A Professional Hunter is the glue between you and a successful safari. No matter how fancy the lodge, how big your budget is, or how many quality animals are on display, if you have a sh**ty PH.....then you will have a sh**ty time.

Thankfully, in this episode I will highlight a few signs to look for that may help you determine whether or not you got paired with a sh**ty PH.

ANNOUNCEMENT: If you have any hunting stories, whether they are funny stories, horror stories, or amazing adventure stories to share but you don't want to record an episode on the podcast, then send me an email and I'll read out your story at the beginning of the latest episode. 

Email: jonomchugh@gmail.com

Please take a few seconds to Rate & Review the podcast on Apple Podcast & Spotify.

Thanks

Jono

I was recently a guest on the Saltlick Outdoors (Saltlick Worldwide) Podcast and had a great chat with the guys. We initially wanted to discuss the role that AI could play in the hunting industry, but the conversation flowed so nicely that we ended up covering all aspects of the industry.

Enjoy the episode and remember to rate and review. Thanks!!

Saltlick Outdoors:

Website: https://www.saltlickoutdoors.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaltlickOutdoors

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saltlickoutdoorsworldwide/featured

Note: There are one or two places in the episode where the audio drops in quality, unfortunately that was out of our control. The quality does come back.

Carrying on from the previous episode, I'll go through Chapter 9: The Ethics Of Hunting & Why It Is So Important and, we hear the responses to the Outfitter questionnaire from Wayne Dell of African Brothers Safaris.

If you would like a copy of this book in PDF (it is 100% free, all I ask in return is for a positive review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts) then send an email to Jonomchugh@gmail.com and I will forward you a copy.

Carrying on from the previous episode, I'll go through Chapter 8: Realities Of Getting A Foot In The Door and, we hear the responses to the Outfitter questionnaire from Pieter Potgieter of Motsomi Safaris.

If you would like a copy of this book in PDF (it is 100% free, all I ask in return is for a positive review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts) then send an email to Jonomchugh@gmail.com and I will forward you a copy.

I wanted to take a break from my book episodes to bring you something a little different.

In this episode, I was fortunate enough to chat with Kendal-Ray Kaschula, Zimbabwe's only female houndsman.

Kendal shared her passion for hounds, living in Zimbabwe, what it takes to run a pack recovery hounds, and how her and her team go about recovering a wounded leopard.

If you enjoyed this episode, then go ahead and leave a positive review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts it would greatly help me in growing this pod and getting the voice of hunters out to a larger audience.

Carrying on from the previous episode, I'll go through Chapter 7: Leave Your Ego At The Door and, we hear the responses to the Outfitter questionnaire from Dave Davenport of Leopard's Valley Safaris.

If you would like a copy of this book in PDF (it is 100% free, all I ask in return is for a positive review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts) then send an email to Jonomchugh@gmail.com and I will forward you a copy.

Carrying on from the previous episode, I'll go through Chapter 6: Post Shot Management and, we hear the responses to the Outfitter questionnaire from Nico Els of East Cape Bushveld Safaris.

If you would like a copy of this book in PDF (it is 100% free, all I ask in return is for a positive review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts) then send an email to Jonomchugh@gmail.com and I will forward you a copy.

Carrying on from the previous episode, I'll go through Chapter 5: Trackers & Skinners, The Unsung Hero and, we hear the responses to the Outfitter questionnaire from Jonny Vivier of Wintershoek Safaris.

If you would like a copy of this book in PDF (it is 100% free, all I ask in return is for a positive review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts) then send an email to Jonomchugh@gmail.com and I will forward you a copy.

Carrying on from the previous episode, I'll go through Chapter 4: The Client, The Landowner & The Client and, we hear the responses to the Outfitter questionnaire from Eardley Rudman of Blaauwkrantz Safaris.

If you would like a copy of this book in PDF (it is 100% free, all I ask in return is for a positive review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts) then send an email to Jonomchugh@gmail.com and I will forward you a copy.

Carrying on from the previous episode, I'll go through Chapter 3: There's More To It Than Pulling The Trigger and, we hear the responses to the Outfitter questionnaire from Grant Abrahamson of East Cape Safaris.

If you would like a copy of this book in PDF (it is 100% free, all I ask in return is for a positive review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts) then send an email to Jonomchugh@gmail.com and I will forward you a copy.

Carrying on from the previous episode, I'll go through Chapter 2: Know The Law and we hear the responses to the Outfitter questionnaire from J.P Kleinhans at J.P Kleinhans Safaris.

If you would like a copy of this book in PDF (it is 100% free, all I ask in return is for a positive review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts) then send an email to Jonomchugh@gmail.com and I will forward you a copy.

In 2020, I sent out questionnaires to some of the top, more established hunting outfitters and professional hunters in South Africa. I asked them for guidance and advice that they would pass on to new PHs. From that info, I wrote the book Take It From Us - A compilation of advice and guidance on becoming a quality Professional hunter.

Over the coming few weeks, I will read the book chapter by chapter and the responses to the questionnaires given by the outfitters.

If you would like a copy of the book in PDF format, send an email to jonomchugh@gmail.com, it's completely free and all I ask for in return is a positive review on either Spotify or Apple podcasts.

Enjoy the episode.

In this episode, I had a great chat with David from Canada who shared his experience of hunting in Namibia and his enjoyment of reading and sharing the literature of the legend that is Peter Hathaway Capstick.

If you have any interesting hunting stories from Africa that you would like to share, then get in touch via email Jonomchugh@gmail.com and we can record an episode.

Don't forget to RATE & REVIEW on Apple Podcast and Spotify.

Jono

It's been over a year since I last published a podcast episode and there is good reason for it.

A lot has happened, and many things have changed but most importantly, Round The Fire is back and we have more episodes lined up.

If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.

Thanks

This is a re-launch of Episode 11, where I had the great opportunity to have Jim Shockey on my podcast and chat with him about hunting in Africa.

I decided to clean up the audio and rework the episode a little bit for anyone that was new to the podcast. Jim Shockey needs no introduction to fellow hunters and his wealth of knowledge and experiences on hunting was really enjoyable to listen to.

Every Man MUST Hunt, not because we need higher numbers of hunters or to create some kind of movement, but rather every man must hunt because the values that hunting teaches you can be used in everyday life.

As men, there is a lot expected of us and it seems the weight on our shoulders never stops growing, but just like packing out an elk or loading a kudu bull, you push through the tough times because you know in the end it will be worth it.

Hope you enjoy the episode.

Well, social media threw us a big curve ball and as a small business operator, this one sucks. Facebook banned me and the effects it has are not good. We need your support and assistance to help get the word out there with regards to this podcast and help make it even bigger and better so we don't have to rely on social media platforms.

Give the episode a listen and remember to share it with family and friends.

I couldn't imagine a hunting trip without my dog Utah tagging along. But it wasn't always that way and I went many hunting seasons without a tracking dog.

After a few failed recoveries of wounded animals, I knew it was time to have a tracking dog of my own. In this episode, I talk about what qualities I looked for in a tracking dog, how I trained Utah, the things he taught me, and the number of times he saved us from losing any more animals.

Thank you once again to our main sponsor: www.RoyalKaroo.co.za

As hunters we work tirelessly to ensure every aspect of our rifles, bows, optics and level of fitness are all perfectly tuned in for a successful hunt, but what about our mental performance? Do we need to focus more on how we are going to perform mentally under pressure?

I share some advice on why it is important to improve our mental skills so we can hunt like high performers.

Thanks again to our sponsors, Royal Karoo Safaris for keeping this podcast going.

www.RoyalKaroo.co.za 

Andy and Daniel Horner joined me for a father/son hunting trip here in South Africa. There was one particular day when the heavy rain moved in and we had no choice but so sit tight in the lodge. We decided to record this podcast and share some insight into how the trip was going so far.

Daniel is a Sig Sauer ambassador and one of the best competition shooters in the world, so it was great to hear some advice from him on how to prep for a hunting safari in Africa.

Enjoy the show and please visit our sponsors Royal Karoo Safaris, who make these recordings possible. www.royalkaroo.co.za

After an action packed hunting safari, myself and Andrew sat round the fire at camp and reflected on his hunt.

We shared insights into the hunting industry as a whole, talk about the benefits of hunting, breakdown each one of his hunts and share some good laughs.

Enjoy it!

In this episode I have a good chat with Sue Tidwell, the author of Cries Of The Savanna. A fascinating book that I believe every hunter and even non-hunter should read.

Sue gives details about the book and the reasons behind her writing it.

Hope you enjoy. And please support the sponsor for the episode Royal Karoo Safaris at www.royalkaroo.co.za

Note: Sorry about the bad audio on this episode, tried my best to fix it, was a mistake on my part....need to remember I am a hunting and not an uadio geek. Trying my best!

In this episode I was joined by Philip Glass who has a number of African safaris under his belt. He helps a lot of people with planning their first African safari trip, he was also highlighted in the documentary movie: Trophy. We chat about that and what sort of discussions and reactions the documentary brought into the hunting industry.

Enjoy the show!

Words like conservation, preservation and restoration have been popular marketing gimics and get thrown around without anyone truly understanding what they mean and what it entails to uphold them. This is especially true when it comes to the debate of hunting vs photographic safaris and which contributes more to conservation.

The real backbone to conservation however, is the economics and in this episode I breakdown why that is the case.

If you have enjoyed this episode, please take the time to leave a review and rating.

If you have any thoughts on this topics or would like to share your hunting stories, then reach out to me via email: Jonomchugh@gmail.com

Duck hunting in Africa? Is it even possible? Can it be done? Yes, it can and the art of duck hunting is picking up in Africa with some incredible species on offer.

I had Ramsey Russell from GotDucks.com on the show and he shares his vast experience in duck hunting plus the time he went to Africa specifically for wingshooting. 

This is a great episode and I hope you enjoy it.

These podcasts could not be possible without the great support from our sponsors so please head on over to RoyalKaroo.co.za and give the guys that side a big word of thanks!

I had Angie Kokes on the show, an avid hunter that took up Spear hunting and never looked back. Angie shares some great insight into how she got into spear hunting, why it is important, as well a few adventures she had in Africa with her spear.

Enjoy the show and please remember to rate and share this podcast!

Thanks again to our sponsor Royal Karoo Safaris. www.royalkaroo.co.za

Matt Dubber is probably the foremost hunter and content producer in South Africa when it comes to hunting with air guns. I invited Matt out to our coastal area for some Impala hunting and to sit round the fire while we braaied and get a little more insight into the dynamics of hunting with air rifles.

Hope you enjoy the episode and remember there is a video of this podcast up on our Kingsview Safaris Youtube channel.

Big shout out to Royal Karoo Safaris for being a great sponsor of the show. I highly suggest you check them out if you are ever interested in a hunting safari. www.RoyalKaroo.co.za

Like, Share, Review and Subscribe, we really appreciate it and it helps us to produce more content for you guys!!

Its no walk in the park hunting Africa with a bow, but what can be more difficult is booking with the right outfitter. 

In this episode I discuss what you should look for in the ideal outfitter that will provide you with a successful bow hunting trip.

Thanks again to the sponsor of the show, Royal Karoo Safaris. rob and his team are perfectly setup for bow hunters and have incredible facilities. Check them out! www.royalkaroo.co.za

It was fascinating to have Jacques Spamer, Owner and PH for JKO Hunting Safaris on the podcast. The areas and quality of animals that JKO has to offer are phenomenal and they are doing a great job of giving their clients a real hunting experience in many parts of Africa.

Their website is www.jkosafaris.com 

Get in touch with Jacques about a hunting trip!

Handrie Van Bergen is a South African Professional Hunter, bull rider, barrel racer and fantastic hunter. We discuss a variety of things from Jackal hunting, what its like being a female PH in a male dominated industry to the overall future of hunting in South Africa.

This was a great podcast and I really enjoyed chatting with Handrie.

Thanks to Royal Karoo Safaris for sponsoring today's episode.

In this episode I discuss the process for booking a hunting safari and I break it down into 6 easy steps. There is also a really handy Booking Safari Checklist that you can download which makes the process a little more manageable.

Head on over to Huntafricashop.com find the blogs section, go into the 6 Steps blog and you can find the checklist there.

Want to thank our sponsor for this episode Royal Karoo Safaris, their support and backing is much appreciated. They run a fantastic operation go check them out at www.royalkaroo.co.za

Enjoy the show.

I can't imagine there is a hunter out there that has hunted more Buffalo than Rick Warren, with almost 90 to his name and over 40 African safaris he surely has the experience and knowledge to chat about all things hunting in Africa.

But apart from his hunting exploits, Rick also does a lot behind the scenes for conservation in Africa and has been involved in many fund raisers to assist anti-poaching programs.

Hope you enjoy the show and remember to support the sponsor of today's show, HuntAfricaShop.com.

If you would like to be featured on this hunting podcast, get in touch today at info@kingsviewsafaris.co.za.

Payne shares his cool experiences of hunting in Africa, from building a lasting friendship with his PH, getting seriously close to a Kudu and going on a last minute road trip to find an elusive red Nyala. 

Payne also shares his thoughts and lessons about managing a large hunting profile on social media.

Hope you enjoy the show and please visit our sponsor of today's episode, Hunt Africa Shop to get the coolest Africa hunting t-shirts. Visit their shop at www.huntafricashop.com

You worked hard hunting your animals and your time in Africa has been a once in a lifetime trip. So getting your valuable trophies home safely and through the channels is exactly what Coppersmith Logistics does. I had a great chat with Michael Coppersmith who heads up the hunting trophy division and he shared some great insight into what his company does and how they can help you.

info@kingsviewsafaris.co.za

PLEASE remember to review, rate and comment on this podcast

Don't let the record books provide you with a cold hard definition of what a trophy is, it isn't all about the inches and everyone has different perceptions of what a "trophy" means to them.

But what if the Outfitter pushes you into taking their definition of a trophy? Is it fair? Is it acceptable? And are you in a way to blame for it? I do my best to tackle these questions in the latest episode of Round The Fire.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review on either Spotify or Apple Podcast.

Happy hunting

Jono

"Fresh back from safari!" those were Patrick's words when he contacted me and I thought what a cool opportunity to get him onto the Podcast and have him share his experiences of hunting in South Africa. Patrick talks about planning his trip while navigating the ever changing Covid restrictions, how his PH was adaptive and flexible to their needs and how each animal hunted was unique in their own way.

I hope you enjoy this episode, Patrick is a great guy and I enjoyed chatted with him.

info@kingsviewsafaris.co.za

When I started this podcast I never once thought I would be chatting with a #1 New York Times Best Seller, but hey you gotta love the power of the internet and what a cool experience it was. Jack shared some great insight into the research he goes through for his books, he shares some of his own hunting experiences and talks about the time he spent with the anti-poaching unit in Mozambique. This was a great podcast and it was fascinating chatting with Jack. Be sure to get a copy of his new book, The Devil's Hand, it's an incredible read.

info@kingsviewsafaris.co.za

A hunting safari is nothing without it's memories and trophies, which is why getting them home is so important. And the process of getting them home is not as easy as it may seem but thankfully the guys at Safari Speciality Importers have made the entire process seamless, ensuring you get to enjoy the hunt without the stress of bringing your trophies home. I enjoyed chatting with Robert and Wyatt partners of SSI and discussing the finer details of a hunter bringing home their valuable trophies. This is an incredible podcast and certainly worth the listen.

You can reach to Wyatt from SSI at www.safarispecialtyimporters.com or email them at: info@safarispecialtyimporters.com

Jason Vincent and Don Trump Jnr teamed up to start something I believe the hunting industry has been craving for a while now, a no nonsense, unapologetic, call it how you see it hunting media organisation. They called it Field Ethos Journal and in the past couple months I devoured their content and really enjoyed how they perceived hunting. It was great to chat with Jason about all things hunting, especially the balance needed between hunting and family. Hope you enjoy the podcast.

Info@kingsviewsafaris.co.za

We each have our own hunting journeys, experiences, preferences and fulfillments when it comes to hunting. I really enjoyed listening to Kendall talk about what hunting has done for her, how she achieved so many incredible things at a young age, some crazy close calls, her charity work and especially her sincere love and appreciation for the outdoors, but mostly enjoying it her way. An incredible person and a real advocate to get more hunters, especially women to go and hunt Africa.

I hope you enjoy this Podcast as much as I did chatting with Kendall Jones.

info@kingsviewsafaris.co.za

Not only have I enjoyed J Alain Smith's hunting show Rugged Expeditions, but I admired the way in which Alain always portrayed hunting and did his best to show the lighter side of it all. J Alain Smith has hunted all around the World and it was really great chatting to him about his adventures and especially his love for Africa.

Enjoy the show!

info@kingsviewsafaris.co.za 

I feel with every episode that is recorded, I gain more insight into how each person books a hunting trip to Africa and I find it fascinating. Bill's process is unique and I enjoyed chatting with him, hearing his thoughts and how he uses record books such as Rowland Ward to determine the ideal places for hunting the best possible species.

This episode is going to bring a ton of value....Again!

Please remember Rate, Like, Share & Comment.

Having the opportunity to chat to someone with as much experience, knowledge and a love for hunting as Jim Shockey makes this podcast all worth it. Jim and I discuss hunting in Africa, why he loves it so much, his thoughts on the hunting industry as a whole and Jim gives some great advice on how to go about planning your African safari.

I had fun talking with this hunting icon and I hope you enjoy the episode.

info@kingsviewsafaris.co.za

Remember to RATE, SHARE & COMMENT.

If you are planning a hunting trip to Africa then don't miss this episode. I sat down with Jeane Grieve from Taxidermy Africa and discussed all the various aspects about Taxidermy. From the different options clients have, the importance of communication, doing research before selecting a taxidermist and other services that taxidermists offer which you probably never even knew of.

This was a great episode.

Another great episode, another great hunter and person to chat with, Brandon Scott from Texas.

Brandon bought an African hunt on an auction and shares his experience of hunting in South Africa. Brandon's wife also did some hunting during the trip and he offers great insight into travelling and hunting with your wife.

In the final episode of the book, I go over the final chapters. Chapter 12 Mental Strength and Chapter 13 Life After PH-ing & Out Of Season Work.

If you would like a copy of this book in PDF (it is 100% free, all I ask in return is for a positive review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts) then send an email to Jonomchugh@gmail.com and I will forward you a copy.

Had a fascinating chat with Curt West from Finland about the time and experiences he had in South Africa. It may not be the usual and conventional way of booking a trip but it worked out for Curt and he has been returning to South Africa every year for the past 19 years.

What a great person to chat to and I really enjoyed doing this episode.

Please like, comment, rate and share!! 

Contact me directly on info@kingsviewsafaris.co.za

This episode is jam packed with a ton of info from someone that has a long family history of hunting and sending clients to South Africa. It was incredible chatting with Hunter Hebert and hearing his insights into how hunting has changed in South Africa over the years and how he breaks down each facet of a safari trip.

Enjoy and please remember to like, comment, share and rate!

On today's episode I get to chat with Justine, my wife, about hunting for the pot, the importance of hunting as an industry and she shares a story or two about what she loves most when it comes to hunting.

A great, chilled, laid back episode with someone who I love hunting with. Hope you enjoy!

This episode is packed with great advice and value about planning a hunting trip abroad and especially to South Africa. Zach hunted with us back in March 2020 just as Covid hit and he explains the importance of dealing with a good travel agent, booking hunts via agents and the process he uses in looking for a hunting Outfitter. Hope you enjoy and remember to subscribe, like and comment. Thanks and happy hunting.