Being someone whose never been to Africa before, but planning on doing so in the next 2-3 years, I have a few questions for those in the know like Robert:
1) what percentage of trophies are brought back on airlines vs cargo from ships?
2) is it significantly more expensive to ship cargo via maritime means vs air cargo
3) would their be an opportunity for shipping merchants to pick up the slack for the trophies that aren't being shipped via airlines anymore (of course complying with all international
, national, and state laws)?
4) Do other air cargo companies like UPS, FedEX, etc play any role in trophy shipments from Africa? I know I ship my cape, horns, etc. in the U.S. vis UPS.
You could see this coming from a mile away. Delta, along with other airlines that allow trophy shipments, were looking for an excuse to stop doing this for a while in my opinion. This was he perfect catalyst to do so. I fully expect others will follow. Furthermore, I could foresee where this doesn't only apply to the glamour species (Big 5) but also plains game, etc.. In fact, one article I read quoted a spokesperson for Delta saying just that.......all policies would be reviewed.
These companies don't wanna end up like Dr. Palmer's business with all of this "outrage" and protesting happening at their corporate headquarters, as well as being lied about on national media, etc. Boycott, campaigns, political backlash, etc.
Supposedly, these airlines operate on thin margins (relative) lately, and they are saying to hunters we really could care less about your business. Same thing as telling someone "It's not personal, it was just a business decision…". Not saying I agree with it, in fact it was refreshing to see them take a positive stance against the antis before, however you had to know it was coming.
Getting back to my original question. It seems to me that if a company wanted to make a splash in the hunting community, and earn some money, they could set up a shipping business with clearing houses/warehouses/Expediters at the point of origin as well as the destination port of entry as well. Couple that with a fleet of cargo ships or aircraft, they could become the exclusive provider for shipping trophies back from Africa. Maybe purchase a couple of old C130's or cargo ships
Of course I realize this may be naive, and I'm sure the startup costs, operating costs, etc may not be worth the hassel, and may even be a big money loser. Maybe trying not to do it all alone, but partnering with organizations, businesses that already have the resources in place like Roberts.
Anyway, I'm sure it's already been looked into, but I'm just wondering what the other options out there are? I could eventually see airlines questioning the purpose of your travel, and not permitting hunters to travel on their airlines. Sounds crazy, but we are living in crazy times. Maybe there'd be room for hunter friendly airline companies.
Crazy times we live in…