PH Journals Podcast

This weeks episode I was inspired from recent hunts I have just done in the summer period. I touch on a few things that i recommend, when considering this less traditional time of year, for PH's, Outfitters and  the hunter.

🎙️ This Week on PH Journals The past two weeks have been nothing short of a rollercoaster—filled with unforgettable memories, the ups and downs of the business world, and a surprise acknowledgement I never saw coming. In this episode, I take you through it all—raw, real, and unfiltered. To wrap it up, we switch gears with a safari story for the ages—light-hearted, wild, and one you won't want to miss. 👉 Tune in, subscribe, and join me on this journey.

The Tiny Ten is one of Africa’s most elusive and highly sought-after hunting collections, featuring ten small antelope species spread across Southern Africa. In this episode of PH Journals, I break down each species, their habitats, and the best destinations to hunt them. I’ll also cover the permits and legal requirements needed for each country, the ideal rifle calibers and equipment for an ethical hunt, and the unique challenges that come with hunting these miniature yet incredibly tough animals. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter looking to complete your Tiny Ten slam or just starting to explore small game hunting in Africa, this episode is packed with insight, tips, and real-world experience. 🔔 Subscribe to PH Journals for more hunting content! 📩 Got a Tiny Ten hunting story? Share it in the comments!

In this solo episode of PH Journals, I dive into a conversation that often comes up in hunting circles: has hunting in Africa become too easy? When you compare modern-day safaris to the early days of professional hunting, the differences are undeniable. Today a PH can reach farmers and landowners at the push of a button. WhatsApp groups, location pins, and instant communication make it possible to source species quickly. Decades ago, PHs relied on wired telephone lines, word of mouth, and days of preparation just to locate the right property for a hunt. At the same time, the landscape has changed dramatically. Farmers and game breeders have invested heavily in wildlife, leading to healthier populations and a wider variety of species available to hunt. Travel has also become easier than ever, with international flights, regional airports, and private charters allowing hunters to reach remote areas of Africa in a fraction of the time it once took. Even trophy care has evolved. In the past, PHs and camp staff often handled much of the cape and skin preparation themselves in the field. Today the taxidermy industry has grown significantly, with specialized facilities handling everything from salting to export, improving efficiency but also changing some of the traditional bushcraft elements that were once part of the safari experience. So yes — in many ways modern professional hunters have tools and systems that make the logistical side of hunting easier than ever before. But rather than diminishing the hunt, this evolution reflects something important: growth. As hunting faces increasing scrutiny around the world, these developments show how the industry has adapted to survive. Wildlife now holds real economic value for landowners, conservation has become financially sustainable, and hunting remains one of the most powerful tools for protecting wild landscapes across Africa. This episode explores the balance between tradition, progress, and the future of hunting. If you enjoy the conversation, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with a fellow hunter. #PHJournals #AfricanHunting #ProfessionalHunter #SafariHunting #Conservation

Every hunter remembers certain animals. Not always the biggest trophies or the easiest hunts, but the animals that leave behind lessons you carry for the rest of your career. In this solo episode of PH Journals, I reflect on a few animals that shaped the way I approach hunting today. From an eland hunt with Cody that showed how small the margin for error can be, to the chaos of black wildebeest where adrenaline can easily get the better of you. I also talk about the unpredictable nature of bushbuck in the coastal bush, the respect and planning required to hunt kudu successfully, and the humbling reality of Cape buffalo—how a herd can disappear in seconds and remind you how little control you really have in the African bush. These animals didn’t just provide hunts… they provided lessons. Lessons about patience, discipline, planning, and respect for the craft of hunting.

Every hunter remembers certain animals. Not always the biggest trophies or the easiest hunts, but the animals that leave behind lessons you carry for the rest of your career. In this solo episode of PH Journals, I reflect on a few animals that shaped the way I approach hunting today. From an eland hunt with Cody that showed how small the margin for error can be, to the chaos of black wildebeest where adrenaline can easily get the better of you. I also talk about the unpredictable nature of bushbuck in the coastal bush, the respect and planning required to hunt kudu successfully, and the humbling reality of Cape buffalo—how a herd can disappear in seconds and remind you how little control you really have in the African bush. These animals didn’t just provide hunts… they provided lessons. Lessons about patience, discipline, planning, and respect for the craft of hunting.

This episode breaks down why the first 48 hours of a safari determine everything that follows. From airport pickup to the first morning in the bush, I unpack the psychology, leadership, and subtle decisions that shape a hunter’s experience. Whether you're a client preparing for Africa or a PH looking to refine your approach, this conversation will give you practical insight into what really makes a safari unforgettable. Because it’s never just about the first animal — it’s about the foundation you build before the first shot.

This episode breaks down why the first 48 hours of a safari determine everything that follows. From airport pickup to the first morning in the bush, I unpack the psychology, leadership, and subtle decisions that shape a hunter’s experience. Whether you're a client preparing for Africa or a PH looking to refine your approach, this conversation will give you practical insight into what really makes a safari unforgettable. Because it’s never just about the first animal — it’s about the foundation you build before the first shot.

Everyone sees the hero shots. The handshakes. The trophy photos. Very few see the quiet mornings, the pressure, the responsibility, and the loneliness that can come with being a Professional Hunter. In this solo episode, I share personal reflections from my years in the industry — from managing expectations and carrying responsibility, to balancing family life and identity beyond hunting. Being a PH is an honour. But it’s also a weight.

Everyone sees the hero shots. The handshakes. The trophy photos. Very few see the quiet mornings, the pressure, the responsibility, and the loneliness that can come with being a Professional Hunter. In this solo episode, I share personal reflections from my years in the industry — from managing expectations and carrying responsibility, to balancing family life and identity beyond hunting. Being a PH is an honour. But it’s also a weight.

Tipping after a hunting safari in Africa is one of the most misunderstood parts of the experience — especially for international hunters visiting South Africa for the first time. In this solo episode, I break down safari tipping and gratuities in a clear, practical way. We cover who should be tipped, how much is considered fair, when tips are usually given, and why tipping plays such an important role in the African hunting and game industry. This episode includes real-world guidance on: Tipping a Professional Hunter (PH) Gratuities for trackers, skinners, and camp staff Common tipping mistakes hunters make Why gratuities directly impact conservation, livelihoods, and service quality How to plan and budget for tips before your safari Whether you’re planning your first African hunt or returning for another safari, this episode will help you feel confident, prepared, and respectful when it comes to tipping in South Africa and across Africa. This is an honest, experience-based conversation aimed at improving understanding within the hunting industry and helping hunters navigate safari culture with clarity.

For many American hunters, an African safari is a lifelong dream — and also one of the most confusing hunts to book. With different countries, provinces, hunting styles, pricing structures, and promises, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before you even ask the right questions. In this solo episode of PH Journals, professional hunter Anri Steyn breaks down a practical first-time safari checklist specifically for US hunters looking to book Africa. This episode covers what most outfitters don’t explain upfront: how daily rates and trophy fees really work, why choosing the right professional hunter matters more than choosing species, how to spot red flags in marketing, and what questions you should ask before sending a deposit. This is not a sales pitch — it’s an honest guide to help first-time African safari clients slow down, understand the process, and book a hunt that matches their expectations, ethics, and experience level. Whether Africa is your first international hunt or the start of many more, this episode will help you book it right the first time.

Booking your first African safari can feel overwhelming — especially for American hunters navigating different countries, pricing structures, and hunting styles. In this solo episode of PH Journals, professional hunter Anri Steyn shares a practical first-timer checklist covering what to ask, what to avoid, and how to book Africa the right way. If you’re planning your first safari, listen in — and share this episode with someone dreaming of Africa.  

Boots episode: https://youtu.be/bgTqBqyliCg?si=-gIYHMejDoYvC7GV What should you pack for a South African hunting safari? In this episode of the PH Journals Podcast, we break down a complete African safari gear bag from the perspective of a professional hunter who spends hundreds of days in the veld. This is not a catalogue gear list or sponsored episode. It’s a real-world, practical safari packing guide covering everything from binoculars, boots, and optics to the small but critical items most hunters forget — including medical kits, hygiene essentials, and camp-life gear. Whether you’re planning your first African plains game safari, returning for your second or third hunt, or simply want to refine your kit, this episode will help you avoid common mistakes that cost hunters comfort, confidence, and opportunities in the field. 🎯 In this episode, we cover: Choosing the right safari gear bag (and why soft bags matter in Africa) Binoculars, rangefinders, and optics that actually work in African conditions The ideal safari clothing system for heat, cold mornings, and long walks Hunting boots and foot care — avoiding blisters on safari What medical items and personal gear every hunter should bring to Africa Electronics, batteries, and power solutions for African lodges and camps Important documents and permits hunters often overlook What not to pack for a hunting safari in South Africa Why your gear should disappear while hunting — not distract you 🦌 Who this episode is for: First-time African safari hunters Returning plains game and dangerous game hunters International hunters traveling to South Africa Bowhunters and rifle hunters alike Anyone searching for a realistic African safari packing list 🌍 Why African safaris are different: South African hunting conditions are dusty, dry, unpredictable, and physically demanding. Packing correctly isn’t about bringing more — it’s about bringing the right gear, tested in real hunting scenarios. This episode is built on experience, not theory, and is designed to help you hunt more comfortably, more confidently, and more effectively in Africa. 🔔 Subscribe & Follow If you enjoy honest conversations about hunting, conservation, and life in the African bush, make sure to subscribe to the PH Journals Podcast and follow along for more exciting content.

What should you pack for a South African hunting safari? In this episode of the PH Journals Podcast, we break down a complete African safari gear bag from the perspective of a professional hunter who spends hundreds of days in the veld. This is not a catalogue gear list or sponsored episode. It’s a real-world, practical safari packing guide covering everything from binoculars, boots, and optics to the small but critical items most hunters forget — including medical kits, hygiene essentials, and camp-life gear. Whether you’re planning your first African plains game safari, returning for your second or third hunt, or simply want to refine your kit, this episode will help you avoid common mistakes that cost hunters comfort, confidence, and opportunities in the field. 🎯 In this episode, we cover: Choosing the right safari gear bag (and why soft bags matter in Africa) Binoculars, rangefinders, and optics that actually work in African conditions The ideal safari clothing system for heat, cold mornings, and long walks Hunting boots and foot care — avoiding blisters on safari What medical items and personal gear every hunter should bring to Africa Electronics, batteries, and power solutions for African lodges and camps Important documents and permits hunters often overlook What not to pack for a hunting safari in South Africa Why your gear should disappear while hunting — not distract you 🦌 Who this episode is for: First-time African safari hunters Returning plains game and dangerous game hunters International hunters traveling to South Africa Bowhunters and rifle hunters alike Anyone searching for a realistic African safari packing list 🌍 Why African safaris are different: South African hunting conditions are dusty, dry, unpredictable, and physically demanding. Packing correctly isn’t about bringing more — it’s about bringing the right gear, tested in real hunting scenarios. This episode is built on experience, not theory, and is designed to help you hunt more comfortably, more confidently, and more effectively in Africa.

How do you separate legit African safari outfitters from salesmen at hunting conventions like SCI and Dallas Safari Club? In this episode, we break down the three most important questions every hunter must ask before booking an African hunting safari: 1️⃣ How big is the property you hunt? 2️⃣ How many hunters do you take at one time? 3️⃣ What’s a realistic starter package for a first-time Africa hunter? These questions reveal hunting pressure, ethics, experience quality, and honesty — without relying on marketing brochures or trophy photos. We explain: Why property size matters more than trophy lists How hunter-to-PH ratios affect your actual hunting experience What a good first African safari package really looks like Common mistakes first-time Africa hunters make Red flags to watch for when speaking to safari exhibitors What ethical, sustainable African hunting looks like on the ground Whether you’re planning your first plains game safari, comparing African outfitters, or attending SCI or DSC to book a hunt, this episode gives you practical, real-world advice from inside the African hunting industry.  

How do you separate legit African safari outfitters from salesmen at hunting conventions like SCI and Dallas Safari Club? In this episode, we break down the three most important questions every hunter must ask before booking an African hunting safari: 1️⃣ How big is the property you hunt? 2️⃣ How many hunters do you take at one time? 3️⃣ What’s a realistic starter package for a first-time Africa hunter? These questions reveal hunting pressure, ethics, experience quality, and honesty — without relying on marketing brochures or trophy photos.

In last night’s PH Journals podcast, I unpacked one of the biggest recent shifts in African game regulations: the Bontebok has officially been removed from CITES Appendix II. In this episode, I break down: • What the CITES delisting actually means • How this affects the South African hunting industry • Why export becomes easier — but not completely unrestricted • Whether Bontebok trophies can now be imported into the United States • The difference between CITES rules and U.S. ESA regulations • Why hunters should still be cautious about assuming “permit-free” imports • What this could mean for conservation, game farms, and future management This is a crucial moment for landowners, outfitters, PHs, and international hunters — and the implications go far beyond one species. If you want to understand where the industry is heading, this episode is a must-watch.  

In last night’s PH Journals podcast, I unpacked one of the biggest recent shifts in African game regulations: the Bontebok has officially been removed from CITES Appendix II. In this episode, I break down: • What the CITES delisting actually means • How this affects the South African hunting industry • Why export becomes easier — but not completely unrestricted • Whether Bontebok trophies can now be imported into the United States • The difference between CITES rules and U.S. ESA regulations • Why hunters should still be cautious about assuming “permit-free” imports • What this could mean for conservation, game farms, and future management This is a crucial moment for landowners, outfitters, PHs, and international hunters — and the implications go far beyond one species. If you want to understand where the industry is heading, this episode is a must-watch. 🎧 Tune in and stay informed. 💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments — do you think the delisting helps or harms long-term conservation?

In this first episode of Beyond the Camo, I open up about why I created this new branch of PH Journals — a space to explore the connection between mental health, nature, and the healing power of the bush. For years, the African wilderness has been my place of peace — a place that reminds me to slow down, breathe, and find clarity in the stillness. This episode dives into how time in the wild can help us reset, reflect, and rebuild both mentally and emotionally. Take 30 minutes this week to step outside — no phone, no distractions — and just be still. You might be surprised by what you find waiting in the silence. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts: PH Journals 📸 Follow the Journey: @ph_journals 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments — how has nature helped your mental well-being? #BeyondTheCamo #PHJournals #MentalHealth #AfricanBush #MindsetMatters #OutdoorHealing #HuntingPodcast #NatureTherapy #MensMentalHealth