GAME VALUE

AUCTION PRICES OF LIVE GAME

The value of game is interpreted differently by different people. Domesticated live stock prices are very predictable, whereas a wide disparity occurs in the game industry.

1. GAME AUCTION PRICES

Game auctions provide a chance for potential buyers to view the game beforehand and to judge the condition and trophy value. It provides the opportunity to acquire a relative low number of animals at a time. Game auctions are the price forming tool in the industry, it shows trends what people are prepared to pay. The drawbacks are that prices quoted are exclusive of vat, transport fees and insurance. The risk goes onto the buyer at the fall of the hammer. This is an ideal venue for obtaining smaller numbers of animals, e.g. trophy animals for hunting or breeding bulls to avoid inbreeding and to enlarge the gene pool

2. OUT OF HAND SALES

Out of hand sales generally gives the buyer the opportunity to negotiate a lower price with the game capture operator. Since the animals are normally transported directly from the capture site to the buyer, transport are normally not charged, animal stress is lowered and they stand a better chance of survival. Risk only passes to the buyer upon delivery and some capture companies give a guarantee against stress related deaths for a few days

3. HUNTING PRICES

Hunting prices do not correlate well to the above mentioned prices. Distinction must also be made between sport hunting for local hunters (so called biltong hunters) and trophy hunters. Aesthetics of the farm, standard of accommodation, availability as to numbers, trophy quality etc. play an important role in pricing game.

4. SELLING OF GAME

When game are sold on the hoof from a game farm a completely different scenario exists. Unlike cattle, it takes a lot of skill, patience and risk in capturing game. Game operators invest huge capital sums in equipment in a highly competitive market, they must therefore make a realistic return on capital to operate profitable. Do not expect prices for game comparable to auction prices when you sell on the hoof. A fairly recent trend is to use passive capture methods whereby the owner captures and market the game himself, making it a lot more profitable. All farms and all animal species do not lend themselves to this technique, it also needs capital expenditure and carries added risk for the farmer.

5. ON FARM VALUE

Value of animals on the game farm is an important aspect in determining the value of the farm. Advantages are that the animals are well adapted to the particular environment, and mortality due to stress or injury during capture and transport is eliminated. One can also get an indication of the adaptability of a particular specie on the farm. Disadvantages are that the actual numbers are not always known unless a thorough game count is conducted. There may also be species or numbers present that do not suit your purpose that will have to be removed. An estimate of the value of game on a game farm can be made by taking the counted game at average of 75% of auction price.

AUCTION PRICES OF LIVE GAME