Trophy Fee Budget

[BLJC30]

How does everyone keep track of there budget on trophy fees when they are out hunting? I know some people have an unlimited budget and that's great. However, I do not have that luxury. I have read that people go with one or two desired trophies and then take whatever Africa gives them. I also read a report on here that the PH tried to get a hunter to shoot a trophy when it showed up, the hunter questioned the price and the PH told them that they would sort it out later. By the time the decision was made, it was too late..

So, how do you handle that? Do the PH's get upset when you decline to shoot something they suggest? Would the PH have given the hunter a discount on that animal? Have you ever been surprised by the amount that you owe at the end of your hunt?

 

[buck wild]

"Sort it out later" in my experience generally means we'll come to a payment arrangement if you don't have enough on hand cash to settle out at the end of the safari such as send it when you get home, use a credit card normally with a 5% surcharge etc.

Although there might be slight discounts when such occurrences pop up, I definitely wouldn't make that assumption unless the PH outright says it at the time.

If the PH is getting "upset" if you pass animals, then I suspect I'd be finding another PH.

Maybe just me, but I don't have an unlimited budget, and because of that I normally memorize the price list of animals I think I might run across and be interested in even if not on my main targets. If I'm getting toward the end of my hunt and don't have a X that costs x and y shows up with roughly the same price, I know I can easily swap.

 

[Hunt anything]

In some areas in Africa you have to buy individual licenses for specific animals, my first Safari to Mozambique is an example of this so it wasn’t a problem. Did get to shoot a few own use animals for the local villages as add ons . In other area I have gone it was basically al- a art, I new of a couple of animals I wanted and scraped up as much cash as I could for any animals that I just had to have and watched every penny. I also have had outfitters give huge breaks on some animals if you shoot a little bit more expensive animal, basically a 2 for 1 deal. Just watch your pennies and africa will draw you back so enjoy and start planning your next trip before you leave to come home!

 

[Deleted member 40394]

I am going for first time this year. I have a package and then will be adding animals. I plan to pay my package cost by wire. That way I am covered there.
then take enough cash to cover the animals I plan to add plus a few more if opportunity presents itself. Use credit card as back up.

 

[Fixfire]

Generally speaking, I do have an unlimited budget, but I built that luxury by having a very strict budget. Random or unplanned spending stresses me greatly. I too studied the price list prior to my first Safari and knew the cost of the add-ons. Next trip (not scheduled) will be for Buff. I don’t want to shoot another Sable or Kudu, etc. if they cross my path. I fear as well that this would piss off the PH. Thank you for this thread as I’ve wondered the same.

 

[Fixfire]

BTW, I’ve settled up at the end with credit card. No fee. Do people actually travel to Africa with $30k - $40k++ cash or travelers checks?!?!?

 

[Tundra Tiger]

I had a package deal for 5 species, everything included. As my hunt approached, we discussed a cow buffalo hunt, so I figured in the cost of that. In the end I had three days left and everything checked off. At that point I had sit down with my PH/owner and we discussed what I wanted to do. I decided to hunt for low cost add-ons, and spent the next three days doing that. (wound up with 4 more critters)

In the field we came across opportunities (eland for example). My PH was polite in extending offers. We discussed the quality of animals as we found them. He quoted prices. He was not pushy at all, but would have been good with whatever I decided. In fact, we'd joke about it both at the time and after the fact. (STILL wish I would have tried for the warthog the night I got my impala... grrrr...) Honestly for how I am wired, he was perfect.

Everything was done by credit card on the last night. There were no surprises. I had cash on hand for tips. I can't imagine it could have went better.

To your question I do not have unlimited financial means either. I do not begrudge those folks who are in that situation; I wish I was in that situation. I am not. I had a little wiggle room, and an understanding spouse. If I had had to hold to my package, that would have been fine, by me and my PH. I think as long as you have it mapped out in advance, you'll be just fine.

 

[Rell]

Ask questions, don’t feel pressured, tell them what you want.

The one mistake is not taking an animal on your list when it appears instead of wanting to hunt something else first. That is legitimately upsetting for a PH.

I send a wire after, never had a problem after more then a dozen safaris.

 

[Tundra Tiger]

I would add... after the fact it has been reinforced to me in many ways just how critical it is having a good PH, and I'm not talking about ability to find animals. I used to be an elementary teacher. You might think that all teachers like kids. You would be wrong. It always used to amaze me when I'd work with teachers who did not like kids at all. WTH?? My point is, there are probably PHs who really don't like what they do. Maybe not a lot, but I'm betting some. I got the impression from my PH that he enjoyed guiding every bit as much as I did hunting and maybe more. He was a joy to be around every day, and I am sure his mindset was helpful in navigating the financial side of what to shoot and how much am I going to spend. I know it made my trip very easy that way.

 

[375Fox]

I’ve been very surprised multiple times how much I’ve spent on a hunt! But everything has been known up front. I made decision to go over my budget.
I’ve never had a PH angry I passed an animal or ever even heard a word about it after that point. I think your comment about sorting out later possibly applies to a South Africa farm hunt. The PH may have gone there for a kudu and didn’t ask landowner about shooting a steenbok, so doesn’t actually know an exact price.

 

[Av8or]

You can always tell your PH your budget and he will keep track of approx $ you have available as things are harvested. Better trust your ph .

 

[112Savage]

So I had an interesting situation my first time in Africa. It was last June and we were the first hunters in camp for over a year. It was day 3 of my hunt and we flushed some zebras from thick brush unexpectedly. I shot the first one the PH pointed out and he dropped 20-30 yds later. As the others are leaving the PH asked if I wanted another. The zebras were trotting away while we negotiated a discounted rate. We came to an agreement, and shortly thereafter a shot presented itself and so I had two zebras down in less than 1 minute.
I will say that quick shooting and a tight budget made me feel pressure from the PH and his apprentice to shoot more animals especially since they hadn’t had hunting in over a year.

 

[375Fox]

BTW, I’ve settled up at the end with credit card. No fee. Do people actually travel to Africa with $30k - $40k++ cash or travelers checks?!?!?

No, you pay with wire transfer as soon as you return home. Travelers checks have no value in Africa.

 

[Nevada Wapati]

I've done it both ways. Traveling is easier without a firearm. Especially if doing some tourist activities. All of my outfitters waived the rental fee when asked for. My first two times using their rifles was fine. The last time not so. From now on I will be taking my own rifles.

 

[375Fox]

I had a package deal for 5 species, everything included. As my hunt approached, we discussed a cow buffalo hunt, so I figured in the cost of that. In the end I had three days left and everything checked off. At that point I had sit down with my PH/owner and we discussed what I wanted to do. I decided to hunt for low cost add-ons, and spent the next three days doing that. (wound up with 4 more critters)

In the field we came across opportunities (eland for example). My PH was polite in extending offers. We discussed the quality of animals as we found them. He quoted prices. He was not pushy at all, but would have been good with whatever I decided. In fact, we'd joke about it both at the time and after the fact. (STILL wish I would have tried for the warthog the night I got my impala... grrrr...) Honestly for how I am wired, he was perfect.

Everything was done by credit card on the last night. There were no surprises. I had cash on hand for tips. I can't imagine it could have went better.

To your question I do not have unlimited financial means either. I do not begrudge those folks who are in that situation; I wish I was in that situation. I am not. I had a little wiggle room, and an understanding spouse. If I had had to hold to my package, that would have been fine, by me and my PH. I think as long as you have it mapped out in advance, you'll be just fine.

This has been my experience too. Every time I’ve finished a hunt early. I’ve discussed with my PH what I can afford and we made a plan to continue hunting. You should never feel under any pressure to shoot more with a good PH. One hunt my PH made me a very good deal on a roan, but I was already way over budget. Every time we saw roan he’d say with a smile “let’s just go look,” but still never any pressure although he definitely hoped I would decide to shoot. It was a great hunt. I want to try and meet my PHs at shows and know them before hunt or talk over phone to know who I’m hunting with in future. The PH is really who makes it a good or bad hunt, not the animals.

 

[sierraone]

"Sort it out later" in my experience generally means we'll come to a payment arrangement if you don't have enough on hand cash to settle out at the end of the safari such as send it when you get home, use a credit card normally with a 5% surcharge etc.

Although there might be slight discounts when such occurrences pop up, I definitely wouldn't make that assumption unless the PH outright says it at the time.

If the PH is getting "upset" if you pass animals, then I suspect I'd be finding another PH.

Maybe just me, but I don't have an unlimited budget, and because of that I normally memorize the price list of animals I think I might run across and be interested in even if not on my main targets. If I'm getting toward the end of my hunt and don't have a X that costs x and y shows up with roughly the same price, I know I can easily swap.

I am too cheap for "sort it out later". I have never mounted an animal anyway, even a white tail. 8x10 s cover my wall. Know what the cost is before you pull the trigger because you should know that even if you just draw blood, you pay the trophy fee.

 

[Tanks]

When I go, I know what I am going to shoot, anything else I won't unless it is an exceptional trophy. For example: On my last hunt I could have shot two sables, both around 40" which is great for the area. I declined as I wanted a 48" er from @spike.t this August

They also offered me a croc and a hippo at no extra charge on daily fees (someone had canceled), and again I declined. I'll shoot plenty of hippos when I do my lion hunt in a year or two. Also, I want to shoot hippos on land.

In Zim, this year, I am after a tuskless, buffalo, zebra and if I see a nice one, a kudu. I will decline anything else, except baboons.

 

[Charlie P]

A reputable outfitter should be able to provide a list of animals that you may encounter on the hunt and a trophy price for each. Memorize what you would consider taking or print it out and take it with you. It may be possible to negotiate lower prices in the field for varying issues, but the price should not go up, only down. The price of everything concerning the hunt should be disclosed by the PH before the hunt. I do everything based on budget, but the issue is although you may know the price of the trophy, the taxidermy and shipping charges will likely be equal or better and subject to great variability and you won't have all that information available until you actually ship.

My PH has advised me as to when I was passing up a great opportunity, as I would expect of him, but I would be offended if he became offended at the choice I made. After all, it's my hunt and my money. I will concede however that I have always been upfront before the hunt on what my intentions were.

As for paying, that is one of the reasons I love Africa. Here in the US you fork over the entire cost of the hunt, to someone you may not know, before you even leave home. Then if the hunt is garbage, and/or you don't even see your target, your money is gone. My experience in Africa has been I pay for my airfare, and insurance ahead of time and then after the hunt, when I get home, wire the amount due to my PH. How much better can you get than that? I do take enough cash to pay the tip I'm expecting to pay. I'm sure however that given human nature there are some in the PH business just like all businesses that have less desirable standards.

 

[sierraone]

Wow @Tanks you have a busy year planned. Good Luck.

 

[Capnjackv]

Thanks for asking this I am in the same boat so to speak. Planning my first trip for buffalo and I am concerned about upselling once I am there. I am on a strict budget. I am in the big game trophy fishing business and the concept of trophy fees is foreign to my industry so not sure what to expect. I don't want a PH pissed off at me because I am cheap and he could have made more money for the week shooting multiple species with a higher roller.