Over the last couple of weeks I've been corresponding with Ernest Dyason/Spear Safaris. As most of us know Ernest is a well established RSA operator. What I didn't know until I read his report is he was also hunting West Africa. He was doing some hunting in Benin but the poaching was getting out of control so he was looking for an alternative. To make a long story short he and his partner ended up securing the hunting on Pama Central North that is a presidential park and has not been hunted in recent year with the exception of a few hunts by local and visiting dignitaries.

The hunting area is 200,000 acre + West of the Arly National Park and 4.5 hours from Ouagadougou. Ernest reports excellent game numbers and very good trophies which the attached pix bare out.

Ernest told me the camp which is a big home 20 minutes from the hunting area. It was a little tired but there was AC, hot water and good beds. Plans are to spiff up the camp for future hunts.

What makes this safari different is the area which is well patrolled by the scouts and having Ernest as the PH. To me having a PH that is English speaking and understands what US clients expect is a big advantage over some of the other West Africa hunts. Below I've attached Dennis Slater's comment on his hunt with Ernest in Pama Central North from the Hunting Report.

“I highly recommend this hunt. The area is a jewel for safari hunting, and will remain so if it continues to be controlled with limited access. An experienced PH like Dyason is indispensable in Burkina. He held back the local PH and trackers, who were pushing hard for shots on average animals.”

Of course this hunt is more expensive than hunting with local guides/PHs but to me this is the kind of safari I'd want in Burkina. I have not hunted here yet but it is definitely on my short list.

Pricing:

1 Western roan, 1 harnessed bushbuck or reedbuck and 1 oribi or warthog 6 days 1x1 $14,382 2x1 $12,000

1 roan, 1 bushbuck or reedbuck, 1 hartebeest or waterbuck, 1 warthog 7 days 1x1 $16,050 2x1 $13,500

1 Savannah buffalo, 1 bushbuck or reedbuck, 1 oribi or warthog 7 days 1x1 $15,240 2x1 $14,000

1 buffalo, 1 bushbuck or reedbuck, 1 hartebeest or waterbuck, 1 warthog 7 days 1x1 $17,230 2x1 $15,000

1 buffalo, 1 roan 1x1 7 days $16,000 2x1 $14,000

1 Buffalo, 1 roan, 1 reedbuck, 1 Western hartebeest or waterbuck, 1 bushbuck, 1 oribi, warthog or grey duiker 10 days 1x1 $22,300 2x1 $19,450

2 buffalo 7 days 1x1 $13,350 2x1 $11,000

1 roan 7 days 1x1 $14,000 2x1 $11,000

Additional animals may be possible dependent on available quota.

Included:

Meet/greet and airport assistance
Hunting license
Road transfer to and from camp
Rifle permit 1st rifle

Not included:

Observer $250 per day
2nd rifle permit $160
ammo tax
Visa fee
Hotel before or after safari
Alcohol
Trophy shipping
Dip/pack
I'm afraid gentleman will need to provide their own female companions as the crew are all men.

Call me anytime on this one.

Mark