FWIW, many of the more serious and/or well known outfitters and PHs in Africa have US bank accounts. So if you do your research, and find one you deem trustworthy, paying them part (or all) of the trophy fees etc beforehand is possible. But again, this is only if you are sure they are 100% trustworthy. Just like you'd need with a US based agent/hunting consultant.

On the otherhand, traveller checks are always a safe option to use, although it can be a hassle signing all of them when you finally have to pay. One solution is to split it 50/50, with the first half being paid beforehand, and the rest when you are done.

All in all, I think using TCs is the safest way to deal with money while travelling, and so far the only country that they could not be used in that I have spent time in is Sudan. As far as I know, all the usual hunting destinations (countries) accept travellers checks.

Erik