Are there many American born PH's operating on a full-time basis in Africa? Is it tough for them to acquire a position with one of the outfitters/ concessions once they are licensed as a PH but still not a permanent resident (i.e. camp work, etertain clients etc.)?

There are a number of them. Jeff Rann and Doug Scandrol come immediately to mind.

Michigun,

There are a few American PHs but the majority of them don't live in Africa fulltime and most just get issued with a temporary residence permit for whatever country they're operating in and have a PH licence for. The exact situation varies from country to country. In Tanzania for example, assuming th guy has already gained his TZ PH licence, the total cost of doing it properly and getting work permit, licence and temporary residency etc is currently either US$6540 or US$5640..... I can't remember which!

If your question is part of research to find out if it's possible to get a job in the industry, you might like to take a look at this link:- http://www.shakariconnection.c...-hunter-article.html

You might find other parts of the site useful as well.

Hope that helps!

I appreciate the replies LionHunter and shakari!

I'm seriously contemplating following my dreams and pursuing something like this while I'm still young (24). I've been working in real-estate investments since graduating B-school two years ago and although it’s a rewarding career and I thoroughly enjoy meeting many people with diverse needs; true adventure and the outdoors is what I crave. You only get one go around at life so why not do something you love. I’m starting to see that there’s really no point in working your azz off in your prime years to make money and hopefully retire with enough to enjoy yourself when you’re old. However by that time, in most cases, you’re too old and burnt out to do the things you could have done while you were young. I don’t want to be that should-a, could-a, would-a guy. I learned many more valuable lessons by studying abroad in college and travel than I ever did in any of my classes.

I will continue to look in to this but ultimately it’s just making the choice to DO IT.


Thanks again!

There is a previous long discussion on this topic (see: "American PH" ) You'll find lots info there, including a long list of many successful American PH's who have operated in East Africa over the years...

I guess Tink Nathan was one of the most prominint of recent decades, although he left some years ago to return home to USA. If my memory serves me correct, Tink was based in/near Pretoria SA and operated in some other regional countries as well, Tink was amoungst other, a bow hunting aficionado

Cheers, Peter

I know a guy who did this around your same age. However, he hunted with the outfitter as a client and established a good relationship. He was able to parlay that into an "apprenticeship."

I was offered a similar opportunity for a dove hunting outfitter in Argentina, but needed to take some classes in order to graduate law school early. I may still do it after taking the bar and waiting for the results.

Fellas, I have nothing to offer as far as what you're asking but I would encourage you to follow your dreams as much as possible. Professional hunting sure isn't any way to "get rich" but it's got to be terribly rewarding from a personal standpoint. As for working your butt off with the dream of living the high life in retirement, well "...the best laid plans of mice and men..." you know? If you have the means to try it by all means do so before you get caught up in the typical wife, family, mortgage, job... thing that will keep you from following that dream. If it doesn't work out, what the hell eh? You still have the rest of your life ahead!