HuntingReport.com
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Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Savannah Safaris Zimbabwe 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: |
3063 |
Weapon
Used: |
Rifle |
How
Hunt Was Conducted? |
Guided |
| Date
of Hunt: |
November 8, 2002 to November 20, 2002 |
| Place
of Hunt: |
Zimbabwe Gokwe North and Limpopo River - Beitbridge area |
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OUTFITTER,
GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS |
 |
| Outfitter
(or safari company): |
Alec and Jan Strauss; Savannah Safaris Zimbabwe. PO Box 166; Beitbridge; Zimbabwe; Tel. 011-263-86-2302; Fax: 011-263-86-2302; Email: savannah@limpopo.co.za; |
| Personal
Guide (if any): |
Lorry Van Aswegen |
| Booking
Agent (if any): |
Safari Outfitters Inc. 410 W. Yellowstone Ave.; Cody; WY; 82414; Tel. 307-587-5596; Fax: 307-587-2265;Email: hunt@safari1.com; Web www.safari1.com |
Trip
Arrangements
(if self-guided): |
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| License
Required: |
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GAME
DESCRIPTION |
 |
| Major
Game Animals Taken: |
Elephant - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: #35 - #40 tusks. Rogue - killed two people, opportunity given. |
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Buffalo, Cape - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: 107 SCI. |
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Kudu, Greater - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Southern. 58 1/4 inches. |
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Eland - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: 34 inches. |
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Zebra - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: |
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Wildebeest, Blue - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: |
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Crocodile - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: 13 feet long. |
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Hog, Wild - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: Boar 200 pounds. Bushpig. |
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Impala - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: 22 inches. |
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Duiker - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: 5 inches. |
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Steenbok - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: Male. 3 inch horns. |
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| Game
Sought But Not Taken: |
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| Game
Condition Comments: |
Lots of game, great hunt. The elephant I took came up because it had killed two natives and National Park Service wanted it killed and offered it to me. |
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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: |
Good |
| Quality
of Food: |
Good |
Trophy
Care: |
Excellent |
| Name
of Airline: |
South African Airlines. |
Airline
Service: |
Excellent |
|
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COSTS |
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| Hunting
Fees: |
For 12 days. |
Amount: |
$5500 |
| Trophy Fees: |
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Amount: |
$13075 |
| Permits/Licenses: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
| Commercial
Airfares: |
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Amount: |
$1850 |
| Charter Airfares: |
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Amount: |
$1250 |
| Other Costs: |
2 percent tax. |
Amount: |
$110 |
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SUMMARY
REMARKS |
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| Problems
of Hunt: |
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| Highlights
of Hunt: |
Killing rogue elephant, staking and tracking buffalo. Getting 58 inch kudu. |
| Equipment
Recommendations: |
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| Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? |
Yes |
| Why? |
Well run, great hunt. Lots of game, lots of fun and exciting. |
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HUNTER
INFORMATION |
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| Hunter
Name: |
Richard A. Bonander |
| Contact
Information: |
Tel. 307-234-2545 - 4910 S. David, Casper, WY E-mail: rick@inter-mountian.com |
| Hunting Experience: |
Mostly North America - 40 years. |
| Physical Condition: |
Average - bad ankle. |
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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 |
 |
Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Savannah Safaris Zimbabwe 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: |
3064 |
Weapon
Used: |
Rifle |
How
Hunt Was Conducted? |
Guided |
| Date
of Hunt: |
November 8, 2002 to November 20, 2002 |
| Place
of Hunt: |
Zimbabwe Gokwe North and Nottingham Estate. |
|
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OUTFITTER,
GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS |
 |
| Outfitter
(or safari company): |
Alec and Jan Strauss; Savannah Safaris Zimbabwe. PO Box 166; Beitbridge; Zimbabwe; Tel. 011-263-86-2302; Fax: 011-263-86-2302; Email: savannah@limpopo.co.za; |
| Personal
Guide (if any): |
Lorri Van Aswegen |
| Booking
Agent (if any): |
|
Trip
Arrangements
(if self-guided): |
|
| License
Required: |
|
|
 |
GAME
DESCRIPTION |
 |
| Major
Game Animals Taken: |
Buffalo - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: 38 inches. |
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Eland - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: 31 inches. |
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Kudu - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: 53 inches. |
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Bushbuck - Availability: Scarce - Trophy Size: 15 3/4 inches. |
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Impala - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Two. 22 inches. |
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Duiker - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: 4 inches. |
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Antelope, Klipspringer - Availability: Scarce - Trophy Size: 4 inches. |
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Bushpig - Availability: Scarce - Trophy Size: Two. Adult female. |
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| Game
Sought But Not Taken: |
Steenbok - Availability: Very scarce, only one shootable male seen. |
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| Game
Condition Comments: |
All game animals with the exception of impala were in excellent condition. Impala are showing signs of stress due to drought and many were in fair to poor overall condition. |
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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: |
Good |
Trophy
Care: |
Excellent |
| Name
of Airline: |
South African Air |
Airline
Service: |
Good |
| Airline
Comments: |
Rifle case didn't make connection between Johannesburg and Bulawayo. |
|
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COSTS |
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| Hunting
Fees: |
10 days 2 X 1 package $6,500, 2 1/2 days $1,000. |
Amount: |
$7500 |
| Trophy Fees: |
Exclusive of buffalo, trophy fee included in package. |
Amount: |
$3530 |
| Permits/Licenses: |
|
Amount: |
$88 |
| Commercial
Airfares: |
From Atlanta. |
Amount: |
$1800 |
| Charter Airfares: |
Bulawayo to Gokwe; Gokwe to Nottingham (Lowveld). |
Amount: |
$1280 |
| Other Costs: |
Two percent government tax on daily rate plus tips. |
Amount: |
$1100 |
|
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SUMMARY
REMARKS |
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| Problems
of Hunt: |
SAA not transferring firearms to SAA connecting flight in Johannesburg. |
| Highlights
of Hunt: |
Tracking herds of buffalo along the Ume River escarpment, seeing the wonderful diversity of life in Africa. |
| Equipment
Recommendations: |
Sunscreen and salt pills, it was hotter than hell. |
| Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? |
Yes |
| Why? |
First time safari exceeded my greatest expectations. We experienced absolutely no problems in Zimbabwe and found the people to be both friendly and courteous. |
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HUNTER
INFORMATION |
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| Hunter
Name: |
Robert M. Anderson |
| Contact
Information: |
Tel. 307-473-1268 - PO Box 3586, Casper, WY 82602-3586 E-mail: biologist@prodigy.net |
| Hunting Experience: |
Alaska, Canada, Western US, Texas, Mexico and Mongolia. |
| 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? |
|
|
 |
ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL |
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I recently returned from a 12-day 2 x 1 safari in Zimbabwe and feel compelled to report the success of our trip. This was our first safari and was booked directly with Savannah Safaris this past March at the Las Vegas SCI Convention. Like many subscribers, I have been reading the various reports from hunters returning from safari in Zimbabwe as well as the press releases concerning the ongoing political unrest in this country. Despite the political situation in Zimbabwe and concerns associated with airline travel after the 9/11 attacks, my hunting partner and I elected to press forward with our plans to hunt in Zimbabwe, and I am pleased to report that we encountered absolutely no problems whatsoever related to terrorism or the political unrest in Zimbabwe.
While we did encounter so-called war vets in a resettlement area on the northern boundary of the Nottingham estate, we were not threatened in the least and found these individuals to be quite friendly (we were attempting to cull a rogue bull elephant that had been terrorizing the inhabitants of this particular resettlement camp). Throughout our travels in Zimbabwe, we found that a friendly gesture (a wave and a smile) to natives encountered along the roads and trails invariably resulted in reciprocal action on their part. Small children encountered in the villages were eager to smile and wave as we passed through. In truth, I was treated better in Zimbabwe during my stay than I was several years ago while on vacation on the island of Maui, where I was a citizen in my own country.
Inflation in the country is rampant, with the Zimbabwe dollar now trading on the black market for somewhere between 1,500 to 2,000 "Zims" to one US dollar. A letter from another subscriber in late summer reported the exchange rate at 400 to one, so you can see how inflation has affected the country in the intervening period of time. While fuel is clearly in short supply, the safari companies have stockpiled sufficient fuel for their operations, and we experienced absolutely no problems with either air or land travel in the country during our visit. Regarding air travel in Zimbabwe, President Mugabe instituted a 24-hour rule for charter flights subsequent to 9/11 that requires advance notification and approval prior to any/all charter flights, so a word to the wise should be sufficient in this regard.
Poaching in the Gokwe North concession (a Campfire area along the Ume River) was widely evident, and we typically collected at least one snare for each day in the bush. The daily record was three snares, with one of the snares containing the rotted carcass of a mature buffalo cow. We managed to rescue a yearling buffalo bull calf from the third snare. Apparently he had been caught in the snare earlier that same morning as he was still in good shape with only minor wounds on his neck from the wire snare. While buffalo were abundant in the concession, plains game species were noticeably absent from an area that, reportedly, had harbored excellent kudu and eland in years past. The current food shortage throughout Zimbabwe, coupled with rising inflation, would appear to be fueling increased poaching activities in this particular area.
Our plains game hunt took place on private lands in the lowveld along the Limpopo River. The Nottingham Estate is an unfenced property that engages in citrus farming in selected areas along the Limpopo and manages the remainder of the property for game production and hunting. The owner/manager of the Nottingham Estate negotiated a compromise with the Zimbabwe Government earlier this year in which certain of their private lands were "ceded" to the government for resettlement, with Nottingham retaining a portion of the original estate intact for continuing farming and game ranching operations. Strict quotas are set for the game, and we observed an abundance of game animals, including eland, kudu, zebra, wildebeest, duiker, impala and warthog. Bushpig and bushbuck inhabit the riverine areas along the Limpopo and are particularly fond of the citrus groves. The game was all in excellent condition with the possible exception of impala, which are beginning to show signs of stress from the continued drought.
Nottingham employs their own game scouts and has managed to keep poaching to a minimum on the estate so far, despite the encroachment of natives from the "resettlement" areas. During our hunt, my hunting partner had the opportunity to cull a rogue bull elephant that had killed two natives prior to our arrival in the country and was chasing the natives on a regular basis in the bush. The bull was ultimately dispatched, and the meat from the carcass was distributed by Nottingham to the local population, including the "war vets" mentioned previously. The good will generated not only by the elimination of the rogue bull, but also by the distribution of the meat from the carcass to these natives, was immediately evident during the remainder of our hunt.
In talking with both our safari operator and our professional hunter, it appears that 2002 has been a difficult year for the safari industry in Zimbabwe and particularly those safari operators hunting primarily on private lands. Savannah's bookings were down considerably from previous years, and animals were left on quota at the close of the safari season. The 2002 decline in bookings may be attributed to three primary factors: travel fears associated with the terrorist attacks of 9/11, fears for personal safety while in Zimbabwe due to the ongoing political unrest and financial concerns as a result of the stock market "crash" in the US. As indicated above, we experienced absolutely no problems while in Zimbabwe with the native population; to the contrary, we found the local population to be both curious and quite friendly. Regarding airline safety, the ability to fly directly between the United States (either Atlanta or New York) and Johannesburg on South African Air greatly diminishes the possibility/probability for terrorist activity. Finally, regarding safari costs, you will not find a greater hunting opportunity for the dollar than Zimbabwe. I personally took 10 animals during the course of our safari for a total cost of $15,300! What a bargain and, more importantly, what a great adventure!
If you love to hunt, if you like adventure, if you like seeing and experiencing new places - what better place than on safari in Zimbabwe. Savannah Safaris and our PH, Lorri Van Aswegen, went out of their way to ensure our safety and to ensure that we had a wonderful safari. If you dream of Africa, go now - not only will you have a great time, but you will be helping both the safari industry and the wildlife resource itself through a difficult time. I would reiterate the comments of John J. Jackson, III, in the September 2002 issue of the World Conservation Force Bulletin where he states "Zimbabwe hunting will continue - but Zimbabwe needs you now."
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|
Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Savannah Safaris Zimbabwe 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 |
 |
| Report
ID: |
887 |
Weapon
Used: |
Rifle |
How
Hunt Was Conducted? |
Guided |
| Date
of Hunt: |
May 1, 1999 to May 18, 1999 |
| Place
of Hunt: |
Zimbabwe Limpopo River around Beitbridge |
|
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OUTFITTER,
GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS |
 |
| Outfitter
(or safari company): |
Alec and Jan Strauss; Savannah Safaris Zimbabwe. PO Box 166; Beitbridge; Zimbabwe; Tel. 011-263-86-2302; Fax: 011-263-86-2302; Email: savannah@limpopo.co.za; |
| Personal
Guide (if any): |
Alec Strauss |
| Booking
Agent (if any): |
Self Booked. |
Trip
Arrangements
(if self-guided): |
|
| License
Required: |
|
|
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GAME
DESCRIPTION |
 |
| Major
Game Animals Taken: |
Kudu - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Over 50 inches. |
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Elephant - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: 40 pounds average |
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Bushbuck - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Trophy size |
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Eland - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Trophy size |
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Warthog - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Trophy size |
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Bushpig - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: All animals will book good. |
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Impala - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: |
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Zebra - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: |
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Wildebeest - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: |
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| Game
Sought But Not Taken: |
Leopard - Availability: Many leopard were preserved. But only got two to take bait and they didn't come when we were in the blind. |
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| Game
Condition Comments: |
Many animals of all listed species and were in excellent condiitons. |
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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: |
No problems. |
|
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COSTS |
 |
| Hunting
Fees: |
very reasonable |
Amount: |
$0 |
| Trophy Fees: |
trophy less than what you normally see. |
Amount: |
$0 |
| Permits/Licenses: |
$50 entrance and exit Zimbabwe |
Amount: |
$0 |
| Commercial
Airfares: |
American and SAA total round trip $1,230 including flight from Johannusberg to Bucayo and back |
Amount: |
$0 |
| Charter Airfares: |
none |
Amount: |
$0 |
| Other Costs: |
Two hotel nights for wife and I $100 |
Amount: |
$0 |
|
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SUMMARY
REMARKS |
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| Problems
of Hunt: |
None. |
| Highlights
of Hunt: |
Elephant hunt. Seeing animals constantly and trophy quality. |
| Equipment
Recommendations: |
None. |
| Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? |
Yes |
| Why? |
I would absolutely recommend the hunt. |
|
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HUNTER
INFORMATION |
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| Hunter
Name: |
Dr. Doug Smith |
| Contact
Information: |
Tel. 205-428-7211 - 816 North 9th Street, Bessemer, AL 35020 |
| Hunting Experience: |
I have taken eight African safaris and all major big five animals except Rhino. I will go again in July 1999. |
| Physical Condition: |
Good for 57 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 |
 |
Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Savannah Safaris Zimbabwe 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: |
896 |
Weapon
Used: |
Rifle |
How
Hunt Was Conducted? |
Guided |
| Date
of Hunt: |
September 6, 1998 to September 23, 1998 |
| Place
of Hunt: |
Zimbabwe |
|
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OUTFITTER,
GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS |
 |
| Outfitter
(or safari company): |
Alec and Jan Strauss; Savannah Safaris Zimbabwe. PO Box 166; Beitbridge; Zimbabwe; Tel. 011-263-86-2302; Fax: 011-263-86-2302; Email: savannah@limpopo.co.za; |
| Personal
Guide (if any): |
Alex Strauss |
| Booking
Agent (if any): |
|
Trip
Arrangements
(if self-guided): |
|
| License
Required: |
|
|
 |
GAME
DESCRIPTION |
 |
| Major
Game Animals Taken: |
Elephant - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: 40 pounds |
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Crocodile - Availability: - Trophy Size: 10 1/2 feet |
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Leopard - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Large. |
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| Game
Sought But Not Taken: |
Hyena - Availability: |
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| Game
Condition Comments: |
Drought setting in. Some animals starting to suffer, predators doing well. January 1, 1999 understand rains have come. |
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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: |
Good |
| Quality
of Food: |
Good |
Trophy
Care: |
Excellent |
| Name
of Airline: |
South African Airways |
Airline
Service: |
Fair |
| Airline
Comments: |
Lost our upstairs seats because new planes place in service and all upstairs is business class. |
|
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COSTS |
 |
| Hunting
Fees: |
package for elephant |
Amount: |
$18000 |
| Trophy Fees: |
leopard $2,500, crocodile $1,250, impala $150 |
Amount: |
$3950 |
| Permits/Licenses: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
| Commercial
Airfares: |
South African Airways |
Amount: |
$1800 |
| Charter Airfares: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
| Other Costs: |
pick up at airport and transfer |
Amount: |
$300 |
|
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SUMMARY
REMARKS |
 |
| Problems
of Hunt: |
|
| Highlights
of Hunt: |
Seeing hundreds of elephant. |
| Equipment
Recommendations: |
|
| Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? |
Yes |
|
 |
HUNTER
INFORMATION |
 |
| Hunter
Name: |
Lynn F. Greenlee MD |
| Contact
Information: |
Tel. 719-275-1951 - 23 Sunrise Mesa Circle, Canon City, CO 81212 |
| Hunting Experience: |
I have hunted in the United States, Canada and Africa. |
| Physical Condition: |
Average 60 year 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 |
 |
|