Cancelling a hunt

[Charles de Ribeau]

I've been trying to get back to Africa for several years and something always manages to get in the way. So, I am ready once again to try to make plans for a trip. Now, I have had some medical issues along the way and am scheduled to have a total knee replacement in December.

I would like to book a trip now, however, there is a chance that I will have to cancel. I am thinking that I should be upfront with the outfitter and explain my situation and reach an agreement about what will be owed if I have to cancel. Does that seem reasonable and fair?

 

[Hunt anything]

Book it ! That should give you motivation to do your physical therapy and train up for a Safari.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I've been trying to get back to Africa for several years and something always manages to get in the way. So, I am ready once again to try to make plans for a trip. Now, I have had some medical issues along the way and am scheduled to have a total knee replacement in December.

I would like to book a trip now, however, there is a chance that I will have to cancel. I am thinking that I should be upfront with the outfitter and explain my situation and reach an agreement about what will be owed if I have to cancel. Does that seem reasonable and fair?

Seems very reasonable and fair. Different outfitters are likely to have somewhat different conditions for refunds due to cancellations. Be prepared to hear something you may not want to hear, but it's a fair question that deserves an honest answer. If you don't care for the answer, then that's one outfit off your list.

I would say that if the knee replacement is the concern, that it's basically September now and the surgery is in December, I'd wait to book anything until the surgery is completed and you've had time to recover. That would seem best for all interested parties.

 

[JimP]

My brother in law had a knee replacement a number of years ago, he was hunting elk the following October about 6 months from his surgery date.

 

[Red Leg]

Booking a hunt normally requires a deposit. That deposit protects both you and the outfitter. Should you cancel, the deposit is normally forfeit. The outfitter is forced to try and find another client on short notice, and the deposit helps address already incurred expenses for the trip the original client is no longer taking. So yes, you will have that deposit at risk.

That said, book the hunt. African outfitters and PH's are experts at shaping a hunt to the physical condition of the hunter. Let him know you are coming with a bit of a gimp and he will make sure the hunt accommodates those restrictions whatever they are.

Look forward to reading about it.

 

[R.M.C.]

Book it and worry about it later if something comes up. Probably be able to postpone a trip til the next year too instead of cancelling. Life's too short lol

 

[YancyW]

Clearly, I have no idea about your situation, but my 80+ year old father had both knees replaced at the same time and was back working full days on the farm in just a few months. I hope you get your hunt booked and have a great time.

 

[375Fox]

What country and time of year are you planning to book? Booking a later in the year or early season hunt in South Africa or Namibia should be pretty easy to reschedule. A hunt in a wild area during prime season probably won’t be as easy to reschedule if required.

 

[WAB]

It is always best to be up front even if it costs you in the short term. If you book for next July/August you have plenty of time to rehab. As Red Leg mentioned, if the recovery is slow they will work with you to tailor the hint to your capability.

 

[Randy F]

Book it. I can’t think of a better incentive to hit therapy hard also you can board the plane. Best of luck to you!

 

[gillettehunter]

I had a double knee replacement a few years ago. I killed a deer with a crossbow about 2 1/2 months later. My knees were SORE. Somewhere around the 8 month mark I had a whole day that I didn't think about knee pain. I wouldn't want to fly with less than 6 months healing time. 8 would be better. Good luck with your replacement.
As to the hunt, just be upfront about whats going on. Most are going to try and work with you.
Bruce

 

[Charles de Ribeau]

Book it. I can’t think of a better incentive to hit therapy hard also you can board the plane. Best of luck to you!

At least the travel part, I think that I have a pretty good handle on that. If necessary, I can have a wheelchair in the airports. For the long, international legs, I always travel in business class (made possible by having a zillion miles in my frequent flyer account) so that means I can stretch out on a lay flat bed. Plus, the flight attendants are more likely to be helpful which translates into having lots of ice available for my knee.

 

[Charles de Ribeau]

I had a double knee replacement a few years ago. I killed a deer with a crossbow about 2 1/2 months later. My knees were SORE. Somewhere around the 8 month mark I had a whole day that I didn't think about knee pain. I wouldn't want to fly with less than 6 months healing time. 8 would be better. Good luck with your replacement.
As to the hunt, just be upfront about whats going on. Most are going to try and work with you.
Bruce

Did you have traditional surgery or robotic? Mine will be robotic. That's supposed to mean shorter recovery time compared to the traditional method.

 

[Charles de Ribeau]

What country and time of year are you planning to book? Booking a later in the year or early season hunt in South Africa or Namibia should be pretty easy to reschedule. A hunt in a wild area during prime season probably won’t be as easy to reschedule if required.

Namibia and am hoping to go in August. I was there one time at the beginning of November and the snakes started to come out. I don't need that again.

 

[gillettehunter]

Mine was traditional. Used a surgeon who had done over 7000 of them. Knees and hips are all he does…..
Bruce