What is the Standard payment structure for booking a hunt?

[msdos2]

Hi All,
Thank in advance for your advice. I am looking into a hunt in June, for Zimbabwe. The outfitter I am corresponding with is asking for a 25% payment now, and the remaining 75% payment 30 days prior to the hunt. I get nervous wiring the full payment in advance, before I have even landed or met the outfitter. What recourse would I have if they just took my money and never even picked me up at the airport? Is there a more traditional or accepted practice? I am afraid I have only been to Africa once before, so I am not very versed in what is normal. Thanks, Smitty

A 25/75 split is pretty common in Africa, but reputable outfitters usually have solid references, contracts, and sometimes use booking agents or associations that offer extra protection. I'd suggest asking for references from past clients and checking if they're affiliated with PHASA, ZPHGA, or SCI. Also, you could consider using a credit card for the deposit if possible - gives you some added protection. Better safe than sorry!

 

[Rare Breed]

Then you will not be hunting anywhere outside private land in South Africa or Namibia. Full payment of daily rates and a TF deposit before you arrive is standard for concession areas. Areas that are managed on government quotas have something to lose if the hunter doesn’t arrive. It’s not like private land where they can add one more to the quota next year at landowner’s discretion.

Interesting, in my 8 safaris covering SA and Zim, I just always had to have my day rates paid in full before the hut. In SA, I had to pay final TF with either a wire or credit card whereas in Zim with both D&Y and Tokoloshe, I paid TF when I arrived back to US with a wire.

 

[rookhawk]

Interesting, in my 8 safaris covering SA and Zim, I just always had to have my day rates paid in full before the hut. In SA, I had to pay final TF with either a wire or credit card whereas in Zim with both D&Y and Tokoloshe, I paid TF when I arrived back to US with a wire.

The Zimbabwean way is to pay cash-cash for a deposit, or wire it to a US or foreign bank, that books your hunt.

The trophy fees are frequently paid via wire after the hunt, other times cash in hand at the hunt.

This odd scenario is due to tax avoidance. You can't beat the central bank of Zimbabwe, they want their money, they won't release the trophies or approve the TR2 without it. Hence, that portion of the payment is usually quite formal and obvious. That's the money that Zim knows was paid for a safari, everything else is subjective and self-reported by the operator.

All the other portions (daily rates) of the payment are as under the radar as possible because the operators don't want to get taxed to death on it. It's also why daily rates are either in cash whether at a convention or wired to a US bank or a Botswana bank. It's all to keep it out of the clutches of the Zim government.

 

[spike.t]

Want 50% of day rate as deposit or if a package ..then remainder 30 days before hunt starts...if not a package can pay some trophy fees upfront ...quite a few people like to do that...rest can be transferred when get home....want 50% deposit to book as had too many people lead you on even up to asking for bank info to send deposit....then when info sent...never to be heard from again...have spent pages on here pms and WhatsApp going through everything....and then oh sorry can't do it....so

 

[Rare Breed]

The Zimbabwean way is to pay cash-cash for a deposit, or wire it to a US or foreign bank, that books your hunt.

The trophy fees are frequently paid via wire after the hunt, other times cash in hand at the hunt.

This odd scenario is due to tax avoidance. You can't beat the central bank of Zimbabwe, they want their money, they won't release the trophies or approve the TR2 without it. Hence, that portion of the payment is usually quite formal and obvious. That's the money that Zim knows was paid for a safari, everything else is subjective and self-reported by the operator.

All the other portions (daily rates) of the payment are as under the radar as possible because the operators don't want to get taxed to death on it. It's also why daily rates are either in cash whether at a convention or wired to a US bank or a Botswana bank. It's all to keep it out of the clutches of the Zim government.

Yep…exactly what I was told

 

[Tanks]

I am about $17K in the hole over a hunt that occurred some time ago. We did not get all the trophies I had paid for. Not only I did not get refunded, but none of the trophies I shot got shipped to me either.

Outfitter had good reviews, and a friend had hunted with him in the past. He got cancer and used the funds for treatment before he passed.

Now, I pay the daily rates, but never for trophies until the hunt is done.

 

[375Fox]

Interesting, in my 8 safaris covering SA and Zim, I just always had to have my day rates paid in full before the hut. In SA, I had to pay final TF with either a wire or credit card whereas in Zim with both D&Y and Tokoloshe, I paid TF when I arrived back to US with a wire.

I suppose part will depend on the size of hunt you’ve booked. I’ve always been asked for a $10k trophy fee deposit or payment on primary animals depending on the hunt.

 

[KAROO WILD Safaris]

If it’s standard practice to pay trophy fees upfront it really shouldn’t be. Begs too many questions, like what happens if you’re not successful on hunting that particular animal. I can understand a deposit to show your intention to come on the hunt, but trophy fees upfront doesn’t sound like good business practice. No matter what the outfitters reputation may be

 

[Rafiki]

I have never paid trophy fees up front. When I book a hunt I wore 50% of the daily rate and the other 50% just before heading over. Trophy fees are paid according to whatever I get after my return.

 

[Tusker]

I have never paid trophy fees up front. When I book a hunt I wore 50% of the daily rate and the other 50% just before heading over. Trophy fees are paid according to whatever I get after my return.

may I ask if you ever hunted for DG in other countries that weren't SA or Namibia?

 

[375Fox]

If it’s standard practice to pay trophy fees upfront it really shouldn’t be. Begs too many questions, like what happens if you’re not successful on hunting that particular animal. I can understand a deposit to show your intention to come on the hunt, but trophy fees upfront doesn’t sound like good business practice. No matter what the outfitters reputation may be

A lot of South African outfitters sell buffalo packages and PG packages. Is full payment due before the hunt starts? Or is the trophy fee portion reserved until after the hunt finishes? It’s no different in other countries except it’s broken into separate daily rates and a trophy fee. I’ve only ever prepaid specific trophy fees on high value primary animals like buffalo or elephant. The rest on return home after completing the hunt. I’ve never had the need for an outfitter to return a trophy fee deposit so far usually I have a balance due.

 

[Scott CWO]

For those of you who have not hunted wild open areas in Zambia, Tanzania, etc… it is common to pay all daily rates upfront plus a substantial trophy fee deposit. Once home, remaining trophy fee balances are wired. If you’re not willing to meet these terms, you will not be booked. Use reputable operators and you won’t have a problem.

 

[Rare Breed]

A lot of South African outfitters sell buffalo packages and PG packages. Is full payment due before the hunt starts? Or is the trophy fee portion reserved until after the hunt finishes? It’s no different in other countries except it’s broken into separate daily rates and a trophy fee. I’ve only ever prepaid specific trophy fees on high value primary animals like buffalo or elephant. The rest on return home after completing the hunt. I’ve never had the need for an outfitter to return a trophy fee deposit so far usually I have a balance due.

Fair point made by @375Fox That is the beauty of our great forum…all of us would agree on two things: 1. Ask your potential outfitter before booking a hunt. 2. Check on their answer to see if it is competitive after ensuring all your potential outfitters meet AH standards