I am a seasoned hunter, and very fit. I have hunted in Africa and various other places. I'm currently a registered guide in Canada although my principal occupation has been in advertising, marketing and PR in the Hunting and Shooting Sports Industry for the last 8 years. I recently sold my company and am interested in a change of pace. I'd like to work for a safari company. I don't know what the regulations are for working there but if nothing else, I could do some grunt work and help in other ways. I obviously have a lot of marketing experience, have numerous high profile contacts in Canada and the US including outdoor writers, high level execs with well-known hunting products MFGs, magazine editors, etc. I'm also a professional photographer and a pretty decent videographer and video editor. I'm a regular attendee at the SHOT show. I'm an excellent tracker, a great shot and am cool under pressure. I served in the Canadian Armed Forces when I was 18-21 and I am experienced in survival, first aid, etc.

Is this a realistic possibility? I don't require a big salary. I'm more interested in seeing the continent, meeting new and interesting people from all over the world, adding to my photography portfolio and doing more writing while working for a safari company.

If anyone has any ideas on how I can make this happen, please advise.

I know one young Ph who apprenticed with a major Botswana outfit for a year without pay..
You may want to go to Reno and speak to the major companies and see where it may take you...

Mike

I would be more than willing to do that. I've been to SHOT every year for coming on 10 years. Never been to Reno because of conflicts with SHOT. I'm 40 though so not a young pup. Tall, lean, strong and very fit.

I have money so I won't be a burden. I also have my own safari built Land Rover Discovery 2 with 3" lift, armor everywhere, Lightforce lights, Hannibal Rack, Roof tent, winch, pull pal, 34" Super Swampers and seats 7. Could be modified with seats up on the rack. I'd be willing to bring it over by boat and use it while working. In fact I would love that. It's got a brand new motor, transmission, 4.11 gears and lockers so it's good to go.

sell the landrover and buy a double rifle

No way! I'll get a double later. My bolts will work for now. Besides, my Landy would never forgive me.

This summer:



Now with new tires. Need to put the rack and roof tent back on:

I didn't get the photos, but no matter. I wish you all the luck there is. If I was a young man, I'd pull a Capstick and leave Wall Street for adventure!
And, yep, go to Reno and make a nuisance of yourself until "something" happens.

quote:

Originally posted by yellowstone:
I didn't get the photos, but no matter. I wish you all the luck there is. If I was a young man, I'd pull a Capstick and leave Wall Street for adventure!
And, yep, go to Reno and make a nuisance of yourself until "something" happens.

I backpacked through central America with my camera gear for over a month in March/April and kind of got addicted. I almost bought a ticket to SA and had my friend with power of attorney sell off everything. I'm anxious to get somewhere warmer and keep working in the industry on a more hands on level. Africa is a large continent and I WILL get there soon. I breezed through SA in 2004 and ended up hunting in Namibia. Beautiful country.

Here's links to those photos. We'll see if that works for you:

Picture 1

Pic2

Pic3

Got "You are not authorized to download this attachment."

Can you speak Swahili?

quote:

Originally posted by Spring:
Can you speak Swahili?

Nope, but I'm willing to learn. I'm also half way through my pilot's license and have a very well trained retriever named Sniper. I may consider leaving him behind though.

Jetdrvr: Can you see the pics now?

PM send.

Having your pilots license and a bag full of cash would go a long way.

Jason

quote:

Originally posted by JBrown:
Having your pilots license and a bag full of cash would go a long way.

Jason

Well I don't know how much a bag full of cash is for you. I'm not ready to retire just yet. I have a lot of years ahead of me. Just willing to forgo an income for a spell while I get my feet wet over there.

quote:

Is this a realistic possibility? I don't require a big salary. I'm more interested in seeing the continent, meeting new and interesting people from all over the world, adding to my photography portfolio and doing more writing while working for a safari company.

Keep in mind apprentice hunters and camp managers are paid enough to cover upkeep on their landcruiser, and little more. They basically work for free for the first several years. And they know the languages and customs. And they are lined-up begging for the job.

If you really want to do this I would recommend getting some cash together and heading to Reno looking for an outfit that might want to sell you a stake in their company.

George Hoffman did it without paying out of his own pocket(I believe). He was a pretty successful in a couple of areas already. He was a guide here in the US and had a ready made list of clients.

Several others have done it and I won't name names but I think most had pretty stout financial backing.



Jason

By bag of cash I am thinking 50k-100k. It could be done for less, but the more money you have the more of a sure thing this would be.

If you walk around the convention inquiring about jobs you will be one of many you men who are doing so. No one will take you seriously. If you had a booth and a business outfitting hunts that would put you head and shoulders above the rest.

Short of this, you could pitch up in Africa and get settled then start walking into safari offices asking about jobs. They would take you alot more seriously over there than they would at the convention. You would have a hard time getting a work permit so you would most likely be working for free.

If this last option interests you please drop me a PM and I will give you the name of the place you want to go to.


Jason

There are always opening if you are prepared to make a go of it. Send me a PM or track me down in Dallas

I have money but I won't part with it easily, especially on new arrival in a foreign country. I'd rather test the waters and get to know an operation before I ever sunk a bunch of cash in it.

I also bring much more to the table than just an experienced hunter. I have helped make some companies very large and overwhelmingly profitable in a very short period of time. I'm not interested in doing exactly what I did in my own business for someone else without compensation - that would be stupid. I'm not a bad guy to have around though if you're interested in making more money and growing your business. I just also happen to be great with people, am a knowledgeable outdoorsman and am willing to work hard for little or no pay for a period of time. Depending of course on the expectations.

riflman ,
agree with some of the other posters, go to reno and talk face to face with the outfitters ...there is lots of opportunity for people who want to make a go ....

Hi Riflman

I may have some options for you, tried to send you a PM but am totally internet illiterate, so perhaps if you would PM me.

Thanks

JT

Here's an idea...Call Legendary Adventures (Tanzania Gametracker Safaris) in Houston at (713)580-7100. They hire a full time camp manager at each of their safari camps for about 2-year periods. The camp manager is frequently from somewhere outside of Africa and he's the guy that will get the camp right prior to hunting season, work with the locals and anti-poaching teams during the off-season, and basically be a concierge and host for the hunters during their typical 21-day hunts at one of Tanzania's good safari companies. The camp managers frequently try to know a bit a Swahili prior to getting there, but perfect it after arriving. All of this could set you up to move into other positions in the industry after a bit of seasoning.
Below is the pic at dinner one night when hunting up on Monduli Mountain. The camp manager always eats and socializes with the hunters and is a big part of camp life. Each of TGT's many camps has its own full-time manager. I can’t remember his name, but the fellow in the back on the right is the one for this camp. He was from Australia and had been there for about a year when we hunted there in 2005.

Impressive resume and nice ride! You may consider a set of these http://www.google.com/products...up&resnum=1&ct=title
if you find yourself in a sandy area. About 2 rotations with the swampers in sand and you may be sitting on your diffs! If I didnt have my 2 rug rats I would be tagging along with you. Good luck!

I will be at Dallas, Shot Show & Reno, come and swop spit and let's see what the devil brings

I too have an interest in working as a PH in Africa. I have only checked out S. Africa so far and was very disappointed with the info that I received.

At this time, no non-resident may hold a job that a S.A. resident can realistically do. That leaves out any position as a PH. They are trying to integrate out of work Soth Africans into those jobs (and there are hundreds of thousands of them). The only possible way around it is to become a part-owner in an existing hunting operation. At minimum this would require $100,000. USD and that may only get you a 10% share.

On the bright side, you can take a 2 week PH course in S.A. and get certification for about $1,200. USD. I'm told that quite a few Americans take one of these courses just for the knowledge and fun of doing it.

Others that have commented in this thread are correct when they say that you would make very little as and "apprentice" in any of the Africa countries. Keep in mind that the exchange rate from USD to Rand or other African currency is between 6 and 10 to one in our favor. Whlie a few bucks goes a long way over there, it would not be enough to support and independant life style. My idea was to work over there 5 months a year and then return to home to the USA. But, I couldn't make enough while there to stay solvent in the USA.

Hope this helps.

Good luck rifleman!

The son of friend of mine just completed such a tenure in Tanz. and is now off to UK to be one of the Queen's Gamekeepers.

You can do it Man!

Riflman

Here is one of many great opportunities for you OR any other young adventurers to get your teeth in Africa.

Big 5 Conservation Experience - Zimbabwe

Cheers, Peter

There is a very good book that was written by a guy that did what you want to do.

The Last Safari by vanBuskirk

You should read it before you jump off the bridge on this.

For a hardworking man there is no doubt that the opportunity exists. The biggest hurdle will be getting Govt work permits in the various countries so that you can stay for a lengthy period of time and work officially

quote:

Originally posted by BulldogMaster:
There is a very good book that was written by a guy that did what you want to do.

The Last Safari by vanBuskirk

You should read it before you jump off the bridge on this.

Well I am going to order this book. Upon brief investigation though, it appears what the author experienced is exactly what I'm looking for, but to be honest, I don't see myself coming back to Canada any time soon. I would prefer a situation where I can remain in Africa and ideally, spend a couple of years working in a few different countries. I've only really spent time in Namibia, so I need to decide where to settle down. I'm not sure the protocol, but I would think eventually working for a larger company with operations in several countries would be best so I can gain the best experience. I think this would also allow me to help more with the marketing and business strategy at some point. If anyone was ever interested in my opinion of course. I certainly don't plan to come as an apprentice PH/videographer/photographer/grunt worker only to start telling someone how to run their business.

I just want to get to know how things work in the various countries, meet as many interesting people as possible, see the varieties of game that may only be available in certain areas and learn the regional customs and hopefully a couple of languages along the way. Who knows? Maybe I'll meet a woman out there and that will be the deciding factor on where I put down roots.

Also, while I am a hunter, I seemingly get more enjoyment from helping other people get their animal now. I mentor for Delta Waterfowl and take kids from 12-15 out hunting waterfowl. I also take kids deer hunting, and have obviously helped several adults get deer and bear. I have shot numerous P&Y deer with a bow too, and to be honest, most of the local species come too easy for me now, so instead I help others take the animal or I leave the country to chase more exotic species when I can.

Anyone know of who I would contact to arange shipping some personal efects and maybe a vehicle there? It was suggested by someone that I sell my truck and motorcycle, but those are probably the two things I would NEVER sell. I'd rather store them here if necessary, but I sure would like to have it there as my principal set of wheels. Not sure what gas prices are like as this is a gas 4.6 and not a diesel.

I'd also like to mention that I owned a small horse ranch for over 10 years, and have lots of riding experience, both in prairie and mountainous terrain, like Alaska, and the Rocky mountains in Canada. Not sure who uses horses. Also, I have a naval background, and am obviously familiar with boats. I also have diving experience, although I need to get recertified, and I skydive too. I see some of you offer a variety of tourism related activities in addition to just safari hunting within your corporate umbrellas.

Scoundrel and Swanepoel used to have a few Americans hunting for them in Tanzania. After some sort of apprenticeship they were expected to book their own clients and use the camps.

You might look into that but I'm not sure how it went as most clients don't want an American (or Canadian) as a PH.

Nice looking Discovery but I'm not sure it would be what you want to use in Africa.

If you have a Land cruiser contact with Nsok safaris. The owners name is Mr. Felix Barrado. He could be interested.

I agree on the truck. I would get something else if I was to do that job, or use an outfitter's rig. Not sure on the options there. As for the PH thing. Once again, I'm not set on becoming a PH. I would be happy to work behind the scenes, as a helper to a PH, a photographer/videographer for hire, in marketing for a larger operation, etc. I would just like to move there and work somewhere in the industry so my career is still hunting industry focused and will allow me to remain in the country. If buying into an existing operation is the only way, then I may look at that.

Of course I could always look at setting up a marketing business in Capetown or Joburg catering to the industry, or work for an existing agency that does the same, but that would be a last resort.

Nsok huts for bongo in cameron and he is expanding his operations. ask?

Rifleman... I had the same dreams as you did... and I pulled it off. Although I didnt want to stay there permanently.. I worked in Africa for a tad over 10 months in 2000. And I was a wet behind the ears 22 yr old!! I basically just asked anyone and everyone I could get any advise from and I went to ALL the shows and talked to anyone who would listen to me.. And it worked. I was a 22 yr old kid living the dream working for a safari outfit in Africa.

Came back to the States and then turned around and did the EXACT same thing in New Zealand..10 months of pure excitement and fun!

Ive since gotten out of the hunting industry as a business, but with the lifelong connections I made in southern Africa, Ive gone back 4 times since the days of working there.. Even took the wife on our honeymoon there!

Good luck with your endevour.. It can happen. Just see to it that it does!

I wanted in worst way to do just this after high school. I wound up getting some "sense" talked into me and I never did. If you've got a burning desire get after it you are never guaranteed a tommorrow.

Good luck and keep us posted.

quote:

The only possible way around it is to become a part-owner in an existing hunting operation. At minimum this would require $100,000. USD and that may only get you a 10% share.

One of the surest ways of getting involved is to be able to book clients to hunt for the outfitter. If you could prove your worth there at a commission basis, many doors will be opened. For South Africa, you could contact PHASA who advertise job-seekers on their regular email newsletters to members.

quote:

On the bright side, you can take a 2 week PH course in S.A. and get certification for about $1,200. USD. I'm told that quite a few Americans take one of these courses just for the knowledge and fun of doing it.

.

The course is changing to something like 150 days that was on the table in april already i dont know how far it has progressed

quote:

Originally posted by 375 fanatic:
The course is changing to something like 150 days that was on the table in april already i dont know how far it has progressed

I understand from my crystal ball that it's going from bad to worse and is curently up to something like 155 unit standards and each unit translates to something like 10 hours.

We're very lucky indeed to have PHASA trying to knock some sense into the bozzle headed civil servants who are trying to inflict all kinds of utterly ridiculous BS on future students.

Well I certainly appreciate all the advice and offers. So far I received several offers to act as a booking agent, and about the same amount to invest in some way in existing operations. I have to say that due diligence is taxing enough when you are in your own country and regarding a business sector you are quite familiar with.

I am not particularly interested in investing in any operation in Africa, without having been on the ground there for some time, and without working in a few different countries first. Once I do that, I will decide what to do. Many people have talked about local customs and all the intricacies of government, plus the political instabilities of several countries (like Zim). I would be a fool to invest in something based on one safari and a short visit back.

Regarding the offers to act as a booking agent, I have put in my tenure as a salesperson in the trenches. I am and always will be a salesperson, but my most recent role was that of wining and dining and passing on leads to other people to finalize. Getting people excited is where I excel. The details and follow up are better served by someone else. Plus, if I wanted to remain in NA and run a business, I may as well just stick to what I know.

The idea was to move to South Africa, or possibly Namibia or somewhere else interesting. Working for free for a year is not a problem, but hopefully I would be able to get some room and board if that was the case. I do not want to get into a situation where I am doing anything illegal and I certainly don't want to associate myself with anyone unethical. I have a good reputation in the industry that I would like to preserve and build upon. Obviously if I felt good about my employer, and particularly if I became invested, I would work towards getting some clients booked, but I would be better at hooking clients and letting someone else follow up, and in working on larger projects, like writer's camps, MFG reward programs, etc.

In any event, I still have a home, vehicles, and personal property to deal with, so it would be a couple of months before I could jump ship and head over. I will continue looking into options and I suppose if I can't find work with a safari outfit, I'll look into finding work with a company in Joburg or Capetown in my current field, or even into starting my own agency in one of those cities catering to the hunting industry in Africa and back home here. At least I'll be close to some new hunting opportunities. 28 years hunting deer, moose, elk, bear, ducks, geese, grouse, coyotes, foxes, wolves, etc. is enough.

One final idea Rifleman, I think I recall from early on in this thread you mentioned you're in Canada? Canada is full of S.A. ex-pats. Perhaps you can connect with some of them and get abetter feel for some of the ideas you propose such as a start-up in S.A. in your present field. Meeting them face to face right at home (your's) would be a whole lot easier and more comforating than doing so by correspondence or a half-way around the world shot in the dark!
Try here
http://saexpats.com/
or here
http://www.alloexpat.com/south_africa_expat_forum/