How far out do you book your Hunts?

[BnC 04]

Having talked to a few outfitters about booking hunts into 2015 and the majority won't take the booking as "it's too far in advance"...Just seems odd to me. Some of the folks I've spoken with are booked 3 years out. I know lots of hunts are spur of the moment but I have got to believe most book their hunts a year or more out...Your thoughts?

 

[Wheels]

Interesting topic. I don't know what other people do but can tell you that I am reevaluating when/how I book hunts.

When Jerome advertises a <$9k leopard hunt, and other outfitters do similar late season promotions, it makes this finite means/frugal hunter think I should wait till June to start looking for specials. I would save money but would miss out on the joy of planning and thinking of a hunt that is 1-2 years out. That's the conundrum I am in.

 

[enysse]

Three years out is too far ahead. A business could go under or change hands. Too many variables, price fluctations. I would like to think making a commitment to something is good, but too many people can't handle the concept.

 

[Rob404]

I started Looking about 1.5 Years,,,Picked My PH at 13 months Booked and made a deposit at a year,,I,m still 10 months out and Just paid for my airfare

 

[James.Grage]

I try to look out 1 1/2 to 2 years for my bookings.

This coming January and February, i will be looking for a 2014 safari at the SCI and DSC shows.

However like Wheels has indicated, i also will start to look for late season specials that have a reduced rate.

 

[enysse]

By far, the best deals are cancelation hunts or late season specials, you save a lot of money.

 

[BnC 04]

I agree with you Wheels that waiting till mid season there are some awesome deals that can save us hunters $$$ BUT in my case everything revolves around the work schedule. That being said I don't believe booking a hunt now for Apr/May of '15 is out of the question either.

 

[BWH]

Ditto that Rob44..... I essentially booked it at DSC Show in January 2013, paid deposit following month for a May 2014 Hunt.... Went ahead & secured air travel as well a week or so ago. The planning has been fun.

 

[K-man]

Good points from all, but I'll add my two cents. I try to go on two trips a year, one I call a major and one shorter term or less money. I usually book at least one a year or so in advance, and take advantage of deals, SCI auctions, etc for the last-minute trips. Keeps the excitement going for all the planning but allows for the spur of the moment trip.

 

[Rob404]

Ditto that Rob44..... I essentially booked it at DSC Show in January 2013, paid deposit following month for a May 2014 Hunt.... Went ahead & secured air travel as well a week or so ago. The planning has been fun.

Not being the richest SOB on earth (I choose Good Looks Instead) it takes allmost 2 years to save enough cash to go I think the second trip maybe less expensive because I bought all the equipment the first time around

 

[Bobpuckett]

Good Question BnC 04 I think its up to the person doing the planning, I waited 2 years between my first and second hunt and decided that 2 years is 2 long for me and plan mine every year just have to budget the animals I take. if you see a good deal and you like it then reseach it if it looks like what you want why take a chance on something else that may or may not happen. once you've got that one done there's always next year.

 

[K-man]

Yes Rob44 - Always go with the looks first department - but no mater your budget, part of the fun is in the planning, packing and anticipation. Even if it takes years the saving $ is always important.

 

[sestoppelman]

My trips have been planned around the year mark. I am penciled in for next June in RSA. Just starting the planning.

 

[Rob404]

Yes Rob44 - Always go with the looks first department - but no mater your budget, part of the fun is in the planning, packing and anticipation. Even if it takes years the saving $ is always important.

I think your a little more Savvy the second time around also,,,,I really got a great deal from CT Safaris,,but I think I could have saved a little on Airfare,,but for my First trip I wanted the Least amount of Aggro and the shortest layovers

 

[Wheels]

I agree with you Wheels that waiting till mid season there are some awesome deals that can save us hunters $$$ BUT in my case everything revolves around the work schedule. That being said I don't believe booking a hunt now for Apr/May of '15 is out of the question either.

You brought up that word WORK.....that little thing that allows us to pay for our hunts. If you have to work around a schedule, then certainly booking a ways in advance is necessary.

If you can get an outfitter/agent to book an African hunt 2+ years out, that may be a good idea if you can lock in prices. If you can get a 2015 hunt booked for the price of a 2013 or 2014 hunt you will probably be ahead of the game.

 

[Wheels]

Not being the richest SOB on earth (I choose Good Looks Instead) it takes allmost 2 years to save enough cash to go I think the second trip maybe less expensive because I bought all the equipment the first time around

I didn't realize I had a choice on that wealth or looks thing. I think I got the short end of the straw on both.

 

[Nyati]

In Spain we have the big hunting show around March, that s when in book for a summer hunt. So, around 5 months.

 

[lwaters]

I book around a year ahead of time. I got a great deal on flights just last week with Travel Express for my safari in May of 2014. I am going to hunt South Africa and Namibia this time. I basicly hunt and fish year round.

 

[Rob404]

I didn't realize I had a choice on that wealth or looks thing. I think I got the short end of the straw on both.

Sorry to here that...well the world needs Broke Ugly People to

 

[K-man]

Amazing that all you people that say "good looking" or ugly as a wildebeest don't have any pictures up on their posts. Me included! I'd rather keep people guessing!!!!!