US PH in SA

[35bore]

If this has been asked before, please forgive me. How does one, in the USA, obtain a licence from SA to become a PH in South Africa??? i.e. websites, addresses??? It would only be during (US winter months ((can't pour concrete in sub zero temps))).. Any info is appreciated. Also is there enough demand currently for me to pursue this second occupation?

 

[saeng101]

Go to phasa.co.za to start. You need to take the course, pass the test and do your servitude. Dangerous game is extra time. There is no demand for new PH's. Every farm kid gets one, few can keep it up. I can tell you of at least 10 that I know of that have lost their ticket for lack of activity. The outfitters want PH's that bring in sales also. You can't guide as a PH unless under the control of an outfitter. Having said that the course is a great education.

If this has been asked before, please forgive me. How does one, in the USA, obtain a licence from SA to become a PH in South Africa??? i.e. websites, addresses??? It would only be during (US winter months ((can't pour concrete in sub zero temps))).. Any info is appreciated. Also is there enough demand currently for me to pursue this second occupation?

 

[BRICKBURN]

Go to phasa.co.za to start. You need to take the course, pass the test and do your servitude. Dangerous game is extra time. There is no demand for new PH's. Every farm kid gets one, few can keep it up.

The schools:
PH Schools

Look up other threads on this on here on AH too.


Great education course though.

 

[ChrisT]

In order to apply for a PH Permit you'd need to be in posession of a diploma from a recognised PH school and SA work permit (Visa). It can be quite a challenge to get the latter but not impossible.

The biggest challenge you'll face as newly qualified and registered PH is to find an Outfitter who'll employ you... As Saeng said there's not much of a demand for new PH's... But many Outfitters will welcome PH's that can bring in more business... So your being a US Citizen could be of an advantage in this regard - especially if you have the potential to source more clients for the Outfitter while you live in the States. I actually know some Outfitters who sponsored their clients for a PH course and now let them hunt with clients that they bring over...

 

[KWALATA SAFARIS]

If I undestand it correctly a outfitter would have to employ you for you to be able to obtain a work permit.

My best always.

 

[saeng101]

You need to have an employer to get a work permit. On top of that Home Affairs will 99% of the time require a Temp Resident permit, a whole bunch of other hoops to run through. One is that you need to give them 100% of the cost of a one way air ticket in case they want to ship you out. You will never see these funds again.

Of course if you are black and sneak across the border from Zim then none of these rules apply.

If I undestand it correctly a outfitter would have to employ you for you to be able to obtain a work permit.

My best always.

 

[James.Grage]

The above have been very helpful...

Here are some additional thoughts.

Find a copy of "How to become a Professional Hunter in Africa" By Steve Robinson.

Read the book and then reread the book.

There are additional books that are recommended reading to be a PH seek these books out and read them.

Trying to get into A PH class requires some pre-planning on your part. So apply early only after you have did your required reading.

Try to find someone to sponsor you. Some potential PH's attend PH school in SA to work in other countries. Find out where what countries you will be able to obtain an PH license from. One way is to offer to work for free after you have attended PH and graduated from school to obtain some in the field experience.

Some time spent with your local taxidermist to learn to do life size capping and skinning is needed.

Being an accomplished rifle man with a large bore is required and you will be on a time trial to pass. Most PH's carry Big bore in the 40's like the 416, 404, 458, 500 and or the 450 or 500NE.
Find a collection of African mounts and size them up. You will have to be able to estimate the size of an animal in the field and you need to be close. My PH's have usually been with in a 1" when they tell me to Shoot. You have to be there also. When you look at an animal and turn down a 57" kudu because you know you can do better. That is what is needed, do you have that ability.

Renting or purchasing property is another way to go to start your PH business. At times you will find tracks/parcels of land available to purchase or rent. Do your on line search. The further you are away from cities the better.

I could go on, if you are truly interested start with the required reading and learn all you can before spending your money on the PH's school training.

 

[BRICKBURN]

....
Read lots of book(s) and then reread the book(s).....

Trying to get into A PH class requires some pre-planning on your part. So apply early only after you do your required reading.

There are sylibi from various schools (recommended readings.) Lots of reading and studying, believe me.
Learn the bushes and the birds. Concepts you think have nothing to do with hunting does.

Some time spent with your local taxidermist to learn to do life size capping and skinning is needed.

Know how to cape a critter all the way to splitting lips and noses and ears. (the real fun part) Although full time skinners do this at most places. It is part of a PH course.
Volunteer to do every last deer anyone shoots until you can do it in the dark.

Find a collection of African mounts and size them up. You will have to be able to estimate the size of an animal in the field and you need to be close. My PH's have usually been with in a 1" when they tell me to Shoot. You have to be there also. When you look at an animal and turn down a 57" kudu because you know you can do better. That is what is needed, do you have that ability.

Size every mount up that you can find anywhere and then measure it properly. I spent ten days staring at all the various horns from hundreds and hundreds of animals.
It is an acquired skill. I have not seen a collection of horns like that anywhere. Heaps of them at the school. No ears, no bodies just horns to estimate at 100 meters. After doing this you can estimate on the hoof.
I can estimate now like crazy and had fun (torture) doing it. Kudu are still my nemesis though.

I could go on, if you are truly interested start with the required reading and learn all you can before spending your money on the PH's school training.

Can't agree more.
Pick a province and learn the laws, all of them. National, International and Local.
The language (grammar) and interpretation will be tricky. Interchangeable meanings within various departments ie. permits, license, etc.

 

[35bore]

Thanks guys, guess I have some study and research ahead of me

 

[BRICKBURN]

Thanks guys, guess I have some study and research ahead of me

I'm still reading. The bird book is four inches thick.

I was so lucky to be in school with environment and conservation students and a long time nature guide. It made learning about the trees and grasses so much easier. (still thankful for all their help)

Good luck.

 

[willemf]

Scott

My Dad helps with the hunting and he isn't a PH. You need 1 PH for 2 clients . So if you come with 3 hunters then I need 2 PH.
Which I already have.
There are a lot of things that you can help with like driving , braaiing steaks , loading animals , general admin with regard to the hunt and making sure every one is having a good time . You can always hunt 1 or 2 animals yourself in-between

I would not recommend doing a PH .

We can work out something . Mail me if you have time

 

[AaronN]

35Bore: Nothing's easy, but if that's what you want to do - don't let anyone tell you different. As an American, I got my PH license in Tanzania - in 2010. Its wasn't easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is.

Good Luck!

 

[Diamondhitch]

Is there actually any demand at all during the US winter? I didnt think there was much going on from Nov-March for hunting in SA.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Is there actually any demand at all during the US winter? I didnt think there was much going on from Nov-March for hunting in SA.

He is just making an excuse to leave home for a while.

 

[BRICKBURN]

35Bore: Nothing's easy, but if that's what you want to do - don't let anyone tell you different. As an American, I got my PH license in Tanzania - in 2010. Its wasn't easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is.

Good Luck!

I agree. Go for it.
Determination and hard headedness can get you somewhere, sometimes!

 

[35bore]

He is just making an excuse to leave home for a while.

The wife would come with me, it is wonderful. The research company she works for opened a branch in in Joberg 2 yrs ago. So really no excuse nessesary, she loves SA and I love it as well. Just doing some planning at this point.

Willem, just saw your post, I will drop you an email.

 

[teenhunter]

read this book : How to Become A Professional Hunter In Africa by Steven Robinson
its a great book , i just finished it

 

[teenhunter]

you will find evry thing you need in this book


now my objective is to become a swiss PH in africa:barmy:

 

[BRICKBURN]

The wife would come with me, it is wonderful. The research company she works for opened a branch in in Joberg 2 yrs ago. So really no excuse nessesary, she loves SA and I love it as well. Just doing some planning at this point.

There you go an income to support your hunting addiction.

 

[enysse]

35Bore: Nothing's easy, but if that's what you want to do - don't let anyone tell you different. As an American, I got my PH license in Tanzania - in 2010. Its wasn't easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is.

Good Luck!

True words. The hardest and most rewarding paths are roads least traveled.