professional hunter

[gusman]

I was watching a hunting show and they said this guy was a professional hunter, well I thought to my self at the time what and when do you become a professional ???
I guess I would say im a professional. ...
so what I'm asking is what do yall think makes a professional hunter ????
And are you one of the elite pro hunters ???

[MilMan]

I'm far from a professional hunter. But, IMO a professional hunter is someone who has a contract with companies that is paying my annual salary, my bills to hunt, along with me having to use their gear alone on said hunts.

[Chris1962]

When you get sponsors and start getting paid to hunt. I would say that is when you become a professional hunter. Honestly, I don't think there is such a thing.

[longhorn_cop]

Were they in Africa? They use that title of professional hunter over there.?
Or maybe like a "pro staff" title for a equipment/apparel company. I guess.

[Pistol]

Is there a difference between a professional hunter and a professional guide?

I have never been to Africa, but I believe there the answer is no.
Here, I think there is. I know in some states, in some instances, the state will contract professional hunters to reduce the herd size or eliminate a diseased herd. By definition, a professional hunter is someone who accepts a contract and makes a living hunting.

[AntlerCollector]

Guys on tv making a living hunting are professional hunters.

You and I sir are the rank amateurs sitting on the couch watching the professional hunter on tv

[softpoint]

One that gains revenue from hunting, for instance, guides could be considered professional hunters. In Africa, guides are often referred to as "professional hunters". Or, when hunting is a profession rather than just a hobby or sport...

[Mudslinger]

I personally think that if you look at the background of all these "so called" "professional hunters" on TV today, you will find a background of being wealthy beyond belief or have the financial backing to do what they do.
It may be different now, but when i had the pleasure of hunting with Jim Shockey in Wyoming in 2006, he told me that if you wanted to put a show on the Outdoor Channel, YOU paid them $120,000 for 13 30 minute spots on that channel. He said he used the shows he had to advertise his outfitting business in Canada and said he hoped to just break even on the shows. I have no idea if this i true or not, but that is what he said to me.

In Africa, the PH's have to be licensed, at least in RSA and have to go thru training to get this license. I do not know if this is gospel either as I have not stayed in a Holiday Inn recently!

Professional hunter is just a name these people have given themselves for their show.

[az2tx]

Guys on tv making a living hunting are professional hunters.

You and I sir are the rank amateurs sitting on the couch watching the professional hunter on tv

I disagree, the guys on TV are professional TV personalities. Think about it, most of the hunts you see are with an Outfitter and Guides

[ArcheryNerd]

In Africa there is actually a "Professional Hunter" class like hunter safety you have to take. It's a pretty awesome class that lasts like 2 weeks and actually teaches you to hunt and shoot, dress out animals and even caping. During the class you actually harvest 3 or 4 animals. When I lived in South Africa I really wanted to take it but you had to be a South African citizen to take it and get the PH title...

http://www.phasa.co.za/legislation/professional-hunting-in-sa/ph-training-schools.html

[gusman]

Guys on tv making a living hunting are professional hunters.

You and I sir are the rank amateurs sitting on the couch watching the professional hunter on tv

I disagree I have seen in may cases where people get paid and not a professional I see that daily and im sure you have too. I think some have deep pockets and can start a show, also in my opinion dont make you a professional. Im sure alot of guys on here in my book are professional hunters I judge that on years of experience, good stuart to the land and animals and the ethics a hunter gains over the years.
Thumbs up to all the professionals...

[LWC]

If you get paid to hunt you could be considered a professional hunter. Just like football. If you get paid to play football you are a pro. Either that or an ou Sooner

[Deers & Beers]

PH usually either refers to a Professional Hunter in Africa or here in the States it usually refers to Promotional Hunter.. Basically a hunter that gets freebies, perks, and money to promote gear.. That's why you see all these shows having commercials and breaks showing off their gear

A true Professional Hunter is someone that hunts for a living (usually called a TV host, cause TV is basically the only way to make money @ hunting), but almost all "PHs" here are Promotional Hunters

Here's a good article:

http://soleadventure.com/2013/06/how-to-become-a-pro-staff-member-in-the-hunting-or-shooting-industry/

[Cajun Blake]

in africa there is actually a "professional hunter" class like hunter safety you have to take. It's a pretty awesome class that lasts like 2 weeks and actually teaches you to hunt and shoot, dress out animals and even caping. During the class you actually harvest 3 or 4 animals. When i lived in south africa i really wanted to take it but you had to be a south african citizen to take it and get the ph title...

http://www.phasa.co.za/legislation/p...g-schools.html

^^^ bingo !

[txchuck]

The TV show guys are professional pitchmen.