New member vetting

[Tbitty]

How would you vette any potential hunter who contacts you about going on a hunt? I'm sure a great deal of your business is done with hunters who are not on AH, so treat a member, especially a new one, the same way you would any other non member who calls to book a hunt.

If this is something for a documentary or hunting show, ask for references or samples of their work on other hunts they've done. Trust your instincts.

 

[Racer00]

I believe Lon had a potential client ask about an elephant hunt and wanted to film it. My guess is he’s being cautious with an unknown client and possible reasons beyond the norm for filming

 

[DieJager]

If filming for a documentary it would for me be a hard pass. Everything that can be said on the subject is already said.

Why take the change. Only if it would be a known hunter I would take the risk.

 

[Green Chile]

If your instincts are yelling and you have to talk yourself into something...there's your answer.

 

[93marlin]

If your instincts are yelling and you have to talk yourself into something...there's your answer.

Trust your gut!!!

 

[Red Leg]

When a 50% deposit has cleared and is in your account then you can trust them.

 

[Doug Hamilton]

What is the proper way to vette a new member? New member, no previous posts. Could be a lot of money involved. Possibility of bad publicity for hunting.

I am very uncomfortable, but want to be fair.

Lon

Something we said a lot in the prison system, and especially when we were training new officers was, "If something feels wrong, it probably is."

I remember "The Guns of Autumn" a 1975 made for TV "documentary" with Dan Rather that was nothing but a hit piece made to make all hunters look like unethical slobs with a desire to cause animals pain.

 

[Mekaniks]

When a 50% deposit has cleared and is in your account then you can trust them.

But can you tho?
I don't think its a far reach for an anti-hunting group to fund a "hunter" and cameraman to go film an elephant hunt and then post the whole "tramatic, dramatic affair" as negatively as possible to be used as anti hunting fodder around the world......

 

[Green Chile]

What is it the signs in American businesses say…”We reserve the right to refuse service.”

 

[Doug Hamilton]

I check references before booking a hunt. Is there a reason it’s unacceptable for an outfitter to ask the same thing? Asking for references of non-zim outfitters or booking agents that can be verified seems reasonable to me. I wouldn’t be offended if I was asked.

When asked about previous hunts, most real hunters are more than happy to tell hunting stories. From there I'd think it would be pretty easy to tell if the people booking the hunt were genuine.

 

[PerH]

If gut feeling is there , say it like this

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

That’s a tough one. If they want to film it for a documentary you might be able to get a clause in the contract providing you with final approval and review.

I’m looking at a hunt right now that’s a pretty long way off and substantial money. The outfitter interviews potential hunters, then he decided who he wants to book. I’ve always wondered how much of the conversation potential clients have with Outfitters is an interview from their end. I’m sure the outfitters use the info in pairing PH’s and determine areas, I know a few outfitters who’ve declined potential customers. Just wonder if it happens more often than we hear about.

 

[Green Chile]

That’s a tough one. If they want to film it for a documentary you might be able to get a clause in the contract providing you with final approval and review.

I’m looking at a hunt right now that’s a pretty long way off and substantial money. The outfitter interviews potential hunters, then he decided who he wants to book. I’ve always wondered how much of the conversation potential clients have with Outfitters is an interview from their end. I’m sure the outfitters use the info in pairing PH’s and determine areas, I know a few outfitters who’ve declined potential customers. Just wonder if it happens more often than we hear about.

If I was an outfitter in a specialty area with limited quota, I would be interviewing my potential clients. I think they do some of this anyway. I know they evaluate you when you arrive to watch your gun handling, sight in, etc. That determines are we going for impala or buff on the first day...not entirely correct but some version of that does happen. I got to help look for a wounded buff from the last client's hunt one time...that meant a lot to me.

 

[HankBuck]

When filming takes place for a documentary. It had be edited to present things how ever they want.

Kind of like when 60 minutes show up on your front porch.

Lon

@Tokoloshe Safaris: Sounds like you suspect there could be a hidden agenda? That’s a reason to proceed with caution. Over the years I had several occasions to work closely with our companies Marketing and Advertising Dept. - our Sr. VP told me “the Outcome and Conclusion of film documentaries and Investigative journalism is determined long Before filming ever starts”.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

If I was an outfitter in a specialty area with limited quota, I would be interviewing my potential clients. I think they do some of this anyway. I know they evaluate you when you arrive to watch your gun handling, sight in, etc. That determines are we going for impala or buff on the first day...not entirely correct but some version of that does happen. I got to help look for a wounded buff from the last client's hunt one time...that meant a lot to me.

I 100% agree your zero/range time is them checking your shooting ability.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

That’s a tough one. If they want to film it for a documentary you might be able to get a clause in the contract providing you with final approval and review.

I’m looking at a hunt right now that’s a pretty long way off and substantial money. The outfitter interviews potential hunters, then he decided who he wants to book. I’ve always wondered how much of the conversation potential clients have with Outfitters is an interview from their end. I’m sure the outfitters use the info in pairing PH’s and determine areas, I know a few outfitters who’ve declined potential customers. Just wonder if it happens more often than we hear about.

The last part of your paragraph is true!
Will not elaborate on it much but I found it out at DSC when looking for upcoming hunt. I could not get the time of day from some I thought I wanted to talk to!

Made narrowing my list down easy.

 

[Green Chile]

@Tokoloshe Safaris: our Sr. VP told me “the Outcome and Conclusion of film documentaries and Investigative journalism is determined long Before filming ever starts”.

That's so true...beware of those engagements...the outcome is often predetermined.

 

[Green Chile]

The last part of your paragraph is true!
Will not elaborate on it much but I found it out at DSC when looking for upcoming hunt. I could not get the time of day from some I thought I wanted to talk to!

Made narrowing my list down easy.

Sad but true. Don't waste your time on operators who aren't interested in talking with you. I also gauge that carefully and try to talk when they aren't in the middle of something. On that subject, I never book on the first conversation...that's part of my interview/intake process. First impressions aren't everything but they do matter.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

Sad but true. Don't waste your time on operators who aren't interested in talking with you. I also gauge that carefully and try to talk when they aren't in the middle of something. On that subject, I never book on the first conversation...that's part of my interview/intake process. First impressions aren't everything but they do matter.

You are so correct! And thank you for your advise at DSC when I ran into you and we talked!!!

 

[Green Chile]

Happy to help Mark. You're one of the good guys and have helped so many others...it was easy to help you! That was a good day helping 2 friends book elephant hunts...two different sets of requirements...two different decisions but the right decision for both friends!