As you, I generally see no need for an agent. I used one on a couple of hunts to begin with, but find that most agents rarely do much of anything besides booking the flights flights for you. And if things go south, it has been shown time and time again that many (the majority?) of agents don't, or are not able to, solve many problems.

Some say that agents get you cheaper airfare. But then they take in 15% (more or less) or the hunt cost. I've been able to get just as cheap airfare without an agent anyway, and can demand to get the "agent fee" knocked off the price of the hunt. Depending on the total cost of the hunt, 15% or so less can equal the airfare and more!

Personally, I think the best way to do things is to have contact directly with the outfitter and PH. Not just via fax or e-mail, but on the phone too. A few calls doesn't cost much when looking at the total cost of a hunting safari, and can give you a more accurate impression of the people you are dealing with.

Erik