SOUTH AFRICA: Leopard Valley Safaris aka Dave Davenport

I propose that this entire thread be deleted. The OP’s original report has been proven to be a sham and any other reports can be started in a new thread. I believe that good and bad reports should be encouraged but in this case it’s grossly unfair to the outfitter to have this thread hanging on the internet for eternity.

Karoo Wild Safaris said:

I propose that this entire thread be deleted. The OP’s original report has been proven to be a sham and any other reports can be started in a new thread. I believe that good and bad reports should be encouraged but in this case it’s grossly unfair to the outfitter to have this thread hanging on the internet for eternity.

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I respectfully disagree Victor and here is why.

This thread has shown what the OP truly is, which is what a hunt report is supposed to do, right? So it has served it's purpose.

Would you let the OP use your logo and book hunts for you after reading this? Without this information perhaps you do....

And the second guy, well, he's another new guy who has made accusations while providing nothing to back it up. Until he does so he has zero credibility either . And my bet is the "rude and nasty" e-mails don't exist. It's funny how many times "rude and nasty" actually translates to mean "I wanted to change or add a bunch of stuff that cost money and the mean ole outfitter wouldn't let me.”

I actually think this thread and @daved's responses have helped his credibility, not hurt it. He's been a gentleman, he's provided facts, and he's let those facts speak for themselves. That's more than either accuser has done.

There was a sorta similar post years ago that did get deleted. I've always thought that the wrong thing was done in the case. That OP still posts here very very rarely. I know to ignore him when he does. Newer guys don't have the background and can't search to find it. They don't know there is reason not to trust what the guy says.

Royal27 said:

I reapectfully disagree Victor and here is why.

This thread has shown what the OP truly is, which is what a hunt report is supposed to do, right? So it has served it's purpose.

Would you let the OP use your logo and book hunts for you after reading this? Without this information perhaps you do....

And the second guy, well, he's another new guy who has made accusations while providing nothing to back it up. Until he does so he has zero credibility either . And my bet is the "rude and nasty" e-mails don't exist. It's funny how many times "rude and nasty" actually translates to mean "I wanted to change or add a bunch of stuff that cost money and the mean ole outfitter wouldn't let me.”

I actually think this thread and @daved's responses have helped his credibility, not hurt it. He's been a gentleman, he's provided facts, and he's let those facts speak for themselves. That's more than either accuser has done.

There was a sorta similar post years ago that did get deleted. I've always thought that the wrong thing was done in the case. That OP still posts here very very rarely. I know to ignore him when he does. Newer guys don't have the background and can't search to find it. They don't know there is reason not to trust what the guy says.[/QUOT

Royal

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You make a good point. However I still think AH should give Dave the option to have this thread deleted if he chooses.

Karoo Wild Safaris said:

You make a good point. However I still think AH should give Dave the option to have this thread deleted if he chooses.

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I just had an idea that might be compromise. Gonna PM Wayne and see what he thinks .

BRICKBURN said:

KG - Made requests about dates, they were not agreed to.
KG - Unsatisfied, could not work it out.
KG - Complained to SCI Chapter
SCI Chapter resolved matter - refunded money to KG

As KG noted - Can't make everyone happy.

Done

After the fact:
SCI resold Auction Hunt
New Hunters went and hunted critters at LVS.

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I agree that the matter is settled, but why did KG come on here with his original thread? Makes me wonder what motivated him.

Royal27 said:

I just had an idea that might be compromise. Gonna PM Wayne and see what he thinks .

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Hmmm....just eliminate references to LVS and DD? Leave the OP swinging.

?

TTundra said:

That's honestly good to hear. However, the accusations of being "rude", "nasty" amd unresponsive were still presented. It would seem to be owed to the thread for Keith to post those emails or send to Brickburn, eluded to with those "rude" and "nasty" messages.

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In a deal like this I’ve learned that “rude”, “nasty”, and “unresponsive” translates to “I didnt get my way and I’m butthurt about it”.

gizmo said:

In a deal like this I’ve learned that “rude”, “nasty”, and “unresponsive” translates to “I didnt get my way and I’m butthurt about it”.

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HAHAHA so true. I have gone on one auction hunt, and booked other hunts directly. If the hunt says "must be taken in current year," and I can't go, guess what? I don't bid. I look for one that is good for "current year or next year." Asking to have it extended 2-3 seasons out is ridiculous.

Always a way with words Erik.

BRICKBURN said:

Always a way with words Erik.

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I’m sure that wasn’t meant as a complement but I’ll take it as one.

gizmo said:

I’m sure that wasn’t meant as a complement but I’ll take it as one.

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I personally think it was intended as a complesult, but that's just my opinion .

Spooksar said:

I agree that the matter is settled, but why did KG come on here with his original thread? Makes me wonder what motivated him.

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If you can intuit that one, you need to focus your talent on the lotto numbers and make some money.

Karoo Wild Safaris said:

I propose that this entire thread be deleted. ...........

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• The thread continues as a warning to members that AH is not FB. You can not post crap indiscriminately and get away with it.

• Members need to use some caution and critical thinking when reading hunt reports.

AB2506 said:

No excuse for this treatment, but what caused you to bring this up 5 years later?.................

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johnnyblues said:

If all true its one heck of a bad experience.

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TTundra said:

I would like to see a more concise explanation and hopefully Dave can offer his side as well. I by no means want to offend you, but your first post tends to run together. I more detailed explanation would be best.

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• This thread demonstrates how well a good Outfitter handles CRAP. Professionally.

kevin masters said:

I don't have a dog in this, but LOL. Dave at leopards valley seem's to be a class act!

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• Other reports can be started in a new thread. Any member is able to do so. I often invite members to do so. Including KG in this thread.
  

This was added as a cautionary note.

Thanks Brickburn for handling this post the way you did. You probably saved LVS from some serious damage to his reputation. I know that some outfitters might avoid forums like this because of just that possibility. All in all, this was quite an education. I would have never believed that someone would try something so stupid without reading it myself. Again, nice work all!

Praise or complain, I don't care which.
Back it up and act with integrity.
Simple.

Royal27 said:

I respectfully disagree Victor and here is why.

This thread has shown what the OP truly is, which is what a hunt report is supposed to do, right? So it has served it's purpose.

Would you let the OP use your logo and book hunts for you after reading this? Without this information perhaps you do....

And the second guy, well, he's another new guy who has made accusations while providing nothing to back it up. Until he does so he has zero credibility either . And my bet is the "rude and nasty" e-mails don't exist. It's funny how many times "rude and nasty" actually translates to mean "I wanted to change or add a bunch of stuff that cost money and the mean ole outfitter wouldn't let me.”

I actually think this thread and @daved's responses have helped his credibility, not hurt it. He's been a gentleman, he's provided facts, and he's let those facts speak for themselves. That's more than either accuser has done.

There was a sorta similar post years ago that did get deleted. I've always thought that the wrong thing was done in the case. That OP still posts here very very rarely. I know to ignore him when he does. Newer guys don't have the background and can't search to find it. They don't know there is reason not to trust what the guy says.

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I agree! Dave showed nothing but class while defending his reputation!

This thread brings to mind a complaint we see from time to time. That's that people who want to post negative reports, particularly about sponsors, are dumped on by others and made to feel as if their comments are unwelcome.

What we saw here is what usually happens. Generic OP posts a complaint which is more of a rant than a documented case. Normal and to be expected, especially if one is really pissed. Then others ask some questions, and someone says "give us facts, please." If the facts are forthcoming, and back up the claim, then support tends to be forthcoming. But, often, what we find is that there are no facts to back up the complaint, and then some (many, all?) get pissed because they feel like they're being had, or someone's reputation is being besmirched without cause. In those cases, the OP will generally feel pressure - and lots of it. But if the complaint is legitimate, then support is there, and often, the site or a moderator (that's you @BRICKBURN) can actually help resolve the matter.

We should encourage all reviews, both negative and positive. Negative reviews are especially important, because they can prevent harm to others. They can also have unintended benefits. I met a great outfitter in South Africa because of a negative post which I think @Royal27 posted about an outfitter with a similar name.

I'd suggest that anyone looking to post a negative review have a look at some of the threads where those types of reviews were posted, and see what the difference is between one that is received favourably, and one which is not. Then decide if you really have a case. If you do, bring it on.

Some members have even been known to tell wild stories about running around in the jungle in sandals and shorts for two weeks "hunting". Credibility was stretched to the limit for sure, but there were repeated pictures provided with the member in the same cloths and sandals with different critters.
So, you have to resign yourself and just learn to enjoy a good story.

BRICKBURN said:

Some members have even been known to tell wild stories about running around in the jungle in sandals and shorts for two weeks "hunting". Credibility was stretched to the limit for sure, but there were repeated pictures provided with the member in the same cloths and sandals with different critters.
So, you have to resign yourself and just learn to enjoy a good story.

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Ah yes, but that member never had a phone in a holster . . . nor a plastic pocket protector. So obviously a credible story.

@One Day... Thank you so much! As I read through this post, my heart sank as Brick uncovered the layers and exposed this individual. I'm a huge supporter of Huntershill Safaris South Africa, as many people on here can attest to. I was at Huntershill last October and had an absolutely amazing time! From what I got to know about Greg, his son Simon, his head (my) PH Jason, Cherelene (in the office and behind the scenes), and ALL of Greg Harvey's staff for that matter, I can't see this kind of underhand behavior bring condoned at all! As I was reading this I was thinking I should get a hold of Greg and find out what really happened, but I wanted to read it to the end first. When I saw that you had stepped in I was quite relieved. Maybe it was the intention of the OP to hurt Dave and his business, but as things progressed it looked like it would hurt Greg and Huntershill far more! I truly believe that Greg and Huntershill had nothing to do with this thread being started.
I sincerely hope that none of the readers on here condemn huntershill for the extremely inappropriate actions of one obviously dishonest individual.
I don't work for them, nor have any business association with them. Aside from me being an extremely happy client, and me personally wanting to see them do well and have the business flourish, I really have no stake in this whatever.
I feel indebted to huntershill because they went above and beyond any expectations to help make my dreams come true. I cannot put into words how wonderful my experience was with them and I was absolutely disgusted by how this was making them look. Hopefully this is the last of it. (Well, it wouldn't hurt my feelings if I found out that Greg took him out into the bush and gave him one hell of a throttling!)
@BRICKBURN Thank you so much for exposing this ass-hat as the fraud that he is! Great work!!!!

Also, as a sub-note, to Dave.....
I was really impressed by the way that you handled yourself in this situation and I think that it has been clearly shown that this was a sickening attack against you and your company. I'm sure that his intentions to hurt your business will have quite the opposite effect, and quite honestly I hope that they do! I wish you the best and hope to meet you one day.
Cheers
Cam