Anyone here ever hunt with Ernesto Gonzales before?

He was in Cameroon prior to coming to Tanzania.

I will be in the Lake Natron and Longido areas.

Thanks,

Garrett

Garrett,
I've never heard of him but I know who operates the 2 Lake Natron Concessions and he doesn't work for them or through them. I suspect he broadly described Longido area as being "next to" or "near" Lake Natron????

Longido block belongs to Northern Hunting (Mr. Sheni) and it is not part of Lake Natron blocks but does border them (The main tarmac road from Arusha to Nairobi divides the blocks).

Happy hunting!

Bwanamich,

I am hunting through Chris Wyeth's group.

I understand this will be one of Gonzales first outings through this outfitter.

I haven't spoken with Gonzales myself, only with Chris.

Thanks,
Garrett

Not heard of Chris either so assume he is sub-leasing (or in partnership) with Sheni from Northern Hunting/Game Frontiers?? They have the Longido hunting block on the Kenyan border.

Nice, scenic block with great views of Kilimanjaro.

Mich,

That would make sense....I believe he has purchased into that concessioin, rather than leasing it (but I'm not 100% sure).

I've known Chris for a few years, and I'm inclined to trust his judgement on this one.

As I find out more I'll post here.

Regards,
Garrett

Bwanamich,

I booked a hunt with Game Frontiers at the last SCI Convention to hunt at Longido. I was told by Game Frontiers that they "owned" the concession and they did not sub-lease their concessions. I was also told that there would be no one else hunting the concession while I was there. From your post, this may not be true. Do you have further information regarding Longido? I would appreciate hearing from you.

Thanks,
HOOT

Hoot,
Game Frontiers do "sub-lease" (maybe they are "in partnership" but I doubt it from Mr. Sheni - He likes to be the "sole ownership" in his affairs)to 3rd party ph's and their clients. Whether they "mix" groups at the same time I do not know but if you were told you will be the only hunter in the concession then trust them I guess? They do "own" the longido concession from the Game Department.

Happy hunting!

Bwanamich,

Thanks for your reply. Do you know anything about the quality of a hunt in Longido? I will be going in the middle of August for buffalo and the gazelles among other animals. The one thing that has me somewhat concerned is that according to Game Frontiers, August is just before the dry season and the game is supposed to be "bunched up" a little due to the water drying up. When the water drys up, the game moves out. Hell, I am reading where there is a helleva drought in East Africa now.

Thanks,
HOOT

Hoot,

The rains have started to fall in most parts of tanzania - incluidng Longido - just in time it appears as our cousins up North in Kenya are having a "helluva" time.

Mid-August is a good time for that area and generally most of Northern Masaailand. The grants are not too affected by water scarcity being adaptable to severely dry conditions so you will be successful with those. Tommy are not as abundant as Grant's in that area but you should still find enough to choose from to be successful. Zebra and wildebeest will still be in the area. Coke's hartebeest (if offered) are scarce in general so may be in doubt. Buffalo; well these are found on top of Longido Mt - although the odd one or two may end up being stranded in the korongo's along the Kenya border with Amboseli Park - and can be tough hunting in extreme dense vegetation involving a lot of hiking. They remain on the mountain and rarely leave it as they always find a spring or two to rely on. You will have 1 to 3 opportunities over a 10 day period to take a shot at one and you have to hope it is a solid bossed bull when that chance comes around.

Please understand this is not an "expert" opinion but just my view on the area in general. I do not intend to discourage you from going as I am confidant one can have a good hunt in that area.

Good luck!