USA : USA: Big game African hunt packages are taking a huge hit from the economy
on 2009/1/23 0:01:01 (7 reads)

ORLANDO, Fla. — At an event that is nothing but business, both big and small, 95 percent of the chatter leads straight to the economy, and 95 percent of that is negative.

Outside of the gun manufacturers, most of the industry has taken some sort of negative hit in the last eight months, but perhaps no section has been hit harder than the high dollar, big game safari hunts that go to different parts of Africa and across the world.

Chris Lordan, a manager and outfitter for Africa Sport Hunting Safaris, said in a day and a half at the SHOT Show, they hadn't sold a single hunt — but Lordan added that selling two hunts in a show would be a success and there's still plenty of show left.

"Repeat lines we've done well," Lordan said, referring to customers that have hunted with them before. "We haven't really noticed in major change. We expected worse than what we've seen to be honest."

Two booths down, Walter Enslin of Kwan Safaris wasn't as optimistic. Kwan cut their prices nearly in half to try and adjust to the failing global economy and, according to Enslin, have gotten almost no return.

"We're trying to make it feasible for the normal guy in America to come to South Africa," Enslin said. "It hasn't worked. I just don't think the money is there this year. Those prices should get a lot more attention than they are."

Like African Sport Hunting Safaris, Enslin said Kwan is not having trouble keeping the hunters that have been with them for years, it's the new customer business that's all but completely shut down.

"The guy that walks through an outdoor show and comes by your booth and wants to go on a hunt is no more — there isn't any first-time safari business," Enslin said.

Kiley Matthews, co-owner and operator of Africa Sport Hunting Safaris, said they haven't lowered their prices, but they have attempted to add to the value of their original prices. The company is now offering photo expeditions in addition to the hunt, to make it more of a family affair.

"If you add that on as a specialized service for the guys that want to come with their family, it makes a big difference," Lordan said.

But the problem remains that in an economy that's forcing families and individuals to take a closer look at their finances, a $15,000 hunt can make room for a lot of gas and groceries.

"If you lose 100k and your $50 million strong, what's the difference?" Enslin said. "But Joe on the street who's loosing his 401k just doesn't have the money."

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