Just wondering...

I have read a ton of posts on this board in the last 2 days (BTW I feel like an idiot now for asking about the Sullivan videos after I did some searches for previous posts about him...sorry) and have learned a bunch. Anyway, I have a crazy idea and was wondering if any of you would care to comment on it.

I don't have the money to hunt in Africa right now. I just got through with some grad school and probably couldn't even afford a true "Africa" rifle, let alone a hunt! (But I will someday). My question is...and I know some will laugh at this...how hard would it be for me to get a job, maybe this summer, with a hunting outfit in Africa? Maybe with a PH? Of course not guiding or anything like that, just workin' in camp and doing the mundain things that need doing. I don't really care about money (I'm sure I would be paid like a native if I even get a job) but would like to actually be out in the bush.

What do you guys think. Is it pointless for me to even write some of these guys? One more thing...I haven't hunted africa but I've killed more than my fair share of deer and hogs (o.k. everyone stop laughing) so I'm not TOTALLY green.

Comments?

Phil

Not sure it is remotely possible. Even if you could, why go work for free? Get a real job and start saving money to actually hunt as a client in Africa!!!!!!!

I want adventure.

I think they have 'blackamatics' for that sort of work, and they will work cheaper than you ever could. Mealie meal and rotten kudu from a snare seems about the standard pay, plus some twisted grass over your head.

To get a job over there as you mention, two possible ways:
1. Contacts - any friends, relatives - etc that have safari outfitter contacts. If an Uncle hunts 21 day safaris in Tanzania every year, you may get a hearing.
2. Go to a safari show or two next January and pester all the outfitters. Someone may take pity on you ( ) or just decide to give you a break. It has happened before. The safari shows are worth going to anyway and you will enjoy them.

Best advice is what Bwanahile said. Work hard and save up.

When I got out of college,with no ties here, I posted 52 applications with outfits in Africa and Outfitters here in the states. I got 51 "Dear Johns" and 1 "they could hire me for 6 months a year and pay me with room and beer money".
So I went to work for myself and I've now been over 4 times, pale in comparison to most but I am always trying to get back again, again and again.

Quote: "I got 51 "Dear Johns" and 1 "they could hire me for 6 months a year and pay me with room and beer money".


Sounds to me like you missed an opportunity.

JMHO,

JohnTheGreek

I feel for you and I get such emails all the time, but the facts are simply not a chance..For one reason they have to pay a work permit on you and they won't do that, you don't speak any dialects so your out...In fact I get emails from PH,s just wanting to get some experience and its the same old story, no jobs...

You could, if you got the guts for it, move to Africa, go to Ph school and then you might get a job sooner or later, or go to Tanzania take a test and get a PH license and do your own thing or then work for some other outfit, plan on getting beat out of gas money , salary and just taking a licking while you learn the ropes and make your bones...

Pretty picture huh?

My advise is get your education, earn good money and let them work for you, go hunting every year...don't get married until your hunted out...

There was a young man from Lousianna wprking for our outfitter for the summer. He worked at the country club the outfitters US partner belonged too, that is how he got over there. He did what ever needed done from taking out the trash to an extra set of eyes on some hunts to helping do videos to poaching patrols with the ranch hands. He worked his butt off was having a good time but was getting antsy to get home. He knew how lucky he was at landing this job.


Dulcinea

Maybe if you bought Mr Atkinson a really good bottle of scotch and asked nicely he'd clue you in on what it takes to get into his line of work. Sounds like the perfect career.

Dulcinea,

I think I met the young man. He worked with Garry Kelly. Nice kid but he got the job because he had the connections not because he had any qualifications.

Regards,

Mark

Notmenotnow,

There are companies in Tanzania that "employ" young guys to help out in camp. If you are serious, contact me on PM.