HuntingReport.com
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Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Chifuti Safaris Hunts |
Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.
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DATE
AND PLACE OF HUNT |
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| Report
ID: |
8848 |
Weapon
Used: |
Rifle |
How
Hunt Was Conducted? |
Guided |
| Date
of Hunt: |
August 22, 2012 to August 31, 2012 |
| Place
of Hunt: |
Zimbabwe Chenje |
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OUTFITTER,
GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS |
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| Outfitter
(or safari company): |
Chifuti Safaris. 5206 McKinney Ave; Suite 101; Dallas; Texas; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Fax: (214)-361-8789; Web www.safariclassics.net |
| Personal
Guide (if any): |
Clint Edwards, Keith Warr |
| Booking
Agent (if any): |
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Trip
Arrangements
(if self-guided): |
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| License
Required: |
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GAME
DESCRIPTION |
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| Major
Game Animals Taken: |
Buffalo, Cape - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: 34"- SCI 100 |
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Bushbuck - Availability: Scarce - Trophy Size: 16" |
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Impala - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: 20 5/8" |
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| Game
Sought But Not Taken: |
Kudu - Availability: Spent 9 days of 10 day hunt on buffalo |
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| Game
Condition Comments: |
Very good condition, thick brush - very hard to hunt. |
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SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor) |
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| Quality
of Outfit: |
Excellent |
Guide/PH
Ability: |
Excellent |
| Condition
of Camp: |
Excellent |
Condition
of Equipment: |
Excellent |
| Quality
of Food: |
Excellent |
Trophy
Care: |
Excellent |
| Name
of Airline: |
Delta |
Airline
Service: |
Excellent |
| Airline
Comments: |
Delta - 16 hours - Atlanta to Joburg |
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COSTS |
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| Hunting
Fees: |
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Amount: |
$10950 |
| Trophy Fees: |
Buffalo 2900, Bushbuck 850, Impala 250 |
Amount: |
$4000 |
| Permits/Licenses: |
taxes |
Amount: |
$116 |
| Commercial
Airfares: |
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Amount: |
$2300 |
| Charter Airfares: |
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Amount: |
$2996 |
| Other Costs: |
Dip/Pack fees |
Amount: |
$660 |
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SUMMARY
REMARKS |
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| Problems
of Hunt: |
Hot, walked 46 miles in 10 days, heat exhaustion on 4th day |
| Highlights
of Hunt: |
Great PH's + outfit - good buffalo |
| Equipment
Recommendations: |
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| Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? |
yes |
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HUNTER
INFORMATION |
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| Hunter
Name: |
Jerry M. Baker |
| Contact
Information: |
Tel. 325-456-1967 - PO Box 868 | Menard | TX | 76859 E-mail: jdbaker@wcc.net |
| Hunting Experience: |
Extensive |
| Physical Condition: |
Good, but 67 years old |
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IMPORTANT
NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt) |
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| Notified Outfitter? |
Notified Personal Guide? |
Notified Booking Agent? |
| Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide? |
| If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought? |
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ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL |
 |
Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Chifuti Safaris Hunts |
Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.
|
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DATE
AND PLACE OF HUNT |
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| Report
ID: |
8821 |
Weapon
Used: |
Rifle |
How
Hunt Was Conducted? |
Guided |
| Date
of Hunt: |
August 10, 2012 to August 20, 2012 |
| Place
of Hunt: |
Zimbabwe Chewore South, Lower Zambezi Valley |
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OUTFITTER,
GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS |
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| Outfitter
(or safari company): |
Chifuti Safaris. 5206 McKinney Ave; Suite 101; Dallas; Texas; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Fax: (214)-361-8789; Web www.safariclassics.net |
| Personal
Guide (if any): |
Clint Edwards |
| Booking
Agent (if any): |
Safari Classics Productions. 5206 McKinney Ave ; Suite 101; Dallas; TX; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Web www.safariclassics.net |
Trip
Arrangements
(if self-guided): |
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| License
Required: |
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GAME
DESCRIPTION |
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| Major
Game Animals Taken: |
Buffalo, Cape - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: 38"+ beautiful head, deep curve |
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| Game
Sought But Not Taken: |
Warthog - Availability: did not see any trophy size |
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| Game
Condition Comments: |
Great group, excellent food, nice accommodations. Clint Edwards did a great job and tried very hard. Area is pretty thick, good for Buffalo. Did not see an over abundance of male trophy plains game. Sandy and her crew at our camp was excellent. Walking in sand for buffalo requires good conditioning. |
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SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor) |
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| Quality
of Outfit: |
Excellent |
Guide/PH
Ability: |
Excellent |
| Condition
of Camp: |
Excellent |
Condition
of Equipment: |
Excellent |
| Quality
of Food: |
Excellent |
Trophy
Care: |
Good |
| Name
of Airline: |
Delta |
Airline
Service: |
Poor |
| Airline
Comments: |
Delta was delayed in leaving Dallas, due to weather, missed Atlanta flight to S.A. Delta's answear was to wait several days to find an open seat! Did not try to work out other options. We finally worked out next day through London. Delta did get guns on this flight, but 1/2 bags did not make the camp for 7 days. Will not use Delta again. Return was on KLM through Amsterdam to Dallas, bags were checked all the way and guns made it fine. |
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COSTS |
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| Hunting
Fees: |
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Amount: |
$0 |
| Trophy Fees: |
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Amount: |
$0 |
| Permits/Licenses: |
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Amount: |
$0 |
| Commercial
Airfares: |
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Amount: |
$0 |
| Charter Airfares: |
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Amount: |
$0 |
| Other Costs: |
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Amount: |
$0 |
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SUMMARY
REMARKS |
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| Problems
of Hunt: |
Slight problem with Safari Classics group, we had 3 non hunters and were promised a camp on the Zambezi river for fishing and game viewing. We did not get camp promised, but after looking at other camps, we were at the best camp and enjoyed Sandy and the staff very much. Worked out for the best, but was not as promised. This is probably not a good area for non hunters and plains game is pretty hunted over either by lions or people. |
| Highlights
of Hunt: |
Great buffalo hunt, great PH, and all of Chifuti's people worked very hard to make a great trip. Zambezi valley is a neat area and this is a big concession. Lunch at various springs was great as well as hunting along river beds. Clint Edwards and crew worked very hard and was fun to hunt with. |
| Equipment
Recommendations: |
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| Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? |
yes |
| Why? |
Great buffalo hunting area and with all they provide, well worth the cost. Get to get in close to buffalo, but requires good conditioning. Great area and was interesting to see. |
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HUNTER
INFORMATION |
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| Hunter
Name: |
Bill Goddard |
| Contact
Information: |
Tel. 580-226-6040 - P.O.Box 1485 | Ardmore | OK | USA | 73402 E-mail: goddard@brightok.net |
| Hunting Experience: |
Hunted Africa many times, many states USA and Americas. |
| Physical Condition: |
good,but should have walked more prior to hunt |
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IMPORTANT
NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt) |
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| Notified Outfitter? |
Notified Personal Guide? |
Notified Booking Agent? |
| Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide? |
| If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought? |
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ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL |
 |
Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Chifuti Safaris Hunts |
Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.
|
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DATE
AND PLACE OF HUNT |
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| Report
ID: |
8723 |
Weapon
Used: |
Rifle |
How
Hunt Was Conducted? |
Guided |
| Date
of Hunt: |
May 14, 2012 to May 28, 2012 |
| Place
of Hunt: |
Zimbabwe Chewore South |
|
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OUTFITTER,
GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS |
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| Outfitter
(or safari company): |
Chifuti Safaris. 5206 McKinney Ave; Suite 101; Dallas; Texas; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Fax: (214)-361-8789; Web www.safariclassics.net |
| Personal
Guide (if any): |
Owain Lewis |
| Booking
Agent (if any): |
Safari Classics Productions. 5206 McKinney Ave ; Suite 101; Dallas; TX; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Web www.safariclassics.net |
Trip
Arrangements
(if self-guided): |
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| License
Required: |
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GAME
DESCRIPTION |
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| Major
Game Animals Taken: |
Lion - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: Large Female |
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Buffalo - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Average |
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| Game
Sought But Not Taken: |
Hyena - Availability: Abundant but very nocturnal |
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| Game
Condition Comments: |
Abundance of elephant, lion, leopard, and buffalo. Plains game a little scarce due to abundance of predators including lion, leopard, hyena, and wild dogs. |
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SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor) |
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| Quality
of Outfit: |
Excellent |
Guide/PH
Ability: |
Excellent |
| Condition
of Camp: |
Excellent |
Condition
of Equipment: |
Excellent |
| Quality
of Food: |
Excellent |
Trophy
Care: |
Excellent |
| Name
of Airline: |
Delta & South Africa Airlines |
Airline
Service: |
Excellent |
| Airline
Comments: |
All flights departed and arrived on schedule. |
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COSTS |
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| Hunting
Fees: |
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Amount: |
$18130 |
| Trophy Fees: |
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Amount: |
$6750 |
| Permits/Licenses: |
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Amount: |
$0 |
| Commercial
Airfares: |
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Amount: |
$2800 |
| Charter Airfares: |
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Amount: |
$2300 |
| Other Costs: |
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Amount: |
$5000 |
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SUMMARY
REMARKS |
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| Problems
of Hunt: |
Lack of plains game due to abundance of predators including lion, leopard, hyenas, and wild dogs. |
| Highlights
of Hunt: |
Tracking and harvesting both a lioness and buffalo. Accommodations and camp staff were exceptional. PH was familiar with the fauna and flora of the area and took the time to provide a name and a little background for each species. |
| Equipment
Recommendations: |
Scope with illuminated recticle for hunting large cats during the early morning hours. |
| Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? |
yes |
| Why? |
Safari exceeded my expectations. My PH was very skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced. The safety of his client was always his number one priority. The accommodations and staff were exceptional. Variety and quality of food served was first class. Booking agent was very professional and helpful. |
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HUNTER
INFORMATION |
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| Hunter
Name: |
Glenn Vincent |
| Contact
Information: |
Tel. 281-440-0575 - 16755 Ella Blvd. #194 | Houston | Texas | USA | 77090 E-mail: gjvince@comcast.net |
| Hunting Experience: |
I have been hunting for the past 50 years. Prior to my recent African Safari, my hunting has been limited to big game in the USA and birds in Mexico. |
| Physical Condition: |
Good |
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IMPORTANT
NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt) |
 |
| Notified Outfitter? |
Notified Personal Guide? |
Notified Booking Agent? |
| Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide? |
| If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought? |
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|
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ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL |
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If a hunter is interested in pursuing elephant, lion, leopard, and/or buffalo, Chewore South should be your destination. However, if you are interested in hunting plains game, the hunting can be a little tough due to the abundance of large predators. Although I wasn't hunting leopard, we had leopard feeding on the multiple lion baits almost every night. We encountered elephant on a daily basis. Although the buffalo were abundant, they were really tough to hunt due to continuous harassment by the lions and the thick Jesse along the riverines. Also, please be advised that the concession includes large dangerous game and that shooting one of them in self defense is not that uncommon. Arrive at camp both physically and mentally prepared!
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|
Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Chifuti Safaris Hunts |
Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.
|
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DATE
AND PLACE OF HUNT |
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| Report
ID: |
8982 |
Weapon
Used: |
Rifle |
How
Hunt Was Conducted? |
Guided |
| Date
of Hunt: |
March 27, 2012 to April 8, 2012 |
| Place
of Hunt: |
Zimbabwe Chewore |
|
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OUTFITTER,
GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS |
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| Outfitter
(or safari company): |
Chifuti Safaris. 5206 McKinney Ave; Suite 101; Dallas; Texas; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Fax: (214)-361-8789; Web www.safariclassics.net |
| Personal
Guide (if any): |
Len Taylor |
| Booking
Agent (if any): |
Safari Classics Productions. 5206 McKinney Ave ; Suite 101; Dallas; TX; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Web www.safariclassics.net |
Trip
Arrangements
(if self-guided): |
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| License
Required: |
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GAME
DESCRIPTION |
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| Major
Game Animals Taken: |
Elephant - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: 40 lbs. |
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Hippopotamus - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Average |
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| Game
Sought But Not Taken: |
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| Game
Condition Comments: |
As this is primarily a big game area there is not a large amount of plains game. Also hunting this early in the year with everything still green it was harder to spot plains animals. This being said there were several animals that I did pass since my main focus was Elephant and I would have taken a couple had time permitted. |
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SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor) |
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| Quality
of Outfit: |
Excellent |
Guide/PH
Ability: |
Excellent |
| Condition
of Camp: |
Excellent |
Condition
of Equipment: |
Excellent |
| Quality
of Food: |
Excellent |
Trophy
Care: |
Excellent |
| Name
of Airline: |
Delta, SAA |
Airline
Service: |
Good |
| Airline
Comments: |
Typical Airlines , If you want to pay extra for Business Class Good service and comfortable . Coach same old same old .. One comment Delta's Business Class is getting better ..SAA from Jo-Burg to Harare was late and the plane was dirty. |
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COSTS |
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| Hunting
Fees: |
12 days, $1,275/day |
Amount: |
$15300 |
| Trophy Fees: |
Elephant $13,000, Hippo $3,250 |
Amount: |
$16250 |
| Permits/Licenses: |
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Amount: |
$1100 |
| Commercial
Airfares: |
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Amount: |
$0 |
| Charter Airfares: |
For 2 hunters |
Amount: |
$2300 |
| Other Costs: |
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Amount: |
$0 |
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SUMMARY
REMARKS |
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| Problems
of Hunt: |
Weren't really any major problems on this hunt ..Just some little glitches in travel .. |
| Highlights
of Hunt: |
Finally getting an opportunity to fulfill my dream of shooting an elephant ..Taking him at 8-10 yards in Thick Brush !! Taking a Hunting Buddy on his first Africa hunt and seeing his reaction to it . Getting the chance to hunt with a PH the caliber of Len Taylor he is an Outstanding Professional Hunter !! |
| Equipment
Recommendations: |
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| Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? |
yes |
| Why? |
Most Definitely ...Chifuti Safaris and Safari Classics are one of the most Top Notch Outfits I have ever had the pleasure of doing business with. They are First Class from beginning to end!! This was my 6th Africa Hunt, Zambia, South Africa twice, Tanzania, Zimbabwe twice, and this was the best organized and run outfitter and booking agent I have been with... Also, it is the fastest I have ever received my trophies. |
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HUNTER
INFORMATION |
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| Hunter
Name: |
Mark Lowrance |
| Contact
Information: |
Tel. 620-275-0101 - 637 Briar Hill Drive | Garden City | Kansas | | E-mail: mlowrance@gcnet.com |
| Hunting Experience: |
North America , Canada , Alaska , Africa |
| Physical Condition: |
Average |
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IMPORTANT
NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt) |
 |
| Notified Outfitter? |
Notified Personal Guide? |
Notified Booking Agent? |
| Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide? |
| If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought? |
|
|
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ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL |
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Just want to include some thoughts and pointers that may help someone out... As I said previously this was my 6th Africa Hunt so I have had a little experience with travel there, but there is always something new that pops up.. I did something this trip that I hadn't done before: I used 2 travel agents. 1 for the Business Class Delta which was Destinations Travel, Dawn Bernardo and this was the 3rd time I have used her with excellent results. She will do her best to help you.. Gracy Travel for the SAA flight and the meet and greet, with the gun permits in Jo-Burg, which their service is also excellent.. Would highly recommend both of them, and will use their services again!! The Devil is in the details though; as my hunting buddy and I are sitting in the Wichita Ks. airport, my phone rings and and the agent wants to know where we were, because the meet and greet was looking for me because they had me down to arrive at Jo-Burg that day, not the next day.. I am taking the blame for this, as I should have double checked everything closer.. Even though I had emailed copies of my itinerary to both agents, somehow it slipped past us all!! Check, double check, triple check.. Gracy did an excellent job of getting everything moved back one day and it all worked out.. Safari Classics and Chifuti are one of the most professional and efficient crews I have ever worked with, 5 days before we were to leave, the 3rd person in our party had a family emergency and could not make the trip, they worked it out and got the names switched on the paperwork so that the buddy that did go could switch his hunt ( He had been going as an observer) and take a Buffalo that the 3rd hunter had been going to take, as it worked out no one had to take a hit on their deposit and lose a lot of money.. Job well done by Safari Classics and Chifuti!! As I said earlier in my report, this has been one of the best outfits I have ever had the privilege to hunt with and I will be a repeat customer.. Couple of side notes if you like to fish (or even if you're not a big fan) and you are going to have a day or two to spare: try to get in a couple of days of tiger fishing. It will be an excellent way to break up your trip and it is very inexpensive for the amount of fun you will have.. The other thought is this: if there will be 2 hunters traveling together but only one of you has taken guns and has the gun permit, make sure the ticket agent at the airport puts the right name on the right luggage and cases!!! We were returning home from Harare and when we had checked our bags and proceeded thru security, we were interrogated for what seemed like an hour, but was probably only 15-20 minutes because my hunting buddy did not have a gun permit for his guns, of course when we explained he had no guns I did, they did not believe us and told us we were trying to cause problems in their country!! So after a lot of sweating and elevated blood pressure and visions of a Zimbabwe jail in our heads...someone figured out my bags were checked in his name.. I have talked to several people after our return and no one seems to think that this was a shake down for money but rather an honest mistake, so just make sure your bags are checked separately and save yourself some trouble!!
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|
Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Chifuti Safaris Hunts |
Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.
|
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DATE
AND PLACE OF HUNT |
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| Report
ID: |
8308 |
Weapon
Used: |
Rifle |
How
Hunt Was Conducted? |
Guided |
| Date
of Hunt: |
August 1, 2011 to August 14, 2011 |
| Place
of Hunt: |
Zimbabwe Zambezi Valley |
|
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OUTFITTER,
GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS |
 |
| Outfitter
(or safari company): |
Chifuti Safaris. 5206 McKinney Ave; Suite 101; Dallas; Texas; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Fax: (214)-361-8789; Web www.safariclassics.net |
| Personal
Guide (if any): |
Ian Gibson |
| Booking
Agent (if any): |
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Trip
Arrangements
(if self-guided): |
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| License
Required: |
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GAME
DESCRIPTION |
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| Major
Game Animals Taken: |
Elephant - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Large 45 year-old |
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Buffalo, Cape - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: Nice hard boss: 34" x 13" boss |
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| Game
Sought But Not Taken: |
Eland - Availability: Lions killed the old bull we were hunting. |
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Hyena - Availability: Nocturnal feeding only. Left Bait before shooting hours. |
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| Game
Condition Comments: |
Lots of elephants observed. Good numbers of tuskless females. Lots of lion spore -- other hunters in camp regularly seeing lions. Lots of hyena spore and some
African wild dog sign. |
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SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor) |
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| Quality
of Outfit: |
Excellent |
Guide/PH
Ability: |
Excellent |
| Condition
of Camp: |
Excellent |
Condition
of Equipment: |
Excellent |
| Quality
of Food: |
Excellent |
Trophy
Care: |
Excellent |
| Name
of Airline: |
South African Airlines |
Airline
Service: |
Excellent |
| Airline
Comments: |
Good service, good meals, reasonable legroom in economy class. All baggage arrived with me including firearm and ammo! |
|
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COSTS |
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| Hunting
Fees: |
|
Amount: |
$15330 |
| Trophy Fees: |
Elephant cow $3,000 and bull buffalo $2,750 |
Amount: |
$5750 |
| Permits/Licenses: |
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Amount: |
$0 |
| Commercial
Airfares: |
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Amount: |
$2500 |
| Charter Airfares: |
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Amount: |
$2000 |
| Other Costs: |
dip pack $1000, government fee $550, cites $100, tips to ph staff, trackers, skinners, pilot $3800, |
Amount: |
$6598 |
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SUMMARY
REMARKS |
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| Problems
of Hunt: |
None. |
| Highlights
of Hunt: |
Took tuskless cow elephant 1st morning of hunt and nice "Daggaboy" bull buffalo on 3rd morning of hunt. |
| Equipment
Recommendations: |
Good shoes/boots with ankle support and quiet soles. |
| Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? |
yes |
| Why? |
Excellent outfit, great PH and trackers, great elephant population and good buffalo herd. |
|
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HUNTER
INFORMATION |
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| Hunter
Name: |
Ronald Horejsi |
| Contact
Information: |
Tel. 928-595-0976 - PO Box 444, Tonto Basin, AZ 85553 E-mail: rhorejsi@hotmail.com |
| Hunting Experience: |
40 years big game hunting. Have hunted 6 western states, 4th African Safari. |
| Physical Condition: |
Average for 65 years old. |
|
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IMPORTANT
NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt) |
 |
| Notified Outfitter? |
Notified Personal Guide? |
Notified Booking Agent? |
| Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide? |
| If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought? |
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|
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ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL |
 |
Supplement to Aug 1-14, 2011. Tuskless elephant and bull Cape buffalo by Ronald Horejsi.
Took tuskless adult (estimated age 45 years old) 1st morning of hunt after a 2-3 mile trek looking for elephant spore. During the remaining days of the hunt we saw numerous groups of elephant -- most of which contained at least one tuskless cow (both with or without dependent calves). Took a nice (34" wide with 13" boss) hard headed bull buffalo on 3rd morning of hunt.
We tried to find an old heavy-horned eland for several days only to find that 2 male lions had killed and eaten this specific individual about 7 days prior. We baited for hyena but they were only feeding at night and we could only see them briefly when we arrived at the bait site. Since I was not interested in any plainsgame we spent several days tiger fishing on the Zambezi River and spent a day at Mana Pools National Park photographing the wildlife. Taking several days off in camp was a relaxing addtion to the hunt.
We had great, well-planned meals at camp. Camp was in excellent condition with generators providing power in the evening and early morning. Thanks to Keith Hall, camp manager, and his great staff, I actually gained some weight that I did not need!!
Safari Consultants International did a fabulous job of setting up this hunt. This is the 2nd time I have booked with this company and Chifuti Safaris. Travel arrangements were handled by Gracy Travel, San Antonio, Texas. To help overcome baggage delay problems often associated with travel to Africa. Gracy Travel set up an overnight in Joburg with a night stay at Africa Sky guest lodge and a meet and greet to get myself and my firearm through the customs and police firearms check. This also included the next morning going back through the same process for departing South Africa. This service was tremendous and breezed me through what could have been a prolonged process.
Upon arrival in Zimbabwe (Harare) my charter pilot, who is contracted with Chifuti Safaris, met me and whisked me, and the rifle, through the customs and firearm inspection. When departing Zimbabwe the same excellent service was there to get me checked in for my departing flight back to the States. Thanks to Shawn Kennedy at Gracy Travel, Tamela Moss at Safari Consultants International for making this a very uneventful trip.
One has to also mention my hunting crew. PH Ian Gibson is a seasoned PH full of a vast knowledge of the wildlife and habitat. His hunting skills got me up close on the desired species. This tracking crew, Robert, Mundoga, and Tickey displayed their tracking skills and reading spore many times. They also expended considerable effort in getting the game out of the bush. Game scout, Obert, wasn't just along to observe but was right in the thick of things while tracking and packing out the heads/hides & meat. Many thanks to my PH Ian Gibson and his hardworking crew, not only for the great hunt but the friendship and companionship!
I also have to mention that the South African Authorities did not like my drop-bottom duffle with the bottom compartment containing the take down hard sided guncase. When departing South Africa for Zimbabwe, they would not let me put the takedown case back into the duffle bag. They said it did not look like a gun case they could recognize, which was the point in using this system. Just a word of caution to anyone contemplating the use of such a system. SAA did not charge me for the extra bag from Joburg to Harare. On my return trip from Zimbabwe, I used the duffle system with no problem since I checked by bags straight through to the States. On my going through customs in the states, I did not have TSA check my firearm in my duffle, so I had to return to TSA station to provide my keys so TSA officers could inspect my rifle case in the drop-bottom duffle. I mention this so future hunters will not have to lose valuable time having to return for the TSA check, especially if on a tight flight schedule. This check occurs after going through the customs inspectors and before putting your baggage back into the checked baggage conveyor. TSA agents were very courteous both coming and going and security checks went fast and without incident.
This was the end of winter and start of Spring in Zimbabwe, so conditions were dry and walking very noisy on all the fallen leaves. Even with this, vision in the thick jess can be difficult. I usually left my optics in the vehicle while stalking game. The only problem I had was badly "stone bruising" my heel early in the hunt and having a sore heel the remainder of the trip. This injury ocurred while jumping from rock to rock while treking up a wet drainage. I was prepared for 5-mile hiking days but accidents happen.
Temperatures (daytime) varied from mid 80s to 94 degrees Farenheit while night time temps were generally 50 - 60 degrees. We had a few days with morning clouds generally burning off by 10 AM. Wind was variable and did affect some stalking situations with direction changes. Overall weather conditions were very pleasant. A light jacket was comfortable in early AM and after sunset.
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Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Chifuti Safaris Hunts |
Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.
|
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DATE
AND PLACE OF HUNT |
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| Report
ID: |
8344 |
Weapon
Used: |
Rifle |
How
Hunt Was Conducted? |
Guided |
| Date
of Hunt: |
July 25, 2011 to August 7, 2011 |
| Place
of Hunt: |
Zimbabwe Chewore South |
|
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OUTFITTER,
GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS |
 |
| Outfitter
(or safari company): |
Chifuti Safaris. 5206 McKinney Ave; Suite 101; Dallas; Texas; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Fax: (214)-361-8789; Web www.safariclassics.net |
| Personal
Guide (if any): |
Mark Valero |
| Booking
Agent (if any): |
Safari Classics Productions. 5206 McKinney Ave ; Suite 101; Dallas; TX; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Web www.safariclassics.net |
Trip
Arrangements
(if self-guided): |
|
| License
Required: |
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|
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GAME
DESCRIPTION |
 |
| Major
Game Animals Taken: |
Elephant - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: |
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| Game
Sought But Not Taken: |
Buffalo, Cape - Availability: I was too selective. I passed several hard boss bulls 36" - 38" plus 3 over 40". |
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| Game
Condition Comments: |
I could have shot a mature, hard bossed bull of 40" or more each day but held out for a 44"bull that we saw 3 times without a shot opportunity. I already have 6 bulls from previous safaris so I felt I needed one over 43" to be satisfied. |
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SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor) |
 |
| Quality
of Outfit: |
Excellent |
Guide/PH
Ability: |
Excellent |
| Condition
of Camp: |
Good |
Condition
of Equipment: |
Excellent |
| Quality
of Food: |
Excellent |
Trophy
Care: |
Excellent |
| Name
of Airline: |
Delta, SAA, Executive Air |
Airline
Service: |
Good |
| Airline
Comments: |
Delta or SAA ran a forklift fork through my Americase rifle case. They paid the full replacement cost. |
|
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COSTS |
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| Hunting
Fees: |
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Amount: |
$15330 |
| Trophy Fees: |
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Amount: |
$3250 |
| Permits/Licenses: |
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Amount: |
$0 |
| Commercial
Airfares: |
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Amount: |
$0 |
| Charter Airfares: |
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Amount: |
$1500 |
| Other Costs: |
Medical Air Rescue, Zim CITES |
Amount: |
$3000 |
|
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SUMMARY
REMARKS |
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| Problems
of Hunt: |
None. |
| Highlights
of Hunt: |
Stopping my elephant in full charge at 15 yards with a frontal brain shot. |
| Equipment
Recommendations: |
|
| Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? |
yes |
| Why? |
Attention to detail by all; quality of PH. |
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HUNTER
INFORMATION |
 |
| Hunter
Name: |
Chris Goll |
| Contact
Information: |
Tel. 575-388-2259 - PO Box 1070 E-mail: chrisssilvercity@aol.com |
| Hunting Experience: |
50+ years, 5 African safaris |
| Physical Condition: |
Average |
|
 |
IMPORTANT
NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt) |
 |
| Notified Outfitter? |
Notified Personal Guide? |
Notified Booking Agent? |
| Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide? |
| If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought? |
|
|
 |
ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL |
 |
Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Chifuti Safaris Hunts |
Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.
|
 |
DATE
AND PLACE OF HUNT |
 |
| Report
ID: |
8713 |
Weapon
Used: |
Rifle |
How
Hunt Was Conducted? |
Guided |
| Date
of Hunt: |
June 11, 2011 to July 2, 2011 |
| Place
of Hunt: |
Zimbabwe Chewore South |
|
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OUTFITTER,
GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS |
 |
| Outfitter
(or safari company): |
Chifuti Safaris. 5206 McKinney Ave; Suite 101; Dallas; Texas; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Fax: (214)-361-8789; Web www.safariclassics.net |
| Personal
Guide (if any): |
Mark Valero |
| Booking
Agent (if any): |
Safari Classics Productions. 5206 McKinney Ave ; Suite 101; Dallas; TX; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Web www.safariclassics.net |
Trip
Arrangements
(if self-guided): |
|
| License
Required: |
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|
 |
GAME
DESCRIPTION |
 |
| Major
Game Animals Taken: |
Lion - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: large (470 lbs) |
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Leopard - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: 7'3" |
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Buffalo - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: 38" 14.5 boss |
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Hippopotamus - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: Bait |
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Kudu - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: 50" |
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Waterbuck - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Large Male |
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Bushbuck - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: Mature Male |
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Zebra - Availability: Scarce - Trophy Size: Mature Male |
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| Game
Sought But Not Taken: |
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| Game
Condition Comments: |
Lots of lion and buffalo Plains game in good condition but skittish due to large amount of lions, wild dogs, hyenas and hunting pressure |
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SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor) |
 |
| Quality
of Outfit: |
Excellent |
Guide/PH
Ability: |
Excellent |
| Condition
of Camp: |
Excellent |
Condition
of Equipment: |
Good |
| Quality
of Food: |
Good |
Trophy
Care: |
Excellent |
| Name
of Airline: |
KLM |
Airline
Service: |
Excellent |
| Airline
Comments: |
KLM went out of their way to make my hunting buddy's trip comfortable as he pulled his back badly the day before we left |
|
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COSTS |
 |
| Hunting
Fees: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
| Trophy Fees: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
| Permits/Licenses: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
| Commercial
Airfares: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
| Charter Airfares: |
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Amount: |
$0 |
| Other Costs: |
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Amount: |
$0 |
|
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SUMMARY
REMARKS |
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| Problems
of Hunt: |
None |
| Highlights
of Hunt: |
Taking a huge fully maned [black] lion in daylight Taking a large mature leopard in daylight |
| Equipment
Recommendations: |
|
| Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? |
yes |
| Why? |
Couldn't ask for a better outfit top to bottom |
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HUNTER
INFORMATION |
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| Hunter
Name: |
Louis Lapointe |
| Contact
Information: |
Tel. 780-826-0325 - Box 8013 | Bonnyville | Alberta | Canada | T9N2J3 E-mail: louis.island.concrete@gmail.com |
| Hunting Experience: |
45 years deer moose elk bear |
| Physical Condition: |
average 55 years old with a bad leg |
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IMPORTANT
NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt) |
 |
| Notified Outfitter? |
Notified Personal Guide? |
Notified Booking Agent? |
| Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide? |
| If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought? |
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|
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ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL |
 |
|
Mark Valero is an absolutely great PH. His intensity and attention to detail made this hunt a huge success. In 21 days we saw 7 different male lions. Shot my leopard and buffalo the same day [day 4]. Shot my lion on day 14. He is a fantastic black maned huge old cat: way beyond my wildest dreams. I was surprised to find all the PH's working hard together to ensure all the clients got their game as well as having a good safari. This was my first safari and fulfilled my dreams of taking the big cats. I can't recommend Chifuti Safaris, Safari Classics and Mark Valero highly enough. The whole safari from start to finish [including the camp, camp staff, trackers, equipment,food, etc] was a class act. Tamella Moss in Safari Classics Dallas office ensures all the details are looked after before you leave making it seamless. If you want a fair chase hunt in wild country this outfit is definitely one to put on your short list.
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|
Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Chifuti Safaris Hunts |
Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.
|
 |
DATE
AND PLACE OF HUNT |
 |
| Report
ID: |
7321 |
Weapon
Used: |
Rifle |
How
Hunt Was Conducted? |
Guided |
| Date
of Hunt: |
March 15, 2009 to April 15, 2009 |
| Place
of Hunt: |
Zimbabwe Chewore South |
|
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OUTFITTER,
GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS |
 |
| Outfitter
(or safari company): |
Chifuti Safaris. 5206 McKinney Ave; Suite 101; Dallas; Texas; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Fax: (214)-361-8789; Web www.safariclassics.net |
| Personal
Guide (if any): |
Mark Valero |
| Booking
Agent (if any): |
Safari Classics Productions. 5206 McKinney Ave ; Suite 101; Dallas; TX; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Web www.safariclassics.net |
Trip
Arrangements
(if self-guided): |
|
| License
Required: |
|
|
 |
GAME
DESCRIPTION |
 |
| Major
Game Animals Taken: |
Lion - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Very nice. |
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Buffalo - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: 2 bulls. |
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Warthog - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: 14 inches. |
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Zebra - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: Good. |
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Waterbuck - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: 29 inches. |
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Impala - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Good. |
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Hyena - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: |
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Duiker - Availability: Scarce - Trophy Size: |
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| Game
Sought But Not Taken: |
Kudu - Availability: Brush very tough. Lots of rain. |
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| Game
Condition Comments: |
Excellent. No problems, camp very good, staff great. First trip to Africa. Mark Valero is as good as there are. Record rain, brush and water were everywhere. |
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SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor) |
 |
| Quality
of Outfit: |
Excellent |
Guide/PH
Ability: |
Excellent |
| Condition
of Camp: |
Excellent |
Condition
of Equipment: |
Excellent |
| Quality
of Food: |
Excellent |
Trophy
Care: |
Excellent |
| Name
of Airline: |
Delta |
Airline
Service: |
Fair |
| Airline
Comments: |
Delta was horrible. South Africa was great. |
|
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COSTS |
 |
| Hunting
Fees: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
| Trophy Fees: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
| Permits/Licenses: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
| Commercial
Airfares: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
| Charter Airfares: |
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Amount: |
$0 |
| Other Costs: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
|
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SUMMARY
REMARKS |
 |
| Problems
of Hunt: |
The only thing was the brush plains game were hard to find. |
| Highlights
of Hunt: |
Taking a great lion and two bulls. Seeing a lot of elephant and having my wife with me. She is a city girl and went every day with us and my two best friends with me - they also got leopard and two bulls. |
| Equipment
Recommendations: |
Two pairs of good boots. |
| Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? |
Yes |
| Why? |
No problems at all in Zimbabwe or the trip over. |
|
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HUNTER
INFORMATION |
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| Hunter
Name: |
Tommy Salmon Jr. |
| Contact
Information: |
Tel. 432-557-4847 - #3 Sardonyx, Odessa, TX 79762 E-mail: tsalmon@diamondpump.net |
| Hunting Experience: |
Canada, Alaska, New Mexico, Colorado, Quebec, Texas, Yukon, Northwest Territory. |
| Physical Condition: |
50 and a little too heavy. |
|
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IMPORTANT
NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt) |
 |
| Notified Outfitter? |
Notified Personal Guide? |
Notified Booking Agent? |
| Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide? |
| If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought? |
|
|
 |
ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL |
 |
|
This was a dream come true and I would recommend Chifuti to anyone. We were a little nervous about Zimbabwe, but there was not one problem. They met us in the airport and walked us through everything. Pamala with Safari Classics was the best there was. My wife called her no less than 100 times and she was good at answering any questions and helping with all the paperwork and permits. We saw a lot of Cape buffalo and elephants. Ivan Carter was there with two hunters and it was great having him in camp. My two friends got really good leopard and two bulls each. Their PHs were great also. We filmed our hunt and I would recommend doing it if at all possible. Safari Classics did a great job.
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Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Chifuti Safaris Hunts |
Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.
|
 |
DATE
AND PLACE OF HUNT |
 |
| Report
ID: |
6810 |
Weapon
Used: |
Rifle |
How
Hunt Was Conducted? |
Guided |
| Date
of Hunt: |
July 16, 2008 to July 30, 2008 |
| Place
of Hunt: |
Zimbabwe Chewore North |
|
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OUTFITTER,
GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS |
 |
| Outfitter
(or safari company): |
Chifuti Safaris. 5206 McKinney Ave; Suite 101; Dallas; Texas; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Fax: (214)-361-8789; Web www.safariclassics.net |
| Personal
Guide (if any): |
Ian Gibson |
| Booking
Agent (if any): |
Safari Classics Productions. 5206 McKinney Ave ; Suite 101; Dallas; TX; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Web www.safariclassics.net |
Trip
Arrangements
(if self-guided): |
|
| License
Required: |
|
|
 |
GAME
DESCRIPTION |
 |
| Major
Game Animals Taken: |
Leopard - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: 7 foot tom. |
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Buffalo, Cape - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: 40 inch 109 SCI. |
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Hippopotamus - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Huge old bull. |
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Bushbuck - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: 12.5 inches. |
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Impala - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: 21 inches. |
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Baboon - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Four. |
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Kudu - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: 54 inches. |
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Impala - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Five - bait animals. |
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| Game
Sought But Not Taken: |
Hyena - Availability: Did not see any. |
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Zebra - Availability: |
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Warthog - Availability: |
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Grysbok - Availability: |
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Antelope, Klipspringer - Availability: |
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| Game
Condition Comments: |
Great dangerous game area, not an over abundance of plains game. |
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SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor) |
 |
| Quality
of Outfit: |
Excellent |
Guide/PH
Ability: |
Excellent |
| Condition
of Camp: |
Excellent |
Condition
of Equipment: |
Excellent |
| Quality
of Food: |
Excellent |
Trophy
Care: |
Excellent |
| Name
of Airline: |
United and South African Airlines |
Airline
Service: |
Good |
| Airline
Comments: |
Cramped seats on the South African air leg, no a/c on the flight over. |
|
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COSTS |
 |
| Hunting
Fees: |
|
Amount: |
$15330 |
| Trophy Fees: |
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Amount: |
$12700 |
| Permits/Licenses: |
|
Amount: |
$765 |
| Commercial
Airfares: |
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Amount: |
$2500 |
| Charter Airfares: |
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Amount: |
$1700 |
| Other Costs: |
Observer rate $2,450, dip and pack $600, film $4,000 |
Amount: |
$7050 |
|
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SUMMARY
REMARKS |
 |
| Problems
of Hunt: |
No a/c on the inbound flight to Johannesburg. It was miserable. Other than that, no problems with the hunt whatsoever. |
| Highlights
of Hunt: |
Seeing two male leopards on bait and having two lions try to steal my Cape buffalo and shooting my hippo at 12 yards in the thick bush. |
| Equipment
Recommendations: |
Take good walking boots. My Russell's tore my feet up. |
| Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? |
Yes |
| Why? |
Great area and outfitter and Ian is second to none as a PH. |
|
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HUNTER
INFORMATION |
 |
| Hunter
Name: |
Jeff White |
| Contact
Information: |
Tel. 517-206-6083 - 400 Francis St., Jackson, MI 49201 E-mail: grindall.white@comcast.net |
| Hunting Experience: |
Hunted in BC twice, Quebec, Ontario, Wyoming, Colorado, Michigan. |
| Physical Condition: |
Average. 46 years old. |
|
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IMPORTANT
NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt) |
 |
| Notified Outfitter? |
Notified Personal Guide? |
Notified Booking Agent? |
| Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide? |
| If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought? |
|
|
 |
ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL |
 |
|
I took my 20 year old son and we had the time of our live. Great bonding experience for us and it was the best hunt of my life. Worried a great deal prior to going about the situation in Zimbabwe. But once there, I never felt uneasy and I would have to say all of the people I dealt with were polite and friendly. Ian Gibson is an outstanding PH. The best guide I have ever had.
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|
|
Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Chifuti Safaris Hunts |
Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.
|
 |
DATE
AND PLACE OF HUNT |
 |
| Report
ID: |
6785 |
Weapon
Used: |
Rifle |
How
Hunt Was Conducted? |
Guided |
| Date
of Hunt: |
June 2, 2008 to June 21, 2008 |
| Place
of Hunt: |
Zimbabwe Dande North |
|
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OUTFITTER,
GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS |
 |
| Outfitter
(or safari company): |
Chifuti Safaris. 5206 McKinney Ave; Suite 101; Dallas; Texas; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Fax: (214)-361-8789; Web www.safariclassics.net |
| Personal
Guide (if any): |
Kevin "Chikwama" DuBoil |
| Booking
Agent (if any): |
Safari Classics Productions. 5206 McKinney Ave ; Suite 101; Dallas; TX; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Web www.safariclassics.net |
Trip
Arrangements
(if self-guided): |
|
| License
Required: |
|
|
 |
GAME
DESCRIPTION |
 |
| Major
Game Animals Taken: |
Lion - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Large, mature male. |
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| Game
Sought But Not Taken: |
Hyena - Availability: Uncooperative, leopards ran them from bait. |
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Warthog - Availability: |
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Antelope, Klipspringer - Availability: |
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Kudu - Availability: |
|
Duiker - Availability: |
|
|
| Game
Condition Comments: |
Area noted for lion and buffalo-saw much sign. Good, large male lion and lots of buffalo. Saw fair amount of plains game, more than expected as we were pre-warned that area wasn't exceptional for plains game. |
|
 |
SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor) |
 |
| Quality
of Outfit: |
Excellent |
Guide/PH
Ability: |
Excellent |
| Condition
of Camp: |
Excellent |
Condition
of Equipment: |
Good |
| Quality
of Food: |
Excellent |
Trophy
Care: |
Excellent |
| Name
of Airline: |
South African Airlines, United and charter service |
Airline
Service: |
Excellent |
| Airline
Comments: |
SAA flights on time, uncrowded, good service and food. Charter flight very good and pilots service through Harare airport leaving was exceptional-smooth. |
|
 |
COSTS |
 |
| Hunting
Fees: |
18 days all together - tips, fees, etc. |
Amount: |
$40000 |
| Trophy Fees: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
| Permits/Licenses: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
| Commercial
Airfares: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
| Charter Airfares: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
| Other Costs: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
|
 |
SUMMARY
REMARKS |
 |
| Problems
of Hunt: |
Some communications could have been better-computers, email, sat phones not available. PH needed to be able to communicate with office and others in time of Zim's problems. |
| Highlights
of Hunt: |
Getting very large, mature lion on 3rd day of hunt. Hunting hard for other species the rest of the hunt. PH, trackers very dedicated and professional. They also made the hunt the best ever with knowledge and relationship with us as clients. We were more than clients, we became good friends and hunting partners. |
| Equipment
Recommendations: |
Cool nights and warm days-appropriate clothing. Would rent sat phone in future safaris. Comfortable, quiet boots. |
| Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? |
Yes |
| Why? |
Very enjoyable, personable PH; he shared knowledge of animals, flora and fauna, personal stories and country history. Camp very comfortable, great area to hunt! |
|
 |
HUNTER
INFORMATION |
 |
| Hunter
Name: |
Mike and Vicki Winegar |
| Contact
Information: |
3851 W 16th St Rd., Greeley, CO 80634 E-mail: mikewinegar@comcast.net |
| Hunting Experience: |
This was our fourth safari to Africa. Twice to Zimbabwe, once to South Africa and once to Namibia. |
| Physical Condition: |
Very good. We are in good physical shape and were able to cover ground with PH and trackers even though we are in our mid-fifties. |
|
 |
IMPORTANT
NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt) |
 |
| Notified Outfitter? |
Notified Personal Guide? |
Notified Booking Agent? |
| Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide? |
| If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought? |
|
|
 |
ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL |
 |
|
This was a very organized and enjoyable hunt. The area is very good for the species we were hunting, we saw lion tracks every day and everywhere. Lots of elephant tracks and sightings. Other two couples we travelled with were hunting buffalo and elephant; PHs of each party were very cooperative and helped each other out with reports of sightings of desired species. Camp was like a family-all PHs were helpful and not competitive/secretive. Despite the turmoil the country was in, the staff remained professional and dedicated. Everyone is to be commended for their dedication and attention to details. They truly seemed to enjoy their extremely demanding jobs and were intent on making sure the clients were taken care of and got the best experience for our time with them.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Chifuti Safaris Hunts |
Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.
|
 |
DATE
AND PLACE OF HUNT |
 |
| Report
ID: |
6712 |
Weapon
Used: |
Rifle |
How
Hunt Was Conducted? |
Guided |
| Date
of Hunt: |
May 20, 2008 to June 6, 2008 |
| Place
of Hunt: |
Zimbabwe Chewore North |
|
 |
OUTFITTER,
GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS |
 |
| Outfitter
(or safari company): |
Chifuti Safaris. 5206 McKinney Ave; Suite 101; Dallas; Texas; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Fax: (214)-361-8789; Web www.safariclassics.net |
| Personal
Guide (if any): |
Ian Gibson |
| Booking
Agent (if any): |
Safari Classics Productions. 5206 McKinney Ave ; Suite 101; Dallas; TX; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Web www.safariclassics.net |
Trip
Arrangements
(if self-guided): |
|
| License
Required: |
|
|
 |
GAME
DESCRIPTION |
 |
| Major
Game Animals Taken: |
Lion - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Good. |
|
Hippopotamus - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Good. |
|
Crocodile - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Good. |
|
Elephant - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: |
|
Leopard - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: Average. |
|
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|
|
| Game
Sought But Not Taken: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
| Game
Condition Comments: |
This was an 18 day dangerous game safari with primary species being lion, hippo and croc. I took my hippo on day 2--lion on day 5 and croc on day 7. I also took a tuskless elephant on day 10--a leopard on day 14. Also took a very nice bushbuck, eland and zebra. Awesome area with lots of lion, elephant and buffalo. Could not be more pleased with the hunt. |
|
 |
SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor) |
 |
| Quality
of Outfit: |
Good |
Guide/PH
Ability: |
Good |
| Condition
of Camp: |
Excellent |
Condition
of Equipment: |
Good |
| Quality
of Food: |
Excellent |
Trophy
Care: |
Good |
| Name
of Airline: |
Delta and SAA. |
Airline
Service: |
Good |
| Airline
Comments: |
Seems to be some logistical problems with the Joberg airport in getting the guns transferred to the plane for Zim. I had to wait one extra day to get mine even though there was a 3 1/2 hr layover before I flew off to Harare--I was told this has happened in the last 4 hunts as well. Fortunately I emailed my travel agent as well as my booking agent--they had a contact there who made sure they were put on the plane the following day. |
|
 |
COSTS |
 |
| Hunting
Fees: |
|
Amount: |
$40000 |
| Trophy Fees: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
| Permits/Licenses: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
| Commercial
Airfares: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
| Charter Airfares: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
| Other Costs: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
|
 |
SUMMARY
REMARKS |
 |
| Problems
of Hunt: |
|
| Highlights
of Hunt: |
Getting a lion, leopard, elephant, hippo and croc. all on one safari. Could not be happier, great PH and great facilities. |
| Equipment
Recommendations: |
Because of the presence of dangerous game at all times and the close shots that normally occur, I would not take any gun less than a .375 even as my light gun. Had a 300 Ultra in my hand one morning while hiking to a hyena blind, charged by a tuskless elephant at 10 yards. Fortunately we turned her with flashlights and yelling. Only carried my .416 from that point forward. |
| Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? |
Yes |
| Why? |
For all the reasons mentioned above. Excellent area for dangerous game and because of this, not a lot of plains game - but again that is to be expected. Would do this hunt again in a hearbeat. |
|
 |
HUNTER
INFORMATION |
 |
| Hunter
Name: |
Art Hoffart |
| Contact
Information: |
Tel. 406-586-6230 - 642 Cottonwood Road Suite 2, Bozeman, MT 59718 E-mail: ahoffart@in-tch.com |
| Hunting Experience: |
This was my 4th African safari--hunt a lot in Montana for elk, deer and bear with bow and rifle. Have also hunted in Alaska and several other western states. Prefer to mainly hunt on my own. |
| Physical Condition: |
Good. I work out 4 to 5 days per week and am in good physical condition which is very important to the success of any hunt. My PH stated that if I was not in the condition I was in, we would not have been as successful. |
|
 |
IMPORTANT
NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt) |
 |
| Notified Outfitter? |
Notified Personal Guide? |
Notified Booking Agent? |
| Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide? |
| If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought? |
|
|
 |
ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL |
 |
Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Chifuti Safaris Hunts |
Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.
|
 |
DATE
AND PLACE OF HUNT |
 |
| Report
ID: |
6664 |
Weapon
Used: |
Rifle |
How
Hunt Was Conducted? |
Guided |
| Date
of Hunt: |
May 1, 2008 to May 14, 2008 |
| Place
of Hunt: |
Zimbabwe Chewore Safari area - Lower Zambezi Valley |
|
 |
OUTFITTER,
GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS |
 |
| Outfitter
(or safari company): |
Chifuti Safaris. 5206 McKinney Ave; Suite 101; Dallas; Texas; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Fax: (214)-361-8789; Web www.safariclassics.net |
| Personal
Guide (if any): |
Owain Lewis |
| Booking
Agent (if any): |
Safari Classics Productions. 5206 McKinney Ave ; Suite 101; Dallas; TX; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Web www.safariclassics.net |
Trip
Arrangements
(if self-guided): |
|
| License
Required: |
|
|
 |
GAME
DESCRIPTION |
 |
| Major
Game Animals Taken: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
| Game
Sought But Not Taken: |
Leopard - Availability: Could not get male leopards on bait during daylight hours - hot afternoon and early evenings. |
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Game
Condition Comments: |
Lots of leopards in area - had three females observed on bait, several baits had multiple cats feeding and virtually all of our baits had leopard use. Lion tracks observed around several bait sites. |
|
 |
SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor) |
 |
| Quality
of Outfit: |
Excellent |
Guide/PH
Ability: |
Excellent |
| Condition
of Camp: |
Excellent |
Condition
of Equipment: |
Excellent |
| Quality
of Food: |
Excellent |
Trophy
Care: |
|
| Name
of Airline: |
South African Airlines |
Airline
Service: |
Poor |
| Airline
Comments: |
Lost rifle case for two days - so cost me 1 1/2 days of my 14 day hunt, plus two extra days in Harare waiting for rifle case. |
|
 |
COSTS |
 |
| Hunting
Fees: |
$700 a day. |
Amount: |
$9800 |
| Trophy Fees: |
$3,750 leopard if taken, $100 bait (impala). Did not hunt other species. |
Amount: |
$0 |
| Permits/Licenses: |
US CITES permit. |
Amount: |
$100 |
| Commercial
Airfares: |
|
Amount: |
$2050 |
| Charter Airfares: |
Was unable to split charter due to lost rifle case. |
Amount: |
$1700 |
| Other Costs: |
Trip insurance $800, Global Rescue Insurance $350, Two extra nights Harare $448, Mars $160, 2% Govt |
Amount: |
$2143 |
|
 |
SUMMARY
REMARKS |
 |
| Problems
of Hunt: |
Lost 1 1/2 days of hunt due to SAA losing rifle - firearms owner now has to personally collect firearm and declare with Zimbabwe Authorities. |
| Highlights
of Hunt: |
Lots of leopards in area, lots of elephants - even one roaming camp at night, saw and photoed pack 10 African wilddogs, observed 12 foot croc in pan miles from river system. Lots of hippos in rivers. |
| Equipment
Recommendations: |
Good soft soled shoes for quiet walking. |
| Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? |
Yes |
| Why? |
Lots of cats in area - maybe plan a couple weeks later in season (hot 95 degrees daytime, plus lots of foliage on bush and baits not lasting long 2 - 3 days). |
|
 |
HUNTER
INFORMATION |
 |
| Hunter
Name: |
Ron Horejsi |
| Contact
Information: |
Tel. 928-479-2537 - PO Box 444, Tonto Basin, AZ 85553 |
| Hunting Experience: |
Three African trips, two Alaskan hunts, SW-US hunts, hunted Kansas and Texas. |
| Physical Condition: |
Good - 62 years old (walk and bicycle for exercise). |
|
 |
IMPORTANT
NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt) |
 |
| Notified Outfitter? |
Notified Personal Guide? |
Notified Booking Agent? |
| Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide? |
| If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought? |
|
|
 |
ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL |
 |
Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Chifuti Safaris Hunts |
Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.
|
 |
DATE
AND PLACE OF HUNT |
 |
| Report
ID: |
7004 |
Weapon
Used: |
Rifle |
How
Hunt Was Conducted? |
Guided |
| Date
of Hunt: |
April 24, 2008 to May 14, 2008 |
| Place
of Hunt: |
Zimbabwe Chewore South |
|
 |
OUTFITTER,
GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS |
 |
| Outfitter
(or safari company): |
Chifuti Safaris. 5206 McKinney Ave; Suite 101; Dallas; Texas; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Fax: (214)-361-8789; Web www.safariclassics.net |
| Personal
Guide (if any): |
|
| Booking
Agent (if any): |
Safari Classics Productions. 5206 McKinney Ave ; Suite 101; Dallas; TX; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Web www.safariclassics.net |
Trip
Arrangements
(if self-guided): |
|
| License
Required: |
|
|
 |
GAME
DESCRIPTION |
 |
| Major
Game Animals Taken: |
Lion - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: 12 year old, 26.5 inch skull. Excellent male. |
|
Leopard - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Great leopard, typical tom for the Zambezi Valley. |
|
Buffalo, Cape - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Very good bull. |
|
Buffalo, Cape - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Very good cow. |
|
Antelope, Klipspringer - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: Excellent raml. |
|
Impala - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: |
|
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|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
| Game
Sought But Not Taken: |
Sable - Availability: The area we hunted was absolutely great for dangerous game but sable were limited. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Game
Condition Comments: |
Just a super area for lion, leopard and Cape buffalo. |
|
 |
SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor) |
 |
| Quality
of Outfit: |
Excellent |
Guide/PH
Ability: |
Excellent |
| Condition
of Camp: |
Good |
Condition
of Equipment: |
Excellent |
| Quality
of Food: |
Excellent |
Trophy
Care: |
Excellent |
| Name
of Airline: |
Delta |
Airline
Service: |
Good |
| Airline
Comments: |
No real problems. Delta personnel were polite and professional. |
|
 |
COSTS |
 |
| Hunting
Fees: |
|
Amount: |
$63000 |
| Trophy Fees: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
| Permits/Licenses: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
| Commercial
Airfares: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
| Charter Airfares: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
| Other Costs: |
Hotel coming and going. |
Amount: |
$350 |
|
 |
SUMMARY
REMARKS |
 |
| Problems
of Hunt: |
|
| Highlights
of Hunt: |
Taking a 12 year old free ranging wild lion with a 26.5" skull. It only takes 23" to make the SCI record book. There were 10 lion in the pride. One of the adult males in the pride walked up to our blind and stuck his nose into the brush exterior while we were in the blind |
| Equipment
Recommendations: |
Avon Skin So Soft insect repellent for tsetse flies. Unlined leather gloves, GPS, you'll use them and cloth shoe chaps. |
| Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? |
Yes |
| Why? |
The best once in a lifetime hunting trip I've ever been on. Chifuti's people and particularly my professional hunter Len Taylor were just outstanding. |
|
 |
HUNTER
INFORMATION |
 |
| Hunter
Name: |
Phil Bird |
| Contact
Information: |
Tel. 205-921-5502 - PO Box 1927, Hamilton, AL 35570 E-mail: pbird@centurytel.net |
| Hunting Experience: |
Alaska four times, Africa three times, Russia and most western and southern US states. |
| Physical Condition: |
Good. |
|
 |
IMPORTANT
NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt) |
 |
| Notified Outfitter? |
Notified Personal Guide? |
Notified Booking Agent? |
| Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide? |
| If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought? |
|
|
 |
ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL |
 |
|
My professional hunter was the best I've hunted with and I've hunted with some excellent ones. Andrew Dawson, Paul Smith and their whole team were very professional and did a Great Job. They just got the Chewore South Concession in late 2007 and were rebuilding the camps. I plan on hunting with them again. The Safari Classics team of Tim Danklef, Dave Fulson, and Tamera had a very complete pre hunt package which helped get you ready for the hunt. They are hunters themselves and were extremely helpful. I'l be back to hunt with them again!!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Chifuti Safaris Hunts |
Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.
|
 |
DATE
AND PLACE OF HUNT |
 |
| Report
ID: |
6714 |
Weapon
Used: |
Rifle |
How
Hunt Was Conducted? |
Guided |
| Date
of Hunt: |
April 12, 2008 to April 30, 2008 |
| Place
of Hunt: |
Zimbabwe Dande North Safari area |
|
 |
OUTFITTER,
GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS |
 |
| Outfitter
(or safari company): |
Chifuti Safaris. 5206 McKinney Ave; Suite 101; Dallas; Texas; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Fax: (214)-361-8789; Web www.safariclassics.net |
| Personal
Guide (if any): |
Brent Leesmay |
| Booking
Agent (if any): |
|
Trip
Arrangements
(if self-guided): |
|
| License
Required: |
|
|
 |
GAME
DESCRIPTION |
 |
| Major
Game Animals Taken: |
Elephant - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: 50 pounds per side. |
|
Buffalo, Cape - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Gold Medal. |
|
Hippopotamus - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Gold Medal. |
|
Leopard - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Silver Medal. |
|
Crocodile - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Silver Medal. |
|
Civet - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: Average. |
|
Cat, Genet - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Average. |
|
Antelope, Klipspringer - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Bronze Medal. |
|
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|
|
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|
|
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|
|
| Game
Sought But Not Taken: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Game
Condition Comments: |
Game in excellent condition, brush very lush this time of the year. Poaching seems well under control. |
|
 |
SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor) |
 |
| Quality
of Outfit: |
Excellent |
Guide/PH
Ability: |
Excellent |
| Condition
of Camp: |
Excellent |
Condition
of Equipment: |
Excellent |
| Quality
of Food: |
Good |
Trophy
Care: |
Excellent |
| Name
of Airline: |
Lufthansa and South African Airlines |
Airline
Service: |
Excellent |
| Airline
Comments: |
I continue to be impressed with Lufthansa for traveling with firearms. Checked guns in Houston all the way to Harare with no problems. |
|
 |
COSTS |
 |
| Hunting
Fees: |
$1,000 per day per hunter. |
Amount: |
$28000 |
| Trophy Fees: |
|
Amount: |
$36000 |
| Permits/Licenses: |
Three CITES permits. $100 each. |
Amount: |
$300 |
| Commercial
Airfares: |
|
Amount: |
$8000 |
| Charter Airfares: |
|
Amount: |
$1700 |
| Other Costs: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
|
 |
SUMMARY
REMARKS |
 |
| Problems
of Hunt: |
Absolutely none. |
| Highlights
of Hunt: |
Both my son and I completed our Big Five. Elephant at 12 yards. Buffalo after classic stalk. |
| Equipment
Recommendations: |
Bug spray, Bullfrog sunscreen, powdered hydration salts - we like Capri Sun. |
| Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? |
Yes |
| Why? |
Great outfit for a classic safari. |
|
 |
HUNTER
INFORMATION |
 |
| Hunter
Name: |
Mark Hopmann |
| Contact
Information: |
Tel. 713-201-6838 - 1418 Modeste Dr., League City, TX 77573 E-mail: mhopmann@comcast.net |
| Hunting Experience: |
Third trip to Africa, 20 years in North America plus New Zealand. |
| Physical Condition: |
Average over weight middle aged American. |
|
 |
IMPORTANT
NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt) |
 |
| Notified Outfitter? |
Notified Personal Guide? |
Notified Booking Agent? |
| Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide? |
| If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought? |
|
|
 |
ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL |
 |
|
We left for Zimbabwe soon after the national elections. Obviously we were very worried given the news reports. I am happy to report however that we had absolutely no problems. We flew into Harare via Jo'berg. Checked our guns all the way through from Houston on Lufthansa connecting to South African Airways. Guns arrived on time with no problems. Met at airport by our charter pilot and driver for Gecko Gardens, overnighted in Harare and flew out the next morning on the charter to the Pedza Pasi Camp in the Dande North Safari Area. Harare International was very quiet, almost no passengers in terminal. Once in the Safari Area you didn't even know that there was an election going on. No news, no people, nothing to worry about except hunting. The hunting was fantastic and I can't say enough good things about our PH - Brent Leesmay and Chifuti Safaris. We were in elephant and buffalo herds on our first day in the bush. We were in Pedza Pasi Camp in the middle of the Dande Safari Area near the Mozambique border. I think during our 18 days we roamed through much of the 321,000 acres of the concession from the Zambezi River in the North to the Angwa River in the South. We were bordered on the east by Mozambique and the Chewore safari Area on the west. My 17 year old son completed his "Big 5" and "Dangerous 7" with a elephant, buffalo, hippo and croc. I completed my "Big 5" with an elephant, buffalo and leopard. In addition we took home a klipspringer, warthog, genet cat and a civet. We actually had not planned on hunting a leopard during this trip but game was so plentiful that we finished our "list" in only 12 days and by chance another hunter had canceled his leopard hunt so we picked it up. We managed to get two nice male leopards on bait and shot one on the 4th day of baiting. We baited for the leopard and croc, the rest of the hunts were classic spot and stalk affairs. Our crew consisted of my son and I, Brent, a camera man, three trackers and two game scouts. Even with this mob in tow, Brent was able to put us into easy shooting range on all the animals. The PH and trackers were of course fantastic, we would find tracks crossing a road, determine the age of the spoor, and set off in pursuit. We never started on a buffalo track that we didn't catch up to the animals. Elephants were a little harder because the bulls would at some point cross or join a herd of cows and we would get either busted or lose the bulls tracks. Most of the tracks ran about 2 to 2 1/2 hours so we would get 3-4 stalks in per day. Pre-hunt walking helps a lot. We were doing 5 miles a day before we left the States and that is probably the minimum you need to train for because when you add in hills it gets a little harder. The brush was very thick and green given the time of the year, so some of the stalks were very close. 12 yards on my elephant, and we were within 10 yards of buffalo herds on several occasions. It's a big plus hunting with PH's and trackers that know their concession well. We would often cut spoor and given the time of day and direction of travel, the guys could make an educated guess at where the animals were going to end up, such as at a spring, or a thicket for a mid-day nap. Anyway, the bottom line is that anyone looking for a dangerous game safari in Zim needs to put these guys on their short list. We had plentiful game, good equipment, first class service and a grand adventure.
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Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Chifuti Safaris Hunts |
Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.
|
 |
DATE
AND PLACE OF HUNT |
 |
| Report
ID: |
6628 |
Weapon
Used: |
Rifle |
How
Hunt Was Conducted? |
Guided |
| Date
of Hunt: |
March 30, 2008 to April 13, 2008 |
| Place
of Hunt: |
Zimbabwe Chiwore South and North |
|
 |
OUTFITTER,
GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS |
 |
| Outfitter
(or safari company): |
Chifuti Safaris. 5206 McKinney Ave; Suite 101; Dallas; Texas; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Fax: (214)-361-8789; Web www.safariclassics.net |
| Personal
Guide (if any): |
Mark Vallaro |
| Booking
Agent (if any): |
Safari Classics Productions. 5206 McKinney Ave ; Suite 101; Dallas; TX; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Web www.safariclassics.net |
Trip
Arrangements
(if self-guided): |
|
| License
Required: |
|
|
 |
GAME
DESCRIPTION |
 |
| Major
Game Animals Taken: |
Lion - Availability: Scarce - Trophy Size: Large mature lion, little mane. |
|
Hyena - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: Large male. |
|
Grysbok - Availability: Scarce - Trophy Size: |
|
Antelope, Klipspringer - Availability: Scarce - Trophy Size: Large. |
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Baboon - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: |
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Buffalo, Cape - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Three cows for bait, one large old dugga boy 39.5 inches. |
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| Game
Sought But Not Taken: |
Sable - Availability: Brush very thick, didn't see any plains game. |
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Kudu - Availability: |
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Waterbuck - Availability: |
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Bushbuck - Availability: |
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| Game
Condition Comments: |
Great dangerous game area, but very little plains game. Excellent camps and PH. |
|
 |
SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor) |
 |
| Quality
of Outfit: |
Excellent |
Guide/PH
Ability: |
Excellent |
| Condition
of Camp: |
Excellent |
Condition
of Equipment: |
Excellent |
| Quality
of Food: |
Good |
Trophy
Care: |
Excellent |
| Name
of Airline: |
Lufthansa and South African Airlines |
Airline
Service: |
Good |
|
 |
COSTS |
 |
| Hunting
Fees: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
| Trophy Fees: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
| Permits/Licenses: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
| Commercial
Airfares: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
| Charter Airfares: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
| Other Costs: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
|
 |
SUMMARY
REMARKS |
 |
| Problems
of Hunt: |
None, just luck of plains game. |
| Highlights
of Hunt: |
Taking a mature wild lion, hunting Cape buffalo and shootng buffalo at 20 yards. |
| Equipment
Recommendations: |
|
| Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? |
Yes |
| Why? |
Great dangerous game area, lots of elephants, buffalo, leopard and some lion. |
|
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HUNTER
INFORMATION |
 |
| Hunter
Name: |
Rich Papapietro |
| Contact
Information: |
Tel. 650-387-5763 - Saratoga, CA E-mail: richapjr@aol.com |
| Hunting Experience: |
Four African safaris, Spain, Alaska, USA, South America. |
| Physical Condition: |
Excellent. |
|
 |
IMPORTANT
NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt) |
 |
| Notified Outfitter? |
Notified Personal Guide? |
Notified Booking Agent? |
| Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide? |
| If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought? |
|
|
 |
ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL |
 |
Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Chifuti Safaris Hunts |
Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.
|
 |
DATE
AND PLACE OF HUNT |
 |
| Report
ID: |
7016 |
Weapon
Used: |
Rifle |
How
Hunt Was Conducted? |
Guided |
| Date
of Hunt: |
July 9, 2007 to July 23, 2007 |
| Place
of Hunt: |
Zimbabwe Dande North |
|
 |
OUTFITTER,
GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS |
 |
| Outfitter
(or safari company): |
Chifuti Safaris. 5206 McKinney Ave; Suite 101; Dallas; Texas; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Fax: (214)-361-8789; Web www.safariclassics.net |
| Personal
Guide (if any): |
|
| Booking
Agent (if any): |
|
Trip
Arrangements
(if self-guided): |
|
| License
Required: |
|
|
 |
GAME
DESCRIPTION |
 |
| Major
Game Animals Taken: |
Hyena - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: |
|
Buffalo, Cape - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: 104 SCI. |
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Grysbok - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: |
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Baboon - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: |
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| Game
Sought But Not Taken: |
Leopard - Availability: Lack of game, overbooking, logistics of hunt. |
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Zebra - Availability: |
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Eland - Availability: |
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Antelope, Klipspringer - Availability: |
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| Game
Condition Comments: |
Very low populations of plains game due to over hunting. Good buffalo population although hunted heavily. |
|
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SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor) |
 |
| Quality
of Outfit: |
Poor |
Guide/PH
Ability: |
Excellent |
| Condition
of Camp: |
Poor |
Condition
of Equipment: |
Good |
| Quality
of Food: |
Fair |
Trophy
Care: |
Good |
| Name
of Airline: |
British Air |
Airline
Service: |
Excellent |
| Airline
Comments: |
Multiple trips with firearm on BA in the past five years. No problems what-so-ever and superior service. |
|
 |
COSTS |
 |
| Hunting
Fees: |
$975 daily rate. |
Amount: |
$0 |
| Trophy Fees: |
$4,200 |
Amount: |
$0 |
| Permits/Licenses: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
| Commercial
Airfares: |
Business $7,000 |
Amount: |
$0 |
| Charter Airfares: |
CATS Zimbabwe $800 |
Amount: |
$0 |
| Other Costs: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
|
 |
SUMMARY
REMARKS |
 |
| Problems
of Hunt: |
The hunt area is extremely overbooked. We encountered multiple vehicles/hunters daily even stalking the same animals in a cross fire situation. One day alone we crossed 5 vehicles and 9 hunters. This company's logistics are very poor, camp was over 3 hours from designated hunt area, when closer camps availible. The same leopard hunt was booked multiple times in advance of my arrival based on odds influenced by Chifuti Safaris and their poor logistics. Third trip to this wonderful country, only bad experiance and it was due to Chifuti Safaris, who has refused to respond. No travel issues or problems , go to Zimbabwe with another operator. |
| Highlights
of Hunt: |
|
| Equipment
Recommendations: |
Good boots, light rain gear just in case. |
| Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? |
No |
| Why? |
Overbooking, quality of hunt, poor operator planning/logistics. Not a real African experience. |
|
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HUNTER
INFORMATION |
 |
| Hunter
Name: |
Shane Odell |
| Contact
Information: |
Tel. 602-402-1599 - 1256 W Solano Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85013 E-mail: digodell@mindspring.com |
| Hunting Experience: |
Six African safaris, three countries, multiple North and South American hunts. |
| Physical Condition: |
Excellent. |
|
 |
IMPORTANT
NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt) |
 |
| Notified Outfitter? Yes |
Notified Personal Guide? Yes |
Notified Booking Agent? Yes |
| Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide? Yes |
| If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought? |
Asking for reduction in daily rates to that of a standard buffalo hunt as that's what this was and reduction in fees on multiple bait animals taken. |
|
 |
ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL |
 |
|
Subscriber comments:
Mr. Nick Murray of Bushlife Safaris did book my hunt however the PH, accommodations and everything related to the actual hunt was handled by Chifuti. This is an obvious case of passing the buck.
Rebuttal from Chifuti Safaris:
It must first be stated that the hunter, Shane O'Dell did not book this safari with Chifuti Safaris directly, or with their exclusive booking agent in the United States. Mr O'Dell booked through a 3rd party, Nick Murray, of Bushlife Safaris. Mr Murray is a freelance PH and booking agent from Zimbabwe who has no direct ties to, or employment contracts with Chifuti Safaris.
It is therefore unknown whether that this 3rd party agent, who has hunted in Dande North several times, advised Mr O'Dell of the following facts:- i) Dande North quota is split into two separate quotas, communal and national parks ii) The area, totaling 321 000 acres, is sold as a multi-party hunting area. iii) Like every safari area in the Zambezi Valley, Dande North is sold primarily as a dangerous game area, never as a plains game area. Chifuti Safaris makes a concentrated effort to explain this to all of their clients prior to booking. For example. the ratio of Cape buffalo to plains game quota in Dande North is:- 12 kudu, 10 zebra, 6 sable, 2 eland, 6 waterbuck on 70 total buffalo
We operate 4 safari camps in this vast concession and, at the time of his hunt there were a total of 6 hunting vehicles and 6 hunters - including himself. Due to the large number of Cape buffalo in this area, and subsequent large quota (70 bulls) several hunting parties will cover the large hunting area at the same time to ensure the Buffalo quota will be harvested during the safari season. Hunting a leopard requires covering great amounts of territory, thus increasing the odds of crossing paths with another party hunting buffalo. In fact, Mr. O'Dell had a leopard feeding close by a camp where a party of 3 other hunters was based and hunting buffalo. The fact is, the majority of buffalo hunted in Dande North takes place in June, July and August. For that reason, Chifuti books their own leopard hunts early in the season, primarily March - May. Mr O'Dell was booked during the month of July, NOT the best time to hunt leopard in the Dande North area. However, at the time, there were a total of 3 leopard left on quota, all in the Dande Safari Area. The next hunter, hunting out of the same camp Mr. Odell was in, bagged his leopard within 3 days of hunting with a Chifuti PH.
In that year, in addition to a 90% success rate on leopard in Dande North, a total of 17 leopard were sold in the two other adjacent safari areas operated by Chifuti Safaris, of which 15 were shot. This is a glaring contradiction to Mr O'Dell's claim of poor numbers of leopard in the Chifuti Safaris concession.
We fully understand that a client may base the overall safari experience on the success or failure on in securing a particular species, in this case Mr. O'Dell's leopard. It should be noted that in addition to several plains game trophies taken, Mr. O'Dell took a buffalo scoring 104 SCI.
As in all fair chase hunting, there are no guarantees. With that said, Mr. O'Dell would have benefited by having better communication with his agent, Nick Murray of Bushlife Safaris.
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|
Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Chifuti Safaris Hunts |
Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.
|
 |
DATE
AND PLACE OF HUNT |
 |
| Report
ID: |
6244 |
Weapon
Used: |
Rifle |
How
Hunt Was Conducted? |
Guided |
| Date
of Hunt: |
June 19, 2007 to July 6, 2007 |
| Place
of Hunt: |
Zimbabwe Zambezi Valley |
|
 |
OUTFITTER,
GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS |
 |
| Outfitter
(or safari company): |
Chifuti Safaris. 5206 McKinney Ave; Suite 101; Dallas; Texas; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Fax: (214)-361-8789; Web www.safariclassics.net |
| Personal
Guide (if any): |
Mark Vallaro |
| Booking
Agent (if any): |
|
Trip
Arrangements
(if self-guided): |
|
| License
Required: |
|
|
 |
GAME
DESCRIPTION |
 |
| Major
Game Animals Taken: |
Leopard - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Mature tom 6 foot 5 inches. |
|
Kudu - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Excellent - 54 inches. |
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Sable - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: Excellent - 42 inches. |
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Zebra - Availability: Scarce - Trophy Size: Nice trophy. |
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Impala - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: Four. Bait and one trophy. |
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| Game
Sought But Not Taken: |
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| Game
Condition Comments: |
A number of excellent leopard present in area. Zebra were hardest to find in the early season. |
|
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SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor) |
 |
| Quality
of Outfit: |
Excellent |
Guide/PH
Ability: |
Excellent |
| Condition
of Camp: |
Excellent |
Condition
of Equipment: |
Excellent |
| Quality
of Food: |
Excellent |
Trophy
Care: |
Excellent |
| Name
of Airline: |
Delta, Northwest and Air France. |
Airline
Service: |
Good |
| Airline
Comments: |
Delta no problem. With Northwest and Air France on return gun showed up five days late. |
|
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COSTS |
 |
| Hunting
Fees: |
$850 a day. |
Amount: |
$11900 |
| Trophy Fees: |
Leopard $3,500, kudu $1,000, sable $3,500, zebra $850, impala $250 each. |
Amount: |
$9100 |
| Permits/Licenses: |
Included. |
Amount: |
$0 |
| Commercial
Airfares: |
I used Amex points, Business class - way to go if you can. |
Amount: |
$0 |
| Charter Airfares: |
Included. |
Amount: |
$0 |
| Other Costs: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
|
 |
SUMMARY
REMARKS |
 |
| Problems
of Hunt: |
|
| Highlights
of Hunt: |
Mark and camp staff were excellent. Camps were excellent. You can not ask for better - first class all the way. |
| Equipment
Recommendations: |
Skin so Soft for the flies. |
| Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? |
Yes |
| Why? |
Outfit - Andrew, Paul, Camp managers and PH's are simply the best. I will be back. |
|
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HUNTER
INFORMATION |
 |
| Hunter
Name: |
Daniel J. Scully Jr |
| Contact
Information: |
Tel. 313-965-8468 - E-mail: dscully@clarkhill.com |
| Hunting Experience: |
Moderate. North American game. |
| Physical Condition: |
I would like to say - fantastic, but I'm an overweight 53 year old guy with a hip replacement and crap knees from a ill spent youth. |
|
 |
IMPORTANT
NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt) |
 |
| Notified Outfitter? |
Notified Personal Guide? |
Notified Booking Agent? |
| Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide? |
| If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought? |
|
|
 |
ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL |
 |
Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Chifuti Safaris Hunts |
Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.
|
 |
DATE
AND PLACE OF HUNT |
 |
| Report
ID: |
6085 |
Weapon
Used: |
Rifle |
How
Hunt Was Conducted? |
Guided |
| Date
of Hunt: |
May 18, 2007 to May 30, 2007 |
| Place
of Hunt: |
Zimbabwe Sapi Hunting area |
|
 |
OUTFITTER,
GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS |
 |
| Outfitter
(or safari company): |
Chifuti Safaris. 5206 McKinney Ave; Suite 101; Dallas; Texas; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Fax: (214)-361-8789; Web www.safariclassics.net |
| Personal
Guide (if any): |
Ian Gibson |
| Booking
Agent (if any): |
|
Trip
Arrangements
(if self-guided): |
|
| License
Required: |
|
|
 |
GAME
DESCRIPTION |
 |
| Major
Game Animals Taken: |
Buffalo, Cape - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Two. 110 plus SCI and 90 SCI. |
|
Zebra - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: |
|
Waterbuck - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: 28 3/4 inches. |
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Impala - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: 26 inches. |
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Hippopotamus - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: |
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| Game
Sought But Not Taken: |
Kudu - Availability: Missed shot. |
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Hyena - Availability: Gun failure. |
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Warthog - Availability: Nothing worth killing. |
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| Game
Condition Comments: |
Excellent safari area with abundant dangerous game. Tigerfishing was extraordinary, Tafika Camp is one of the finest in remote Africa. |
|
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SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor) |
 |
| Quality
of Outfit: |
Excellent |
Guide/PH
Ability: |
Excellent |
| Condition
of Camp: |
Excellent |
Condition
of Equipment: |
Good |
| Quality
of Food: |
Excellent |
Trophy
Care: |
Excellent |
| Name
of Airline: |
South African Airlines |
Airline
Service: |
Good |
| Airline
Comments: |
Coach class was better than I thought. |
|
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COSTS |
 |
| Hunting
Fees: |
Price paid at Dallas Safari Club Auction. |
Amount: |
$11000 |
| Trophy Fees: |
|
Amount: |
$8350 |
| Permits/Licenses: |
Included in cost paid at auction. |
Amount: |
$0 |
| Commercial
Airfares: |
|
Amount: |
$2100 |
| Charter Airfares: |
Included. |
Amount: |
$0 |
| Other Costs: |
Videotaping of safari for TV included in auction price. |
Amount: |
$0 |
|
 |
SUMMARY
REMARKS |
 |
| Problems
of Hunt: |
|
| Highlights
of Hunt: |
Large waterbucdk and Cape buffalo, fine camp and tigerfishing. |
| Equipment
Recommendations: |
|
| Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? |
Yes |
| Why? |
First rate operation with friendly people, abundant game and outstanding accommodations. |
|
 |
HUNTER
INFORMATION |
 |
| Hunter
Name: |
J. Kevin Ciavarra |
| Contact
Information: |
Tel. 214-912-0074 - 7214 Colgate, Dallas, TX 75225 E-mail: kevin@ciavarra.net |
| Hunting Experience: |
Over 20 years in Africa, Canada, US and New Zealand. |
| Physical Condition: |
Excellent. |
|
 |
IMPORTANT
NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt) |
 |
| Notified Outfitter? |
Notified Personal Guide? |
Notified Booking Agent? |
| Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide? |
| If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought? |
|
|
 |
ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL |
 |
Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Chifuti Safaris Hunts |
Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.
|
 |
DATE
AND PLACE OF HUNT |
 |
| Report
ID: |
6760 |
Weapon
Used: |
Rifle |
How
Hunt Was Conducted? |
Guided |
| Date
of Hunt: |
May 2, 2007 to May 16, 2007 |
| Place
of Hunt: |
Zimbabwe |
|
 |
OUTFITTER,
GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS |
 |
| Outfitter
(or safari company): |
Chifuti Safaris. 5206 McKinney Ave; Suite 101; Dallas; Texas; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Fax: (214)-361-8789; Web www.safariclassics.net |
| Personal
Guide (if any): |
Brent Leesmay |
| Booking
Agent (if any): |
Safari Classics Productions. 5206 McKinney Ave ; Suite 101; Dallas; TX; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Web www.safariclassics.net |
Trip
Arrangements
(if self-guided): |
|
| License
Required: |
|
|
 |
GAME
DESCRIPTION |
 |
| Major
Game Animals Taken: |
Leopard - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: 15 inch skull. |
|
Buffalo - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: 36 inch Dugga boy. |
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Elephant - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Tuskless elephant. |
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Impala - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: |
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Zebra - Availability: Scarce - Trophy Size: |
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Hyena - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: |
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Civet - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: |
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Grysbok - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: |
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| Game
Sought But Not Taken: |
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| Game
Condition Comments: |
Great dangerous game concession. Saw lion, lots of elephant and buffalo. Had leopards on 5 of 6 baits. Plains game concentrated close to rivers but in adequate numbers. I took three of the big five in 14 days. Few places in wild Africa where you can accomplish this. |
|
 |
SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor) |
 |
| Quality
of Outfit: |
Excellent |
Guide/PH
Ability: |
Excellent |
| Condition
of Camp: |
Good |
Condition
of Equipment: |
Good |
| Quality
of Food: |
Good |
Trophy
Care: |
Excellent |
| Name
of Airline: |
South African Airlines |
Airline
Service: |
Fair |
| Airline
Comments: |
Saa is SAA and the service is mediocre but there are few other options sinc BA embargoes flights to Zimbabwe. |
|
 |
COSTS |
 |
| Hunting
Fees: |
Daily rate $825 a day for 14 days. |
Amount: |
$11550 |
| Trophy Fees: |
|
Amount: |
$11800 |
| Permits/Licenses: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
| Commercial
Airfares: |
|
Amount: |
$2300 |
| Charter Airfares: |
|
Amount: |
$1600 |
| Other Costs: |
Dip and pack $800, mars $160, govt. taxes 2% $467. |
Amount: |
$1427 |
|
 |
SUMMARY
REMARKS |
 |
| Problems
of Hunt: |
|
| Highlights
of Hunt: |
Taking a great leopard on day 6. Brain shot on an old dugga boy on day 7 and brain shot on a tuskless on day 10. |
| Equipment
Recommendations: |
Avon Skin-so-soft for tsetse. |
| Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? |
Yes |
| Why? |
Excellent dangerous game country and superb hunting outfit - leopard a specialty. |
|
 |
HUNTER
INFORMATION |
 |
| Hunter
Name: |
Russell Marshall |
| Contact
Information: |
Tel. 361-572-6538 - 6017 Country Club Drive, Victoria, TX 77904 E-mail: rmarshall@firstvictoria.com |
| Hunting Experience: |
Numerous. 13 trips to Africa, Canada, Europe, US West. |
| Physical Condition: |
Excellent. |
|
 |
IMPORTANT
NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt) |
 |
| Notified Outfitter? |
Notified Personal Guide? |
Notified Booking Agent? |
| Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide? |
| If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought? |
|
|
 |
ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL |
 |
Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Chifuti Safaris Hunts |
Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.
|
 |
DATE
AND PLACE OF HUNT |
 |
| Report
ID: |
6087 |
Weapon
Used: |
Rifle |
How
Hunt Was Conducted? |
Guided |
| Date
of Hunt: |
April 11, 2007 to April 25, 2007 |
| Place
of Hunt: |
Zimbabwe Dande North |
|
 |
OUTFITTER,
GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS |
 |
| Outfitter
(or safari company): |
Chifuti Safaris. 5206 McKinney Ave; Suite 101; Dallas; Texas; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Fax: (214)-361-8789; Web www.safariclassics.net |
| Personal
Guide (if any): |
Mike Payne |
| Booking
Agent (if any): |
|
Trip
Arrangements
(if self-guided): |
|
| License
Required: |
|
|
 |
GAME
DESCRIPTION |
 |
| Major
Game Animals Taken: |
Elephant - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Trophy bull elephant. 48 pound tusks. |
|
Buffalo, Cape - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Superb dugga boy. |
|
Impala - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Excellent ram. |
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| Game
Sought But Not Taken: |
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| Game
Condition Comments: |
April hunt meant lots of grass and leaf cover, making game a bit harder to spot. But game sufficiently abundant for good hunting. |
|
 |
SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor) |
 |
| Quality
of Outfit: |
Excellent |
Guide/PH
Ability: |
Excellent |
| Condition
of Camp: |
Excellent |
Condition
of Equipment: |
Excellent |
| Quality
of Food: |
Fair |
Trophy
Care: |
Excellent |
| Name
of Airline: |
Lufthansa, local air charter specified by Chifuti |
Airline
Service: |
Excellent |
| Airline
Comments: |
Lufthansa business class was excellent. We arrived in good condition despite 45 hours in transit (air, airports) since we could sleep well on Lufthansa. Local charter was also excellent. |
|
 |
COSTS |
 |
| Hunting
Fees: |
|
Amount: |
$14700 |
| Trophy Fees: |
$12,000 elephant, $2,500 buffalo, $250 impala. |
Amount: |
$14750 |
| Permits/Licenses: |
$100 CITES, $180 Medivac. |
Amount: |
$280 |
| Commercial
Airfares: |
Business class. |
Amount: |
$6700 |
| Charter Airfares: |
|
Amount: |
$1700 |
| Other Costs: |
|
Amount: |
$1000 |
|
 |
SUMMARY
REMARKS |
 |
| Problems
of Hunt: |
None. I was hot (90-100 degrees F), but that's to be expected. Some tsetse flies, but Avon Skin So Soft made a difference. Terrain isn't particularly rugged so walking easy. Cuisine is adequate but could use improvement. |
| Highlights
of Hunt: |
Tracking elephant and buffalo and multiple close range encounters, including final stock and shot. Self-defense take-down of charging cow elephant. Excellent PH instruction on how to track and hunt. First rate true African hunting experience. |
| Equipment
Recommendations: |
Highly recommend Courtenay (Zimbabwe) hunting boots for walking and stalking. They're very comfortable, and very quiet when you need to be. Can purchase them at SCI Reno in the Wesley Richards booth, or check the Courtenay web site. Use Avon Skin So Soft for tsetse flies and sunscreen. Get in shape for lots of walking. Practice shooting before you go, or you risk losing your trophy. |
| Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? |
Yes |
| Why? |
Paul Smith, Chifuti outfitter, listened to what I wanted and delivered in spades. You can't ask for more. For the purist who wants to hunt the traditional way, tracking and stalking under the African sun, PH Mike Payne is the man for you. Mike Payne was very informative, a great hunting companion, good fun and aimed to please. Trackers, skinners and camp staff were excellent. |
|
 |
HUNTER
INFORMATION |
 |
| Hunter
Name: |
Harm P. Gross |
| Contact
Information: |
Tel. 604-419-3838 - c/o Next Environmental Inc., 215-2550 Boundary Rd., Burnaby, BC, V5M 3Z3 Canada E-mail: hgross@next.bc.ca |
| Hunting Experience: |
Since pre-teens, includes small game, birds, elk, deer, bear, sheep, moose, African plains game, Cape buffalo. |
| Physical Condition: |
Good. Work out in gym using weights and cardio. Age late 50's. |
|
 |
IMPORTANT
NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt) |
 |
| Notified Outfitter? |
Notified Personal Guide? |
Notified Booking Agent? |
| Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide? |
| If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought? |
|
|
 |
ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL |
 |
|
My objective was to have a true hunting experience. I am not a fan of "road hunting", which is driving around until you see something and then jumping out and shooting it. Instead, we tracked, stalked and hunted in the traditional, old style. I could have shot a good typical sized elephant and SCI Gold buffalo on day one, but that wouldn't have been much hunting. I turned down other acceptable elephant and buffalo as well, so as to get more experience tracking and hunting. Mike Payne provided that experience. In the end (around days 11 and 12), I shot an exceptional elephant for that area, and a superb old dugga boy. We also tracked a lion wounded by another party, and a wounded elephant and buffalo (from unknown causes), all of which was a great experience. We spent lots of time up close and personal within elephant herds looking for a trophy bull - now that's exciting. We ran with buffalo herds that were being driven by lions in the rear, once returning the next morning to find four lions on their overnight kill. Running with buffalo herds is not for everyone, but some of you would love it for sure. Lions, elephant and hyena were in camp every night (so no sleepwalking is allowed). April has lots of leaf and grass cover so you don't see as much as in later months, but that didn't take away from the pleasure of hunting as there was abundant game. I used an open sighted double barrel Krieghof .470 NE with 500 gr. Federal Woodleigh solids and softs, which is what the rifle is regulated for. A Krieghof .470 is a great gun, which was also used and recommended by Craig Boddington, practice standing shots with open sights at 50 yards with at least 100 rounds (spread over a number of weekends) before taking the trip, and you'll be ready to shoot when your trophy is before you. My shots didn't allow time for setting up or using safari sticks, although yours might. I highly recommend Chifuti (Andrew Dawson and Paul Smith) and PH Mike Payne. They will accommodate other hunting styles, I am told; but they also accommodate guys like me who like to be out there. It was a great trip. My wife accompanied me, and is in excellent shape so she could walk everywhere. All staff were accommodating to her, and although the experience was a bit scary for her at times (as she is not a hunter), she loved the trip too. Be sure to spend a few days fishing on the Zambezi River at Tafika Camp (run by Chifuti). You'll love the experience, and you'll get over jet lag.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Chifuti Safaris Hunts |
Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.
|
 |
DATE
AND PLACE OF HUNT |
 |
| Report
ID: |
5488 |
Weapon
Used: |
Rifle |
How
Hunt Was Conducted? |
Guided |
| Date
of Hunt: |
June 3, 2006 to June 18, 2006 |
| Place
of Hunt: |
Zimbabwe Zambezi Valley Chewore North |
|
 |
OUTFITTER,
GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS |
 |
| Outfitter
(or safari company): |
Chifuti Safaris. 5206 McKinney Ave; Suite 101; Dallas; Texas; 75205; Tel. (214)-360-9599; Fax: (214)-361-8789; Web www.safariclassics.net |
| Personal
Guide (if any): |
Mark Vallaro (outstanding) |
| Booking
Agent (if any): |
|
Trip
Arrangements
(if self-guided): |
|
| License
Required: |
|
|
 |
GAME
DESCRIPTION |
 |
| Major
Game Animals Taken: |
Leopard - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Mature tom - 6 foot 10 inches. |
|
Buffalo - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: Mature bull. |
|
Antelope, Klipspringer - Availability: Scarce - Trophy Size: Good buck. |
|
Waterbuck - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Mature buck. |
|
Bushbuck - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: Record book class buck. |
|
Zebra - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: Bait animal. |
|
Impala - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: Bait animal. |
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|
|
| Game
Sought But Not Taken: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Game
Condition Comments: |
Due to heavy and late rains, leopard were easier to bait than normal. Buffalo abundant, but widely dispersed due to easily available water and browse. |
|
 |
SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor) |
 |
| Quality
of Outfit: |
Excellent |
Guide/PH
Ability: |
Excellent |
| Condition
of Camp: |
Excellent |
Condition
of Equipment: |
Good |
| Quality
of Food: |
Excellent |
Trophy
Care: |
Excellent |
| Name
of Airline: |
South African Airlines |
Airline
Service: |
Excellent |
| Airline
Comments: |
No problems of any type. |
|
 |
COSTS |
 |
| Hunting
Fees: |
|
Amount: |
$13923 |
| Trophy Fees: |
|
Amount: |
$8500 |
| Permits/Licenses: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
| Commercial
Airfares: |
|
Amount: |
$2240 |
| Charter Airfares: |
|
Amount: |
$1600 |
| Other Costs: |
Dip and pack. |
Amount: |
$600 |
|
 |
SUMMARY
REMARKS |
 |
| Problems
of Hunt: |
None - everything was as expected or better. |
| Highlights
of Hunt: |
Hunting out of fly camp for leopard and buffalo, then hunting other species out of fish camp (Tafika) on Zambezi River. Meeting Craig Boddington and other notable people in the hunting world. Dave Fulson and Tim Danklee. |
| Equipment
Recommendations: |
|
| Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? |
Yes |
| Why? |
People in the hunting world Dave Fulson and Tim Danklee from Safari Classics did an outstanding job. Everything went smooth and as advertised. Absolutely no problems dealing with government in Zim. |
|
 |
HUNTER
INFORMATION |
 |
| Hunter
Name: |
Gary Stanek |
| Contact
Information: |
Tel. 586-781-5086 - 52708 Stag Ridge, Macomb, MI 48042 E-mail: nstanek1@juno.com |
| Hunting Experience: |
Western US, Alaska, Canada, Michigan. |
| Physical Condition: |
Excellent. |
|
 |
IMPORTANT
NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt) |
 |
| Notified Outfitter? |
Notified Personal Guide? |
Notified Booking Agent? |
| Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide? |
| If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought? |
|
|
 |
ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL |
 |
|