Hey there gang!

Thing a bit slow here for the last few days. Though I would post this. This is an article I wrote and appeared in the last issue of African Hunter Magazine.

It is intended to provoke though and maybe some introspective thinking on both ends of the deal.


The Client;

I may be young, I may be old. Perhaps I am athletic and in shape or maybe a bit long in tooth and round in profile. I may come for lion and leopard or I simply come for an impala or a kudu.

Who I am is the international hunting client and what I am about to write, should have been written long ago. It may be uncomfortable and frankly unpopular; nonetheless the topic needs to be broached.

We, the international hunting clients of the world fuel this industry, make no mistake. Without us the professional hunters of the world, whether good or bad, wouldn't be able to live the lives of their dreams. Only due to the client's collectively pursued passions are they able to walk daily amongst the magnificent antelopes and grim beasts of Mother Africa. I am sure the professionals of which I speak will have some disagreement with this. I understand, and only bring these things to bear for stimulating thought......on both ends.

Somewhere along the way things, in my opinion, have gone horribly askew. On my last few trips overseas, I have begun to take notice of certain repeated behavior patterns displayed by some very well known professional hunters. Some were in destinations I was only able to dream about in my younger years. Places of danger, places of intrigue. Fantastic places were hunted and some extraordinary creatures were pursued, successful pursuits in most cases.

I have come to the conclusion that "they" (some PHs) now somehow think it (international sport hunting) is all about them. We the sport hunting community are guilty, guilty of creating some of these ego driven, self-promoting personalities. Some of us are willing to even pay a premium to go afield with the "stars" of the industry. Why?

After you are safely aboard the charter on your way out of camp, you are the brunt of stories, jokes and anecdotal fowl ups for the next wave of "stumbling halfwits." We willingly plop down a year’s salary or more for the hunts of our lifetimes. It matters zero to them if you show up prepared physically and mentally, if you’re able to shoot, and you can see the animals. You will be treated the same as a first timer that stumbles around homesick for 21 days with your muzzle pointed at the back of their head and complains, of blisters, the heat or no ice for their cocktails.

I have formed these opinions from my own and unique position of experience. Having 33 Safaris in 21 separate trips overseas I’ve hunted nearly all sub-Saharan African countries, have collected the majority of her bounty. I am comfortable in my own skin and make no apologies. I claim no special hunting skills, only an ability to read people with an acute aptitude of situational awareness.

I write this in Heathrow, on a layover coming back from a Botswana Elephant hunt. I sat one day on this last safari, at lunch listening to the PH of record and another PH that was between safaris. They openly made sport of guys, guys just like me. Guys with business', guys with jobs or perhaps retired.

We return home to our families. The professionals return to the bush and make sport of me and others to the next "client". Funny thing, in all the stories, the fools they speak of don't have names, just "client". We never take a moment to think that they feel the same about us. I maintain it's time to quit the game when the names and the faces all become one long blur of pictures, hunting stories and blown shots. These safaris mean far more to us than it does them. This may be the one and only chance many of us get to experience these places and pursue these beasts.

I have even discussed these thoughts with one of the PHs one evening around the fire. His take was this; we finish with the hunt, get on a charter and go back to our safe lives and leave them to clean up the messes we create with our poor shooting. There is probably a lot of truth to his statement.

The romance and traditions of Africa are a powerful aphrodisiac. It draws us back time after time. I know it has me. Personally, I take my responsibility as a sport hunter extremely serious. I show up fit, both physically and mentally. A 21-day safari is a long one, at times you must focus to take things one day at a time and keep your head in the game. I also bring only rifles I can shoot and take shots I am virtually certain I can make. The last thing I want is to wound something the next client or PH must deal with.

How many stories have we all heard about client’s wives, or even daughters? Think yours are any different? They are flesh and blood just as we are.

For some untold reason, the international hunting community has assigned a “Rock Star” status or hero worship to many of these PHs. Perhaps it’s because I can think of no other “sport” where we can participate, side by side with a Professional at anything.

It's November, the phone calls start and the emails arrive. They are asking about coming over for a visit between the hunting conventions. We feel honored to have a "Professional Hunter" actually want to stay at our homes. We buy them dinner, take them places, they drink our finest single malt. We may even try to help them and book more "bumbling clients". We take days off work or away from our businesses to entertain them. Maybe it makes us feel like we are in their inner circle or within their appreciated sphere of influence.

You actually believe that you are somehow different or special. We even see it as some kind of a badge of honor that a real professional hunter from Africa has chosen me as a friend. These are superficial friendships at the very best.

Come as a client, leave as a friend?

It may be hard for some to accept these concepts and learned them the hard way. I have many friends and acquaintances that go back to Africa every year and hunt with the same guys, the same guys that behind closed doors refer to one honorable, successful and admirable man as “a Gomer”.

Personally, I have decided to change my approach. Moving forward, I will no longer go alone and look for any sort of companionship from these guys. I will now go with a pal or my wife and treat them as they should be treated, as an employee of sorts. No real difference than your relationship with your taxidermist, your dentist or the guy you just bought your new F250 Super Duty from.

A trophy celebration in a foreign language?

Now, they can celebrate "their" successful kills and I can have my own celebration with someone who is genuinely happy for me. The attending PH can take as many high quality trophy photos of himself for self-promotion as he has taken of me, and I could not care less. I once hunted with a guy that never once took a photo on his camera with me in the shot. Seems kind of nuts, but that act alone gave me the awareness to start becoming a student of these behaviors. He showed me his iPod one evening in camp. All of his pictures were of he alone, no "client" to be seen. This particular “Professional” must see the client as no more than a tool to do "his killing" for him.

Honestly, ask yourselves, could any one of these guys be successful enough in business to afford to pay for one of the safaris that they ridicule "us" on? How about personal relationships, failed marriages, questionable vehicles and finances. I wouldn't trade my life for theirs for any amount of money. I also am sure they would say the same about my life. But we don't make fun of, nor ridicule them, do we?

Have you ever gone home early?

Have you ever finished a safari early? Have there been "suggestions" of perhaps side trips? Do these side trips usually require a trip home for some reason? I think many clients prefer to just "go with the flow" and not make mention of things that probably don't sit right with us. After all, you really do want this guy to like you, right? I use to feel that way, and would say nothing. "Hey Steve, do you mind if my wife, girlfriend, brother in law, whatever comes into
camp". Well, yes I do. I now just spit it out and keep communication as open and as honest as is possible.

I have never left a safari early, not at my own request anyway. It was suggested once that, I could go home early if I wanted. I didn't, but took the suggestion as he prefer I be elsewhere so rearranged my families trip home to the order of 2,800. for changing the prearranged itinerary.

I really feel that poor communication is the biggest component of a safari gone bad. You as the paying client cannot keep your mouth closed if something bothers you. You need to stop things right then, and tell the PH what it is you want, or don't want, or what he does is bothering you in some way. It is your adventure, you're paying the bill. As long as it's not something weird or increases their cost, it should be granted. If you being popular with this guy is more important than your satisfaction on this safari, by all means, be the nice guy.

Because of the aforementioned changes, I also no longer go to the same place with the same professional time after time. I now see more of what Africa has to offer and see. I have also noticed that the same animals behave differently from country to country and game management areas. I also get to experience many different hunting styles. I will have a much richer bank of experience to call upon for stories to my children and grandchildren.

Who's at fault here?

There is plenty of blame to go around here. I think we, the clients can possibly be overbearing at times in our invitations to the PH's to come and visit. This goes back to the hero worship or rock star thing stated prior. Conversely, the professionals could just as easily tell us, they are on a tight schedule, prior commitments, whatever. My personal belief is; it has devolved into a PH being able to pick and choose who he would rather spend a few days with while in America. Can't say as I blame them for that. I'm sure many clients are a bear to be around. Think about this; nearly 24 hours a day 7 days a week for up to 28 days, with a guy you really don't care for. That may very well include me, after all, you can pay anyone to be your friend.

I truly hope my words are read as they are meant. I only wish to help someone else not repeat the same mistakes in safari hunting I have made. Keep things friendly yet, impersonal. It can be difficult, basically living with a guy, you tend to look up to a bit and not personalize the relationship.

All these things being said, I have enjoyed every minute of every day while hunting in Africa, I have made, what I thought to be close friends. As long as I feel that way that's what's important.

Could you just bring along a brick of .22s?

Does this one sound familiar? I have been asked by more than one PH if I could "just throw a brick of .22s, 12ga, .375 etc. ammo in my bag." I chose to not spend my vacation in some African jail or trying to explain away why I have not declared it. I also probably don't have a firearm that matches the stuff in my gun box. So, the answer is, "No", and it should be yours as well.

Why do you think it is that we get requests for things? Sometimes I think we just bring gifts along unrequested. iPods, Oakley sunglasses seem to be a popular request. I've been guilty as well.

Perhaps it's just me. Maybe I'm burnt out on these musings. Hunting in Africa should be pure; it's raw beauty and savagery, her primal killing fields. Not some popularity contest. I believe it has been corrupted, corrupted possibly by us, the clients. A good friend of mine coined this timeless and appropriate phrase.

"Africa is about the men and the dust and the diesel, it sticks to your skin and cannot be washed away, nor does it wain." Andrew Baldry



Steve Ahrenberg

Well put.

Nice read. Food for thought for sure.

Both sides of the fence should take notice.

I read this article in African Hunter, and I recommended it to many of my friends. I did not want to believe a lot of what was said, but when I did some real soul searching and thought about it, there are a lot of "uncomfortable truths" spelled out. It is, after all, a business, and we clients would all be a lot better off in the long run looking at it in that light.

Thanks for writing such an insightful article.

Congratulations on a nicely worded article.
Good food for thought for everyone - client and PH alike.

Good article Steve, and your comments do not just apply to Africa. Clients have a difficult time dealing with the Guide Not God concept.

PH's have been glorified for years both in the written word and in various movies.

I have never hunted Africa, never will, but do enjoy reading the reports of those that have, including those you have written.

From my limited experiences, much of the talk around the campfire you described, occurs in North America as often as it does in Africa.

The "Sports" show up and make claims about their experience/marksmanship and how much money they have and how many people work for them, and then when you get them out in the field their true abilities or lack there of show up.

You are correct that a form of "Hero Worship" rears its ugly head all too often, probably more so in Africa than elsewhere.

A person has to stop for a minute and think about the concept that probably a lot of folks that decide to do an African Safari, may have never hunted anything. They have no real experience as a hunter, they just jump up and decide that going to Africa and killing stuff is something they simply have to do.

I have heard the same or similar comments about clients here in America in camps I have been in, both as a client myself or as a guide, and I have to admit, I have made such comments about clients I have had.

That is a good article Steve. Some will not like it because it is truthful, and that is one thing I have came to appreciate about you, you are truthful and have no problem speaking your mind.

Steve, I have seen both sides of the safari business as client and operator and agree with what you are saying, generally. Many PHs "bad mouth" clients after the safari, some even do it during the safari!

I think we need to look at the total spectrum of clients and professional hunters and their respective attitudes. Individuals, whether client or PH are who they are and are motivated by different things, self-aggrandizement, record books, trying to impress friends or peers or women, etc.

I do think there are clients and PHs still about who hunt for the total experience, not just success percentages or size of trophy or how many animals they can stack up in a given number of days so they can go home early.

Steve, given your level of experience, I'm sure you have hunted with PHs who have the mindset that every day spent hunting, no matter the location, is a gift and should be appreciated for the experience it is not for any other reason.

I have had the great fortune of hunting with PHs like that. Some of best hunts have been the ones where primary objectives where not achieved, but the hunt was hard and the experience was rewarding because so many other good things happened.

By the way, great post for you.

Those are my thoughts.

Well done, Steve. Lots of truths here, no doubt. The "Come as a client, leave as a friend" is pure BS. I don't know why American hunters want to be life long friends with their PH. The PHs job is to make money and will kiss butt to do so as well as get a free place to stay in the US, tips, binocs, etc., But, we don't do the same to others who we buy a service from--plumber, accountant, etc. After several trips across the pond I believe the PH-client relationship is best left as a professional agreement and nothing more. I have personally listened to several PHs over the years bad mouth prior clients. I'm sure I am the target after I leave. I've listened to conversations from a well-known Zim PH say many times, "We never had it in writing" when he needed and excuse to back out of an agreement and leave the client with the short end of the stick. I will be back to Africa in 2015 for one or two hunts but with a different attitude. Not a negative one, not a rude one, but one of business, to get the job done, and depart.
I should publish anonymous stories of the PHs and what I've heard and watched. It would be interesting reading.
Again, great article, Steve.
Cal

quote:

Originally posted by cal pappas:
Well done, Steve. Lots of truths here, no doubt. The "Come as a client, leave as a friend" is pure BS. I don't know why American hunters want to be life long friends with their PH. The PHs job is to make money and will kiss butt to do so as well as get a free place to stay in the US, tips, binocs, etc., But, we don't do the same to others who we buy a service from--plumber, accountant, etc. After several trips across the pond I believe the PH-client relationship is best left as a professional agreement and nothing more. I have personally listened to several PHs over the years bad mouth prior clients. I'm sure I am the target after I leave. I've listened to conversations from a well-known Zim PH say many times, "We never had it in writing" when he needed and excuse to back out of an agreement and leave the client with the short end of the stick. I will be back to Africa in 2015 for one or two hunts but with a different attitude. Not a negative one, not a rude one, but one of business, to get the job done, and depart.
I should publish anonymous stories of the PHs and what I've heard and watched. It would be interesting reading.
Again, great article, Steve.
Cal

Thanks Cal, and thanks for all the help!!

Steve

Definitely some food for thought.

Joyce and I both remarked after leaving our first Safari location that we wondered what stories would be built around our hunt. The dinner table discussion was always of previous hunters and things they had done. The tales were not always of their hunting skills or lack there of.

I don't know how a person can be sure the attention and hospitality showered on them in camp is "business" as usual.

I try to discuss expectations long before the hunt. I make it clear for Joyce and I it's about the whole experience. I prefer the hunt to feel more like hunting partners and not PH/Client.

We have not returned to the same location twice and likely won't although, I could certainly see camping again with Andrew even without hunting involved.

Steve, great presentation of a rarely discussed topic that I bet has been on every hunter's mind at some time or another.

One thing I have to add though is how supportive the African hunting community was of Joyce after her diagnosis. That support reached far beyond those we had hunted with or met. I doubt that support was anything but genuine and had little to do with trying to market a future hunt.

Cheers
Jim

quote:

Originally posted by Crazyhorseconsulting:
Good article Steve, and your comments do not just apply to Africa. Clients have a difficult time dealing with the Guide Not God concept.

PH's have been glorified for years both in the written word and in various movies.

I have never hunted Africa, never will, but do enjoy reading the reports of those that have, including those you have written.

From my limited experiences, much of the talk around the campfire you described, occurs in North America as often as it does in Africa.

The "Sports" show up and make claims about their experience/marksmanship and how much money they have and how many people work for them, and then when you get them out in the field their true abilities or lack there of show up.

You are correct that a form of "Hero Worship" rears its ugly head all too often, probably more so in Africa than elsewhere.

A person has to stop for a minute and think about the concept that probably a lot of folks that decide to do an African Safari, may have never hunted anything. They have no real experience as a hunter, they just jump up and decide that going to Africa and killing stuff is something they simply have to do.

I have heard the same or similar comments about clients here in America in camps I have been in, both as a client myself or as a guide, and I have to admit, I have made such comments about clients I have had.

That is a good article Steve. Some will not like it because it is truthful, and that is one thing I have came to appreciate about you, you are truthful and have no problem speaking your mind.

Hey there Randall,

Thanks for the kind words. Being a man of your word, and not fearing those words of honesty I think are a lost or dying character trait.

If popularity is your goal, you, by extension will have trouble telling the truth to people, 100 percent of the time.

Frankly, I am surprised at the positive comments thus far. I really expected an AR AZZ kicking. But… the day is still young.

Very well written and easy read Steve. Certainly most if not all of us are imperfect and as such lend ourselves to funny and/or sad fireside chit chat, humorous and at times mean or demeaning. What fun would campfires be without "stories"! I have been the subject, you have been the subject, we have all been the subject of hopefully stories mostly in unhurtful ways. Unlikely we hear from PH/outfitter from their side as it would not be good for business. Thanks for sharing your insight with us who are mostly the paying public.

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:
Definitely some food for thought.

Joyce and I both remarked after leaving our first Safari location that we wondered what stories would be built around our hunt. The dinner table discussion was always of previous hunters and things they had done. The tales were not always of their hunting skills or lack there of.

I don't know how a person can be sure the attention and hospitality showered on them in camp is "business" as usual.

I try to discuss expectations long before the hunt. I make it clear for Joyce and I it's about the whole experience. I prefer the hunt to feel more like hunting partners and not PH/Client.

We have not returned to the same location twice and likely won't although, I could certainly see camping again with Andrew even without hunting involved.

Steve, great presentation of a rarely discussed topic that I bet has been on every hunter's mind at some time or another.

One thing I have to add though is how supportive the African hunting community was of Joyce after her diagnosis. That support reached far beyond those we had hunted with or met. I doubt that support was anything but genuine and had little to do with trying to market a future hunt.

Cheers
Jim

As far as Andrew is concerned, I have not hunted with him since 2005. We have kept in contact, and I do plan on hunting with him again. He has help and mentored me in my writing pursuits.

I can qualify him as a friend based on our "non-hunting" relationship over the last 9 years.

Joyces fund-raising and mine as well for the race I just concluded, most of my donors were guys here on AR. Solid bunch.

Excellent article Steve. Being a bit "green" behind the ears when it comes to hunting Africa as we have only be over a handful of times. I think I may heading down a path that now I see may be misdirected. A client sure hopes their PH or Guide would have the respect not to belittle them when gone but I'm sure it happens , unfortunately...

quote:

Originally posted by Boone & Crockett:
Excellent article Steve. Being a bit "green" behind the ears when it comes to hunting Africa as we have only be over a handful of times. I think I may heading down a path that now I see may be misdirected. A client sure hopes their PH or Guide would have the respect not to belittle them when gone but I'm sure it happens , unfortunately...

B&C,

There is absolutely nothing wrong with forging a friendship with a PH. Just keep it in check.

Steve

There is no doubt that this type of behavior goes on. I think a lot has to do with the individual PH. Some have more class and professionalism than others. To be sure, I have heard this type of thing from some Ph's. There are others who would never utter those words even if they thought they thought those words.

Every one is different. I have friends who want to take new species on every trip. I see no problem with that. Personally, at this point in my life, I know what I like to hunt. If I go 100 more times and shoot nothing but buff and elephant, I will be fine. Thus I sometimes go with the same PH.

I have chosen to go with same PH multiple time before. I do it not because of hero worship or that I want to be their friend, I do it because they are skilled and I personally enjoyed their company. Nothing more, nothing less.

Steve is absolutely correct though. I know a ton of PH's many of whom I have never hunted with and probably never will. Get them a few stiff drinks and the stories often flow.

Great food for thought Steve.

The "Come as a client, leave as a friend" is pure BS.

I must be doing something drastically wrong then.

The same people I hunted with over 30 years ago, I still hunt with.

They are our very close friends.

Saeed, You must realize how different your situation is to "most" of the rest of us.

can't compare the two

Steve

Steve,

In the whole I agree with you. One is paying for a service, and one should be treated like it.

However, I also suspect that some of the "sea stories" one hears around camp are more a amalgamation of half truths and BS that are being told for the purpose of entertaining the client. I generally know that a story is true when the client's name has been mentioned and I have yet to hear a client run down with a name attached. I am sure it happens, but most PH's that I know seem to have that amount of integrity.

I agree your article is food for thought, and if I heard a PH badmouthing a client, it would certainly be an ethical violation on his part. I think that becoming friends with folks you meet on your travels is part of the fun of traveling abroad.

I will admit that there is a big difference between hero worship and friendship.

I also will admit that there have been a few times where I behaved "nice" and ended up having a vague dissatisfaction about the whole thing at the time, and later afterwards, I felt like I had been used. Its a good point to speak up if there is something you don't care for happening, even if it seems minor.

Well done Steve!

Excellent article and topic Steve
Thank you for saying it out loud
Milan

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Ahrenberg:


Saeed, You must realize how different your situation is to "most" of the rest of us.

can't compare the two

Steve

Not sure what you mean by that Steve.

I went to Africa for the first time, had a great safari, and liked the people I hunted with.

They were straight forward and honest.

When I wanted top go hunt again, I contacted them and went to hunt with again.

My original opinion was re-enforced, and I had another great hunt.

Why mess with success?

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Ahrenberg:


Saeed, You must realize how different your situation is to "most" of the rest of us.

can't compare the two

Steve

Not sure what you mean by that Steve.

I went to Africa for the first time, had a great safari, and liked the people I hunted with.

They were straight forward and honest.

When I wanted top go hunt again, I contacted them and went to hunt with again.

My original opinion was re-enforced, and I had another great hunt.

Why mess with success?

Somehow, I just can't see Roy or Alan telling you; "Saeed…You've shot all your quota, time to go home." Can you?

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Ahrenberg:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Ahrenberg:


Saeed, You must realize how different your situation is to "most" of the rest of us.

can't compare the two

Steve

Not sure what you mean by that Steve.

I went to Africa for the first time, had a great safari, and liked the people I hunted with.

They were straight forward and honest.

When I wanted top go hunt again, I contacted them and went to hunt with again.

My original opinion was re-enforced, and I had another great hunt.

Why mess with success?

Somehow, I just can't see Roy or Alan telling you; "Saeed…You've shot all your quota, time to go home." Can you?

Funny you mention quota.

My hunts were at the end of the season, and I shot all the quota that is left.

Chete was best, as it was relatively rough area to hunt - one has to be physically fit to move about, as a lot of the hunting was done on foot.

Many clients were not able to do this, so the animals they were supposed to shoot were left behind, and both Roy and me were very happy to finish that quota.

We were kept busy till the last day.

Another aspect I like about hunting with the Vincents is that there is no unknown in our dealings, whether regarding the hunt or financially - two subjects that tend to throw you a curve if something goes wrong.

Every one knows where the other stands. No questions about it.

I had to sign some really convoluted "agreement" before a safari when hunting with TGT.

I only signed it because I was hunting with Alan.

If he wasn't conducting the hunt, I would have gone to hunt with someone else.

Any PH who will talk smack TO you, will absolutely talk smack ABOUT you. There is no doubt about this. Most clients keep quiet about it though, and maybe even maintain a "friendship" with the PHs in question, in the hopes that "late season" deals or quota might be thrown their way in the future. We must never forget that this is, in reality, most often a business relationship on both sides of the fence. It's just that clients are usually much better at (perhaps temporarily) fooling themselves into thinking that it's more.

Humans - in general - talk smack about each other all the time in all walks of life. It makes them feel superior.

We've all been guilty at one time or another. I view smack as part of life on Planet Earth, yet I try to remind myself to be positive as much as possible.

Possible smack should not prevent a client from hiring a first-rate PH and outfitter, after doing his homework; and, then having a first-rate safaris. If you get your trophies and enjoy your safaris, who cares what the PHs are saying 10,000 miles away.

Finally, it is important to remember that the outfitter/client/PH arrangement is, first, a professional/business arrangement, and you get what you pay for. First rate safaris cost money.

Don't be stingy, pay your bills completely and on time. If the PH and staff do their job well, TIP generously.

When I've had this attitude and followed these polices, things have gone well for me. As a result, you're respected, you're welcomed back, and the service gets even better next time.

AIU

quote:

Originally posted by Ackley Improved User:
Humans - in general - talk smack about each other all the time in all walks of life. It makes them feel superior.

We've all been guilty at one time or another. I view smack as part of life on Planet Earth, yet I try to remind myself to be positive as much as possible.

Possible smack should not prevent a client from hiring a first-rate PH and outfitter, after doing his homework; and, then having a first-rate safaris. If you get your trophies and enjoy your safaris, who cares what the PHs are saying 10,000 miles away.

Finally, it is important to remember that the outfitter/client/PH arrangement is, first, a professional/business arrangement, and you get what you pay for. First rate safaris cost money.

Don't be stingy, pay your bills completely and on time. If the PH and staff do their job well, TIP generously.

When I've had this attitude and followed these polices, things have gone well for me. As a result, you're respected, you're welcomed back, and the service gets even better next time.

AIU

Exactly!
Anybody that's had their feelings hurt or had a problem with this issue, probably has the same problems in other areas/situations in their life.

Steve, you've brought this up many times over the years. Did you get really burned in a specific situation?

I'm sure the same bad mouthing, ridiculing, hero worshipping goes on in the sport of bicycling.

Who cares if a guy wants to wine and dine and claim he's best friends of a big time PH.

Would you care if I thought you had a sore ass because you'd been snubbed by a prominent PH during his visit to the conventions.

You've also named a few Ph's in the past claiming a special friendship. Why can you make this claim but question it with others?

It's just not an African hunting /PH issue. It's goes on everyday in life with top athletes, musicians, actors, politicians etc. Big Deal

quote:

Originally posted by Ackley Improved User:
Humans - in general - talk smack about each other all the time in all walks of life. It makes them feel superior.

We've all been guilty at one time or another. I view smack as part of life on Planet Earth, yet I try to remind myself to be positive as much as possible.

While this is true, there is a reason many (most?) PHs really frown on the practice of talking behind the backs of clients. It's simply because they know the practice is really not great for business. Even a PH publicly engaging in spirited dialogue initiated by THE CLIENT is a touchy subject for many PHs (and their employers)! PHs (or any service provider/businessman) rolling around in the mud with a client, even defending himself, really only ensures that both parties get dirt on them. Recall the recent Shootaway cow killing debacle and the exchange that ensued? Decent example! Frankly, this is the main part of why I would be very reluctant to book a hunt with any PH talking smack or known for doing so. It's not that I worry necessarily that I might be the target in the future (as you note, what do I care what is said 10,000 miles away!) it's that I don't necessarily want to be around someone willing to irrationally bite the hand that feeds them. That implies that their ego can trump their brain...not exactly what I want in a DG professional hunter!

Steve,

Well thought out and written article.

This will be a post I will re-read more than a few times. Raises some serious issues regarding the whole safari experience.

One thing I keep in mind always is an African safari is a highly discretionary consumption activity. No one needs to go 10,000 miles from the US to hunt/kill animals in Africa. A very basic dangerous game safari (say buff in Zim) today approaches $25K all in. That is approx 1/2 US median household income. That is a serious amount of money for a discretionary activity.

At least in the case of US hunters there is a subset who save for a long time to go and full fill a desire to hunt in Africa. An African safari for them is hard earned and represents a serious financial and opportunity cost.

I have seen both (1) tremendous respect by some PHs in Africa for these hunters and (2) a belittling of these hunters by some people in the safari industry (did not live up to their other higher profile clients).

Mike

Great article Steve and I must admit I am guilty on two points:

1. I once told a VIP 'client' to go f... him self and sent him packing. However it was to his face.

2. Last year I was hunting with a father and son from AR and they shot Sable, Buff, Sitatunga, Hartebeest etc in 4 days of a ten day hunt. I gave them their hard earned cash back and we called it quits. We chat every other week and he currently saving to come back.

In my time I have been privileged to hunt with some seriously good folks. No they are not my best mates but we do communicate often and share the odd joke. I would certainly class them as friends.

A big part of our job is PR and we deal with folks from all walks of life and I agree that there is indeed some showmanship but at my age I would look ridiculous in a pair of tiny black shorts with a necklace dripping in crocodile teeth.

I really think that it is "the client" who forges a lasting friendship or simply pays his money for what he hopes to get out of the hunt.

Most PH's I know like people, they like good people better though, and in general will go the extra mile for the person they get on well with.

One thing people often forget is that you as the client can be one of two things.
1. A great guy to have an adventure with, or
2. A penny counter who wants to put your PH under your thumb and remind him of what he hates about the business.

Most times the safari fever takes hold and you forget about your pre conceived ideas of "what your entitled to", and have the best time you can. But there are the rare exceptions to that rule who invariably ruin their own adventure with preconceived notions of what they are "owed".

For those of you who want to treat your Safari as a business deal, you are pouring the bucket of water on your own campfire.

Enjoy "your hunt".

There are some very uncomfortable truths in this article; and as an ex career (full time) PH who now has to pay for hunting I believe that I have a better insight than most into this relationship. Knowing the industry more intimately than most I would be very, very selective about my PH. The consummate professional that has the organisational skills, people skills, hunting ability, decorum and honours the client/PH confidentiality is a very rare breed indeed. Steve, with the number of safaris you have done you have no doubt seen the best and the worst of what African PH's have to offer.

Without a doubt I would have been a better PH if I had the chance to actually hunt as a client for a few safaris.

The most glaring "mistake" most PH's make is starting the safari at 100% from day one. For most clients the combination of jet lag, travel fatigue and just being in a foreign environment take a day or 2 to settle. Rushing and pressure can only lead to mistakes, poor shooting and misunderstandings.

But is this not what the industry has become, dictated by the market demand? Hunts that offer the maximum result in the shortest period of time? 7 day, 7 animal packages, captive bred lions, synchronised charters between different concessions. Clients in, trophies in the salt, clients out, rave reviews, hunt reports, awards, medals, record books. For most clients and outfitters the true adventure of safari died long ago. Both parties are to blame, only the naïve would argue otherwise

At the risk of sounding politically incorrect most of the attributes of "the client" apply primarily to the American clients, the European clients have a much better understanding of the client/PH relationship and what is expected and acceptable.

quote:

Originally posted by Manyathelo:
There are some very uncomfortable truths in this article; and as an ex career (full time) PH who now has to pay for hunting I believe that I have a better insight than most into this relationship. Knowing the industry more intimately than most I would be very, very selective about my PH. The consummate professional that has the organisational skills, people skills, hunting ability, decorum and honours the client/PH confidentiality is a very rare breed indeed. Steve, with the number of safaris you have done you have no doubt seen the best and the worst of what African PH's have to offer.

Without a doubt I would have been a better PH if I had the chance to actually hunt as a client for a few safaris.

The most glaring "mistake" most PH's make is starting the safari at 100% from day one. For most clients the combination of jet lag, travel fatigue and just being in a foreign environment take a day or 2 to settle. Rushing and pressure can only lead to mistakes, poor shooting and misunderstandings.

But is this not what the industry has become, dictated by the market demand? Hunts that offer the maximum result in the shortest period of time? 7 day, 7 animal packages, captive bred lions, synchronised charters between different concessions. Clients in, trophies in the salt, clients out, rave reviews, hunt reports, awards, medals, record books. For most clients and outfitters the true adventure of safari died long ago. Both parties are to blame, only the naïve would argue otherwise

At the risk of sounding politically incorrect most of the attributes of "the client" apply primarily to the American clients, the European clients have a much better understanding of the client/PH relationship and what is expected and acceptable.

Very true!

One should never use the words always and never when referring to Africa but that comment is true of the vast majority of hunting clients and therefore also has to be true of the vast majority of PHs that have to cater to those expectations......... Unfortunately, most hunting clients and most PHs would deny being guilty of such attitudes.

I guess it goes to show how much the industry has changed over recent decades.

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

1. I once told a VIP 'client' to go f... him self and sent him packing. However it was to his face.

HA!!! I remember that one Andrew, and frankly - he definitely deserved it.

quote:

Originally posted by Manyathelo:
There are some very uncomfortable truths in this article; and as an ex career (full time) PH who now has to pay for hunting I believe that I have a better insight than most into this relationship. Knowing the industry more intimately than most I would be very, very selective about my PH. The consummate professional that has the organisational skills, people skills, hunting ability, decorum and honours the client/PH confidentiality is a very rare breed indeed. Steve, with the number of safaris you have done you have no doubt seen the best and the worst of what African PH's have to offer.

Without a doubt I would have been a better PH if I had the chance to actually hunt as a client for a few safaris.

The most glaring "mistake" most PH's make is starting the safari at 100% from day one. For most clients the combination of jet lag, travel fatigue and just being in a foreign environment take a day or 2 to settle. Rushing and pressure can only lead to mistakes, poor shooting and misunderstandings.

But is this not what the industry has become, dictated by the market demand? Hunts that offer the maximum result in the shortest period of time? 7 day, 7 animal packages, captive bred lions, synchronised charters between different concessions. Clients in, trophies in the salt, clients out, rave reviews, hunt reports, awards, medals, record books. For most clients and outfitters the true adventure of safari died long ago. Both parties are to blame, only the naïve would argue otherwise

At the risk of sounding politically incorrect most of the attributes of "the client" apply primarily to the American clients, the European clients have a much better understanding of the client/PH relationship and what is expected and acceptable.

quote:

Originally posted by Manyathelo:
There are some very uncomfortable truths in this article; and as an ex career (full time) PH who now has to pay for hunting I believe that I have a better insight than most into this relationship. Knowing the industry more intimately than most I would be very, very selective about my PH. The consummate professional that has the organisational skills, people skills, hunting ability, decorum and honours the client/PH confidentiality is a very rare breed indeed. Steve, with the number of safaris you have done you have no doubt seen the best and the worst of what African PH's have to offer.

Without a doubt I would have been a better PH if I had the chance to actually hunt as a client for a few safaris.

The most glaring "mistake" most PH's make is starting the safari at 100% from day one. For most clients the combination of jet lag, travel fatigue and just being in a foreign environment take a day or 2 to settle. Rushing and pressure can only lead to mistakes, poor shooting and misunderstandings.

But is this not what the industry has become, dictated by the market demand? Hunts that offer the maximum result in the shortest period of time? 7 day, 7 animal packages, captive bred lions, synchronised charters between different concessions. Clients in, trophies in the salt, clients out, rave reviews, hunt reports, awards, medals, record books. For most clients and outfitters the true adventure of safari died long ago. Both parties are to blame, only the naïve would argue otherwise

At the risk of sounding politically incorrect most of the attributes of "the client" apply primarily to the American clients, the European clients have a much better understanding of the client/PH relationship and what is expected and acceptable.

100%

Gentlemen I have never been on a hunt where funny stories have not been told about some past hunts. Sometimes it is about the client or the PH or in the case of un-guided hunting in Alaska with a group of friends, we will tell of botched shots, or camp screw-ups and all get a big laugh about the friend being roasted, even if you are the butt of the joke. IMO, that is just part of hunting.

The place where I find this to be a breech of ethics is when a story is about someone that is mentioned by NAME unless that person is present at the roasting.

I posted just lately about a story that was told to me by a PH, in the Luangwa Valley, about a person I knew personally. That was OK in my book because the PH told me to ask him about the happening when I next saw him. The PH was not trying to hide the fact the he told me, and seriously thought the guy would get a laugh about it when asked by me. It didn’t turn out to be that way, but the PH wasn’t trying to hide the fact that he told me about it.

IMO the time for things to be made as totally a business arrangement is before the safari in your contract. Once the safari starts at the pick up at the plane, now is the time to have as much fun as is possible while on that safari. The fact that stories are told around the camp fire at night is just part of hunting IMO! I have zero problem with people telling of my mistakes on Safari, nobody is perfect!

The article we are discussing here is well written, and brings some real points to light, but I think if a safari is conducted on nothing more than a money exchange for a list of services, IMO it would be one very dull undertaking! I don’t go on Safari to simply shoot animals, and some of my best memories have been safaris that were unsuccessful in collecting my main target animal. I’ve been lucky, however to have never wounded and lost an animal on safari, but if I had it wouldn’t bother me if a PH told the next client about it. I’d likely tell him my self if given a chance.

We at DRSS have about twenty guys who do an off season fun hunt with our double rifles for Feral hogs and general get together after the DSC convention every year, and the nightly roasting of all present flows like a river and no-one is immune to having their short comings told around the late dinner table. We have members who are old like me, and as young as some of our children, and all stand on the firing line at one time or another while on these hunts.

Only once in those many years, as anyone gotten angry so that we had to separate the two involved.

I say enjoy your safari, and don’t sweat the small stuff worrying about what someone is saying about you after you leave. That happens daily in life, and is simply human nature!

......................................................................

Great read & definitely food for thought.

I can see both ways of this post ,because i guide all the year in my own farms and in consetions in Argentina and at least once a year i travel to hunt in Africa ,Spain ,Germany ,Poland ,America etc .
I believe that if we are educated and mantain our gentleman education above all ,most probably you will finnish as a good friend of your client or PH.
I have a great friendship with several of my clients and ,i visited every year my friends in SA and they came here as my guests once a year .
Even the son of one of them will study medicine here .
Sevaeral of my clients returned more than 5 times one of them billinthewild 11 times how you cannot be friend of this people ..

I wear the outfitter, guide, agent and client hat, so my perspective has several views into this. A very well written article-very thought provoking. I tend to agree with Andrew that true friendships, that work both ways, often develop over the years. We are all individuals, all with personalities. Throw in stress, physical and mental, and cracks in our personalities show up. In both PH\ guide AND client. Poor behavior in either is not conductive to a quality experience. To be very clear, MANY clients are simply difficult by nature, from the booking to the safari. They are not fun to hunt with , talk to, or be around in general. But a professional will do his best to deliver a good hunt all the same. I certainly know some PH's with entitled attitudes, who simply tolerate clients. I have 'helped' some of these guys find work elsewhere. As in "fire him!" It is the wrong attitude to bring to your job. If you don't like the money, rates, area, people who pay your salary there is always barber school! This type of PH gives the profession a bad taste. But I do believe he is in the VAST minority. Articles like this make you think, which is good. But we all see the safari experience through the filter of our personal experiences. I know folks who had bad experiences on the first couple of safari, and would not go back if someone bought the hunt for them. A shame. On the other hand, have fun with a PH you enjoy, and you will return. I do , however, know many very solid personal friendships that have formed between PH's and clients. The common denominator? GOOD MEN ON BOTH SIDES OF THE RELATIONSHIP!
Good job Steve!