"I arrived in Bangui this morning and was met by the Aouk Sangha representative. We were brisked through customs with no problems whatsoever. On the plane with us were a few French clients who were headed to the savannah to hunt Lord Derby eland. All of us were well received and well taken care of. The only evidence of the coup that I could see was a few bullet pockmarks at the airport. The people were extremely friendly and receptive. The government officials expressed gratitude to all of us hunters for showing our support of the new government by actually coming on safari.
"Boetie Bothma and Craigh Hamman arrived in CAR three weeks ago, just after the takeover. They met with all the new wildlife officials, including the Minister of Wildlife and Forestry, Mr. Yondo. All hunter permits were issued without any problems and all meetings preparing for this upcoming bongo season went off without a hitch...."
Barth went on to note that Bothma and Hamman have a bongo opening this year June 1 to 14. Both are recommendable PHs, and the area they have is first rate, especially the additional area they were just granted by an international conservation organization. John Barth can provide details.
........(continued)
