It would be great if someone could take this info and compile like a checklist and query list in a document form like this one I found from another site. I would save a lot of tears and frustration for most hunters and also for outfitters and PH's.
HUNTING 101 GENERAL TIPS
1. Get the pricelist of everything (animals, trophy animals, pay per shot/weight/carcass, wounded animals, PH cost, lodging, all extras like guide. trackers, skinners, vehicles, freezing, facilities, food and beverages etc.) and the complete set of farm/PH/outfitter rules (Take your copy with to the farm).
2. Clarify, in WRITING, any of the rules that are not clear or questions you have with regards to matters not covered by the rules. NB is VAT included or excluded? How many hunting parties on the farm at one time? Wounded animals, amount of shots fired? Etc. etc.
3. Will you be accompanied/mentored/guided/shadowed by a PH/guide/tracker? PH, outfitter, tracker or guide qualification/affiliation, experience and ability of the person.
4. Clarify in writing any cancellation fees due to personal circumstances, injury, bad weather, veldfires, crime incidents , vehicle failure etc. etc.
5. Tell the farmer/PH/outfitter what your species wish list is and ask what the realistic chances are of success on an X-day hunt. How many of that species have been taken off already this year and how many are on quota to be taken off for the season.
6. Be clear about what type of accommodation you are looking for and ask whether the farm's accommodation meets those requirements.
7. Be clear of anything you need specifically like favourite liquor, food, internet etc. etc.
8. Clarify everything that needs clarification in writing e.g. by asking your questions over e-mail. If the farmer/PH/outfitter answers verbally then send him an e-mail summarizing the discussion. "It was nice speaking with you earlier. The following matters were clarified in our discussion ......" (Print all of above and take your copy with you to the farm)
9. Ask for a list of past clients that you could speak to. (Phone at least one or two for confirmation)
10. Ask about people's experiences at the farm/PH/outfitter on Hunting Forums.
11. Do a search on the farm name/PH/outfitter for compliments, complaints, good or bad services.
12. For cross-border/overseas hunts make sure all firearm, ammunition, animal trophy (cities) import and export permits, documents and shipping documents are in place (additional cost involved?) and take a copy or original document along.
13. If you want to bring back meat from a local or cross-border/overseas hunt make sure you have a valid Meat transport permit and the necessary Import and Health permit.
14. Hunting is expensive and budgets are tight. It pays to do your homework.
