Who is required to hire a PH
I am trying to run down some facts regarding procedures for Europeans (Germans) and if they are required to hire a PH.
This topic came up the other day. One of my fellow hunters has been to Africa several times over the years. He is convinced that his Jagdsheim (German Hunting License) will allow him to ranch hunt on private grounds and certain public areas without a hired PH. He contends that he has booked directly through German Outfitters who honor this agreement. According to him, in the areas with strong German colonial ties this is a courtesy they still extend to German citizens. Not being a German citizen I've never had the subject come up. Truthfully it sounds farfetched, but I thought I'd check into it. Has anyone heard of this, is it pure BS? If the privilege does exist what are the limitations?
Chasse Libre en Afrique / Self Guided Hunt in Africa
pinotguy, Thank you for bringing up this very interesting type of hunt.
Chasse Libre en Afrique / Self Guided Hunt in Africa
"Chasse Libre" is a French term that if translated directly would be "freedom hunt", which essentially means self guided hunt. "Chasse Libre" can found in some former French colonies in Africa, it is a system put in place so that someone can apply for and receive permission to hunt legally in a country without the use of a professional hunter or hunting guide.
The chance to do a "Chasse Libre" offers hunters a true taste of Africa. These unguided or self guided hunts are still allowed today in designated hunting areas of some French speaking countries such as Central African Republic (Republique Centrafricaine), Cameroon (Republique du Cameroun), Congo (Republique du Congo), Burkina Faso (Burkina Faso), Gabon (Republique Gabonaise) as well as others. Hunting in Gabon and Congo is possible however you will not be able to export any trophies from either of these two countries which may make it less appealing to some hunters.
http://www.africahunting.com/hunting...le=3936&size=1
Picture by Christophe Morio - Camp Volant - Movable Tent Camp in CAR
Self guided hunts on foot are true classic hunting safaris using "Camp Volant" (movable tent camps) and are certainly not for the inexperienced African hunter. The language barrier may pose a challenge right from the start in the planning stages which requires lots of organization and much attention to detail.
The upside of choosing to do a "Chasse Libre" is that the cost of such a hunt is usually quite inexpensive in comparison to the cost of a typical guided hunt for the same species and it can be an incredibly rewarding experience for the adventurous hunter.
The possible drawbacks can be that these hunts are only for the very experienced outdoorsman and can be very dangerous, physically demanding, in remote areas and require lots of planning, logistical preparation and organization.
It is best that two hunters go together as partners since you are basically on your own with the team of trackers and porters that you hire. You will be responsible for your own welfare, as well as that of your team. It is essential to allow for plenty of time on a self guided hunt, 14 days is usually a good place to start. Keep the number of animals and species you wish to hunt realistic.
If you are purely looking at doing this type of hunt for cost savings or as a trophy hunting safari you will probably be disappointed. On the other hand if your desire is to have a truly unique and adventuresome experience that includes hunting in Africa and all that it entails, then this type of hunting safari may be exactly what you have been looking for.
Chasse Libre Cameroon & Burkina Faso
The “Chasse Libre” project in Cameroon helps in the marketing of wildlife products, which helps local people to feel real ownership and so responsibility. The CAMNARES project (Cameroon Natural Resources) organizes self guided hunts in community hunting areas of Cameroon mainly on bongo. A similar project is running in Burkina Faso, though they took the multiple resource approach using both animal and plant resources.