Newb to African hunting won a trip.?

[thi9elsp]

Good luck with the hunt. My suggestion before making further commitments is to understand what your total budget is in $’s and days. That budget includes airfare, trophy fees, dip/pack/ship, taxidermy. Then see how far that budget will go with this operator and consider discussing a trip with one of the sponsors here to see how far your budget can take you with them. Then decide what your next steps are


FYI I’m part of a conservation group that does an annual fundraiser which includes SA auction hunts. A member bid on a hunt, won it then asked me about all the other costs beyond day rates. That was 3 years ago. He never went because he couldn’t afford the airfare and dip/pack/ship/taxidermy for the animals he wanted to hunt once he figured out the trophy fee cost

 

[MarkB]

Wow, sorry but I am with most posts you have receive. You did not win anything, lots of red flags for me. You got a 2 on 1 hunt, with just you hunting who will the other person/hunter be? Or as recommended for an upcharge you can hunt 1 on 1, that's BS to me. Their trophy fees are not high, they are 3x normal, rip offs to me. Please do not take my word, research some outfitters pricing on here, these will be before any deal pricing.

For me I would run, start from scratch, now that the safari seed is planted, STILL GO on A safari. Find out what you want, must have and would like, research like crazy all the amazing info on here, then post what you want on here and be prepared for a storm of offers from reputable outfitters or look at the deals and offers and pick one that comes closest to what you want.

All members on here will answer any question you have as will sponsors outfitters.

Good Luck.

MB

 

[JimP]

You are going to find that the hunt with any outfitter is the cheap part if you go with a package hunt rather than the one that you have now.

Depending on what you shoot and decide to bring home all the unknowns is what get expensive.

My last hunt was a package deal for$6500. By the time that I was done with taxidermy for 4 animals, 5 euros, shipping, Airfare, tips, and other cost my $13,000 hunt turned into just under $20,000

 

[K-man]

Hello. You will also need to look carefully at the terms and conditions "listed on the website". The second person is required to take at least two animals or will be considered an observer, and you will be billed those daily rates. Lots of fine print that isn't even listed on the page. Many outfitters now are putting a clause that your hunt cannot be combined with another donated hunt, example, seven days with them and seven days after with another outfitter, like they can tell you where you can and cannot go after your hunt. These "donations" really sour the industry's reputation and can turn people away from what could be a great time. Just be sure to know (and print off) ALL the rules and regulations and understand them before you finalize and book flights. I'm sure you realize by now that wasn't a donation, just a way to get you to book with them.

 

[Field28]

I was going to say go and get your feet wet, shoot some basic animals like springbok, blesbuck or a couple of tinys.

I went to that website and damn near choked. 800 bucks for a vervet? 1050 for a common springbok? The best was, price on request for a cane rat! WTF?
I'd tell them to give me a price for a cane rat slam, I'll bet they'll spit out a price!
Not only are their trophy fees way too high, ten bucks says you'll get hosed on dip and pack.

If you seriously want to go and break the ice, I'd suggest you go with one of the sponsors on here from Eastern Cape.
They can put you a package together that will be affordable and worthwhile. Odds are it will become an addiction like it has for most of us on this site. I'd hate to see someone go on their first trip and have a sour taste in their mouth for Africa.

 

[Sabre]

If you really want to go to Africa take a look at the sponsors on the forum here, quite a few offer package deals for a number of animals with a number of days. With no hidden fees.

My last hunt was $6500 and 10 days which included 12 animals. The price has increased to just over $7000 but you cant beat it.

Who was that package with? If you are speaking of Frontier, they are now at $8,500 for the 10 day 12 animal package.

 

[cpr0312]

Welcome aboard!

 

[Jacobo2012]

Thank you guys so much! Love how much interaction there is on this forum and thanks for all the input and quick responses, I’ve been debating wether to go with them and just hunt the cheaper animals but not sure yet still have lots of homework to do and will also be getting some other quotes as well

 

[375er]

Thank you guys so much! Love how much interaction there is on this forum and thanks for all the input and quick responses, I’ve been debating wether to go with them and just hunt the cheaper animals but not sure yet still have lots of homework to do and will also be getting some other quotes as well

On their prices alone they have shown you who they are. I know what I would be doing.

 

[Nyati]

I´d say you have already received very good advice !

 

[Speedster]

$1200 for a steenbuck? $1000 for a warthog? Ouch!

 

[Jacobo2012]

Where would one find the sponsors here on this page to get quotes from??

 

[JimP]

If you are on a computer they are on the right hand side of the page.

Here is a screen shot of some of them. Or click on Members and then on Sponsors.

 

[Speedster]

Where would one find the sponsors here on this page to get quotes from??

Just start a thread on here stating where and what you want to hunt and you will get numerous replies from sponsors of this site. Contact them and ask some questions to narrow it down. Lots of good outfits on this site.

 

[375er]

Namibia is also a fantastic place to hunt when you are looking at options.

 

[Field28]

Lol, look at the "Worst Example" thread.
I'd avoid that operation as well.

 

[Hogpatrol]

$1200 for a steenbuck? $1000 for a warthog? Ouch!

My last trip, in March, RSA, warthogs were free and one was an old boar with good tusks. As above, lots of excellent, no BS outfitters on the forum. Nick Bowker just posted a good package.

 

[DieJager]

To be honest. Normally when I see some of these threads regarding donated hunts ,it is still possible to make something of it. Is it the best deal? -No- but you can still have a decent trip and not paying way too much. Still too much but it is in the gray area.

This time looking at the trophy fees. No way to make something of it. You're getting scammed but in a refined and legal way.

No way to justify any of those trophy fees. Run away.

 

[Jacobo2012]

Thanks again everyone for the responses and recommendations, I reached out to about 8-10 sponsors on the site about a custom package for me and the wife’s anniversary next year! She wants to hunt kudu and I’m good with whatever just want to make the trip.

 

[DieJager]

Thanks again everyone for the responses and recommendations, I reached out to about 8-10 sponsors on the site about a custom package for me and the wife’s anniversary next year! She wants to hunt kudu and I’m good with whatever just want to make the trip.

Good choice. You'll not regret it.