BigGameHunt.net Hunting Forums

arkjarhead24 · Joined: 17 Jul 2008 Posts: 2

I was wondering if someone might be able to tell me how someone goes about becoming a PH. I'm sure you would have to know how to hunt the African trophy animals. That's where my troubles begin.

I was thinking maybe I could work as an assistant to a PH next summer while I'm on summer break from college. I will be 25 at the time. I spent a couple years in the United States Marine Corps after graduating high school. If I could get something set up in plenty of time I could provide my transportation to Africa if the PH I would be working for could provide me with room and board. That would be all I ask for, room and board and a chance to learn. I don't mind doing grunt work, but I don't want to go all the way to Africa and never get to go out on any hunts to learn. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.

Cumbrian · Joined: 16 Jul 2008 Posts: 2 Location: England

The best way is to email as many outfitters as you and explain what you want, an email at the end of the day costs nothing. Most PH's have to attend a course and to PH for dangerous game an additional course is required which I think is pretty tough.

kevin davis · Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 304 Location: texas

i believe that the training may take several years, including apprenticeship under a regular PH for some time, before you can take your exam. each country is different, of course, but i read that zimbabwe's course is the toughest. good luck.

arkjarhead24 · Joined: 17 Jul 2008 Posts: 2

where do I find these courses at?

shakari · Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2008 10:38 pm Post subject:

African countries all have their own criteria for becoming a PH and one of the biggest hurdles is getting the initial experience and the first PH licence...... after that, it becomes easier.

The courses referred to here are probably the ones in South Africa and although some of the PH academies there will allow you to attend the school, they won't allow you to sit the exams because the Aliens Act forbids you to qualify because you won't hold SA residency. Another problem you'll encounter is that they're about to change the system and the new one will require several months of training.......... that's without the practical experience you'll need to be of any real use.

All that said, if you're really determined and refuse to give up then you might make it. If you have, or can gain experience as a diesel mechanic (preferably on 4x4s) that will also help.

Another factor you need to consider is cost and whether it's financially viable to become a PH. My Tanzanian PH licence alone costs a total of US$6540 a year to be issued.

You also need to consider if you have a realistic view of a PHs life. Admittedly it's a lot of fun and you meet some good people and see some fabulous places but a lot of people make the mistake of seeing it as glamerous whereas in reality it's also damn hard work with long hours and low pay.............

If you do want to attend a South African PH course you could do no better than to attend the one run by Ian Goss in Kwa Zulu Natal and you can contact Ian at iangoss@xsinet.co.za

kevin davis · Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 304 Location: texas

i found one site at www.bwanamel.com but it did not have too much information.
thanks shakari for you post. it does not seem likely an american can get a ph license very easily.

shakari · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 11:27 am Post subject:

Always glad to help where I can............ it's not impossible for a westerner (for want of a better term) to get into the industry - I'm a Brit and I managed it and in fact have held PH licences for close to 20 years. There's also a few Americans in the business, but only a few are in it full time ........... but it ain't easy and it does require an awful lot of determination and hard work.

Other things to bear in mind is that it's not as glamerous as it first appears from the outside, it's damn hard work and the money is no-where near as good as most people seem to think.

On the other hand, it's a lotta fun! :D

91xlt · Joined: 15 Mar 2007 Posts: 173 Location: Phila., PA

i beleive the stated info so far to be true also,
there is an apprenticeship, and schooling.
i beleive you need "x" amount of documented time (not sure if it's measured in hours/years?) hunting plains and dangereous game, as i am pretty sure not the same license.
i also think it is difficult for an american to get "working papers"...

interesting thread.