"A verbal contract isn’t worth the paper it’s written on." Samuel Goldwyn

Hunt contracts are another contentious issue among hunters of Africa. There are those who will rely on trust and a gentleman's handshake and those who won't move without a contract drawn up by a lawyer. Some even go as far as trying to stipulate the size of their trophies in the contract. It would be a foolish outfitter that promises in writing (some do!) that a hunter will collect a 94lb elephant, even if it's in a petting zoo.

Typically, a straightforward agreement detailing hunt services, facilities and conditions to be expected, is all that is needed. Every reputable outfitter will provide this to the hunter to sign and return before any money changes hands. It really serves as a reminder to both parties and if there is a dispute, it is clear what was agreed, possibly years before when the hunt was booked.

Is it worth the paper it's written on? Yes usually, if the outfitter and client, for that matter, are trustworthy. Most good hunting companies will go out of their way to make suitable reparation if they have failed in any agreed aspect of the hunt. Though they get a lot of exposure on the Internet, there are only a few charlatans in the business who fail their clients badly and vanish into the night. Equally there are a few clients who are career complainers and dishonestly try to accuse their outfitter of all kinds of breaches of service in order to get some money back or free hunting days.

Check list for a hunt agreement

This is a comprehensive list of possibilities to include in an agreement and may or may not be applicable to your hunt

Name(s)and address(es) of all hunting client(s)

Exact location of hunt

Dates of arrival & departure in country

Dates of arrival & departure in camp/hunt area

Dates of hunt start and finish

Location where hunt starts and finishes

Number of clients per PH

Number of and name(s) of non-hunter(s)

What the outfitter may be obliged to do and provide for you hunt:

Assurance that hunt area is suitable for the species specifically required and that they actually occur there

Assurance that permission is granted to the named hunter that he may hunt a strictly limited quota animal or that a licence exists in his name to hunt a specific animal. This mostly concerns leopard and lion hunters.

Details of camp accommodation and facilities - fridges, freezers, electricity supply, hot water, flush WCs etc

Details on meals per day

Details on drinks (water, soft and alcoholic)

Details on hunting facilities & staff - skinners, trackers, drivers

Named PH

Hunting vehicle details, ie 4x4, plus equipment on board like first aid kit, radio etc

Assurance of payment on behalf of the hunter, for concession fees, hunting licences etc

Check the trophy handling details - what the outfitter is responsible for like field preparation, dip & pack etc

Air charter booking & payment. Arrival & departure times confirmed if known at the time of writing

Hotel reservations if made on behalf of the client

Arrangement for 'meet & greet' service at airport

Airport/hotel/hunting camp transfer arrangements

What the hunting client may be responsible for:

International/domestic flights or other modes of travel to get to and from the hunting venue (where not arranged by outfitter)

Hotel & transfer costs prior to and after hunt

Payment of hunt costs as per payment schedule before departure from home

Payment of additional cost elements of hunt, ie air charters as per payment schedule before departure from home

Payment of trophy fees and other camp expenses incurred, when and in the currency form that the outfitter stipulates

Acceptance of any surcharge levied on traveller's checks

Optional payment of any staff gratuities or other gratuities while on en route to/from hunt

Payment for all trophy shipping costs, documentation and taxidermy work etc

Acceptance of responsibility in all shipping arrangements and appointment of own shipping agents & taxidermists

Payment of visa fees, airport departure taxes, ammunition tax etc

Remuneration

Hunt payments and any additional sums should be clearly set out - total cost, deposits, balances, method of payment and final payment due date.

Trophy Fees

All species available, sex & number allowed (if pertinent) and prices should be clearly set out. It should be indicated that the fees are also payable if an animal is wounded and lost. Again method of payment and currency should be stipulated.

Cancellation Policy

Clearly worded statement of conditions if either party cancel the hunt.

Other Considerations

The outfitter may want confirmation that the hunter knows and agrees to other conditions and may list them here. Equally the hunter may want certain facilities made available of which the outfitter would like to assure him.

All pages should be signed, dated and retained by both parties.

Sample Contract Document