Lets say I booked a 21 day hunt in Tanz and paid a 50% deposit of the daily rate. If at THE VERY LAST MINUTE I could not go and there is no way the outfitter or I could find someone else to come, am I bound to pay the balance of the daily rate to the outfitter? Or do I just loose my 50% deposit?

Just trying to understand what the fairest resolution would be for both the outfitter and the hunter! Would he br right in demanding the whole amount?

I believe all you would be out is the 50% deposit as they usually are stated as "non-refundable deposit". I do not see why would have to pay the reminder of the daily fees as the outfitter has no expenses to cover as long as there has been enough notice(i.e. food, gas, trackers, skinners, etc.). But all the factors should be spelled out in the contract on what you would be expected to pay if the hunt gets cancelled.

He may even hold your deposit in credit for next year if yoiu are serious...

Mike

This should all be outlined in detail in your WRITTEN contract....and, like retreever said, they may carryforward your deposit into the next year. I was forced to cancel my hunt this year due to the illness of my daughter and the outfitter (Charlton McCallum Safaris) was very willing to work with me on rescheduling for May 07.

As stated, the deposit is generally forfeit; however, the terms are spelled out in your contract. There are insurance programs that protect you against cancellation from some causes, but not just the decision not to go. If it were a very high dollar hunt, you insure for the amount of the deposit or as much of it as you feel you can't absorb. Kudude