John, on the issue of the prices I quoted, realize that the specimens I showed in the photos are exceptional animals. The average male lion will not have the type of mane these have and the prices will be significantly less.

That sounds like a sales pitch doesn't it. Well, that certainly is not my intent. Just clearing up the price issue from my experience with these operators.

You would be damn had pressed to find a wild lion hunt for $25,000 anywhere. The daly rate in Zim averages $1,800 per day for 18 days minimum. Trophy fee will run $7,500 to $10,000. In addition, all bait animals must be paid for. Baiting for Lion is not like baiting for Leopard. Leopard are solitary animals and an Impala may last 2 or 3 days with an actively feeding cat. Lion are more likely to hit the bait with the entire pride devouring an entire Buffalo in 1 feeding. When you start shooting 2 or 3 Buffalo, even Buff Cows, or a Hippo, maybe even a tuskless elephant for bait, the $'s start jumping up there real quick. 2 Buff bulls at $3,000 each and a Hippo at $4,000 and you have $10,000 in bait. That will give you 6 baits to get started. If you only get sub adult males feeding or no cats feeding, these baits may need to be refreshed several times over the 18 day adventure.

$32,400 in daily rate, $10,000 in trophy fees, $10,000 in Bait and you are looking at $52,400 before any sundry costs, airfare, tips, or plains game to round out the hunt. That doesn't take into account the possible need to refresh the baits with additional animals. This is about the cheapest you find for a wild lion hunt.

Tanzania can easily be $3,500 to $4,000 per day for daily rates and require a 21 day license! Ouch!! Back when Botswana was still open for Lion, Jeff Rann offered a 30 day hunt for $130,000! Double Ouch!!