |||
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Here is a stone in the bush, I am a land owner and concession holder of some big areas in South Africa, I have not raised my price to outfitters in 4 years on buffalo and plains game, With the weak rand above 10 to 1 South African outfitters and land owners should be putting down there dollar prices to stimulate a drive of lower trophy prices and more feet through there hunting areas, Even with a lower dollar trophy price we are putting more rands in our pockets, These comments are only valid for South Africa and Namibia to a degree, The country’s whose prices are all dollar based to the government are in a different situation and have their hands tied. | |||
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JK: You may well indeed offer reasonably cheap hunts for specimen which are of no particular use or interest to you, i.e. aged bulls whose breeding days are almost over and those whose trophy appeals to the eye of the beholder, though size wise, averaging 37/38" and possibly under; a price which I would call affordable to a client for a buffalo cull. Are you charging the same price for those in the 40+ category or do you have a running scale much in the same manner as some ranchers have for their Kudu? | |||
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FJT I deal in Rand prices to outfitters, does not matter what the species, As the rand has lost over 22% of its value to the dollar we have reduced our dollar prices by a similar amount, so this has put us as land owners in the same position we were in over the last few years and the client will get the benefit of a lower dollar price, If I use our Buffalo as an example, I am not selling off cheaper non breeding type animals at a cheap price because they are of no use to us, it is an open system. Our Buffalo are still expensive if compared to other areas in South Africa or Africa but we have given the advantage of the exchange rate back to the client instead of putting it in our pockets as owners, For the last 2 years an average Buffalo hunt was $24 000 to $26 000 For 2014 that same buffalo hunt is selling at $18 000 to $20 000 And I am as a land owner putting the same amount of Rands in my pocket This is the point I am trying to make, JK | |||
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On your question on size Yes we run basically a over 40" Buffalo and under 40" Buffalo but the principle I wanted to get across that we do give back to the hunter stays the same. Again this is just in South Africa in Tanzania and other countries that are dollar based all our hands are tied, JK | |||
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JOESTER, You are 100% correct it is very simple economics! When they are having problems getting the big $$$ the price will come down but as long as they get it, well they would be stupid to lower it then. And this pay per inch thing, well it happens all over the world it is not A South African thing only hell go and shoot one of those big ranched Elk in Colorado Or A ranched Stag in New Zealand and see what that will cost AND THEY ALSO CHARGE BY THE INCH, I know Of A red Stag that went $100 000. Phillip du Plessis www.intrepidsafaris.com info@intrepidsafaris.co.za +27 83 633 5197 US cell 817 793 5168 | |||
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Agreed; It does seem odd. But I am surely no expert as I will only be making my second trip to RSA in a few months. The state are similiar. As stated already, look at the prices of North American sheep, elk, mule deer hunts. Prices have surely out paced our economy. Its too bad. The average hunter will continue to have a harder time making these hunts happen (North American and African IMO). Looking from the outside in, my biggest surprise is the cost of a Buffalo hunt. They seem really high, but what would I know. I wouldn't mind hunting one, but I never will at current costs. I would rather spend similiar money elsewhere (JMO). | |||
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The price of ranched white tails is collapsing Full time professional trapper | |||
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I always thought that Buffalo were way underpriced. A true in your face walk and stalk hunt is priceless. Especially in wild country where you stumble across Lion and other grim beasts in your path. ROYAL KAFUE LTD Email - kafueroyal@gmail.com Tel/Whatsapp (00260) 975315144 Instagram - kafueroyal | |||
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jkhunter: Thanks for your comments and honesty. You are definitely an outfit that I would deal with.  The day will come when all of the others will regret their greed. | |||
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Its all getting a bit much I was working out what the Mountain Nyala hunt will cost in total after the auction at SCI, There is no way you will walk away under $120 000 by the end of the Safari, Will have to increase my Buffalo prices if I am to get that hunt  | |||
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Well gentlemen I think I have found a way to beat these rapidly rising prices. We need 4-5 guys to put up $50K each. So far myself and one other, looking for 2-3 more. We lease a concession with DG quota. We (or to be accurate, our local partner) operates the concession and at the end of each season, the investors take the "leftover quota" if any for trophy fee only. No daily rates other than PH fee (hiring a freelance PH typically $125/day) and tips. If no leftovers, well then that would be a very successful season and the investors have money in the bank to buy a hunt someplace else. Species available: of the dangerous 7, all but rhino and lion; excellent kudu; zebra; eland; bushbuck; impala; duiker; baboon. Fishing as well. If anyone is interested shoot me a PM. Russ Gould - Whitworth Arms LLC BigfiveHQ.com, Large Calibers and African Safaris Doublegunhq.com, Fine English, American and German Double Rifles and Shotguns VH2Q.com, Varmint Rifles and Gear | |||
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It;s not just the cost of the hunt either. The air charter guys are getting in on it too. For the moose hunt I did in 05 the charter was about $400 now I see it's $1800. No good reason for this. Don't give me that fuel cost BS either. Charters in Africa seem to range from $2500 to 10K but you can always have someone drive you to camp for $800 or more. I would rent a car and drive myself before paying that much for a car trip. Full time professional trapper | |||
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I think more operators should follow Andrew's lead and have affordable group hunts. I went on one of those and had a blast. I will not book a hunt with only air charter--AC in Africa is a huge rip off. BUTCH C'est Tout Bon (It is all good) | |||
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My pet peeves are (1) air charter - I think it is way over priced. Besides I really don't want to die in one of those planes. I like to drive (statistically might be more risky) and see the country a bit. (2) companion rate of $250-$500 - if the person sleeps in the same tent/room and eats food primarily shot by the hunter. What is the main cost other than drinks? I just think charging 5 star hotel room rates for an additional person is a bit too much. The future of buffalo hunting is going to be South Africa. The genetically bred animals in a few years will throw off amazing trophies for those that want the biggest and widest spreads. There will be better use for meat and by products. Butch - lets see what Burkina is like in a few months. Mike | |||
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Mike, I agree on the companion rates peeve. I have wanted to bring my wife several times but refuse to pay more for her to tag along than a night at the Victoria Inn. I took her to Hawaii instead--it was cheaper. Yep, see you in Burkina in February. BUTCH C'est Tout Bon (It is all good) | |||
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Outfitters and PH's need to be very aware of most people's budget and PRINCIPLE constraints....most recently the hand off of the dip, pack and doc to local taxidermists, booking air freight to Freight forwarders and more fumigation and docs, Insurance and higher Air, then Customs Brokers in US Clearing and local freight ....this can almost double the cost of daily rates or trophy fees....BEFORE Taxidermy. This ALL used to be done by PH/Outfitters and clearance by local US Taxidermists...now everybody becomes HANGERS ON and INTO THE HUNTERS POCKETS....and it's BIG BUCKS!! All hunters are NOT RICH....this is killing the Golden Goose...let alone the big hunt cost increases......the Sun is Setting before our eyes....African Hunting is becoming a sport of the Rich and Famous....the full circle!! If Outfitters and PH's don't step in and take back control.....we all will be losers. Unequivocally, Charters are ridiculous Costs...and generally dangerous too!! It is not getting to where I CAN'T...but it is getting to where I WON'T!! We know who is holding the chips....communicatively....get a handle on it GUYS!! Cheers, 470EDDY | |||
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470EDDY, I'm with you. I can but I won't. I agree also on the post hunt fees, they are obscene. They are beginning to affect my decision to hunt Africa. BUTCH C'est Tout Bon (It is all good) | |||
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One of the great financial joys I have discovered is I really don't like taxidermy in my house. I like looking at it at other peoples houses or a outdoor store. Only thing I like is rugs - I shoot a lion or leopard I will rug mount him. Everything else is european mounts. I have also started leaving stuff behind at places I expect to hunt again and maybe if I want, I will aggregate trophies from a bunch of safaris into one shipment. Taxidermy and the whole process of importing trophies is a serious financial expense. Damn the only cost that has not gone up as much relatively speaking in airfare and one often has miles for airfare. But then I look at my friends who are serious big game anglers and their boat expenses are scary. That is a expensive hobby. | |||
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It's no wonder I hear a few hunters are taking up fishing again for their vacation in Alaska and the Caribbean...OUCH!!!  | |||
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I had my son's trophies shipped over in Nov from our hunt this year. After 8 trips, as usual, I requested "freight collect" which normally adds about $100 to the total freight charge but in my experience gets my trophies home quicker. I got the quote of $900 to Dallas. When the trophies arrived they were over $1500 for freight alone. Some yahoo freight company in Indiana had grabbed my trophies in Atlanta when they arrived and added $600 for their "troubles" of clearing my trophies even though they were assigned to Coppersmith in Dallas. Excuse my french but this is a plain old fashioned roan horse fucking that I am tired of! Even though I do my own taxidermy, I am done with bringing trophies home and probably done with Africa. When the outfitter that I have hunted with four times and taken 50 clients turns me down because HE wants to assign the ph then he can have it, I'm done, stick a fork in me! Anybody have some good hunting options in South America or Australia?? | |||
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Over the years I have developed and refined a spread sheet to calculate my day fees and trophy fees. Over the past 2 years and for 2014 my day fees and trophy fees reduces every year, even with the rising cost of fuel, food, drinks and staff salaries taken into account. I had some land owners who quoted me ridiculous prices, but I just steer clear of them. Hunters should look more into hunting as groups. It is much more affordable. The day fees for a group of 4 hunters hunting 1x1 is almost half the day fees of a single hunter hunting 1x1. It is a lot more fun to be part of a group than to be on your own. You will still be hunting on your own and at night you share your experiences with your friends. I have heard arguments that people does not want to share the camp with others as you get people who misbehave and/or drink to much. In the 10 years that I am in the hunting business, I never had a hunter in camp that misbehaved. Group hunts is a very good option to make a hunt more affordable. Life is how you spend the time between hunting trips. Through Responsible Sustainable hunting we serve Conservation. Outfitter permit no. Limpopo ZA/LP/73984 PH permit no. Limpopo ZA/LP/81197 Jaco Human SA Hunting Experience jacohu@mweb.co.za www.sahuntexp.com | |||
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