I see on here people often look down on using an agent. There are a lot of advantages to using a quality agent that can be trusted, quality hunts being the most obvious. I have 3 postponed hunts over covid. My agent stepped in when outfitters were being overly optimistic/pushy in 2020. I had a problem with lost trophies from a shipment with a very reputable outfitter and wasn’t getting the responses from outfitter, taxidermy, or shipper I wanted. I got my agent involved and trophies were located the next day and a plan forward made. Buchanan hunts helping him get his deposit back is another good example of using an agent that’s there for their client and not just a commission.
I'm a private person, a borderline introvert. I don't drink and do not enjoy a lot of BSing with strangers. I am more comfortable knowing who I would be hunting with.
I would also submit that the booking agents I've met at the Calgary shows are very tight with the outfitter details (I don't blame them, they want the booking, not me booking directly with the outfitter). However, these booking agents do little to sell their own services. They come across as an used car salesman, just another layer I have to get through before I can complete the deal with the manager (outfitter). I trust my own assessment of the outfitter more than Doug from XYZ Africa Booking Agent. The booking agents want me to trust their assessment of the outfitter. I also found their "hunt packages" to not suit my needs.
Through meeting my eventual outfitter at a Calgary show, I was able to assess him personally. He would also be my PH. I would be the only Hunter there in that time frame. No conflicts. We also immediately had a personal connection.
I did my due diligence and eventually contacted him and booked. Frequent Emails and phone calls (there's only 8 hours difference, it's not that hard) built further on our original connection. I booked two years a head (we had some major house repairs that needed attention first). When the outfitter and his wife were back in Calgary the next year, we took them to dinner. That sealed the deal that my wife was coming with me. The ladies got along famously and had a blast while the OF/PH and I hunted.
I never thought I'd get to Africa once let alone twice. If the OF/PH isn't like a younger brother, he's for sure in my top five friends. We talk and Email routinely. Would I have that connection or relationship by going through a booking agent? Maybe, but unlikely.
Can a GOOD booking agent make a difference absolutely. But by doing the homework and research, I was able to find the Outfitter that suited ME. We negotiated the package I wanted. We arranged the tours for my wife. His wife was with her every step of the way. He worked his ass off for me. We had a great time. I went back, he is my friend.
I also hedged my bets by hiring Air 2000 Hunters Support ( I met the owner at a Calgary show) for their VIP Meet and greet service, their rifle permit service and one of their contract drivers/tour guides. No issues at OR Tambo with their help. I stayed at the airport City Lodge. I used a great travel agent from Toronto, who also was at a Calgary show.
Everyone I used, I met and took their measure personally. That's what worked for me.
Now, for other parts of the world, maybe a booking agent would serve me well, but after volunteering for 7 years with our local SCI board, I have many more contacts and resources to rely on.
