[grayghost]

It is a shakedown. That's why it's best to go with an experienced outfitter that knows how to deal with this gar-baage. Sometimes the PH has to do what he has to do, considering the political climate. But this is his job. That's why I let Hunters Support handle our gun permits. We walked through the gun registration process without any problems, while other guys stood in line and waited. They wound up "donating" to the drink fund. After converting our USD to Rand, it cost us under $125 each. Well worth it and I'll use them again next year. Be sure to have your friend get familiar with our US Fish & Wildlife proceedure for a CITES permit on the cat. No big deal but he may want to apply as soon as he returns home if he's successful. Wait on a permit is running 90+ days in some cases. As of today, 5,000 Rand converts to $701.20 in USD. I wouldn't exchange money here at home. My local bank robbed us. We exchanged $1K USD and received $5,600 Rand. On that day, we should have received $6,800 Rand. And they told us "no fee for our customers." Yeah, right. Good hunting, grayghost