NAMIBIA: My Hunt With Frontier Safaris (Barry Burchell Property)

[Velo Dog]

While its great to hear you had a good hunt with them, pictures should not be the deciding factor on the quality of a hunt. The experience is what truly makes the hunt, then the quality of animals hunted. From all accounts, the treatment and experiences made for a horrific hunt and therefore experience. Pictures only show a fraction of the tale.

+1.

 

[Hank2211]

I would think that is is virtually impossible that any long standing outfitter would not have annoyed someone at some time. People being who they are, and this being a service business, complaints will arise.

I tend to look at the nature of the complaints, and the actions taken by the outfitter to remedy the matter. Sometimes client's can't be satisfied. I understand that. But usually, efforts can be made. The litany of items in this case - which, I note, no one has called into question - is so long and varied, culminating in what appeared to be an illegal hunt (hiding trophies (and clients!) in the desert - seriously?), that I really don't need to look at the positive reports from this outfitter.

There are so many outfitters in South Africa that when I come across one like this, they are simply crossed off the list. There is absolutely no need to take any risk, when there are so many good outfitters who, if they do have complaints against them, have gone the extra mile to remedy them. And that is the advice I give those who ask me.

 

[Michael Dean]

I would think that is is virtually impossible that any long standing outfitter would not have annoyed someone at some time. People being who they are, and this being a service business, complaints will arise.

I tend to look at the nature of the complaints, and the actions taken by the outfitter to remedy the matter. Sometimes client's can't be satisfied. I understand that. But usually, efforts can be made. The litany of items in this case - which, I note, no one has called into question - is so long and varied, culminating in what appeared to be an illegal hunt (hiding trophies (and clients!) in the desert - seriously?), that I really don't need to look at the positive reports from this outfitter.

There are so many outfitters in South Africa that when I come across one like this, they are simply crossed off the list. There is absolutely no need to take any risk, when there are so many good outfitters who, if they do have complaints against them, have gone the extra mile to remedy them. And that is the advice I give those who ask me.

Plus 1

 

[flyfishaz]

I just want to say that my PH when I went to South Africa, Jaco Prinsloo and his wife are now the managers & head PH at Frontier in South Africa. They started there about six months ago. I could NEVER imagine Jaco ever treating someone like what is described in this thread. I have posted my hunting report recently. Jaco was absolutely great and worked very, very hard for my dad and I. My dad has been to SA three times and will only hunt with Jaco. If my dad goes back, he will hunt at Frontier. If Frontier had problems, I would bet money that they are being fixed by Jaco.

 

[TTundra]

. If Frontier had problems, I would bet money that they are being fixed by Jaco.

It may be worthwhile to send them a note on this thread so they may see what prior management had caused to the outfit image as a whole. Their presence here might greatly alter any perceived notions about former quality and legality issues. It certainly would be a good for both that and a marketing standpoint.

 

[Michael Dean]

I think Frontier needs someone to hunt with them, someone who's objective who can provide AF and its readers a complete and detailed report as far as their experience hunting and the quality of their services; I personally would be willing to undertake the challenge and spend a week as their guest hunting with them and reviewing the services they have to offer! My list of animals would be, Kudu, Gemsbuck, Impala and Nyala.

It's a difficult task, but someone needs to stand up and take the challenge.

 

[RogerHeintzman]

I wonder what happened to my post about brandon24 reporting Frontier Safaris to SCI? They get investigated and banned. Frontier advertises in the magazines.

 

[MartyJ]

I hunted with Frontier back in 1999 in South Africa. There was nothing as described in this man's hunt. My father and I were very happy with hunt and the camp.
Our PH at the time was Andri Fox who is independent now. I still hunt with Andri and cannot bestow enough accolades on him or his operation.

 

[Hank2211]

The original poster's hunt was in Namibia. I don't believe he had anything to say about South Africa, so we should be careful about extending the comments beyond their original scope.

Having said that, I maintain my position that given outfitters with good records and this one, I see no reason to run a risk with this one. At least not until the outfitter effectively rebuts the report, if he can.

 

[Velo Dog]

I hunted with Frontier back in 1999 in South Africa. There was nothing as described in this man's hunt. My father and I were very happy with hunt and the camp.
Our PH at the time was Andri Fox who is independent now. I still hunt with Andri and cannot bestow enough accolades on him or his operation.

Andri Fox has an excellent reputation that, I doubt anyone could submit a valid arguement against.

 

[Velo Dog]

A google search shows Frontier Safaris Namibia to be pretty much bottom of the barrel in many areas........and not averse to being sued repeatedly.

Obviously, there are those who experienced wonderful times with this outfit, on their South Africa holdings (Craig Boddington being one of them, evidently).
But others, myself included did not have such a fine time on at least one of their Namibian properties (Daweb Sud as it was known back then, 96,000 acres, nearest town was Keetmanshoop).

Admittedly, mine was many years ago so, potentially those employees involved there might be gone by now.
The livestock manager smoked like a chimney so he's probably gone in the literal sense.
(I'm still here even though he tried to share his deadly habit with all of us by stuffing his cigarette butts through the brain grille, even while our food was cooking on it - a smelly, disgusting man).

Anyway, for those doubting brandondd24's more recent report, I would encourage you to Google the information on those law suits, as JGRaider mentioned here.
Perhaps reading up on the court complaints will help in clarifying this matter for you.

 

[MartyJ]

I think Frontier needs someone to hunt with them, someone who's objective who can provide AF and its readers a complete and detailed report as far as their experience hunting and the quality of their services; I personally would be willing to undertake the challenge and spend a week as their guest hunting with them and reviewing the services they have to offer! My list of animals would be, Kudu, Gemsbuck, Impala and Nyala.

It's a difficult task, but someone needs to stand up and take the challenge.

Ah, you are a hell of a gentleman, very benevolent. Ha Ha Ha. I'd join you !

 

[MartyJ]

Obviously, there are those who experienced wonderful times with this outfit, on their South Africa holdings (Craig Boddington being one of them, evidently).
But others, myself included did not have such a fine time on at least one of their Namibian properties (Daweb Sud as it was known back then, 96,000 acres, nearest town was Keetmanshoop).

Admittedly, mine was many years ago so, potentially those employees involved there might be gone by now.
The livestock manager smoked like a chimney so he's probably gone in the literal sense.
(I'm still here even though he tried to share his deadly habit with all of us by stuffing his cigarette butts through the brain grille, even while our food was cooking on it - a smelly, disgusting man).

Anyway, for those doubting brandondd24's more recent report, I would encourage you to Google the information on those law suits, as JGRaider mentioned here.
Perhaps reading up on the court complaints will help in clarifying this matter for you.

It really is a sad thing to read about bad hunting experiences. People spending money and time and getting shafted. It hurts the industry and really hurts the hunter. Dreams, expectations, hopes, and the only to have bad memories. I've been lucky for the most part.
Not to blow smoke, but that is why blogs like this, and input from people actually hunting, are so important.
If my soon to be EX let's me, I will take my son to South Africa for his first time. There is no doubt, no question, that the PH will be Andri Fox. I am not a millionaire, I want the best for my money and I've never been disappointed with Mr. Fox.
As everyone knows, communication is tremendously important, Andri gets back to you right away. This is my experience, hope it helps.

 

[Michael Dean]

Ah, you are a hell of a gentleman, very benevolent. Ha Ha Ha. I'd join you !

Marty, the least I can do is offer my services! If accepted, I'll make certain they know of your interest in joining me and I'll be in touch.

 

[MartyJ]

Marty, the least I can do is offer my services! If accepted, I'll make certain they know of your interest in joining me and I'll be in touch.

I wish you the best in that endeavor. To be honest, they've suffered some really bad press. When Mr. Boddington hunted in Namibia, Barry Burchell guided him personally, so there were no hiccups. In 1999, when I was there, it was running like a well oiled machine. That's where I met Andri Fox.
It would be a shame for Barry Burchell's place to fold. I just read that the new gent running the show there is excellent.
In any event, I would enjoy having a cup of coffee with you. All the best.

 

[Velo Dog]

Marty, the least I can do is offer my services! If accepted, I'll make certain they know of your interest in joining me and I'll be in touch.

If the owner knows you're there to report back to potentially thousands of readers, I am predicting you will be provided with a perfectly wonderful "Craig Boddington style of experience".

 

[Velo Dog]

Obviously, there are those who experienced wonderful times with this outfit, on their South Africa holdings (Craig Boddington being one of them, evidently).
But others, myself included did not have such a fine time on at least one of their Namibian properties (Daweb Sud as it was known back then, 96,000 acres, nearest town was Keetmanshoop).

Admittedly, mine was many years ago so, potentially those employees involved there might be gone by now.
The livestock manager smoked like a chimney so he's probably gone in the literal sense.
(I'm still here even though he tried to share his deadly habit with all of us by stuffing his cigarette butts through the brain grille, even while our food was cooking on it - a smelly, disgusting man).

Anyway, for those doubting brandondd24's more recent report, I would encourage you to Google the information on those law suits, as JGRaider mentioned here.
Perhaps reading up on the court complaints will help in clarifying this matter for you.

Meant, braai grille, not "brain" grille (damn smarty pants phone spell-check.

 

[LivingTheDream]

Well it sounds like there was issues in Namibia and he would use South Africa concessions/ranches to cover that up or make things right. The people mentioned with the South Africa hunts seemed to be very well known good guys. As all know a change in management can really change the experience.

 

[Velo Dog]

Well it sounds like there was issues in Namibia and he would use South Africa concessions/ranches to cover that up or make things right. The people mentioned with the South Africa hunts seemed to be very well known good guys. As all know a change in management can really change the experience.

Totally agree, as my impression of Barry Burchell is that he is intelligent and personable.
I can't help but wonder that, if he personally had been in my camp for the entire two+ weeks that, I might be singing a different song about my first African Safari.

Seems like maybe (maybe) his Namibian operation has in the past been in need of some closer supervision but, reportedly his SA operation sounds like it's jolly good, by all accounts.
From all I have read about that geographic area, I'd love to try the Eastern Cape some year.

Not keen to try his family's outfit again (once per lifetime was enough for me).
But, it hopefully will turn out to be very fine for those who, (in spite of the law suits from unhappy clients), might dare to book with them anyway.