Anyone hunt with Inyathi Hunters in Zimbabwe, Matetsi area 3? Would like to hear comments.
Thanks

Aren't these the guys being accused of illegal hunting on siezed land? Any hunts on Matetsi 3 or 4 would be highly suspect and should require much investigation.

Contact ZATSO for a list of legitimate Outfitters in Zim.

I checked on that. Cabela's reps these guys and says that they are in full compliance with the area they are licensed in.

Read this thread where they are prominently mentioned. It doesn't seem that Cabelas is held in very high esteem either.

http://www.accuratereloading.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=789775&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=21&fpart=1#Post801065

Ask Cabelas for references and contact them to see if there trophies have arrived.

Contact ZATSO. They will know if Inyathi are really a legal outfit.

All of the Farms are illegally held in the Matetsi areas. the Government areas are openly disputed by various factions and animal quotas are off the Board. You may not have any animals to hunt when you get there.

I would insist that the second half of my payment be held in the US in an Escrow Account until the arrival, in good condition, of my animals.

Put everything in writing and document every conversation. A good form for all contracts.

Why not forego the 'Good Deal' and put your money where you are sure of it's value and not taking advantage of another's misfortune?

I heard some nasty rumors when over there a few weeks ago, enough to avoid them.

Gentlemen,

My guess is that any outfit which is conducting hunts on government concessions, as against private farms, are likely to have close relationship with Mugabe and his lot of criminals.

Otherwise they would not be in business.

They have used their political clout to remove all the honest people who used to run these areas.

Sounds like nothing has changed. About ten years ago Newsweek or Time had an issue with a series of articles on "The Worst Country To Be A ......." The worst country to be a wild animal was Zimbabwe, even back then.

The articles / comments I read on hunting Zimbabwe now are sending confusing messages. I can't tell if they are saying "don't hunt Zimbabwe" or just "don't hunt Zimbabwe unless you hunt with me".

Didn't Rhodesia go the same route when they gained independence. "Legal" owners got run off. Hard to tell what is "legal" anymore.

If everyone is waiting for a regime change in Zimbabwe it may be a long wait. Thugs seem to be resistant to being ousted.

The shaky outfit in the preceding thread was "Nyati Hunters", not "Inyathi". Sounds like they've been damned by having what sounds to us like a similar name. I hunted last May with Inyathi (Guy Venter PH) in Areas 2 and 3 and had a great time (as did my wife). Bagged a great waterbuck, impalas, zebra, and crusty, mean old dugga boy. Would have had a great kudu if I hadn't been daydreaming. Passed on pigs, tuskless elephant, and other primates. Saw lots of game. First rate PHs. I hope to go back next June-July.

ICUdoc

Actually it is Inyathi Hunters that is being questioned. They are the ones that have been named as part of the 'Bad Guys'.

Glad you had a good trip.

Saeed:

As a newbie on your very informative thread and having just returned from Zimbabwe three weeks ago what is the best resource in your opinion for finding out who is legitimate and who is not in Zimbabwe at this time? Thank you in advance for your answer.

Sincerely,

Rick L. Webb

Rick,

Welcome to the forum.


I am not sure if there is a way anyone can have this information.

The impression I have is that there is no one hunting on ANY government concession who is not associated with some high power broker in the Mugabe government.

If I know the people I am going to hunt with, I have no problems going to Zimbabwe.

If this was my first hunt, personally I would choose another place rather than Zimbabwe.

I think it is a bit difficult for us to appreciate what is going on there.

There are people who know nothing but hunting, and if they are given the choice of either loosing their concession or paying a bribe to someone, I think it is fair that they will accept the second option.

At the end of the day, talk to whoever you plan to hunt with, and if you feel comfortable about them, then go ahead.

Saeed:

Thank you for your reply. I think my hunting partner and I got lucky on our first hunt to Zimbabwe by finding two dedicated PH's. After observing what is happening in Zimbabwe you are correct in stating some people will do what they have to in order to keep hunting for the pure pleasure of the hunt. It does not mean they like the situation, at this time it is all they have to work with. We booked with Tony Dacosta's Safaris from Minden Nevada. He has done the research on who it is safe to hunt with. He actually met us in Zimbabwe for dinner one night while he was checking on some of the concessions. If one listens while in the country, your statement regarding government concessions and power brokers in the Mugabe government hits it right on target. It appears life in Zimbabwe will continue to be a struggle for many years to come. It is a priveledge to be able to openly converse about these type of subjects, I think of those who are under a dictator. Good hunting!

Regards,

Rick L. Webb