A question for the Professional Hunters - What makes a person a great client?

[BRICKBURN]

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Then probably one of the more contensios points. As a client you may have been to Africa several times and hunted with several PH's, you may have much more experiance than the next guy, but your PH and Outfitter do it for a living. .................

So true, except when you have more days on the ground than the PH and they "know it all" (very rare).

If you hunt with a tape measure expect to shoot less and spend more time hunting per species.

If you expect exceptional trophies and don't want to put the time in, you are a fool. It's just a choice. Good presentation of the idea.

.............

Okay now no one will be hunting with me in future

You don't sound that scary.

 

[Velo Dog]

Some complaints about clients I have heard from both African PHs around the fire and from Alaskan Big Game Guides around the coffee pot in Great Northern Guns, here in Anchorage are:

Unsafe gun handling.
Pouting because their hunting companion/s bagged a bigger animal/s than they did.
Becoming quarrelsome after a couple of drinks.
Becoming quarrelsome with no drinks.
Insisting on bringing some ridiculous piece of equipment after the PH/Guide had advised against it (hugely over-powered rifle scope with short eye relief, then resulting in the client receiving a cut requiring stitches, way out in the bush is but one example).
Lighting up a cigarette or cigar while the PH/Guide is glassing some semi-concealed animal/trying to determine if it is suitable or not.
Insisting on knowing how many inches something will measure or what score it will have, prior to taking some animal otherwise determined to be very good.
Not breaking-in the hunting boots prior to arriving, resulting in injured feet way out in the bush.
Muzzle brakes.
Cheap/feeble rain gear (easily torn on brush or, just from walking around in it), - back to ridiculous piece of equipment that was advised against.

Incidentally, I have been gently admonished for talking too much by a PH (Imagine that about me - I'm sure you're thinking "no way").
He delivered this info to me by means of a friendly joke at my expense and I deserved it (2nd trip to Africa and still like a kid in a candy store back then).
Sometimes I probably still violate that notion around the evening fire but, reportedly have at least gotten way better now.

Some of the above were duplicates of what others have posted already but hopefully worth mentioning again.

Good things about clients mentioned to me over the years (generally speaking - the opposite of the above) but in furtherance of this topic:
The ones who think they might possibly own a tape measure but not sure if it's in their garage or in the kitchen junk drawer.
Exceptionally good shot types, from field positions.
Ones who see the humor in their own mistakes, such as missing an easy shot or, tripping over their own feet on flat ground.
Hunters who fire their well aimed shot within 2 or 3 seconds of getting quickly into shooting position.
One's who virtually never complain about the weather and/or other things the PH/Guide has no control over.
Clients who take their hunting seriously enough to stay in reasonable physical condition for it.
In a nut shell - anyone who is both a relatively happy soul in general and who is also , a very good shot at the moment of truth.

 

[CAustin]

At the end of the day I think one must be respectful of the country and culture. Be happy to be among the county's people and landscape. Consider yourself lucky to be there in the first place no matter where the hunt takes place!

 

[tarbe]

In a nut shell - anyone who is both a relatively happy soul in general and who is also , a very good shot at the moment of truth.

If my PH can say this about me after my first safari in May, I will be very happy.

Been working on both for some time now!

 

[huntermn15]

Thanks for starting the thread and the shared information.

 

[fairgame]

A blonde with a 36d cup.

 

[Mr. 16 gauge]

A blonde with a 36d cup.

Male or female?

Just remember.......anything more than a mouthful is a waste!

 

[BigSteve57]

At first I didn't quite get all the references to the hated tape measure. Now I think I get the drift. Bringing a tape measure wouldn't have occurred to me except to perhaps measure my own waist as I lost a few pounds during my first and only safari.

I will confess to bringing a small roll of duct tape into the field.

 

[IdaRam]

Just remember.......anything more than a mouthful is a waste!

Nothing goes to waste in Africa No one has more appreciation for a fine trophy than your PH!

 

[bluey]

At first I didn't quite get all the references to the hated tape measure. Now I think I get the drift. Bringing a tape measure wouldn't have occurred to me except to perhaps measure my own waist as I lost a few pounds during my first and only safari.

I will confess to bringing a small roll of duct tape into the field.

hey steve duct tape is a lot like toilet paper ,when taken into the field , essential.......

 

[Jacques.strauss]

Very good topic.....!

Well as a PH in Namibia, I think one of the most "important" components one should have on a safari is definitely that the PH and hunter should get along very well (personality, same ethical values and character)...

This that I would rank up there when I reflect back on a "good" hunter vs. a "great" hunter is that;
1.) the client let me guide the hunt and trusted me all the way (I had his back, he had mine)
2.) the client was an excellent shot
3.) the client had the same ethical principles as me (hunted on foot & respected the animal)
4.) the client was a "hard" hunter... In the sense that he walked the miles without giving up and enjoyed every second of it. He knew hunting wasn't a walk in the park and was up for it!
5.) the client LISTENED when I gave advice

These are just the basic.... A client should never ever forget, you're paying the money for the PH to guide you, AND the reason why you trust him with your MONEY is because HE can give you the BEST RESULTS TO GET THE TROPHIES YOU WANT, so my friends, DON'T GUIDE THE GUIDE....

Glad I could share my thoughts!

 

[billc]

I do hope some Ph's understand with some of us being guided is not the same as needed for other clients.Some clients need and want more hand holding and direction then others.I myself like to try things that I have learned over the years of hunting. That does not mean I think I can do the job better just that I like to hunt my way sometimes.That also means I know it may not work and I could be wasting my time but it is my time to waste. We have no choice in the matter of if we go unguided or not when heading to africa. Not all clients are the same and that is something the ph must understand also.

I am not talking about doing anything unsafe or not legal like hunting on are own. Just maybe a hunt were maybe we glass the way we do out west. Or trying to stalk an animal that most think cant be done. Sometimes just trying can be fun and lets a client feel like they want to when hunting. This is all based on hunting plains game also not a big 5 animal or anything like that.

I myself have used stuff I learned in africa for hunting here in the states and I think there is ways we hunt here that would work in africa. I go in to ever hunt thinking I will learn something during the trip about myself and hunting.

Just thought I would throw that out there for the outfitters to see as wanting some freedom on a hunt is not meant to be disrespectful or to try an show that the hunter is better then them.

 

[jeff]

Well said Billc!

 

[jeff]

I was on one hunt where the PH was all controlling, the most efficient way to get the most animals, he didn't realize I was there to enjoy myself, after all it was our hunt. That said, I realize that they are the pro's and most do a great job somewhere in the middle to make sure you're having a good time and getting some opportunities at good animals.

 

[JustinC]

I do hope some Ph's understand with some of us being guided is not the same as needed for other clients.Some clients need and want more hand holding and direction then others.I myself like to try things that I have learned over the years of hunting. That does not mean I think I can do the job better just that I like to hunt my way sometimes.That also means I know it may not work and I could be wasting my time but it is my time to waste. We have no choice in the matter of if we go unguided or not when heading to africa. Not all clients are the same and that is something the ph must understand also.

I am not talking about doing anything unsafe or not legal like hunting on are own. Just maybe a hunt were maybe we glass the way we do out west. Or trying to stalk an animal that most think cant be done. Sometimes just trying can be fun and lets a client feel like they want to when hunting. This is all based on hunting plains game also not a big 5 animal or anything like that.

I myself have used stuff I learned in africa for hunting here in the states and I think there is ways we hunt here that would work in africa. I go in to ever hunt thinking I will learn something during the trip about myself and hunting.

Just thought I would throw that out there for the outfitters to see as wanting some freedom on a hunt is not meant to be disrespectful or to try an show that the hunter is better then them.

Bill, as the saying goes "there is no I in team' and this especially applies to hunting with a PH. The PH is there to guide and advise the client and he should consider the view or opinion of the client when the situation allows as we can all learn from each other...

Also understand that he, the PH is ultimately responsible for the success or failure of your safari so decisions might be taken that the client may not agree to or be happy with but they will be in your best interest.

Regards

 

[billc]

Bill, as the saying goes "there is no I in team' and this especially applies to hunting with a PH. The PH is there to guide and advise the client and he should consider the view or opinion of the client when the situation allows as we can all learn from each other...

Also understand that he, the PH is ultimately responsible for the success or failure of your safari so decisions might be taken that the client may not agree to or be happy with but they will be in your best interest.

Regards

I agree with all that. I for sure would not being tell the ph lets try it my way if we see some 60" kudu. It is not about me telling him things and making his job harder. For me it would be more just seeing if maybe I could take some animals doing my way for a day or two. Maybe trying for an animal that if he gets away finding another animal may not be that hard to do.

My point was really to let PH's know we may want to try something not because we think we are better or we dont trust them. Plus if I dont get something I may want and dont that is on me. I would not be blaming him for that.

I have enjoyed ever Ph I hunted with but now going back for the third time I have some ideas I would like to try. If they work great if not no big deal and it just gets chalked up as I learned the hard way.

 

[Ragman]

Just found this thread and the timing is very coincidental. About a month ago I booked a hunt to the Eastern Cape in July 2018 and my greatest fear is that I am a client that the PH dreads getting out of bed and spending the day with. I have been hunting for 36 years here in Saskatchewan, but this will only be my 3rd guided hunt. First time was in Namibia in 2014, then Texas in 2016. All three of these areas are pretty level terrain so I'm pretty comfortable taking reasonable shots. I consider myself to be a little better than average shot, but I don't get overconfident and I don't like the idea of long shots. So I am a little nervous about the distances and angles that the Eastern Cape may present. I will do my best to prepare, but put that kudu in front of me and I may get shaky!
I will be practicing the art of shooting off of sticks well in advance, but as to the familiarity of my own rifle, I still haven't decided if I will bring my own or use my PH's.

I am definitely going to put my full trust in my PH. There were a couple tiny issues with my Namibian PH, but for the most part they were trivial. I did have to say something when after a few days we would always be the last of the group to leave for the days hunting and one morning where we never got hunting because he had to take his bakkie in to Omaruru for servicing. I didn't appreciate hanging out at the mechanics for 2 hours instead of hunting! Even then I had a hard time saying anything because I don't want to be a high maintenance client.

I am there to hunt and if that means missing out on a nap or a sit-down lunch, I have absolutely no problem with that. But I also will just be excited to be there in this area that I have read so much about and will want to take it all in. I'm a bird geek and will be easily distracted by them. I have only been to the ocean 6 times in my life, so the opportunity to see it is something that I'm looking forward to. If my PH loves to just show off his country with pride, I'll be a happy guy.

I could care less about the tape measure. Scores are for hockey games. Just put me on mature animals. Extra size is just a bonus. I will try and get into the best physical shape I can, if possible. I likely still won't be able to climb hills like my PH, but I'll still give it 100% of my effort. I'll be embarrassed if I miss a shot that I should have made, but I will bounce right back after I have a little cry! Lol. And I promise I'll never be a loud, obnoxious drunk around camp. Love to have a few beers and laughs, but that's it.

Basically I want my PH to feel comfortable with me like I feel when hunting here at home with an old buddy.

@KMG Hunting Safaris, what else do you suggest? @gizmo, was there anything I could have helped you better with?

 

[gizmo]

Just found this thread and the timing is very coincidental. About a month ago I booked a hunt to the Eastern Cape in July 2018 and my greatest fear is that I am a client that the PH dreads getting out of bed and spending the day with. I have been hunting for 36 years here in Saskatchewan, but this will only be my 3rd guided hunt. First time was in Namibia in 2014, then Texas in 2016. All three of these areas are pretty level terrain so I'm pretty comfortable taking reasonable shots. I consider myself to be a little better than average shot, but I don't get overconfident and I don't like the idea of long shots. So I am a little nervous about the distances and angles that the Eastern Cape may present. I will do my best to prepare, but put that kudu in front of me and I may get shaky!
I will be practicing the art of shooting off of sticks well in advance, but as to the familiarity of my own rifle, I still haven't decided if I will bring my own or use my PH's.

I am definitely going to put my full trust in my PH. There were a couple tiny issues with my Namibian PH, but for the most part they were trivial. I did have to say something when after a few days we would always be the last of the group to leave for the days hunting and one morning where we never got hunting because he had to take his bakkie in to Omaruru for servicing. I didn't appreciate hanging out at the mechanics for 2 hours instead of hunting! Even then I had a hard time saying anything because I don't want to be a high maintenance client.

I am there to hunt and if that means missing out on a nap or a sit-down lunch, I have absolutely no problem with that. But I also will just be excited to be there in this area that I have read so much about and will want to take it all in. I'm a bird geek and will be easily distracted by them. I have only been to the ocean 6 times in my life, so the opportunity to see it is something that I'm looking forward to. If my PH loves to just show off his country with pride, I'll be a happy guy.

I could care less about the tape measure. Scores are for hockey games. Just put me on mature animals. Extra size is just a bonus. I will try and get into the best physical shape I can, if possible. I likely still won't be able to climb hills like my PH, but I'll still give it 100% of my effort. I'll be embarrassed if I miss a shot that I should have made, but I will bounce right back after I have a little cry! Lol. And I promise I'll never be a loud, obnoxious drunk around camp. Love to have a few beers and laughs, but that's it.

Basically I want my PH to feel comfortable with me like I feel when hunting here at home with an old buddy.

@KMG Hunting Safaris, what else do you suggest? @gizmo, was there anything I could have helped you better with?

Aaron you are a great client to have and a whole lot of fun to hunt with. I'd be your guide anytime and do hope to get the opportunity to hunt with you again. You did a great job shooting and you listen very well plus your a fun guy to have in camp. Hell you came down here and hunted with one of my guns and never had an issue. Don't be worried in the Cape. I've hunted there and I can tell you without a doubt you'll have a great time and successful hunt. If they put you within reasonable range I have the utmost confidence that the animal will be DRT. It's their responsibility to get you into a reasonable shooting distance and if a ph pressures you into taking a shot ( I've heard nothing but good stuff about KMG so I doubt that will happen) and your not comfortable with it simply say no and don't shoot. Keep in mind it's your hunt and therefore you have the ultimate decision if the the trigger gets pulled. That's really about it. I just wish I was going with you.

 

[gizmo]

Also Ragman brings up a valid topic in relation to this conversation so I will add to what I posted a few years ago.
As a client remember this is your hunt. Everything leading up the actual physical shot is 99% the ph's responsibility. What I mean is putting you on the animal in a reasonable shooting situation for you etc... so I'll echo what others have said in that it is your responsibility to practice and be proficient with your weapon and make a good clean shot but..... keep and open line of communication between you and your ph. Let him know what you are and aren't comfortable with and don't allow yourself to be pressured into making a shot you are not comfortable taking. This is where you also must have a realistic view of your capabilities.
Yes as a ph it gets frustrating when many shot opportunities come and go without the shot being taken but I would much rather get closer or a better angle etc. then to have a wounded animal. Best case scenario is a clean miss but typically a bad hit will prevail as a direct result of Mr. Murphy.
Same goes for physical limitations. If one doesn't have the ability to do a certain task for whatever reason tell your ph. Halfway up a mountain 3 miles from the truck is not the place to find out your client has a heart condition and isn't supposed to exert themselves to that type of activity.
Communication is the cadence of the universe and if these things are known up front it will make the difference between a really great experience and a horrible one. These conversations should occur well before you get there also. It's always good to ask and communicate any concerns before a trip is booked rather than after or when you arrive. If the outfitter isn't willing to talk to you about these sort of things upfront then that's probably not someone you want to hunt with.

 

[Scott Slough]

... it would help if the check doesn't bounce !