What does it really take to spend 15 years as a Professional Hunter in Africa?

In this solo episode of PH Journals, I reflect on the journey that shaped me as a PH, from the early days of getting started to some of the defining moments that have influenced my approach to hunting and conservation.

I also dive into one of the most important topics in the hunting world: trusting your Professional Hunter. Understanding why a PH makes certain decisions, how we assess a hunter's capabilities, and when it becomes necessary to step in and finish an animal are all critical aspects of ethical hunting and responsible game management.

Whether you're an experienced hunter, a first-time safari client, or simply interested in the realities of life as a Professional Hunter, this episode provides an honest look behind the scenes of the profession.

In this episode:

My journey and 15 years as a Professional Hunter.

Defining moments and lessons learned.

Common misconceptions about professional hunting.

Why trust between hunter and PH is essential.

How a PH evaluates a hunter's abilities.

Knowing when a Professional Hunter should take over to ensure an ethical recovery.

Advice for aspiring Professional Hunters and hunters alike.

If you enjoy hunting stories, African safaris, conservation, and authentic conversations from the bush, make sure to subscribe to PH Journals and join the journey.

What does it really take to spend 15 years as a Professional Hunter in Africa?

In this solo episode of PH Journals, I reflect on the journey that shaped me as a PH, from the early days of getting started to some of the defining moments that have influenced my approach to hunting and conservation.

I also dive into one of the most important topics in the hunting world: trusting your Professional Hunter. Understanding why a PH makes certain decisions, how we assess a hunter's capabilities, and when it becomes necessary to step in and finish an animal are all critical aspects of ethical hunting and responsible game management.

Whether you're an experienced hunter, a first-time safari client, or simply interested in the realities of life as a Professional Hunter, this episode provides an honest look behind the scenes of the profession.

• My journey and 15 years as a Professional Hunter.
• Defining moments and lessons learned.
• Common misconceptions about professional hunting.
• Why trust between hunter and PH is essential.
• How a PH evaluates a hunter's abilities.
• Knowing when a Professional Hunter should take over to ensure an ethical recovery.
• Advice for aspiring Professional Hunters and hunters alike.

If you enjoy hunting stories, African safaris, conservation, and authentic conversations from the bush, make sure to subscribe to PH Journals and join the journey.

There are the obvious things you pack for safari… and then there are the items you don't think you need—until you're out in the bush wishing you had them.

In this solo episode of PH Journals, I share some of the most underrated pieces of gear that have earned a permanent place in my bag over the years. From recovery tools after long days on your feet, to action cameras, spotting scope adapters, leather gloves, beanies, neck cozies, and even a few unconventional additions that can save the day when things go wrong.

I also talk about why a small "gear first aid kit" containing items like thread, a needle, and super glue can be worth its weight in gold, plus why a Leatherman and an electric screwdriver have become must-haves on my safaris.

These aren't necessarily the first things people think to pack, but they've made a huge difference in camp and out in the field.

In this episode we cover:

Hyperice infrared and vibration belt for recovery

The GY6 action camera setup

Using Ollin with a spotting scope for incredible footage

Leather gloves for cold mornings and evenings

A simple gear repair and emergency kit

Beanies and neck cozies

Why a Leatherman multi-tool belongs on every safari

The surprisingly useful electric screwdriver

Whether you're planning your first African safari or have been hunting for years, hopefully this episode gives you a few ideas for items that can make your next adventure a little more comfortable and a lot more enjoyable.

There are the obvious things you pack for safari… and then there are the items you don't think you need—until you're out in the bush wishing you had them.

In this solo episode of PH Journals, I share some of the most underrated pieces of gear that have earned a permanent place in my bag over the years. From recovery tools after long days on your feet, to action cameras, spotting scope adapters, leather gloves, beanies, neck cozies, and even a few unconventional additions that can save the day when things go wrong.

I also talk about why a small "gear first aid kit" containing items like thread, a needle, and super glue can be worth its weight in gold, plus why a Leatherman and an electric screwdriver have become must-haves on my safaris.

These aren't necessarily the first things people think to pack, but they've made a huge difference in camp and out in the field.

In this episode we cover:

• Hyperice infrared and vibration belt for recovery
• The GY6 action camera setup
• Using Ollin with a spotting scope for incredible footage
• Leather gloves for cold mornings and evenings
• A simple gear repair and emergency kit
• Beanies and neck cozies
• Why a Leatherman multi-tool belongs on every safari
• The surprisingly useful electric screwdriver

Whether you're planning your first African safari or have been hunting for years, hopefully this episode gives you a few ideas for items that can make your next adventure a little more comfortable and a lot more enjoyable.

Enjoy the episode, and as always, thanks for listening to PH Journals.

Why do international hunters pay more than local South African hunters? Is it fair, or is there more to the story?

In this solo episode of PH Journals, Dylan Love takes a deeper look at one of the most debated topics in the hunting industry: local versus international hunting rates.

Drawing from industry statistics, conservation realities, and personal experience as a Professional Hunter, Dylan explores the role both local and foreign hunters play in sustaining South Africa's wildlife economy.

Topics discussed include:

• The economic impact of hunting in South Africa

• How international hunting contributes billions to conservation and rural communities

• Why local hunters remain the backbone of hunting culture

• The risks of pricing South Africans out of hunting

• The role stock farmers play in conservation and land management

• Comparing American and South African household incomes

• Why different pricing structures exist around the world

• Finding a balance that benefits conservation, outfitters, farmers, and hunters alike

This episode isn't about choosing sides. It's about understanding the bigger picture and asking how we can build a hunting industry where both local and international hunters continue to thrive.

If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow hunter.

Why do international hunters pay more than local South African hunters? Is it fair, or is there more to the story?

In this solo episode of PH Journals, Dylan Love takes a deeper look at one of the most debated topics in the hunting industry: local versus international hunting rates.

Drawing from industry statistics, conservation realities, and personal experience as a Professional Hunter, Dylan explores the role both local and foreign hunters play in sustaining South Africa's wildlife economy.

Topics discussed include:

• The economic impact of hunting in South Africa • How international hunting contributes billions to conservation and rural communities • Why local hunters remain the backbone of hunting culture • The risks of pricing South Africans out of hunting • The role stock farmers play in conservation and land management • Comparing American and South African household incomes • Why different pricing structures exist around the world • Finding a balance that benefits conservation, outfitters, farmers, and hunters alike

This episode isn't about choosing sides. It's about understanding the bigger picture and asking how we can build a hunting industry where both local and international hunters continue to thrive.

If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow hunter.

What makes the ultimate hunting package? Is it the country, the species, the terrain, the rifle… or the feeling the hunt leaves behind? In this solo episode of PH Journals, I break down what my dream African hunting experience would look like. From mountain hunts in the Eastern Cape to open country safaris and thick bushveld tracking, we discuss the environments, animals and weapon setups that create unforgettable hunts. This episode is less about price tags and more about experience. The kind of hunts that stay with you long after camp has packed up. Honey Badger Blue Duiker Nyala Komga Bushbuck Vaal Reedbuck Red Lechwe Kudu We also dive into: Choosing the right hunting destination Rifle and calibre combinations Terrain and hunting style Why some species mean more than others The atmosphere that makes a safari special The animals that define wild Africa Sometimes the ultimate hunting package is not the biggest trophy… but the story behind it.

What makes the ultimate hunting package? Is it the country, the species, the terrain, the rifle… or the feeling the hunt leaves behind?

In this solo episode of PH Journals, I break down what my dream African hunting experience would look like. From mountain hunts in the Eastern Cape to open country safaris and thick bushveld tracking, we discuss the environments, animals and weapon setups that create unforgettable hunts.

This episode is less about price tags and more about experience. The kind of hunts that stay with you long after camp has packed up.

Honey Badger

Blue Duiker

Nyala

Komga Bushbuck

Vaal Reedbuck

Red Lechwe

Kudu

We also dive into:

Choosing the right hunting destination

Rifle and calibre combinations

Terrain and hunting style

Why some species mean more than others

The atmosphere that makes a safari special

The animals that define wild Africa

Sometimes the ultimate hunting package is not the biggest trophy… but the story behind it.