Question to guides/PH's, what makes a good client?

[Carnivore hunter]

This is a question for the guides/PH's out there. All joking aside, what makes a good client? What makes your life a lot easier when dealing with clients?

From my short time reading posts here, I think there is more posted about the mistakes the clients made during the hunt instead of educating future safari hunters on what to do. Sometimes it seems the horror stories outweigh the positive stories on dangerous game hunts.

Listening to interviews by Kevin Robertson and somethings I've noticed that irk the PH's/guides below...

Rifles...
Bringing the wrong type of rifle to Africa i.e. a sniper rifle with a long range scope.
A rifle that has too much recoil for the shooter to handle leading to wounded game - 378 Weatherby.

Clothing...
Shoes: The wrong type of shoes. I've not read or heard from any guide/Ph on what are the best types of shoes one should wear on a hunt, only making fun of the client who wears the "wrong shoes."

Attitude...
A know-it-all client who is stubborn and doesn't want to learn and does not listen to the guide/ph
A client who intentionally shoots the wrong part of the animal.
A client who runs off and chases after a wounded animal.

Anything else the guides/Ph's don't like about clients?


What rifles do you recommend?

What clothes and shoes are best?

Attitude. Do you prefer the clients to be humble students who want to learn and listen?

Does the client need to bring any gifts for the crew or out of good gesture? Box of cigars? Bottle of liquor?

 

[Nhoro]

As a former hunting camera man so not a PH but I have some experience. The most important thing is to communicate clearly with your PH. Build a picture of your hunt to him and then he can tell you what he can and cannot do. For example, you want an unfenced area/ want a buffalo primarily and then some plainsgame. The PH can then choose the area of the hunt/ different camp eg tents vs buildings. Then listen to what the PH says to you about what you can expect and what to bring. For example- Courtney boots are often promoted with almost religious fervour but they are a good example of suitable footwear. Something similar is a good choice but many clients that I filmed brought high ankle hiking boots- goretex,waterproof, hard sole, noisy. I saw a lot of blistered feet.

Basically communicate well so that you and you PH are on the same page. Tell him what you want to do and listen to his advice on rifles/ clothes/ shoes. Lastly, the clients that had the best trip came with a clear picture of their trip, lived in the moment and often got the best trophies.

 

[Altitude sickness]

I think this is a good topic.

For example it’s hard to complain about the camps food if you never communicated to your PH what foods you like and dislike. Many don’t give details on the questionnaires sent out before the hunt. Then later complain about meals.

So I’m guessing many PHs have to guess what you will prefer for breakfast etc

 

[Pilgrim]

One PH I hunted with doesn't like it when clients drink too much alcohol. The clients stay up late drinking and then can't get up on time in the morning and perform poorly for the first few hours. The question he asks is do they come to Africa and spend a lot of money on their safari to hunt or to drink?
On my last hunt, one of the other hunters who was hunting with a different PH then me was in a blind trying to get a nyala with bow and arrow. There was a good one the PH told the hunter to shoot so he drew back and aimed. Well, just then a kudu walks out right in front of them. Without asking, the hunter turns, aims, and drops the kudu instead. The PH never told him it was OK to shoot anything besides the nyala. It wasn't a very good kudu, younger and shorter. I don't know what was spoken about it between the PH and hunter but there was some obvious irritation from the PH. Unless allowed to do so, don't willy nilly shoot at whatever animals you want.

 

[Odinsraven]

Not Africa guiding but had a client turn up never having fired the rifle - One who demanded to drive my Landrover and described himself as super fit - every 15 min of virtually flat ground - needed to stop for a breather!

 

[BJH65]

From talking to my cameraman who filmed my last African hunt, he had many stories to tell and actually showed me some film of some very careless gun handling by clients including a buffalo hunter who negligently discharged his rifle upon getting inside the bakkie and the bullet went into the engine compartment causing 12k in damage! He had to pay for it by credit card. Also the cameraman had a weapon pointed at him numerous times by clients and certainly this happened to the PH’s too.

It seems careless gun handling was the biggest complaint and the consumption of too much alcohol by clients.

 

[62flint]

good thread, following

 

[Throwback]

great thread. From discussions with PH's on this topic I also think good two way communication is the key, both prior to and during the hunt. As a client, if you want something or dont like something speak up, no one can read minds.

Some specifics Ive heard that irk them are clients that wont listen (e.g. shooting when they shouldnt, etc), clients not owning up to being out of shape / or adequate shape for the hunt, and wounding animals (it happens of course but I am talking about when a client does not take the time or discipline to make a very doable shot, etc). Cheers

 

[coreydb]

PHs do not like hunters who just come ill-prepared and not completely honest regarding their hunting experiences or health. The PHs develop client's hunts based on these aspects.

 

[pilar]

I’m retired from it however here’s my 2ct as a North American outfit
Communication ( here’s what to expect “ we average 200 -250 yard shots on pronghorn & mule deer, serve a lunch buffet in the field of sandwiches with a verity of deli meats and chips, fruit, ect , ) tell me if you have any suggestions or requirements
Don’t drink alcohol in the field ( don’t care about after the day or harvest )
Be humble ( guide or I call the shot “ you probably don’t shoot as good as you think “)
Good attitude ( it’s hunting not killing, and we are putting our 100% effort towards your success) and sometimes Murphy law gets in the way
( I can’t stand extreme profanity ( leave the F bomb every other word at home please )
Tip and treat the staff appropriately ( from cook - guide & appearances) they are usually working harder than you think or see

Women are the best client hunters because they
1. Listen & communicate
2. Are usually humble and good shots ( and will tell you when they are uncomfortable with ability)
3. Usually have great attitude
4 are generally positive and polite
5, are good tippers

 

[375Fox]

A really good book for you to read would be “Ask the Namibian Guides.” It’s for sale $25 new or $15 used on Amazon right now. It would answer a lot of your questions at least from their perspective.

I’ve never heard a PH make fun of a client for the boots he wore ever. Not sure where you found that. I have been advised much better choices for a particular hunt though. But a PG hunt in eastern cape in winter in June is very different than a close tracking DG hunt in Zimbabwe in September. The boots, clothing, and rifle would be very different. Africa is a big continent. Even South Africa has a lot of unique landscapes inside of it. I’d think all areas though a PH would have the same ideal client in mind. Someone with a positive flexible attitude, can shoot well, and is in suitable shape for the particular hunt. Any complaints I’ve ever heard have centered around those aspects.

 

[Sabre]

I’m retired from it however here’s my 2ct as a North American outfit
Communication ( here’s what to expect “ we average 200 -250 yard shots on pronghorn & mule deer, serve a lunch buffet in the field of sandwiches with a verity of deli meats and chips, fruit, ect , ) tell me if you have any suggestions or requirements
Don’t drink alcohol in the field ( don’t care about after the day or harvest )
Be humble ( guide or I call the shot “ you probably don’t shoot as good as you think “)
Good attitude ( it’s hunting not killing, and we are putting our 100% effort towards your success) and sometimes Murphy law gets in the way
( I can’t stand extreme profanity ( leave the F bomb every other word at home please )
Tip and treat the staff appropriately ( from cook - guide & appearances) they are usually working harder than you think or see

Women are the best client hunters because they
1. Listen & communicate
2. Are usually humble and good shots ( and will tell you when they are uncomfortable with ability)
3. Usually have great attitude
4 are generally positive and polite
5, are good tippers

I think your list is very good and fairly universal, other than the profanity. While I am sure it is much more polite to not curse much, I have hunted with plenty of PHs and guides that curse as much or more than anyone I have met. I didn't think less of them for it and I'm sure they wouldn't have cared if I cursed a bunch as well, since they already were. I think this will just vary from person to person.

 

[CBeck]

Following

 

[Tusker]

I like when the client has done their research. Most of the relevant requiered information is on the actual website of the outfitter.
Also is very important to be a nice person. Seems obvious but the is many people that aren’t nice. Is obvious that something’s will not be perfect, mainly because some of them you can’t control (weather, animals behaving different, etc),,, don’t blame the guide. If the hunter is a good person the guide will push the extra mile. My estimate is that you always get 1 bad client every season (bad attitutude) and that is what makes you hate the job.
Personal preference, I like when the client become one more of the hunting pack. Este the same food, tries to communicate with the locals, drinks water from the same source, mingles, etc. client pays so has the right for many privileges BUT the good behavior will lead into great return.

 

[Nyati]

I believe we had the same thread sometimes ago !