While Bown says the entire premise for this is based on an erroneous assumption by government officials, "arguing with authorities is a dead-end." She says hunters should not have any problems but warns they should not lose their copy of the declaration form before leaving the country.
News of the new requirement created unease among some hunters, who imagined shakedowns, demands for bribes and other such activities once declaring how much hard cash they are carrying on them. Here's what Bown had to say about that: "The authorities are trying to catch any operators who might want to send money out, rather than discourage people from bringing it in - after all, we need it!! However, if anyone ever gets into such a situation, remain dignified and calm. Ask for the person's name, identification number and position. Write it down in a notebook or somewhere and ask to see his superior. Get the superior's name. Tell the superior you would like to know what authority there is for asking for this payment. Insist on a signed official receipt if any money has to change hands. Do not pay any money over until the receipt is made out. Keep all this together and when possible make a full report/complaint to the US Embassy in Harare (GarryJC@state.gov; or consularharare@state.gov). Your hunting operator ought to be able to put you in touch with the head of immigration and the head........(continued)
