Trophy Fee Budget

[Tanks]

...I have also been known to ask what is the "deal price" on an animal?" Surprising how deal prices can be reduced or negotiated on the spot !!

I had a man tell me once that there always two prices- the "asking price" and the "taking price". He told me the truth. It is also true that "hard cash" can also capture good deals !

Depends on the outfitter though. In wild areas outside of RSA most of the quota is already sold. On my last hunt while looking for Kudu we came across a lot of buffalo. I couldn't shoot another one as only one was left on quota in the area and was reserved for @375Fox along with roan etc..

 

[375Fox]

I carry a spiral notebook with me to record my daily hunt. On the inside of the front cover I have a taped price list of the outfitter. If an animal is part of a package deal, I designate that animal. Outside of that, I know the price of an other animal. I have also been known to ask what is the "deal price" on an animal?" Surprising how deal prices can be reduced or negotiated on the spot !!

I had a man tell me once that there always two prices- the "asking price" and the "taking price". He told me the truth. It is also true that "hard cash" can also capture good deals !

I won’t ask for a “deal price” on an animal. I think it’s disrespectful. I feel I’ve been a good client with every outfitter I’ve hunted. I’ve been offered deals during hunt and usually better deals on a return hunt. From my experience, outfitters are generous with clients they enjoy hunting with. A good way to respectfully get a deal is to tell your PH you’re interested in a species but can only afford x amount in your budget and see what they say.

 

[Philip Glass]

I've read that a lot of people wire the funds after they get home. I believe that the majority of people that do these hunts are very honest individuals but there has to be some horror stories of people not paying after the hunt. How do the outfitters handle that when they are in a different country?

Most of the time we will pay all daily rates and an estimate of the trophy fees up front and then pay the balance when home. They have your trophies for one thing.

 

[WAB]

Most of the time we will pay all daily rates and an estimate of the trophy fees up front and then pay the balance when home. They have your trophies for one thing.

Agreed. I try to cover with wires up front, but I’ve never had any issues wiring after returning home if I go over budget.

 

[Tanks]

Most of the time we will pay all daily rates and an estimate of the trophy fees up front and then pay the balance when home. They have your trophies for one thing.

Almost the same here. Daily rates are paid according to the schedule (60 days prior), I will do another wire transfer for charter, taxes, ranger fees etc. just before the hunt. Wire the rest when I get home.

 

[Cam Moon]

I turned down an animal he said "shoot now" regret that now, 45" free range sable in zim, but $2800 seamed so high

 

[Cam Moon]

animals are cheap -- taxidermy is expensive!

Taxidermy isn't always that bad. SHIPPING is expensive!!!

 

[Neil Molendyk]

Not only do the Safari Outfitters occasionally not get paid for their services although rarely I hope but taxidermists get stuck with the mounts that are completed when the hunter client decides that they don't want the completed mount for whatever reason. Hunter's remorse, lack of funds, over budget but i haven't seen poor work as one of the reasons. The taxidermist is then stuck with them and that's not right.

 

[CBeck]

Good thread will Be following along

 

[Hunting Hitman]

I usually take a photo of the price list and have it on my phone for review. As to the money for the hunt…most of the hunts I do anymore require a 50% deposit and then I wire the balance plus tips to the outfitter and PH upon returning home. I only carry cash for camp support Staff.

 

[Bullet Safaris]

How does everyone keep track of there budget on trophy fees when they are out hunting? I know some people have an unlimited budget and that's great. However, I do not have that luxury. I have read that people go with one or two desired trophies and then take whatever Africa gives them. I also read a report on here that the PH tried to get a hunter to shoot a trophy when it showed up, the hunter questioned the price and the PH told them that they would sort it out later. By the time the decision was made, it was too late..

So, how do you handle that? Do the PH's get upset when you decline to shoot something they suggest? Would the PH have given the hunter a discount on that animal? Have you ever been surprised by the amount that you owe at the end of your hunt?

Hi - any PH that get mad (like really upset) over a client not shooting a PG animal is under pressure to squeeze as much money out of you as possible. This happens usually on lesser operations in controlled environments. Now, second guessing a PH on a trophy... that you want... and you signed up for... thats a different story _ shoot means SHOOT! If its a poor specimen or a young animal refer to my previous sentence.

money and price is never to be sorted out later. payment can be and i have seldom had a problem with that from clients (and the other way around - your outfit will extend credit most of the time)

other than that do your math ahead of time - the bush is no place for a calculator. have your alternate species and plans mapped out. there is plenty of time for that o n the plane ride over.

as i have said many times on this forum - if you have shopped price first/only then you have started off on the wrong foot when trying to experience the best Africa has to offer.