$20,000 Buffalo

[Standard Velocity]

I was watching a YouTube video of a buffalo hunt last night and saw something that had never occurred to me.

The client shot a buffalo and it went down with the first shot. A second buffalo was standing next to him and started slowly coming towards the hunting party.

The PH yelled at the client to shoot it so he did. The PH opened up on the buffalo too and the closing shot of the video is of a happy client sitting on $20k of buffalo.

Should I ever be able to afford a buffalo hunt it will be a financial stretch barring a lottery win. Obviously self preservation is a high priority, but a snap decision to drop an additional $10k on a hunt might take some of the shine off of the experience.

I picture myself running round in circles telling the PH I’m too broke to save my own skin as the buffalo closes in on my narrow behind.

Have any clients or guides experienced such a situation? How does it work out financially? We don’t nickel and dime when we travel but increasing the price by $10k at the drop of a hat would smart.

 

[Red Leg]

Where did this hunt take place? If Tanzania, then usually two buffalo are on license, and most PH's are thrilled to get both out of the way in a single encounter.

In all areas (Zim/Moz/RSA,Nam, etc), quota is very carefully managed, and no PH is going to ask, demand, or expect you to shoot a second buffalo without serious financial negotiations. Being actually charged is another issue entirely, but again, no one is going to ask you to shoot or shoot himself unless the situation is extremely critical. And no, you would not be charged for that animal unless you were hunting one.

 

[Standard Velocity]

Where did this hunt take place? If Tanzania, then usually two buffalo are on license, and most PH's are thrilled to get both out of the way in a single encounter.

In all areas (Zim/Moz/RSA,Nam, etc), quota is very carefully managed, and no PH is going to ask, demand, or expect you to shoot a second buffalo without serious financial negotiations. Being actually charged is another issue entirely, but again, no one is going to ask you to shoot or shoot himself unless the situation is extremely critical. And no, you would not be charged for that animal unless you were hunting one.

I was hoping you would answer this one as it appears you’ve been around and have a good understanding of how these things work.

And yes, it was in Tanzania if I’m not mistaken. It was one of those sponsored shows (Winchester if I recall).

When someone is providing a service I really don’t like to niggle over pricing but I’m not a wealthy guy. Perhaps they would just make me stay in Africa and work it off in the skinning shed.

 

[grand veneur]

All may occur.

During an elephant hunt in Zimbabwe I also shot a buffalo that was not planned and only crossed our path by accident. It was the same situation , the PH , and important too also the outfitter , called out behind me that I should shoot it , and I shot the buffalo.

Surely you must pay afterwards , but I only paid the trophy fees. One need friends for this activity , otherwise sure you'll be broke quickly.

 

[Tanks]

In Zim I had a self defense for an elephant, a bit of paperwork but did not have to pay any fees. I did tip the game scout well after the hunt

 

[grand veneur]

You just have to be on the right place at the right moment.

I once went home with two elephants , only one was initially planned. I didn't pay for the second one , I was allowed to shot it by order of the authorities of Zimbabwe. A gift from the PH.

 

[Philip Glass]

In Tanzania most of the cost is in daily rates and fees. Hence the trophy fees are lower. Buffalo are something like $4000