One major problem has developed with argali sheep permits. Seems they were refused for 2020 and 2021 with UFWS now requesting conservation work done by the operators, much like what is required of African permits. I’m guessing the “case by case” basis for approval has reared its head for argali permits!
Which points out a very important consideration when you’re considering an outfitter. Buyer beware. Even the most prestigious operators that are household names on TV shows have done shady deals to win new areas out from under existing concession holders. The odds of these areas with these operators resulting in a successful case for “case by case” USFWS importation are nil.
You must whip out a gigantic spreadsheet that shows: A.) Sources of all funding, B.) Commitment to the local community Investment such as soccer team jerseys and bore holes for clean water, C.) CAMPFIRE/Tribal support through permit fees, sponsorship of office construction, vehicles, etc. D.) Antipoaching funding and data on year over year snares collected, poached animals discovered, and programs to reduce human-wildlife conflict, E.) Normal and customary paperwork with evidence of foreign funds, F.) Evidence that the death of the animal was a net-benefit to the species as a whole, G.) Evidence of local community employment opportunities at the camp/lodge, H.) Partnership and/or ownership by indigenous people as operators, leaseholders, or professional hunters, etc, etc, etc.
When you book your ultra-premium hunt with a TV celebrity ask them how long they’ve had an area and whether they will provide you full cooperation with the gathering of the data above. Often times they just got an area, or they haven’t done diddly-squat to address the above over years, or they are cheating on their taxes and will not show their total annual revenue and expenses out of fear the department of revenue gets wind of it and sues them for tax evasion.
It’s a bold new world and dare I say most of the operators are running businesses at present that are in part, scams. They’ll just say “its not our fault your government won’t let you import it, you still owe us premium prices for exportable animals”. Of course the USA‘s onerous demands aren’t really that different to the onerous demands of other nations that are expecting levels of supporting evidence as to why these protected species can be harvested.
Don’t hate the messenger, I’m just telling you the process! You’ll only find out you’re SOL months or years after your hunt when your permit is rejected!