Lion Hunt Outfitter

[Cecil Hammonds]

Hi guys,

Just a little bit of a rant here, but looking for thoughts on a recent experience I had with an outfitter that I hunted buffalo with in Tanzania a few years ago. I recently reached out to him asking his thoughts about a lion hunt and he said he had some in his concession in Tanzania. We chatted a bit on WhatsApp about it, and then he asked if I was going to the shows and I said I would probably go to SCI. He said well let's talk there. Make an appointment and see me at my booth. At that point in my mind I heard "get with my secretary and get on my calendar", and it turned me off completely to put it mildly. I realize it's hunting season and he was probably busy, but that came across like he wasn't taking me seriously. I only reached out to him because I hunted with his outfit before. Maybe I am taking that a bit hard, but to me if I am going to lay out the kind of cash for a true wild lion hunt, then I would expect better than that.

Thoughts?

 

[Wishfulthinker580]

Hi guys,

Just a little bit of a rant here, but looking for thoughts on a recent experience I had with an outfitter that I hunted buffalo with in Tanzania a few years ago. I recently reached out to him asking his thoughts about a lion hunt and he said he had some in his concession in Tanzania. We chatted a bit on WhatsApp about it, and then he asked if I was going to the shows and I said I would probably go to SCI. He said well let's talk there. Make an appointment and see me at my booth. At that point in my mind I heard "get with my secretary and get on my calendar", and it turned me off completely to put it mildly. I realize it's hunting season and he was probably busy, but that came across like he wasn't taking me seriously. I only reached out to him because I hunted with his outfit before. Maybe I am taking that a bit hard, but to me if I am going to lay out the kind of cash for a true wild lion hunt, then I would expect better than that.

Thoughts?

I’m not saying switch outfitters but you may reach out to @ActionBob, @Wheels and @Royal27 about the outfitter they hunted with in TZ and the cat situation there

Thread 'TANZANIA: Safari ya Marafiki (Safari of Friends) Mwatisi Safaris'

Apr 9, 2022

Safari ya Marafiki (Safari of friends) Mwatisi Safaris

Jerome establishing AH changed my perspective on hunting internationally with friends. This hunt is the first international hunt I have done with friends and probably won’t be the last. It is interesting how friendships can develop through a website like AH. People you don’t know that live half way around the country or the world end up people you are in WhatsApp chats with on a regular basis.


AH friends.

These are the AH friends that made this safari possible @Just Gina @ActionBob @Royal27 and some old goober...

• Wheels
• Replies: 54
• Forum: Hunting reports Africa

• 
• 

Post in thread 'TANZANIA: Has Anyone Hunted With Mwatisi Safaris Ltd?'

May 23, 2022

Very, Very Rare to see 2 big lions together in this day and age!!

We were initially concerned about being able to successfully hunt two lions. Sherdell kept assuring us it would be no problem.

It was crazy and way beyond my wildest dreams how many big cats, and other predators, were in that area! We saw big male lion tracks regularly. Left with several big males still around and hitting baits.

And after we took 3 leopard, I think there were 6 left on bait!

• ActionBob

• 

 

[375Fox]

I wouldn’t take it too personally. If you had a good hunt previously and he has a good reputation and a good area follow up at SCI like he asked. He might be sold out a long time in advance or just feels in person is the way to plan a hunt of that caliber plus he probably was busy.

 

[AimSmall]

He did ask to meet with you.

 

[WAB]

It’s a bit impersonal but written communication is always challenging, especially if he is ESL. I would show some grace and meet with him.

 

[Philip Glass]

Hi guys,

Just a little bit of a rant here, but looking for thoughts on a recent experience I had with an outfitter that I hunted buffalo with in Tanzania a few years ago. I recently reached out to him asking his thoughts about a lion hunt and he said he had some in his concession in Tanzania. We chatted a bit on WhatsApp about it, and then he asked if I was going to the shows and I said I would probably go to SCI. He said well let's talk there. Make an appointment and see me at my booth. At that point in my mind I heard "get with my secretary and get on my calendar", and it turned me off completely to put it mildly. I realize it's hunting season and he was probably busy, but that came across like he wasn't taking me seriously. I only reached out to him because I hunted with his outfit before. Maybe I am taking that a bit hard, but to me if I am going to lay out the kind of cash for a true wild lion hunt, then I would expect better than that.

Thoughts?

It’s a $100,000 hunt so that may be part of the issue with him. Who knows.

 

[AZDAVE]

Good morning
Thought about your post and knowing the outfitter you hunted with a couple years ago and with it being the middle of the hunting season in Tanzania, in addition that he picked up some of the clients from his partner company due to a death in that family, my bet is that he is overwhelmed keeping all the irons in the fire so to speak.

Would suggest that you send him another Whatsapp text and tell him you would really like to discuss the options sooner rather than later as you are looking to make serious plans before the show season. Would it be possible between clients in camp to set up a short whatsapp call. If that doesn't work move on and find a better fit.

 

[ActionBob]

Hi guys,

Just a little bit of a rant here, but looking for thoughts on a recent experience I had with an outfitter that I hunted buffalo with in Tanzania a few years ago. I recently reached out to him asking his thoughts about a lion hunt and he said he had some in his concession in Tanzania. We chatted a bit on WhatsApp about it, and then he asked if I was going to the shows and I said I would probably go to SCI. He said well let's talk there. Make an appointment and see me at my booth. At that point in my mind I heard "get with my secretary and get on my calendar", and it turned me off completely to put it mildly. I realize it's hunting season and he was probably busy, but that came across like he wasn't taking me seriously. I only reached out to him because I hunted with his outfit before. Maybe I am taking that a bit hard, but to me if I am going to lay out the kind of cash for a true wild lion hunt, then I would expect better than that.

Thoughts?

First off, I personally would not take issue with that note. I'd take it as "let's talk in person, this is a big deal, a special hunt and I want to discuss it in person."

From there it becomes pure speculation. Does he want to give you a deal? Or are prices going up? Is the lion population down? Maybe its up?

If you really want to get it booked sooner than later, take the advice from @AZDAVE

If you can have patience, wait and visit at SCI.

If you want a better deal, shop around. We did not pay $100k for our entire hunt which included 2 buffalo, leopard, lion, full slate of Plains Game, observer fee, full 21 days. No charter was needed but is available at cost.

Prices have jumped since our hunt in 2021. I think some new bidders for the concessions have increased costs and slowed booking. Your Outfitter may want to go over that with you in person also.

 

[revturbo9967]

I would agree with what has been already said. A hunt of that size may want to be discussed in person. He also may be booked far out and want to gauge timing.

 

[FlyGuy]

As has been said, meet with him in person.
A free range, wild lion hunt needs more than a few WhatsApp messages to arrange properly.
Most outfitters, especially the good ones, don’t have a lot of time on their hands.
Hunting season with back to back safaris, show and marketing season, family time, travel, maintenance of vehicles and camps, HR, anti-poaching etc.etc