Since 1981, when we started The Hunting Report, no story has given us more anguish than this one. Do we blow the whistle and collapse the 2000 safari season? Economic conditions in Zimbabwe are such that a loss of revenue this large would almost certainly put many operators out of business. On the other hand, if we don't tell you the situation in Zimbabwe is serious (and fluid!), we would not be doing the job you pay us to do.
Ultimately, the biggest problem posed for us by this story is the rapidity with which it is unfolding. Our newsletter deadlines simply do not allow us to provide the service we feel we should provide paid subscribers. What we have decided to do is create a special section within our web-site (huntingreport.com/zimbabwe-crisis), where we will post on a daily basis all of the feedback we are receiving on this problem. Already, as this is written, we have a vast amount of material on hand. If you are headed toward Zimbabwe, do read this material. It will give you a strong feel for what is happening. You will also find, at the top of this special section, our own general assessment of the situation and our recommended course of action.
At this writing (April 28), here is our view of the situation: The so-called land invasions that are occurring in Zimbabwe are still mostly political theater, created by current president Robert Mugabe, who wants to stay in power at any cost. He has selected land ownership by the whites as........(continued)
