Would you ask to hunt with the new Professional Hunter?

[Bonk]

About 20 + years ago I spent a month (post FGASA course) working with a young, newly qualified, PH who had just come back down south from Tanzania (I think).

Although I was one of those kids that grew up on an African farm hunting I learned a great deal from that chap

As he could not yet afford a suitable rifle of his own, he was loaned a camp rifle.

Whilst talking around the camp fire he mentioned a .375 Bruno that was for sale and that he was saving up to buy it

I had to return to ‘work prison’ but left sufficient funds at camp for him to buy it

cheap considering what I learned from him

Very cool bowjijohn. Well done helping that young man out. Excellent kharma.

 

[Nyati]

It's been stated before here that PH's with seniority take the American clients and new PH's take the European clients since the tips are generally significantly less.

Whoever said that doesn´t know what he is talking about, as it is the Oufitters who decides what PH hunts with each client, besides, generally, Outfitters do not mix clients of different nationalities.

Now, regarding your question, I would say it depends on the individual PH, some young men are excellent professionals, have been hunting on the family farm since they were old enough to carry a gun, and are eager to make a good impression.

Unfortunately, some older PH´s have all the experience but have lost the illusion, it´s just a job, let´s just shoot the animals on the client´s list and be done with it. Trophy quality ? How does he know ?

On DG don´t worry, you will always get an experienced PH plus a younger one, still learning the ropes.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

Every PH has to have their first client, just like every doctor or dentist or anything. It would not bother me to be the first client for a new PH. And I would do my best to be a good client.

 

[Tundra Tiger]

That's a good point about we're all a first at something sometime. While teaching elementary kids doesn't pose the danger to them that trekking after animals in Africa does for the hunter with a new PH in Africa, I'd like to believe my first class (4th grade) came out OK and didn't wind up destitute because of the horrors they suffered that year at the hands of a wet-behind-the-ears first year teacher.

 

[Speedster]

From my limited experience, I would choose the veteran hunter.

 

[R.M.C.]

I've never heard of PHs taking only American hunters and others taking European hunters .