Using A Booking Agent To Book Argentine Dove/Duck Hunts & African Hunting Safari By Chuck Larsen

www.burntpine-travel.com

Early on, when I finally could afford a special hunting or fishing trip, despite the effort I put into researching a destination on my own, I sometimes came away from the trip disappointed. It was on a particular disappointing hunt in South America that I felt there must be a better way. There is, and it´s in using a good booking agent. They can help you find the "Better Destination" and for sure save you time, and in many cases save you money.

• It doesn't cost you anymore to use a reputable booking agent then if you book direct, whether it´s at a show or over the internet. The agent is being paid a commission by the outfitter/operator as part of his or her cost in doing business. In addition to providing the operator clients, a good agent handles most of the administrative details of the booking. This allows the operator to concentrate on running his or her hunting or fishing business. In many cases the operator/outfitter is working in a remote location, which can make communication with the outside world spotty if not slow. This is extremely important when a travel glitch arises while your in route to your destination and alternant meet and greet plans must be established. The operator can communicate with the agent on your change of plans and your arrival status.

• Walking down an isle at hunting or fishing show with so many booths featuring great destinations can be daunting. The same can be said now for the many internet offerings. Booking agents can help you sort out the good from the questionable. Unfortunately not all operators are as honest as you would hope for. This is where and agent´s experience really comes into play. Of course, agents have their favorites, but that comes from experience and personal observation, as well as satisfied customer reports. Good agents are in a better position to give you honest answers to your questions.

• Good agents can provide you with more than one choice or option for the species your after. He or she will know who the most reputable and successful outfitters/operators are, so that you will have a better chance of success. Lodges or camps need to be filled with clients if they are to survive. Their need to fill every slot may or may not be in your best interest for many reasons. An agent will know, based on past experience, when the optimal or prime time is for any species, and inform you accordingly.

• The devil is in the details! One important one is getting your party to a remote location in a foreign country, which can sometimes be tricky. They have been there and done that, and have current information on the best alternatives. They can and should provide any Immigration and/or Customs Forms that you will need for your trip, along with firearm import information if required. This is in addition to important general information such as packing lists, and camp details. They can even suggest cash requirements for gratuities and incidentals. A good agent will ask you about any of your special dietary requirements and allergies that the camp staff should be aware of. They may also inquire as to your beverage preferences so that they have time to secure any special requests. Some agents may even ask about any special occasions that will occur while you´re in camp such as birthdays and anniversaries, so that the camp/lodge staff can make the celebration special. After a while, an agent will get to know you´re personal preferences, likes and dislikes, and be in an even better position to help you with future excursions a field. The relationship over time should become a mutually beneficial partnership.

Bottom line is that good agents know the where to go, the when to go, and who is best operator/outfitters to go with. It's always in an agent´s best interest for you to be a repeat client. To insure that happens, you have to have a good experience on trips booked through them. While nobody can always guarantee success while hunting and fishing, they can guarantee that you will feel that 110% effort was put forward on your behalf.

For more information on booking your next great outdoor experience contact me at c.larsen@mindspring.com or go to www.burntpine-travel.com