Two other destinations were also redlined by the US State Department with rather scary Travel Warnings. One was Sudan and the other Pakistan, which we also warned E-mail Extra subscribers about. The hunting seasons there are over now, but the feedback from hunters who were there recently is that they experienced no problems with security.
Both of the travel warnings focus on terrorist activities targeted at westerners. The warning for Sudan is particularly frightening and issued in early March. It advises US citizens in Sudan to have their own contingency plans to depart the country independent of the US Embassy. In Pakistan, the warning issued in late February cites ongoing security concerns, particularly for places where Americans are known to congregate or visit, including hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, or outdoor recreation events. It goes on to strongly urge westerners to avoid hotels that do not apply stringent security measures and to maintain good situational awareness.
Again, hunters planning a trip to either of these destinations should speak to their operator about security plans. Ask about the security if you’re scheduled to stay in a hotel. You should be escorted when in public and travel straight to your hunting destination. Stay away from areas that attract attention and keep inconspicuous.
For legal reasons, The Hunting Report cannot recommend you ignore a warning by the US State Department. Such things are not issued in a vacuum or for strictly political reasons. Also, some insurance policies (health, life insurance, etc.) and work contracts may be nullified if you travel to a redlined country. Check your policies and contracts for such language. You should also prepare your own backup plans, including carrying a satellite phone (which The Hunting Report can provide) with the emergency numbers for the US Embassy. Personally, I would also subscribe to Global Rescue’s Security Evacuation Service (800-381-9754; www.globalrescue.com/huntingreport/). I’ve told you before about Global Rescue’s abilities to extract members from places under dicey conditions, including terrorist attacks and civil war. If you call them, be sure to mention that your friends at The Hunting Report sent you.
