Has anyone hunted with a female Ph in Africa?

If so can you expand on the experience; would they do it again? Did you hunting DG?

If you have not hunted with one, what is your opinion on women PH's?

Happy hunting!

No way, Jose.

Thanks, Tonto .. just got up.

[ 11-10-2003, 15:26: Message edited by: Nickudu ]

nick I think you meant "jose", Ps my wife is mexican.
Other words you forgot the R
Dean

Not Africa but...
PJ Nelson guides for her husband Bill Nelson Guide
service in NM.And she is a fine guide.
She hunts slowly and methodically...some guides tend to bust through the country,ie more ground
covered = killing bigger/more game.I also tend
to be patient and through.
And my wife was very comfortable hunting with her.

Would I hunt buff with her?Probably not,but if she had experience I think she could do as good
a job as anyone.

I would hunt with PJ again.

Jeff

As long as she knows the country, and the game we are hunting, and can shoot, I'd hunt with the devel's wife! When I go hunting, there is only one thing on my mind, and that is hunting, as long as the PH is of the same mindset, I couldn't care less what gender the PH is!

My initial "politically correct" response was "who cares." But as I thought about it... I DO! No I don't think I would want to hunt with a female PH. Not based on abilities as I believe many women could learn the mechanics but more based on the relationship and camaraderie between an PH and me. It was more like two guys out hunting than a customer/supplier thing. I don't think the relationship would be the same if my PH was a woman... nor would I felt as free to speak freely.

Are there any prominant black PH's in Africa?

I agree completely, I think a female PH would provide exactly the same service, but there wouldn't be the same conversation/camaraderie...
As corny as it sounds hunting is really the best form of male bonding as anyone who hunts with their dad can attest.

I have hunted a couple of times with a female PH in Africa, and things worked out just fine.

We took some nice trophies and had an excellent time afield, but she was a bit more reserved, or possibly professional, than most other PH's I have hunted with. She later confided that this was a deliberate behaviour, as some male clients had in the past mistaken friendliness for an invitation to a more personal relationship...imagine that.

Bottom line: It doesn't matter to me the color or sex of the PH. Just know your stuff and get the job done, and I will be a satisfied client.

Since my wife accompanies me on my safaris, no. It's not so much that I don't a female PH guiding me (it would be nice to stare at her ass while stalking rather than a guy's ass!), it's that I don't want her and my wife to get to blabbing incessantly.

George

May I recommend Mrs. Karin vanGraan at Engonymeni Safaris in the RSA. She will work you harder than her husband Danie, which is saying something.

I don't believe I would like to use a female PH/guide. At least with a man I can always tell him to go f himself.

Prehaps some of our older/experience african hands can elborate but I know/knew that aside from RSA there is no "regular" safari country where a female can get a license. It is just not done. There was talk of a woman PH in Namib. but I have not found her.

ED

I could give a damn less who my guide was....as long as they are qualified....

Didn't we have this discussion about PHs "of color"? I just feel sorry for the PH or hunter/client who bothers to care when both like being out in the field with the animals. To me, that's all that matters.

I want a PH who finds game on foot and does not pull the trigger. Gender and color do not matter. The above criteria do.

[ 11-11-2003, 06:18: Message edited by: 500grains ]

Sorry to put it all on the table.........We all will act differently with a male PH. Your comments about "who cares" are a bunch of bunk, IMO.

Skibumplus3

SkiBumpas,

I've been working with women in a demanding professional atmosphere for most of 27+ years. They were doing a job they wanted to do just as I was. I NEVER had to act differently from how I would have wanted to act. I see no difference.

Gentlemen,

There was a thread on here a while back about a lady PH - with photos too .

What I understood was she is still hunting in Tanzania, and apparently her boyfriend had been killed at her camp in mysterious circumstances.

FRom the questions I asked, she seems to have a great reputation as a PH and has many repeat customers.

I would hunt with (and have already) Liesl Stein of RSA anytime. She has great eyes and good judgement of size. She runs a tight ship with her crew. You hunt with her and you will come home with the bacon!

I think "camraderie" is the key word here - or maybe "male bonding"

I can see a female Ph getting advances (If she is good looking )from clients if she was to "bond" like some of us do with our male PH's.

I remember reading of the 1st female Professional hunter in East Africa in a magazine; apparently she was highly respected by her peers with some famous names amongst them.

Saeed: I think the name of the Ph you are referring to is Natasha ..something! Lot's of stories about her but a few PH's I talked to said she knows her stuff and has apprenticed under the likes of Sanchez-Arino, etc.

I wonder if anyone on this forum knows her or has hunted with her?

happy hunting!

Do you guys know if there are any black PHs outside of Tanzania? I have never seen any but it would be good if they could be more involved in the hunting industry in South Africa, so it doesn't become synonymous with upper-class white men as in the UK.

Natasjas name is Berg and she is Danish and from what I�ve heard very competent. I tried emailing her but never got a response -anybody have a link? Doesn�t Ray book for her?

I think I would definetly prefer a regular male PH. That axiom about "not treatinf them different" is a lot of garbage. When Clinton and the democrats rammed them down our throats in the military, the entire atmosphere in clubs, ready rooms, even the whole culture of the "warrior Class" changed because of them.

THe fact that a couple of you said you would rather "stare at her ass" speaks volumes. More importantly, if things get ugly with an animal that can bite or stomp you to death, who would you rather have at your side a guy like John Sharp, Sullivan, or the PH that you hunted with or "buffy the vampfire slayer"? give me a break. jorge

This is just so much crap.

I don't like any females in camp, neither one of the camp managers or otherwise. They inhibit the conversations and are generally a nuisance.

I've done the wife and daughter thing, which I enjoyed immensely, but I doubt that anyone else but the other females in camp appreciated it much.

No way, Jose.

Jorge;
From the sound of things I think I would rather hunt with Natasja then with Sullivan - I wouldn't last 10 sec listening to Sullivans' crap!!!!

Happy hunting!

Osa Johnson must be revolving in her grave!. Better to be guided by a cool head and a deadly shot no matter what the gendre!

I'd never even consider a female PH. They might be great for women hunters to pair up with but not me. I totally agree with SkiBum and Jorge.

Marterius,

Me too. For me hunting isn't dirty talk, ribald jokes, drinking, or sexual conversation. It is the smell of "clean"/natural air, physical challenges, good conversation to and from the field and after the day is over. Now, it also increasingly includes memories of past days, good friends, good and "bad" hunts...

Many years ago I was privileged to receive my Aunt's shotgun. Her son got all her other guns. To me a great honor.

Hobi,

I'll bet you have been working with women in a "demanding, professional job" for 27 years because you had to. We are talking about an expensive hunting trip.
Please refer to the original question. Would you chose to pay a female PH? I would not consider it.

Ski+3

John S - Don't forget "ME"!

I was first to say "No Way, Jose!"

Hobie, Kindly advise when you're going over again, so that I might make every effort to avoid you.

I don't know first hand, since i have never been on a paid hunt. Honestly though, I might be reluctant to hunt with a female, and not for the reasons the rest of you are. I wouldn't worry about comraderie (sorry about spelling), discussions etc. I would feel totally comfortable around a woman. I probably would be willing to hunt with one too, I would just have a slight thing in the back of my head about what she would do in a hairy situation. I think that women react to crisis differently than men, some do well and others poorly. My mom is one that does very well, she is usually unorganized, forgettful and just all over the place, you put her in a serious situation where people can get hurt etc. and she is all of a sudden right there and taking care of business.

the other thing to think of that I haven't seen mentioned is that men by nature or training have a "protective mode" that they go into where women are concerned. so what if it is a situation where everybody has to be 100% concentrating, and the ph is a very competent woman, but you are worrying about her safety and paying too much attention to her movements rather than what might be in the grass etc., and because of this you or somebody else gets hurt?

Interesting thing to think about. I would prefer a male ph, but would still take a female ph.

Red

Not me! hell I cant imagine taking my wife.
hunting is time for me to get away and get back to more primal times. I love my wife but no women on a hunting trip. And A guide or PH should be stronger tougher ect or at least appear that way. Thats only MHO.
Nick - panoche es para la quatro or en la casa.

In hunting camp, I wish to make any sort of remark or noise I want, how I want, when I want, free of the usual constraints. All �things female�, belong elsewhere.

In a hunting mate, I want someone who can take care of business, both emotionally and physically, for numerous reasons, not the least of which is safety. I don�t care to worry about my companions, unduly, while I am concentrating on hunting.

Only a man can fully grasp the �gifts to the soul�, derived from the hunt. It is His innate realm ... not Hers and I'm laying claim to it, for as long as I'm able.

[ 11-11-2003, 19:09: Message edited by: Nickudu ]

Have you ever been driving down the highway and watch guys pass a car with a chick in it? They practically break their necks checking her out.

It is the same in camp. Some dude brings his wife or trophy wife or trophy girlfriend and every guy in camp in drouling all over himself. Spare me.

Ever wonder why the hired-help types do not have their wives in camp? They are just a source of trouble and conflict.

[ 11-11-2003, 20:11: Message edited by: Will ]

SkiBumplus3,

A person never HAS to do anything. There are always options. My options include female PHs, yours don't. I think that is the extent of my comments. I never derided you for your choice. You seem to think that you should deride me for mine.

Some think they can't say what they want when they want. Again, you can always do that IF you're willing to accept the consequences. I usually am and say what I please and what I think. I find that my consideration of others precludes comments that would be inappropriate in mixed company. That includes you.

I like most people and get along with most people. I just don't see a problem.

I just noticed that I initially mis-spelled your handle. I hope you'll accept my apology, I suppose that was a Freudian slip on my part.

I find it interesting that so many associate hunting only with men.

I saw a TV show last year about a hunter who went to NZ to hunt stags. The one guide was a little slip of a girl. I thought that was to be expected, she was the daughter of the outfitter/PH.

Gentlemen, I totally understand where you are coming from and have shared some of your thoughts and feelings. If you look at this thread in the broad view, right or wrong, it appears that we are a fairly exclusive and sexist bunch, which is certainly our right. But in this era of urban growth and the continued demise of rural values, can we afford to be seen as an exclusive group?

When fewer than 20% of a population embrace an idea, participate in an activity, etc., the activity is no longer considered politially viable, and can easily be legislated out of existence. Currently about 17% of the adult population in the US participates in hunting, and the numbers continue to trend downward at an alarming rate. This is a result of societal changes, our opponents activities, and our lack of effective recruitment into our sport.

The single best way to insure the longevity of our way of life is to bring in new participants. Children are the best way to do this, but our changing society and fewer numbers of children make it difficult to maintain, much less increase numbers. The only viable way to increase our ranks is to be an inclusive, rather than exclusive group, and make hunting attractive to those who do not oppose us, but do not participate currently; specifically, women.

There are several good programs that are designed to bring women into our sport, but they can only do so much. When we, as a predominatly male group, realize that including women in hunting is the key to our ongoing polital success, our attitude towards spending time afield with them can, and should change.

As a post script, I am not a women's libber, member of the ACLU, or a Democrat. I am a pragmatist when necessary, and it is currently necessary.