Wild Lion Hunt

[375Fox]

I think you miss read what I was saying or maybe I should have been more precise in my verbiage since people get so up in arms about lion hunts in any forum thread.

As for decedent accommodation, I was referring to places like Tanzania & Namibia that have private/exclusive rights and are seen as “truly wild” that friends of mine with much deeper pockets hunt and the photos of the lodges are awe inspiring.

As far as the issues with D&Y in the Omay, I got caught in the middle of that as my July 2024 hunt was booked 1.5 years out, when a certain Zim outfitter posted on this forum that he had “acquired” the rights to the concession I was booked on and that anyone with hunts booked for Omay should contact him….

I thought that was very poor form on his part and caused unnecessary drama that hung a dark cloud of uncertainty over my hunt for months.

That played out in court and D&Y won the drawn out court battle and I hunted the Omay with them.

As far as other issues with Chewore… I don’t have any information or standing on that so will not comment, but it is Zimbabwe and the administration of hunting areas in Zim have been charged with various improprieties in the tenure process including the Omay issue.

Lion hunting is something out of reach for me at the moment(I need a new tractor more than a lion hunt) so granted I don’t research it heavily, but my entire reason for posting on this thread in the first place was to mention that there is a sub $50K option for exportable lion as the OP asked for which is factual and immediately get hit with anything but what the OP was asking for as counter examples.

Again I’m just posting info for the OP who asked for $50K and under hunt, then people start posting all sorts of info about hunts that are 2-3x the OP’s budget.

Honestly I’ll probably avoid lion hunting, seems like a sewing circle anytime someone posts about it, CBL brings up a shit storm of controversy and apparently any lion hunt under $100K is not a “Good lion”

No I don’t think I did. Your first post was correct suggesting that particular hunt. Your subsequent posts are continuing to make some incorrect assumptions. A person looking into a wild lion hunt should understand what goes into the pricing on a particular hunt.

 

[DLSJR]

Yes , I have gotten a Direct message from a company in Zambia that got a late quota past marketing window so have a
Good deal for this year . Waiting for him to confirm a few things. $ 60kish with 2/3rds weighted to trophy fee being newly opened with no hunting last 5 years .

I’d be EXTREMELY careful and do more than normal due diligence. I do know of a recently re-opened Kafue concession, but Johnny DuPlooy (one of the top lion hunters anywhere) is the main operator hunting it for the concession holder. Not anyone from another country. One thing is absolutely certain…. I would not book a Zambian hunt with a non-Zambian operator. Period.

One more thing; most Zambian concessions get one lion per year. Some may be getting two but I’ve not heard of that if it’s happening. AND, lions continent wide are in lower supply than almost any other major animal, with demand being greater than supply. So how likely do you think it is that you’re going to get some kind of deal on a quality lion hunt? Except for the occasional Black Rhino, most quality lion hunts are THE most expensive animal to hunt anywhere in Africa. A legitimate deal is pretty rare.

Heed the old saying - “ When something seems too good to be true, it usually is”. That applies here in spades.

 

[CBH Australia]

Sounds like a dream hunt but adds to the expense. I think everyone would prefer a truly wild lion over a CBL. I don’t think Vilages in the concession would concern me so much if the were mostly living the traditional way and not impacting the hunt and tourism etc.
even a hundred years ago notable big game hunters would have been in truly wild areas with villages in them and the villagers would probably didn’t see much of the white man and his lifestyle.

I hope your trusted PH can line something up as with a big budget on the line you want to be in company you know and trust.

 

[deewayne2003]

No I don’t think I did. Your first post was correct suggesting that particular hunt. Your subsequent posts are continuing to make some incorrect assumptions. A person looking into a wild lion hunt should understand what goes into the pricing on a particular hunt.

I never tried to discredit anything about the $2,900 day I was pointing out that comparing Zim CAMPFIRE hunt to Tanzania is comparing apples to bowling balls. Then you go on to bring up the Omay issue which directly affected me to discredit them, without mentioning that D&Y won that argument in court.

As I’ve said multiple times I’m no lion expert, but by all means feel free to post a hunt that meets the OP’s criteria…..

Excellent point on the collard lions though, nobody wants to shoot the next Cecil!

 

[Philip Glass]

I have my go to PH Zane Bronkhorst looking for a deal currently , but he is busy chasing wild things. I thought I could expand my search to the AH community to see if you have any leads on a quality area that may have need to fill a tag this year? I can usually travel last minute if any opportunity ( cancellation ) arises .

It would have to be exportable to the US . I’m wanting to be in the $50,000 daily and trophy fees range. Add on being bait animal’s export ext . Would like to use Zane as my PH if possible if he is available.

I’ve done a captive bred lion hunt and had a great experience. Just something about hearing a wild lion while your sitting around a fire that is extremely special. Even more so when you’re sitting in a leopard blind with nothing but a pillow for protection in your arms as they advance on your location! A story for another time !

Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions!

Scott

Scott,

This will be an amazing hunt when you get it put together. I have some advice for you. Do not take your former PH with you but go with the one who actually operates the wild lion hunts. I have never understood this.
It will be difficult but not impossible to get a wild lion hunt in your price range. Bait is the variable that can run the cost up. I suggest contacting @DALTON & YORK SAFARIS and see what might be available in the future.
Finally I would go to the SCI Convention to shop for such an important hunt as this.
Regards,
Philip

 

[Philip Glass]

In what world is any outfitter selling a lion for 900 a day? 2,900 a day sounds more likely.

That has been the daily rate in the Omay with D&Y. Fact!

 

[kpoynter]

I’d be EXTREMELY careful and do more than normal due diligence. I do know of a recently re-opened Kafue concession, but Johnny DuPlooy (one of the top lion hunters anywhere) is the main operator hunting it for the concession holder. Not anyone from another country. One thing is absolutely certain…. I would not book a Zambian hunt with a non-Zambian operator. Period.

One more thing; most Zambian concessions get one lion per year. Some may be getting two but I’ve not heard of that if it’s happening. AND, lions continent wide are in lower supply than almost any other major animal, with demand being greater than supply. So how likely do you think it is that you’re going to get some kind of deal on a quality lion hunt? Except for the occasional Black Rhino, most quality lion hunts are THE most expensive animal to hunt anywhere in Africa. A legitimate deal is pretty rare.

Heed the old saying - “ When something seems too good to be true, it usually is”. That applies here in spades.

You are exactly right….
Some of us suspect the is the new magic concession that just “popped up” he is being offered.the Duplooys turned the concession over due to some form of Shenanigans… not sure what kind but they have been around forever with a sterling reputation.
Haven’t heard of another. I was being generous in an earlier post about having two Lions potentially on quota (max). Then..,this pops up? For maybe their one Lion tag at half price with 6 months of season still left to sell it?
A Kafue Lion hunt, which was once one of the most renown area for Lion, and especially with big beautiful manes is typically hard to come by at full price.
Someone mentioned also rightfully getting all the paperwork for import which was a Damn good point.
Hey…deals do happen. There is a chance this is a great deal… I’d say 20% chance
There are several red flags here so 80% there’s some rather material issue that would lead to lower success and maybe no importantly (having sufficient backup for permit)

 

[spike.t]

BE exceptionally careful in Zambia.... There are only a couple of outfitters that you can truly trust.

For lion, I would go to Bubye in Zimbabwe as a good option. There are other places but be absolutely sure of who you dealing with....

I would say there are more than a couple.......

 

[DLSJR]

Kpoynter, you’re correct as I confirmed that Muchinga has nothing to do with this lion hunt. If Johnny was offering this hunt I’d book it without a 2nd thought. He’s not involved, so I’d be extremely cautious as this hunt sounds way too similar to a different Zambian lion hunt that never was delivered to a different hunter a couple years ago. It went sideways, PH and block holder were pointing fingers at each other and the client got royally crewed. To date, that cluster F*ck is still being debated.

 

[kpoynter]

Kpoynter, you’re correct as I confirmed that Muchinga has nothing to do with this lion hunt. If Johnny was offering this hunt I’d book it without a 2nd thought. He’s not involved, so I’d be extremely cautious as this hunt sounds way too similar to a different Zambian lion hunt that never was delivered to a different hunter a couple years ago. It went sideways, PH and block holder were pointing fingers at each other and the client got royally crewed. To date, that cluster F*ck is still being debated.

Yes sir… I am indeed VERY familiar with that
Lots of good honest advice and folks here on AH. Lots of experience and knowledge

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

The hunt would be with a sponsor here Kemp African Safaris. He did not name the concession although said it boarders Kafue National Park . I don’t expect a response from him until tomorrow since it’s late there now.

Caveat Emptor for sure . That’s a great reason to be a member of AH lots of experienced individuals to help you out along the way !

I’d be VERY cautious.

We’re barely into the Safari Season this year. So “past the marketing block” and “late quota” don’t really apply. Late quota normally refers to additional quota given right at the end of the season because of environmental condition (ir Zim & Namibia last year with the drought. Many African countries don’t give outfitters their actual quota numbers until right before the season starts. The outfitters are booking based on past quota numbers, with the assumption of it being the same/close to and give themselves a little wiggle room. Any decent outfitter has a list of past clients or customers they can message about a quota increase, or will offer it to hunters already booked.

Secondly; I echo the sentiments of others about being cautious booking with a South African Outfitters in another country. You have multiple Zambian Outfitters on AH like @spike.t , surely one would’ve heard about this “late quota”.

Thirdly; if it’s a new area that’s been recently opened, they’re likely going to lack the data USFWS requires to approve an import permit. Look at Mozambique, they’re only approving Lions from Niassa right now. The outfitter I think stands the best chance at getting a Lion approved in Mozambique outside Niassa is Mark Haldane, but he has how many years of Lion data/research during their non hunting period to back it up?

I know of a cancellation Wild Lion in Tanzania with a well known Tanzanian PH in an established areas (that has a substantial deposit down). This was 2 weeks ago, it could very well be sold by now.

I suspect in August/September we’ll start seeing the typical late season cancellations/additional quota from outfitters who own their concession areas. Look at Zim and Namibia the hardest.