After doing some initial research and checking with several sources between conventions, I visited with Whittal in his booth at the Safari Club International Convention to find out what he has lined up. He told me he has been working to open Angola for two years now and has succeeded in getting a concession assigned to him. He even offered to show me the paperwork proving it. Does that mean he can start taking hunters right now? Well, no. Not yet. I asked Whittal about work permits, firearm permits and other vital paperwork that would allow him to bring foreigners into the country and actually conduct safaris. Whittal told me none of that paperwork has been finalized yet, but he believes that it will be by this coming August when his first clients are booked to hunt.
According to Whittal, the half dozen hunters who have put down deposits know there is a chance the opening will get waylaid if the paperwork does not come through. He says they are willing to take the chance in order to be among the very first international hunters in 30 years to go on safari there. If the last approvals aren't issued in time, he says he will roll over their deposits or return them to any hunters who want out. Furthermore, he says they understand that the first hunters in are likely to encounter some snags and that they should view this opportunity as an adventure. He told me he only plans to take about six hunters this year........(continued)
