Tanzania had not yet issued a public list of hunting concession allocations for 2013-2018 as this is written on January 20, 2012. You'll remember I reported which companies had received concessions back in the October 2011 issue and then expanded on that report in November, identifying those companies which were experienced safari operators. Usually, the Wildlife Division of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism publishes a booklet listing all the safari operators, what hunting blocks they have, trophy fees and other pertinent information. At press time this was not yet available, but it may be by the Safari Club International convention in Las Vegas in early February. Interested hunters should make a point of visiting the Tanzania Hunting Operators Association booth to inquire. If the booklets are not available, then make sure you ask any safari operator you speak with to show you his official letter from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism listing the areas he was allocated. The letter should be addressed to his safari company. If he cannot produce such a letter, he should be able to tell you what concession holder he is working with and produce a copy of that letter. They should also be able to tell you how their areas have been categorized. A Category I block is the highest quality. A Category V block is the lowest, and you should ask very specific questions about the hunting in these blocks. Hopefully the new booklets will indicate the quality of the blocks.
I reported that several companies were appealing the allocations, some through political pressure, others through the courts. A Tanzanian newspaper reported in mid-January that Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism Ezekiel Maige warned they are wasting their time. (See http://thecitizen.co.tz/component/content/article/37-tanzania-top-news-story/18762-no-change-of-heart-on-hunting-permits.html). The operators who filed suit are convinced otherwise.
When I spoke with Tanzanian operators at the Dallas Safari Club convention and The African Hunting Shows, I heard strong concerns about the reallocations and the new companies that won concessions. Many believe that Tanzania has created disincentives for investment in the hunting industry and for foreign investors overall. After all,........(continued)
