Choosing a Hunting Outfitter

mikecatt13

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Hopefully this is posted in the correct section..

How in the world do you go about choosing an outfitter for africa? There are so many choices and, like all other destinations, there are surely good choices and...not so good ones (one recent review I read on here supported by photos wasnt quite a horror story but it wasnt what I'm looking for in a safari experience, and that outfitter was a multi time donor to sci auctions, etc) . So where do you even start to maximize your budget and still get the best experience, trophy quality, animal numbers. Etc?
 
What are your priorities? Country, Region, type of hunting (high fence ok? bow hunting over water? ect...) Basic list of animals you want to hunt? Any other activities you may want to do? (game drives, site seeing, fishing?) If you can put those 4-5 things together you can start narrowing down outfitters pretty fast.
On my first trip I was taking my son and wanted to stay within easy driving distance of JNB so no connecting flights or extra hotel nights. My son having a good experience was important to me. That started my quest for outfitters......
 
Great question. Probably one of the hardest things to do. For me I start by determining what my priority animals are. Then a country where I can likely get good trophies of those I want the most. Then spend a lot of time reading hunting reports here and on the other networks. Remember that some first time hunters to Africa are awed by daily laundry and good meals. In reality that is the rule. So factor that into any report. In hunt reports that are negative you may still find a company that is worth hunting with. Some clients just can't be made happy.
If someone had a hiccup in their hunt read how the outfitter made it right or found another way. There are a lot of great guys to hunt with. The best of them will take very good care of you.
If you can go to DSC/SCI and meet them so much the better. You may be able to weed out the fellow that you would have a personality conflict with. Also you may just "click" with someone and thats a good thing too. Researching former behavior will tend to tell you what to expect. Spend time calling former clients. There is a thread on here somewhere on the better questions to ask. Good one to review.
Lastly, we, as a collective group have a lot of days in Africa under our belts. This forum is a great resource. Never hesitate to ask. I'd suggest figuring out the main animals and country and the type of hunt that you want. Then ask here. You'll get some great choices to consider.
Bruce
 
Start by deciding what species you want to hunt and how much time and money you have for your safari. There will be differences in daily rates and trophy fees for some animals depending on which country you want to hunt in. Do you want to hunt on the large government concessions of Zimbabwe, Zambia or Mozambique? Or the large game ranches of South Africa? There will be differences in travel (how many stops or whether you drive from a major airport in Africa), daily rates, trophy fees and success rate. Once you have narrowed your preferences, I strongly recommend that you attend one of the big safari shows, either SCI in Reno (or Las Vegas, not sure where it is in 2020) or the Dallas Safari Club show in Dallas in January 2020. There will be dozens of outfitters from Africa in booths at these shows. Interview as many as you can and they will help to tailor a hunt to fit your budget.
In planning for my 2018 hunt, I attended the 2017 Dallas show and interviewed at least ten or twelve outfitters and before selecting Quagga Safaris in South Africa for my hunt. They did a superb job, from the time I booked with them in January 2017 until I was dropped off at the JNB airport after my safari in August 2018 they were first class in everything. I booked again and hunted with them in 2019 and plan to go back again in the future.
 
I intended this as a more general question so it may be searched and help folks in the future (thanks for the great replies so far).

As far as more specific to my individual safari, here are my thoughts:

-Will be for me and my wife. Not opposed to fenced game ranches if they're large. I'm assuming the benefits to being open to this are price and potentially trophy quality? I have hunted fenced ranches in Texas, but dont know the specifics of them in Africa
-i would like to hunt both DG and PG, my wife will be tagging along but will likely only hunt PG
-we would like to hunt a few days using archery equipment from blinds, we are avid bow hunters and the variety of what you may see from these blinds sounds exciting. I (due to my draw length and weight being more suited to extended ranges than hers) may also spot and stalk with the bows later in the safari if we check some animals off our list with rifles and want to try archery.

I'm guessing that it would be best to do the blind hunting first, then the DG/PH spot and stalk? Maybe with different outfitters, might have to be different countries, will depend on who has what to offer I guess
- elephant and buffalo are on the top of my DG list but it appears due to import issues with elephant here in the US, buffalo and leopard might be the new top priorities, especially leopard since apparently the antis have leopard imports in their sights. For me personally, I cant justify justify expense of the elephant hunt without being able to import the trophy. I dont want to focus so much in leopard that I'm giving up lots of opportunities on PG so that will be something I'll have to discuss with the outfitter how they work those hunts.
-kudu, warthog, gemsbok, impala, and possibly croc are top of my wifes list, although she hasnt spent as much time thinking about this as me...yet
-i wont pass any opportunity on a mature specimen of almost any species, but the top of my PG list is nyala, kudu, (maybe bushbuck too), and sable. warthog, impala, oryx, waterbuck, zebra, and the springbuck slam are high up there as well.
-im guessing this will be a 14-21 day safari
 
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As many have said, it's not easy to decide on an outfitter. I think the best bet is to get recommendations from friends or those whose judgment you trust, or from people on this site (to the extent you can determine they are independent) and start from there. No offence to outfitters who attend shows, but I've always found picking one from the many to be a nearly impossible task. Those with the nicest booth? Those with the cutest women? Those wearing blazers or conversely, those dressed for hunting (in Reno in January?!), etc.

I've gotten to know some excellent PH's in Africa, and I tend to go where they hunt - they know me, I know them, and it's a lot easier to hit the ground running that way. Fortunately, some hunt more than one country, so I've been able to move around a fair bit with only a handful of PH's I both like and trust.

Good luck.
 
From a past negative experience, I'd be sure the safari lodge has it's own "stable" of PH's and does not use "renta-PH's. This will help to ensure the guy you spend time with chasing game is good not only at hunting, but dealing with people....or hopefully he'd be gone.
 
mikecatt13, you are on the right track. Have you been searching for any of the older threads that may address your questions? Nobody on AH can tell you what "your best fit" is in terms of what to hunt or who to hunt it with. Start making a spread sheet that includes what, where, when and possible budget constraints then post your desires and let the outfitters come to you. From there develop a short list and talk to the references given to you by the respective outfitters. The work and planning of a successful hunt is all part of the fun. ENJOY!!
 
mikecatt13, you are on the right track. Have you been searching for any of the older threads that may address your questions? Nobody on AH can tell you what "your best fit" is in terms of what to hunt or who to hunt it with. Start making a spread sheet that includes what, where, when and possible budget constraints then post your desires and let the outfitters come to you. From there develop a short list and talk to the references given to you by the respective outfitters. The work and planning of a successful hunt is all part of the fun. ENJOY!!

I am doing as much reading and searching as I can for sure. I have used the question lists for outfitters and references on past hunts in the states, pretty sure I got some of those from AH threads, but I havent booked anything with choices as vast as "hunting in africa" haha.

Had no idea where to start to narrow the outfitters down to a manageable list to start asking those questions. I havent thought or read about your suggested approach of listing my needs and letting them approach me from a post, I will definitely keep that in mind for when I get the specifics more ironed out
 
I've gotten to know some excellent PH's in Africa, and I tend to go where they hunt - they know me, I know them, and it's a lot easier to hit the ground running that way. Fortunately, some hunt more than one country, so I've been able to move around a fair bit with only a handful of PH's I both like and trust.

Good luck.

I have no doubt that we will be like everyone that hunts africa and want to return again and again. I've never been and I already want to go multiple times. I hope to build relationships with trusted PHs and outfitters like you mentioned so on subsequent trips it's just a matter of what we want to pursue and when because we already know and trust them to give us a great experience and work hard
 
I intended this as a more general question so it may be searched and help folks in the future (thanks for the great replies so far).

As far as more specific to my individual safari, here are my thoughts:

-Will be for me and my wife. Not opposed to fenced game ranches if they're large. I'm assuming the benefits to being open to this are price and potentially trophy quality? I have hunted fenced ranches in Texas, but dont know the specifics of them in Africa
-i would like to hunt both DG and PG, my wife will be tagging along but will likely only hunt PG
-we would like to hunt a few days using archery equipment from blinds, we are avid bow hunters and the variety of what you may see from these blinds sounds exciting. I (due to my draw length and weight being more suited to extended ranges than hers) may also spot and stalk with the bows later in the safari if we check some animals off our list with rifles and want to try archery.

I'm guessing that it would be best to do the blind hunting first, then the DG/PH spot and stalk? Maybe with different outfitters, might have to be different countries, will depend on who has what to offer I guess
- elephant and buffalo are on the top of my DG list but it appears due to import issues with elephant here in the US, buffalo and leopard might be the new top priorities, especially leopard since apparently the antis have leopard imports in their sights. For me personally, I cant justify justify expense of the elephant hunt without being able to import the trophy. I dont want to focus so much in leopard that I'm giving up lots of opportunities on PG so that will be something I'll have to discuss with the outfitter how they work those hunts.
-kudu, warthog, gemsbok, impala, and possibly croc are top of my wifes list, although she hasnt spent as much time thinking about this as me...yet
-i wont pass any opportunity on a mature specimen of almost any species, but the top of my PG list is nyala, kudu, (maybe bushbuck too), and sable. warthog, impala, oryx, waterbuck, zebra, and the springbuck slam are high up there as well.
-im guessing this will be a 14-21 day safari
The game ranches in the Limpopo area of South Africa are quite large. My outfitter, Quagga, has four different tracts, each of about 6000 acres with only perimeter fence and the Limpopo river as borders. There are others with even larger tracts--30,000 acres and up. You are correct that these outfitters generally have very fine quality trophies as they are expertly managing their herds of game, especially Sable, Roan, and Buffalo. For leopard and elephant you may have to find an outfitter in Botswana which has recently reopened to hunting. Again, I strongly recommend you interview outfitters at the Dallas show in January.
 
Take a look at different operators, if you are thinking of 14-21 days, dont limit yourself to one, do a 5 day hunt here, 5 day hunt there finish with another 5 day hunt package, with some tourist stuff between times. I know where i will go for a Kudu hunt and maybe a couple of other critters, but then need a spot for waterbuck and bush buck
 
I would suggest you hire a P.H. or outfitter much like you would hire a contractor to remodel your house. Find one with good (current) references, get a firm price up front, make sure you "fit" with him or her as to your hunting style or desires, and allow them to do their job. Takes a lot of the stress out of it and just enjoy the trip. Be flexible enough to take an extra trophy or swap when that really exceptional animal is in front of you. To do that you will have to meet them in person, usually at a trade show like DSC or SCI or another one close to you. Some outfitters are just booking agents, you may not meet your P.H. until the airport or camp. Your choice, enjoy the process.
 
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Your desire to do a Leopard hunt will drive your hunt experience.
 
Your desire to do a Leopard hunt will drive your hunt experience.

It's not necessarily #1, but i would like to hunt the big 5 (darting for rhino) in my lifetime (I'm only 30) and with current importation issues for 3 of them, and apparently threats of them targeting leopard next, that may force me to reevaluate
 
You have already received some excellent advice from folks with experience. You’ve made a great start in a great place, AH.
Zeroing in on a few things you have mentioned, here’s some things to consider.
You and your wife are bowhunters. I would strongly recommend that you place a priority on choosing an Outfitter and PH who cater to bowhunters, are bowhunters themselves, or at least guide a fair number of bowhunters each season if hunting with a bow is a priority for you.
Looking at your list of desired animals, I would also think about this; do you care if the animals are endemic to the area you are hunting? For example, if you want to hunt Gemsbok and Nyala where they naturally exist, you are likely talking about two very different places. As an example, Gemsbok (Oryx) in the Kalahari of Botswana or Namibia and Nyala in Mozambique. If you do not care if the species are native to the area, you could easily hunt Gemsbok and Nyala on the same property in South Africa. You can have a great hunt for them both in Limpopo, SA but make no mistake, it will be a different hunt than Botswana and Mozambique.
Regarding Sable, this may be an area where there is most contrast between wild, free range populations and animals you will pursue on a fenced property in South Africa. First, I’m not knocking SA, I’ve hunted there twice and had great hunts, but Sable behind a fence is an entirely different experience than free ranging Sable in a place such as Mozambique. Same with Nyala. This is a general statement obviously and may not be 100% true everywhere, but as a general rule it is what it is.
Regarding Dangerous Game, it seems Buffalo is on your list but you are unsure about Elephant and Leopard. This may be a deciding factor in the area you choose. Leopard hunting is currently closed in South Africa, no one seems to know if it will open back up and/or when. So that may be of consequence as you make your decision. If you decide your trip must absolutely include leopard I would seriously think about “putting all your eggs in that basket” so to speak. Make that the priority and go “where”, “when”, and with “whom” maximize your chances of getting a cat. If you don’t you will very likely be going back a second time for you first leopard! I would expect to pay $30K for a leopard hunt with an excellent chance of success. And I would probably go to Zimbabwe or Zambia, possibly Tanzania or Moz.
In regard to elephant, there is no question trophy bulls are damn expensive. And you probably won’t bring back the tusks. For me, I would be completely happy with replica tusks, but for many that is not an adequate option and there is nothing wrong with that. To each his, or her, own. But you may want to consider this, if you are already paying DG rates, you can very likely add a tuskless ele in Zim for example for about $4K. Or you can add management cow for about $6K. Namibia has an option for an “Own Use” ele at a similar rate.
You could do a hunt in Zim in one of several excellent areas for a trophy buffalo bull and tuskless ele, along with Kudu, Bushbuck, zebra, warthog, and impala for a pretty reasonable price. Probably not a lot more than you might spend on leopard alone in a top quality area. Depending on where, you may also be able to hunt Croc, eland, hyena, klipspringer, reedbuck, sable, and some other PG animals.
Here’s another “general statement” that may not hold 100% true everywhere, but is usually the case. You will likely find lower day rates and higher trophy fees in SA, and higher day rates and lower trophy fees in places such as Zim. You just need to do the math and figure out what works for your hunt. Also, a Buff hunt will “generally” be a little less expensive in SA than places like Zim, Moz, Zambia and Tanzania.
Part of the fun of the hunt is “Hunting for the Hunt”! Don’t get overwhelmed or discouraged. Do your due diligence and enjoy the experience! It is a learning experience and can be a very costly one, or a very enjoyable one. You get to choose! Choose wisely ;):D
 
You have already received some excellent advice from folks with experience. You’ve made a great start in a great place, AH.
Zeroing in on a few things you have mentioned, here’s some things to consider.
You and your wife are bowhunters. I would strongly recommend that you place a priority on choosing an Outfitter and PH who cater to bowhunters, are bowhunters themselves, or at least guide a fair number of bowhunters each season if hunting with a bow is a priority for you.
Looking at your list of desired animals, I would also think about this; do you care if the animals are endemic to the area you are hunting? For example, if you want to hunt Gemsbok and Nyala where they naturally exist, you are likely talking about two very different places. As an example, Gemsbok (Oryx) in the Kalahari of Botswana or Namibia and Nyala in Mozambique. If you do not care if the species are native to the area, you could easily hunt Gemsbok and Nyala on the same property in South Africa. You can have a great hunt for them both in Limpopo, SA but make no mistake, it will be a different hunt than Botswana and Mozambique.
Regarding Sable, this may be an area where there is most contrast between wild, free range populations and animals you will pursue on a fenced property in South Africa. First, I’m not knocking SA, I’ve hunted there twice and had great hunts, but Sable behind a fence is an entirely different experience than free ranging Sable in a place such as Mozambique. Same with Nyala. This is a general statement obviously and may not be 100% true everywhere, but as a general rule it is what it is.
Regarding Dangerous Game, it seems Buffalo is on your list but you are unsure about Elephant and Leopard. This may be a deciding factor in the area you choose. Leopard hunting is currently closed in South Africa, no one seems to know if it will open back up and/or when. So that may be of consequence as you make your decision. If you decide your trip must absolutely include leopard I would seriously think about “putting all your eggs in that basket” so to speak. Make that the priority and go “where”, “when”, and with “whom” maximize your chances of getting a cat. If you don’t you will very likely be going back a second time for you first leopard! I would expect to pay $30K for a leopard hunt with an excellent chance of success. And I would probably go to Zimbabwe or Zambia, possibly Tanzania or Moz.
In regard to elephant, there is no question trophy bulls are damn expensive. And you probably won’t bring back the tusks. For me, I would be completely happy with replica tusks, but for many that is not an adequate option and there is nothing wrong with that. To each his, or her, own. But you may want to consider this, if you are already paying DG rates, you can very likely add a tuskless ele in Zim for example for about $4K. Or you can add management cow for about $6K. Namibia has an option for an “Own Use” ele at a similar rate.
You could do a hunt in Zim in one of several excellent areas for a trophy buffalo bull and tuskless ele, along with Kudu, Bushbuck, zebra, warthog, and impala for a pretty reasonable price. Probably not a lot more than you might spend on leopard alone in a top quality area. Depending on where, you may also be able to hunt Croc, eland, hyena, klipspringer, reedbuck, sable, and some other PG animals.
Here’s another “general statement” that may not hold 100% true everywhere, but is usually the case. You will likely find lower day rates and higher trophy fees in SA, and higher day rates and lower trophy fees in places such as Zim. You just need to do the math and figure out what works for your hunt. Also, a Buff hunt will “generally” be a little less expensive in SA than places like Zim, Moz, Zambia and Tanzania.
Part of the fun of the hunt is “Hunting for the Hunt”! Don’t get overwhelmed or discouraged. Do your due diligence and enjoy the experience! It is a learning experience and can be a very costly one, or a very enjoyable one. You get to choose! Choose wisely ;):D

Thanks for all this info, gives me some great options and several directions to start researching! Brings up a question...

Does anyone know if the current import issues with elephant in the US are all the parts or just ivory? Ex: could someone hunt a tuskless and get the tail, table made from the foot, etc approved for import?

Appreciate everyones input this far, I look forward to researching and meeting folks at shows etc as part of this process.

On a related note, it seems that the auctions at DSC and SCI are a potential to get some good deals. Should this be explored, or am I missing something and should steer clear of the auctions?
 
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Does anyone know if the current import issues with elephant in the US are all the parts or just ivory? Ex: could someone hunt a tuskless and get the tail, table made from the foot, etc approved for import?
All pieces and parts, not just ivory.
 
I have bought 2 auction hunts and had a great time with both of them. Just be sure and research the donor's. Don't rely on the organization to do so. Be sure and read closely what is and is not included. Contact the donor's for more information or clarification if needed. Make sure the stated timetable works for you. Once you buy the hunt at auction I would suggest booking your dates immediately.
One of the hunting TV show hosts told me that they buy at auction some of the hunts that they do. Great way to save money as long as you find the hunt you want offered. The bowhunting part of your equation adds a twist. Unless leopard is on the menu I'd suggest trying to hunt primarily on properties/areas set aside for archery only. Game that has had some rifle pressure will be a lot more skittish. Like was mentioned find someone that is a bowhunter or has a PH that is. Perhaps some of the bowhunters on here may have some suggestions for you.
Bruce
 
Regarding elephant, there are taxidermists who can create a cast of the ivory and make a synthetic copy for you to import. I don't know much about that so maybe others could chime in on quality aspects.

Of course you could do that in the future. If leopard is of import concern, I would probably go for that.
 

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