Trophy Fee Budget

[C.W. Richter]

Plan ahead of time (what are you after? what does it cost? what can you afford?) I find that eating brainfood (fish, eggs, brown rice) and memorizing the trophy fee menu pays dividends (either way, depending upon how you manage it). PHs are happy to take fine rifles, etc. (in addition to all your cash) if you cannot afford the final bill! The question reads like how wives go out for food and a month later you see a $1,200 detour that day. Early on, I found that while hunting PG if I put a blank in every other round i always wound up coming under budget! Good luck. Vote Trump. One might think a 6.5 Needmore would save money, but if you wound it, you still have to pay for it!

 

[C.W. Richter]

Seriously, go to a country where all you're hunting are wildlife endemic to it. Let's say there are 7 total. Compute the "worst-case" highest bill before accepting that invitation letter. I could see how it'd be hard to compute your bill on a big farm in RSA, but refrain from just shooting everything you see, and rather, hunt what it is you were after in the first place. I suspect washing of dishes post-facto in Africa is a lot harder than that plan in America....

 

[Hunt anything]

Off thread but capnjacky , where do you fish?

 

[Av8or]

Capnjackv, others can chime in, but I suspect most reputable outfits and PH ‘s have no pblm with you only hunting a buffalo , as long as you tell them upfront that is all you want to shoot and pay for. They would always like to have you shoot more, but the good ones will never pressure you to do more than you want

 

[Tanks]

Thanks for asking this I am in the same boat so to speak. Planning my first trip for buffalo and I am concerned about upselling once I am there. I am on a strict budget...

Communications with the outfitter is the key. That being said if a great opportunity presents itself and your PH pushes you then you can always tell him you can afford only about half what he wants to charge. You might be surprised

 

[Capnjackv]

Off thread but capnjacky , where do you fish?

Southern California.

 

[thriller]

How does everyone keep track of there budget on trophy fees when they are out hunting? I know some people have an unlimited budget and that's great. However, I do not have that luxury. I have read that people go with one or two desired trophies and then take whatever Africa gives them. I also read a report on here that the PH tried to get a hunter to shoot a trophy when it showed up, the hunter questioned the price and the PH told them that they would sort it out later. By the time the decision was made, it was too late..

So, how do you handle that? Do the PH's get upset when you decline to shoot something they suggest? Would the PH have given the hunter a discount on that animal? Have you ever been surprised by the amount that you owe at the end of your hunt?

Get a price list print it out and keep a running tally as you go. I have done this before. It’s down and dirty but keeps you on budget. Also, get a list in your head of what animals you want/ can afford before you are in the field.

 

[BRICKBURN]

How does everyone keep track of there budget on trophy fees when they are out hunting? I know some people have an unlimited budget and that's great. However, I do not have that luxury. I have read that people go with one or two desired trophies and then take whatever Africa gives them. I also read a report on here that the PH tried to get a hunter to shoot a trophy when it showed up, the hunter questioned the price and the PH told them that they would sort it out later. By the time the decision was made, it was too late..

So, how do you handle that? Do the PH's get upset when you decline to shoot something they suggest? Would the PH have given the hunter a discount on that animal? Have you ever been surprised by the amount that you owe at the end of your hunt?

If you have a hard budget stick to it. Don't shoot.
You have to pull the trigger to draw blood and that is how you incur a trophy fee.

You sign an agreement that should include the prices, make note of it.
If you are shooting sixty animals I can see you losing track.
Five, six or seven animals; Keep track and add it up.

It appears there are some folks who would benefit from an assertiveness training course. Be able to say; NO.
It's your holiday make it what you want it to be.
Enjoy yourself.

 

[Andrew62]

First time Africa hunters, or those who have hunted 2-3 times, their 'wish' list is much greater than those who have hunted 10-15 times, so it is easier for them to go overshoot their budget. I have been fortunate to have hunted Africa many times. These days I book a package hunt, then I tell the owner, 'if you have stock you would like to reduce, or maybe some broken horned animals, please give me a price and I will think about it!' I also make sure to get a price list so I know the price of a particular species should I run across it and wish to take it. I have never ever had a guide pressure me to shoot anything, and a good one won't. It's YOUR hunt, YOUR money, so do not be shy in expressing your feelings if you feel pressured!!! Best wishes on your hunt!!!

 

[C.W. Richter]

IF you're brutally honest (as touched upon above,) some will make some special concessions just for your safari! Not NYC honest, true honesty. LOL

 

[C.W. Richter]

Ex. 1: I worked for a big co once upon a time that owned a lab. (i didn't work there.) But, we often discussed how profitable the lab was (as we were all rooted in the same retirement plan)...they already bought all the equipment, vehicles, materials. Most customers would pay $100/sample to be analyzed. But, they NEVER turned down additional business, even if customers could only pay $25/sample (because that was a lot better than $0/sample for turning them away.) Plus, others were recommended to 'em as a result. Not all businesses face the same costs, but this is a good example.

 

[C.W. Richter]

"It's yours to lose." -my old boss LOL Also fond of saying "How many animals did you kill in Africa?" He was just like Trump. Successful and good for all.

 

[C.W. Richter]

OMT ('promise.) Consider your income taxes due. Under Trump I expected to go on Safari every year. Under Jose BiDem, I paid another Safari in Extra Chinaviron Times Taxes, so I should probably be good in '24. Gosh are we gonna miss that imported nat gas, vodka and caviar during the russian war! Zzzzzz

 

[C.W. Richter]

IF you're brutally honest (as touched upon above,) some will make some special concessions just for your safari! Not NYC honest, true honesty. LOL

Ex: (and good luck!) "Wellll, my wife....she got into the safe and shot my leg so bad (for weeding out her junkmail) that it required amputation. Then she done burned my rifles, except for my 375 and 2 boxes of ammo (40!). Then she ran off with the milkman." S like that.

 

[C.W. Richter]

He might give you a deal, but contingent upon bringing her along. But play along!

 

[375Fox]

Thanks for asking this I am in the same boat so to speak. Planning my first trip for buffalo and I am concerned about upselling once I am there. I am on a strict budget. I am in the big game trophy fishing business and the concept of trophy fees is foreign to my industry so not sure what to expect. I don't want a PH pissed off at me because I am cheap and he could have made more money for the week shooting multiple species with a higher roller.

Have you already booked your hunt? You need to be upfront when you book and there will be no issues. No outfitter will be upset if that is how a hunt is booked. The ones that aren’t interested will decline the hunt or price it appropriately for them. The only story I’ve ever heard from an outfitter was a pair of “hunters” from a non-hunting culture country booked a 10 day plains game but were only seemingly willing to shoot 1 impala but were very focused of hunting photos holding rifle just not shooting. Be very clear what you want with your outfitter and there will be no issues.

 

[Petey J]

As I have not yet been to Africa, I can only relate what I have heard or read.

Back in 2020 when Nathan Askew of @Bullet Safaris did his Zoom safaris, there was some discussion on this kind of topic.

A couple of the experiences participants talked about were:
1. A gentleman (My apologies as I forget his name, although I can see his face and hear his voice) had a young PH who gave the vibe he was trying to impress the outfitter by getting the client to shoot his list early, and then add on more. Whether this was the actual case or not is unknown, but it was how the client felt.
2. We can plan all we want, but the best laid plans of mice and men... Another person in the same Zoom Safari, I believe it was @CAustin, talked about someone who was on a very strict budget and wouldn’t deviate, passed on a monster 14” warthog because it wasn’t in his plan.

Based on these experiences and other things I have read, my plan is to go with a few key species, and a budget that is flexible for others. For example, I may plan a hunt for Kudu, gemsbuck, and wildebeest . And have an additional budget of $2,500 for trophy fees to be used on impala, warthog, springbuck, blesbok, and duiker. But I would leave myself free to take a hartebeest because a good trophy presented itself, and then skip the blesbok.

This is just my concept for accepting opportunity as it is presented, while also working within a budget. I have not tested it.

As so many previously have said (in some manner or form), knowledge is power.

 

[MarkB]

Every safari I have had has had a budget, as others stated I have a budget and limits on my CC, I have exceeded my budget once, being trigger happy (Namibia). I have not been successful on certain species and swapped for others with same TF, this after we leave permit area and species will now not be available. But TF are discussed long before I am looking at said animal in scope. For same/one area hunts, I was unsuccessful on a Zim leopard hunt so came home with $$$$$. ALWAYS tell outfitter what species you want in the planning phase, listed TF are NOT the final cost, many pre booked species have much reduced TF. I always try to add a few culls, rations, pests, rabies or shot opportunities (freebies or dam near freebies). I always have TF and species on contract and with me in camp, usually check off when in salt, also want to know long before I am in camp other species TF, as others stated, shoot now and settling later never works out well. At least in my mind.

I have had PH's tell me said animal is over my TF pay rate, also had them upset because I turned down an animal he said "shoot now" regret that now, 45" free range sable in zim, but $2800 seamed so high in 2005.

Its 2022 so I have not taken stacks of travellers checks for a long time, payment now is wire transfer last evening of hunt. Pre arrange with bank PRIOR to leaving home.

Communicate every detail of your hunt long before sending deposit, I do not like surprises that are avoidable while on safari. Unforeseen issues and problems happen, its Africa.

MB

 

[CoElkHunter]

Every safari I have had has had a budget, as others stated I have a budget and limits on my CC, I have exceeded my budget once, being trigger happy (Namibia). I have not been successful on certain species and swapped for others with same TF, this after we leave permit area and species will now not be available. But TF are discussed long before I am looking at said animal in scope. For same/one area hunts, I was unsuccessful on a Zim leopard hunt so came home with $$$$$. ALWAYS tell outfitter what species you want in the planning phase, listed TF are NOT the final cost, many pre booked species have much reduced TF. I always try to add a few culls, rations, pests, rabies or shot opportunities (freebies or dam near freebies). I always have TF and species on contract and with me in camp, usually check off when in salt, also want to know long before I am in camp other species TF, as others stated, shoot now and settling later never works out well. At least in my mind.

I have had PH's tell me said animal is over my TF pay rate, also had them upset because I turned down an animal he said "shoot now" regret that now, 45" free range sable in zim, but $2800 seamed so high in 2005.

Its 2022 so I have not taken stacks of travellers checks for a long time, payment now is wire transfer last evening of hunt. Pre arrange with bank PRIOR to leaving home.

Communicate every detail of your hunt long before sending deposit, I do not like surprises that are avoidable while on safari. Unforeseen issues and problems happen, its Africa.

MB

"rabies"? Poisonous snakes without anti venom available and now animals with rabies? What hell hole have I signed up for? LOL

 

[Tanks]

OMT ('promise.) Consider your income taxes due. Under Trump I expected to go on Safari every year. Under Jose BiDem, I paid another Safari in Extra Chinaviron Times Taxes, so I should probably be good in '24. ...

What extra taxes? BBBA did not pass, so tax rates did not change between Trump and 1. year of Biden. Capital gains is still the same, so is the top rate.