Lets go back to basics.
After 5 safaris, I think it will be helpful even to more experienced.
For example, what is top 12 of basics questions to ask outfitter first, when looking for a hunt?
1. Do you assist in firearm clearance on arrival and departure for your clients?
(Yes, there are outsourced agencies that offer this, but it does not hurt to ask. Especially for less visited countries)
2. Who will be my PH, and will I be all the time, with the same PH?
3. What is your success rate, on buffalo, kudu, etc whatever is on the list, in last two seasons? Expected size of horns? (if that matters to client)
4. Are all the animals on the list in your hunting area, or will it be required to travel around? In that case how long daily drives are expected?
5. Are there any extra expenses expected, or your offer is all inclusive, please confirm?
6. How much is expected on tipping? (it is never included in all inclusive offer)
7. What are communications in your camp? Do you have wi fi?
8. In case of renting the rifle: what rifles, calibers, and bullets do you have available? And at what price per day, or per round?
(in my experience, while local rifles are generally good, availability of premium ammunition is questionable, and often is down to basic cup and core bullets, which may be a problem on magnum power rifle)
9. Is there option for local sightseeing and visiting national parks, or historic places? If yes, please provide details, recommended extra days, and additional price?
10. Please provide references of previous clients within last two years, and those who are not listed on your web site?
11. For Namibia, and South Africa: please let me know which animals of those on the list are hunted in high fence, and which one are in unfenced areas? (the point is to avoid using term "free range" because the same term in marketing is also used for hunting of self-sustaining herds in the fence, and can be misleading)
12. For South Africa: what is your hunting area size? (The point is to avoid using word "fence", as it is avoided in marketing and advertising, but in the same time it will give client an idea of the size of fenced area, which depends of his level of acceptance and definition of free range hunt.
It is not all there is to ask, but it will give a good start.
Then communication can develop further.
Also, I have noticed that communication on whatsapp is more informal, faster and easier.
Email responses are slow, or very often not answered.
Whatsapp is best way for modern communication.
