Aspiring Apprentice

Jeffrey said:

Hello Everyone,

I'm Jeffrey. I've been lurking here for over two years, learning everything I can about hunting in Africa. Finally joined today.

I'm going to Dallas next week to attend the DSC convention Thursday through Saturday. My dream is to be taken on as an apprentice for the coming dry season, with a preference for Zimbabwe. I've initiated contact with ZPHGA and plan on talking with them more, but understandably they (as well as the outfitters and PHs) are very busy with the convention season. I want to take their learners exam as soon as possible.

Having spent a lifetime in the outdoors, mainly in the Southeastern USA, I can say I'm an experienced outdoorsman. But I am totally green to the outfitting/hunting industry. I'm a fast learner and a hard worker. I fully understand that new apprentices spend far more time clearing jeep trails and washing trucks than doing exciting fun things with clients. Africa has been calling me for years, and I've read everything I can get my hands on, including some wisdom and insight on this forum.

I don't have any kind of impressive resume or CV showing what kind of hotshot guide I am. But I will talk with anyone who would give me a short interview. Any advice or direction from anyone here would be enormously appreciated.

Thanks,
Jeffrey

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Jeffrey said:

Phoenix Phil,
I was under the impression that licenses may be granted to resident aliens. Never heard of native birth requirements. But thank you for your advice nonetheless. Zimbabwe is simply the country that fascinates me the most, and the Zambezi Valley is the hunting area of my dreams.

I'm not trying to look smart here, in fact I find I learn faster when I'm not afraid of looking stupid. Definitely learning. I'll work anywhere, and do anything any responsible and ethical outfit needs me to do.

Thanks for everyone's welcome. Brickburn, reading about your Sable hunt with TMS is a particular point of inspiration for my African obsession. Von Gruff, your rifle stocks are some of the prettiest I've ever seen. And I've actually been meaning to order one of your knives...

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