Hello THF members

I thought it might be a good idea to get your opinion on this. Between safari’s we always have a few days “off” and recently we receive more and more requests for a “day hunt”. We pick up the client(s) where they stay, drive out to one of our concessions and hunt one or two animals, stay the evening and after breakfast head back home again.

Usually the client(s) are on a vacation, business trip or a “stopover” for a few days. I was wondering, is this something that you would do? Do you think it is a good “add-on” service to have?

Personally, hunting in Africa is a special experience for me, and something I plan a trip around. It isn't like trying to squeeze in a quick dove hunt after work. I can see this being attractive for folks who are in Africa for short work trips and have some down time, I just don't know any of those people.

This is close to how I hunted South Africa, although we took four days. It was added onto a business trip.

I’ve done something like what you are talking about many times although not in Africa. Every trip to Africa has been planned as a hunting/fishing trip in advance. Two of my most memorable were mouflon in Hawaii and alligator in Florida.

I think in the spirit of running a business there is a benefit to innovation/being flexible. That said, i guess one might have to have some consideration of the type of individual that wants to "add on" a hunt to a different type of trip business or otherwise. As i'm sure you've had the experience of all different types of hunters, some with more experience than others, I think one would have to be careful with getting someone who wants to do it on a whim but not as experienced as the general type of hunter who books a specific trip for hunting to Africa, often a once in a lifetime experience for many. just my thoughts

When I travel for business or other, I do often in advance look to book a day/overnight hunt/fish. So having that added to your business model could be a plus. I'm just not sure realistically in SA how much and frequrency of that type request would occur. It's not like all the excursion trips added during an Alaskan glacier cruise.

I would offer it. I've added an extra day to many a business trip so I could go fishing with a guide. I'd do a day hunt in SA in a heartbeat.

This was how my dad hunted South Africa. Was there for work and his clients took them out for a day and a half after meetings finished. Got a nice springbok and an impala

I think it is a good idea. Every day that you don’t have a client, you’re losing money. On those days, sell,sell, sell.

Advertise it. Get in touch with hunting groups like the Dallas Safari Club. They have an annual convention that is attended by several African Hunting Outfitters that get booths to advertise.

Possibly travel companies.

Thanks a mill for all your feedback and advice. It's great to read everyone's opinion and I highly appreciate it!

How the bird hunting? A one day hunt for a game animal- probably some sort of horned antelope, big wait getting in to US, etc. A good bird hunt in African bush might be an experience.