Next year Iam going on a safari to S. Africa. Everyone of the animals that I plan on hunting, I have already shot at least two. I do not plan on taking home any trophies as already have them all mounted and dont need duplicates.
Would you think it would be ok to ask the outfitter/ ph If I could shoot cull animals and pay less of a trophy fee? Say for example, a kudu with one horn. Most people would turn that down, however I would be glad to take it.
I enjoy the hunt and the experience, and thats why Iam there-Thanks

I think it is a great idea. The savings on a couple of these types of hunts may provide for an additional trip.

After all, it is the experience that counts the most.

I would think that some outfitters/PHs would actually welcome such safaris with open arms. These types of safaris help with their herd management and could potentially strength the herd and trophy potential in the future.

I see nothing wrong with that.

What harm can there be in asking? Upon inquiry, the worst the P.H. can say is "no". I suspect that he (or the concession owner) would very much like to make a buck on some animals that would not otherwise be financially productive (except for biltong hunters, perhaps).

Inquire if you can keep options open in case you see an exceptional animal, say a 60" kudu, so you can take it, too.

Just make sure to get the "rules" straight before you go. Most of life is about bargin and exchange. I'll bet the P.H. will be more than happy to accomodate you and you may be able to take lots more animals on such a trip, especially if the landowner has a market for the meat. Symbiotic? Is that the word?

In Burkina Faso, I was asked if I'd shoot some animals for the community abittoir... like I was doing them a favor. I guess I put a couple of tons of antelope meat in the cooler on just the daily rate. Good fun.

Assuming it's a game ranch type hunt the outfitter may be happy to oblige.

He owns the animals and doesn't have to pay set trophy fees to the government or a conservancy. He can set his own prices. And you will be paying to shoot animals that trophy hunters wouldn't kill.

So he otherwise wouldn't make a rand from them. Plus, he wants them killed because of their inferior trophy traits, and would have to do it himself or hire someone to do it if you didn't.

I think that I would go ahead and ask if I felt the way you do.

+1

I think what the others have said are valid points. Then too that it would take a lot of pressure off the outfitter and PH, making it a more enjoyable time for all if they don't have to "worry" about getting the client onto trophy animals.

I know as a fishing guide, some of the most enjoyable days I've had on the water are those when the client says, "I don't care what we catch, I just want to have fun."

I've seen some that list "trophy" and "cull" prices.
I'd ask!

I think for those cull animals he should not charge you.

I've just come back from visiting a freinds ranch, and I took a couple of cull animals at decntly reduced prices. I also turned down the chance at a couple of Wildebeast cows (Black and Blue) that were on a cull ticket because I wanted the guys I had taken with me to get the opportunity at a shot.

We hunted hard for three days (an addendum to our bird hunt) and really had a great time. We looked for trophy Bushbuck Kudu and Zebra, and took the culls as shots of opportunity when they arose. The hunting was tough regardless and we earnt the animals regardless of the horn size.

Go for it, as the peace of mind of not having to worry about mounts, shipping and all the other problems that goes with it allows you to get on with planning how to spend he money you saved on your next hunt!!

FB

I think you will have a great time shooting cull animals. Last year i was in Namibia, the outfitter offered cull animals for 50% off. That should increase you trophy fee budget.

I'm leaving in less than 2 weeks to do cull hunts on three different game ranches in Na and RSA along with a lion in RSA.
The deal I brokered was $265/day daily fees all in and 33% of the normal trophy fee for the culls with full rate for any trophy I opt on.
I often chuckle to myself when I hear the old marketing ploy.." you can hunt for 5 animals in Africa for the price of an elk hunt in the USA...." yes true IF you don't bring anything home.