Gaining a Professional Hunter license

[redriverjake]

Hello everyone, I saw where another fellow posted on this subject a year or so ago and I am looking for the same advice and guidance (not sure if anything has changed or not). I too want to make being a Professional Hunter my career. I understand that the first big step is making the right connections. I am most thankful for any input or advice

Best wishes,
Jake

 

[BRICKBURN]

Jake, Here are some options for information for you.
Also, search PH info on AH.

Professional Hunting Schools

PH Schools

http://www.africahunting.com/hunting-africa/6141-newest-canadian-ph-south-africa.html

 

[AfricaHunting.com]

Here is another link: How to Become A Professional Hunter In Africa

 

[redriverjake]

Thank you gentlemen for the links. I am guessing that after completing one of those courses the next thing to do would be getting in touch with a PH that would let me do an apprenticeship under him?

 

[BRICKBURN]

You may have restrictions placed on your application for instance, "Needs so many days hunting in Africa"
Yes you will have to have an outfitter that will hire you.
Which, given the lack of experience is an uphill grind.
This will be your hardest task obviously, or if you have nothing but money; Buy a huge property with game, hire a PH to tutor you on your own property. ( You can also apply for citizenship based on your property investment also, thus meeting that requirement for your PH application .)

 

[redriverjake]

I certainly do not have anything but money... matter of fact I have relatively little ( I'm in the U.S. Army). I would imagine that buying property in Tanzania or the like would be difficult due to the fact that I'm American. I have a ranch in Texas and I guess I could sell it but I'd sure hate to do that... Hell I was brought home from the hospital and grew up on that place. I do completely understand this is no small undertaking (especially for a foreigner) and I'm willing to go the distance. At this point its all about gathering my information. Thank you BRICKBURN for taking your time to talk this thing out.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Good for you. You'll need that determination.
Most places will let you buy the land and the animals. Lots of foreign ownership in SA.
No idea about Tanzania.
Glad to provide what help I can.

 

[redriverjake]

I would guess that there are quite a few folks that attempt this and for good reason. So I also imagine that very few actually get there, I've never had a problem with slim odds. I will look into property. If for no other reason we will need a place to live. My fiancé is getting her masters in biology and then on to PHD in wildlife management or sciences (still up in the air but something to do with wildlife). She is as intent to work over there as I am.

 

[redriverjake]

As a matter of fact, if anyone knows of a good place to live there in Tanzania (a general area) or the like I would be most grateful of any advice. I am also interested in other countries where she and or I could work. Any kind of farm or mostly undeveloped land no matter the state of the house (as long as there is one on the property, I dont think I want to build from the ground up but I will do as much "fixing" as nessary). I guess I would live in town but not my first choice. Thanks

 

[redriverjake]

Does anyone on here know of any PH's that would be interested in talking to a guy about an appricticeship down the road or even which countries would allow an American to get a license ?

 

[enysse]

I don't have Jack Brittingham's personal email....but Americans have apprenticed under his camp in Tanzania. It's probably a long shot...but most things of this nature are...plus he's from Texas!

You google him and I'm sure email or talk the situation over with some that has connections to him.

 

[redriverjake]

I mean I don't know what kind of credintials these guys are exactly looking for but I've tried to do things that would aid me in this line of work. Most young kids want to be firemen, football players, and the like. I knew every since I was seven years old that this is what I wanted to do and have never second guessed it. I've tried to stay the course. I contacted some PH's when I was 19 and working on hunting ranches in South Texas but at that time I did'nt have what they were looking for I reckon. Thank you Enysse.

 

[enysse]

Best of luck to you, I would love to see you succeed. It's a tough world out there. I know my wife thinks I belong out in the woods or bush country....but nope, trying to make a living in the city...saving for another hunt...it's not all bad.

You don't win...if you don't try!

 

[redriverjake]

It's pretty outstanding to hear people that don't know each other from Adam say things like that. I thank you for the warm wishes. I do agree that it is a mean/tough ole place. You and I my friend are men of wild places and if we have to spend time in civilization then so be it... does not mean we have to like it.

 

[longbowofMT]

I'm in the same boat right now... As redriver, trying to figure out a in for becoming a PH. I read that you all you need is a permant residencey for a PH license in SA unless that has changed.

 

[shakari]

This might help: How To Become A Professional Hunter In Africa by Steve Robinson (Hardcover) - Lulu

 

[Peleton]

Jake,
I hunted CAR in January. I had a PH for the first four days named Adam, He is a young American PH that had the same dream as yours. He contacted Erik Mararv from CAWA hunting safaris and was actually given a chance. His first few years, his duties were road building and general exploration of the hunting area.

CAR is so remote and so few roads that they go off afoot looking for new Bongo hunting Bako's and salines. Anyway, Adam received his full PH license and is completely qualified to conduct any and all hunts there. I was skeptical at first, but Adam won my full confidence. He is one of only a very few whites that can communcate with the locals in the Sango language.

It can and has been done. Don't throw in the towel if at first you meet brick walls.

 

[shakari]

Jake,

It can and has been done. Don't throw in the towel if at first you meet brick walls.

Absolutely right.

I'm a Brit and have now operated as a PH in several African countries over the last 32 years & if I can do it then so can others...... which is why I wrote the book.

 

[Hotfire Hunting Safaris]

Redriverjake,

You cant run through a brick wall, but you can definately try!!!! Some of the best PHs I have met are from lands beyond africa (also really helps with marketing!)

 

[longbowofMT]

Very good info for someone striving to to become a PH