First Time Hunter / Professional Hunter Relationship Guide

[BGdino]

Ok, so a few years ago, while researching for my first Safari I found a document on an outfitters site that describes how to interact with your PH.

I think it was a word doc or a pdf and it basically described the do’s & dont’s between the new African Hunter and the PH. It talked about where to walk in regards to being behind the PH, being ready at all times, respecting his judgement, etc.

I can not find it and want to share with a few friends who I have interest in Africa.

Does anyone know of this document or outfitter link? It was a separate link from the normal Packing List, etc.

Many thanks to all,
BGdino

 

[norfolk shooter]

@BGdino I can only speak from my own experience of PH interaction. I have found them to be a very nice bunch of people who have a good sense or humour. Nothing is ever too much for them. If you treat them like you would want to be treated your fine. At the same time some and by that I mean very few can be lazy with first timers. Dont forget its your hunt soif you want more walk and stalk tell them that from the start and they will provide that. If they dont go to the outfitter. But like I say this type of PH is a rare beast indeed.
In terms of where to walk and judgement the PH will tell you where to go. Dont forget its his/her back yard we are in. Every PH I have been with in the field wont let you take a poor trophy they will get you the best they can find.

Its simple really

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

@BGdino I can only speak from my own experience of PH interaction. I have found them to be a very nice bunch of people who have a good sense or humour. Nothing is ever too much for them. If you treat them like you would want to be treated your fine. At the same time some and by that I mean very few can be lazy with first timers. Dont forget its your hunt soif you want more walk and stalk tell them that from the start and they will provide that. If they dont go to the outfitter. But like I say this type of PH is a rare beast indeed.
In terms of where to walk and judgement the PH will tell you where to go. Dont forget its his/her back yard we are in. Every PH I have been with in the field wont let you take a poor trophy they will get you the best they can find.

Its simple really

Norfork
With my PH started as a client and left feeling like family. We walked behind until about to shoot, he set up sticks and gave directions on where to place the shot. Even tho I'm a good shot I listened to his instructions they never failed. My son did the same. They know what to do, shot placement is a bit different compared to other game
Cheers mate Bob

 

[BRICKBURN]

Ok, so a few years ago, while researching for my first Safari I found a document on an outfitters site that describes how to interact with your PH.

I think it was a word doc or a pdf and it basically described the do’s & dont’s between the new African Hunter and the PH. It talked about where to walk in regards to being behind the PH, being ready at all times, respecting his judgement, etc.

I can not find it and want to share with a few friends who I have interest in Africa.

Does anyone know of this document or outfitter link? It was a separate link from the normal Packing List, etc.

Many thanks to all,
BGdino

Without more detail I can't help you.

 

[One Day...]

Here is what we have about this in our Welcome booklet...

 

[autofire]

One can never go wrong bring a gift for the wife or girl friend.

 

[Rob404]

One can never go wrong bring a gift for the wife or girl friend.

So true, I did my research about the my PH and his wife so when I showed up I had the latest CDs for him I gave his wife some Persian Saffron and a Harley Davidson T shirt and even a gift for his Daughter who I had never met. The days hunting and the evenings at dinner were some of the greatest days of my life.

 

[Philip Glass]

Here is what we have about this in our Welcome booklet...

View attachment 331279

Well stated!

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

So true, I did my research about the my PH and his wife so when I showed up I had the latest CDs for him I gave his wife some Persian Saffron and a Harley Davidson T shirt and even a gift for his Daughter who I had never met. The days hunting and the evenings at dinner were some of the greatest days of my life.

Rob404
It surprising how little can gain so much. One of our trackers last name was Mambo. My son was wearing a Mambo t shirt that cast him $2 at Kmart. My son gave the t shirt to him and he thought he was king of the world with a shirt with his name on it.
If only people in western civilization could appreciate the simple things in life luke this man.
After visiting a local school that had nothing compared to schools in Australia my son came away with a different outlook on life. He now appreciates the little things that life offers.
Cheers Rob404
Bob Nelson

 

[chashardy]

Pretty simple really. Do what the PH tells you to do. Bring small gifts for him, his wife, the trackers, skinners, and the house manager/cook.
Your PH is more than just a hunting guide. He will be the manager of your hunt and organize the driver, trackers, skinners, etc. He will select the animal to stalk and will organize the stalk. He will tell you where to walk, when to get ready, when to get on the sticks and where to place the shot. He will be the principal photographer when you take an animal. In camp he will be your bartender and dinner companion. In some cases he may even be the one who picks you up at the airport and drops you off and expedites firearms clearance, etc. Just remember that the P stands for Professional and in my experience that means something. My PH on two hunts in South Africa was brilliant. Even when a couple of my shots were not perfect, he organized the tracking and we never lost an animal.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Pretty simple really. Do what the PH tells you to do. Bring small gifts for him, his wife, the trackers, skinners, and the house manager/cook.
Your PH is more than just a hunting guide. He will be the manager of your hunt and organize the driver, trackers, skinners, etc. He will select the animal to stalk and will organize the stalk. He will tell you where to walk, when to get ready, when to get on the sticks and where to place the shot. He will be the principal photographer when you take an animal. In camp he will be your bartender and dinner companion. In some cases he may even be the one who picks you up at the airport and drops you off and expedites firearms clearance, etc. Just remember that the P stands for Professional and in my experience that means something. My PH on two hunts in South Africa was brilliant. Even when a couple of my shots were not perfect, he organized the tracking and we never lost an animal.

Chashardy
Sounds like my PH to a tee.
Everything you said is completely correct. A little kindness and curtosey goes a long way.
Cheers
Bob