Postpone, don’t cancel hunting trips
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International hunting operations need hunters’ help. While the cancellation of a safari or hunt may be disappointing and inconvenient for the hunter, it can be devastating for the international outfitter.
Concessions, or leases, along with quotas for animals obtained by many of the outfitters have already been paid, in whole or in part.
Peter Thormahlen with Thormahlen and Cochran Safaris said their first con- cession payment to local communities was made in early February.
“The local communities are dependent on our money — it is part of our conservation effort to uplift and develop the conservancies with funds derived from your safaris.”
Thormahlen urged hunters not to cancel safaris but to cooperate and communicate with the outfitters and postpone to a date later in the season.
Dallas Safari Club encouraged its members to be patient.
“For the short-term, some travel decisions have in fact, been made for, not by, the international adventurer,” DSC said in a release. “But we all believe that the travel restrictions and quarantines will be lifted and that a return to normalcy will occur.”
DSC recommended continually checking for travel advisories from the U.S. State Department; checking the Centers for Disease Control and Johns Hopkins coronavirus global update sites; staying in touch with your travel agent; and considering buying travel insurance.
The Dallas Safari Club is giving away a free 1 year membership to the 100th person to post a photo of one of their favorite hunting memories and use the hashtag #postponeyourdream on social media.
Phillip Bronkhorst, with Bronkhorst Safaris, also pleaded for customers to postpone rather than cancel.
“We have many people depending on us as an outfitter and employer for their income, meat and livelihood,” he said. “But our clients and friends are also highly valued and we would always want to treat you fairly and give you an unforgettable trip.”
Booking later this year should avoid losses of travel costs.
“Most airlines are willing to move the traveling dates, once, at no cost,” he said. “Let’s be realistic and move the dates so it gives us breathing space for this situation to be sorted.”
Argentina’s hunting season is winding down, and the country has banned travel from the U.S. until at least April 10.
Ramsey Russell of Get Ducks also operates in New Zealand, and American Airlines has canceled 75 percent of it international flights until May 6, he said.
“We encourage everyone to check in with relevant authorities regarding rapidly changing travel restrictions, border closings, and business closures,” Russell said. “In addition, we encourage all hunters to communicate problems concerning scheduled hunts with all relevant stakeholders as soon as possible so that contingency planning can be done as smoothly as possible.”
Thormahlen said health and safety should be the top priority.
“We stand in solidarity with our friends across the world to support coordinated global efforts in the battle to contain the spread of this serious infection,” he said.
Russell said outfitters will be ready to resume as soon as travel issues dissipate.
“This too will pass,” he said. “And when it does, your hunt awaits.”
