I was taught the game of golf at an early age. One of the first things I was taught about the game was etiquette. I am only 27 and have never been on a guided or outfitted hunt anywhere. I guess my question is, How should the hunter/client conduct himself while on any guided hunt? How and when to tip? What is expected of the Hunter? What should be expected of the guide/PH?

I'm just going to hit a couple of high points.

Behave like a human being, be safe with your guns, treat others with respect. Don't expect your Ph to be a hand servant. Lend a helping hand when you can. DO KNOW YOUR WEAPONS, HOW TO SHOOT THEM. PRACTICE BEFORE THE HUNT. No one expects perfection but the game deserves respect.

Tipping: Normally done at the end of the hunt, or the end of your hunt with that particular PH. How much is up to you, your pocketbook, and how you perceive the quality of the PHs work which is NOT necessarily what or how much you shot.

What to expect of the PH is too broad an area to cover in a short reply....without prior warning, in most of Africa you should expect a comfortable camp with good food, he should know his area, know how to put you on the game that you're interested in BUT sometimes things just don't work out. That's hunting.

I remember my first guided African safari as if it were yesterday. Since I didn't know much about the relationship I asked a lot of questions. I was fortunate in that my PH appreciated my curiosity, a tacit admission that I wasn't some know-it-all, and he was all too happy to impart his knowledge to me, at least as much as he thought I would absorb. Most of all, be safe with your rifle. There is nothing that bothers a PH more than a hunter who doesn't know where to keep the muzzle, who can't unload his rifle safely, who carries it in an unsafe manner, etc. I am still pretty humble in the context of a situation the PH has managed dozens of times compared to me. But do let him know what you would like to accomplish, it will help him best guide you to a memorable hunt.

Courtesy, honesty, and respect can carry you a long way, no matter what your social environment. Respect for the views and cultures of others includes taking the time to show genuine interest in the backgrounds of everyone in your hunting party. Be careful in how you handle politial discussions. Offering to help in whatever task is at hand will be appreciated. Do not be boastful, and be honest about your abilities and experiences.
When in doubt, consider the words of John Walter Wayland, as he describes "The True Gentleman", and you should have few problems:

The true gentleman is the man whose conduct proceeds from good will and an acute sense of propriety, and whose self-control is equal to all emergencies: who does not make the poor man conscious of his poverty, the obscure man of his obscurity, or any man of his inferiority or deformity; who is himself humbled if necessity compels him to humble another; who does not flatter wealth, cringe before power, or boast of his own possessions or achievements; who speaks with frankness but always with sincerity and sympathy; whose deed follows his word; who thinks of the rights and feelings of others, rather than his own; and who appears well in any company, a man with whom honor is sacred and virtue safe.

You might like to buy yourself a copy of "African Experience" by Craig Boddington.... it'll answer all your questions and is a great read....

We wrote our own small publication that we send to our clients as part of their safari pack. It covers pretty much all aspects of safari, including pre and post safari health, visas firearm import to various African countries. It's very popular amongst our clients but we've never gotten round to publishing it commercially.

After my PH ask me if he could get me another drink while we sat around the fire our first night, I told him that he could put me on game, save my life and tell me great stories. The one thing he could not do was wait on me!

As stated above courtsey and respect. My take on your relationship with your PH is that when you leave from your hunt, your PH should be at least your newest best friend or better yet, the newest member of your extended family. If that is not the case, then something went wrong.
The best PHs are those kind of people. Someone to trust, to learn from.

Gratuity is a very personal matter. I don't think you should over tip. Remember, the PH is working for you. In most cases he is already getting paid for his services to you.


Bottom line don't go to Africa and act like a Jerk! Try to be the responsible, good person that you are with your hunting buddies over here. Just because you change continents, don't change the way you act!

Just my opine

quote:

Originally posted by Rusty:
As stated above courtsey and respect.

Just because you change continents, don't change the way you act!

Unfortunately for some I have hunted with here in the states, acting with courtesy and respect would be changing the way they act.

Firstly you are there to enjoy yourself and YOU are the client. It is YOUR hunt not the PHs.

Secondly enjoy yourself. If you have the will unless the hunt is very very bad you will enjoy yourself.

Thirdly, don't take a tape measure. The size of trophies should not matter to your enjoyment.

Fourth, the client is hoped to be able to shoot reasonably well, but not always expected to be able to do so. So practice.

Same for physical fitness. If you have a problem discuss it before hand and a hunt may be able to be tailored for you.

Fifth, don't be an expert and dominate all conversation as some clients try to do. They are remembered as arseholes later. Same as any other social environment.


Tipping. Most outfitters say this is up to a client to decide because it is not part of the price. Ask the outfitter what is 'normal' and make your own decisions. The black staff usually are not paid a lot and what appears to be a small amount to a westerner can be several weeks or even months to a normal wage in the African country. You know because they are always appreciative. I like to give 'professional' staff nice and thoughtful gifts and perhaps cash.

The PH/Guide should be a competent hunter and leader of his trackers and staff. Trackers should be able to track game competently. The game animals you have selected for hunting should be evident on the concession. It should not be poached out. Hunting should be started promptly in the morning usually around or before dawn.

Meals and accomodation should be commensurate with the rates they are charging you. Usually a PH and perhaps camp manager joins clients for most of the meals. He should not 'piss off' as soon as the hunting is finished returning only when the next hunt is scheduled. The PH shouldn't get drunk, at least very often.

Vehicles should be reliable and equipped with spares and spare tyres. Staff should be willing to carry water for you and sometimes offer to carry your rifle (if you wish) on longer hot marches (this also helps you tip them better later - if they offer - if they don't ... ).

The camp should be a friendly happy helpful place.

etc

***

Sixth, have fun. It is a holiday not an ordeal.

Be a gentleman in all things, in hunting most of all.

I think Eleanor Roosevelt said, "When in doubt how to act, act decent."

Pretty good advice from the golf course to the hunting fields and anywhere in between.

Spring. Well said by a good SAE.

Sprig

Phi Alpha, Sprig.