How to Become A Professional Hunter In South Africa

A professional hunter is a person who hunts and/or manages game by profession. Some professional hunters work in the private sector or for government agencies and manage species that are considered .

How Long is a Professional Hunter course?

The learning programme will be run over a period of two years: 18 months on site training at the SAWC, including six months practical work experience in the employment of a credible professional hunting outfitter.

What does a Professional Hunter do?

Hunters stalk, track and kill animals for their clients for money, or for the government. Some hunt with others, while others work alone using dogs to track and corner prey. Some hunters collect animals for museums.

What is a professional hunter called?

A professional hunter (less frequently referred to as market or commercial hunter and regionally, especially in Britain and Ireland, as professional stalker or gamekeeper) is a person who hunts and/or manages game by profession.

Personal Requirements to Become A Professional Hunter In South Africa

at least 18 years old

physically strong and fit

courageous when facing danger

enjoy outdoor life and camping

self-motivated

excellent knowledge of guns of all kinds

good knowledge of South African flora and fauna

How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

Contact the individual schools for information on criteria for selection and entry requirements.

What to Study

In-service training may be provided under the supervision of an experienced hunter. Professional hunting schools may have specific selection or entry criteria.

The legal requirements to be met before a hunting outfitter or professional hunter can obtain a license are:

Obligatory attendance by the candidate on an in-service training course at a Professional Hunting School, which is registered with and approved by the Provincial Conservation Departments, and administered by qualified professional hunting instructors.

The course covers a wide range of subjects including bush knowledge and animal behavior, the identification of spoor, tracking ability, assessment of horn lengths, firearms, ballistics, shooting and hunting ability, skinning and the preparation and care of trophies, trophy requirements for record books (SCI & Rowland Ward) and first aid.

Below is How to Become A Professional Hunter In South Africa

Becoming a professional hunter isn’t just about putting on waxed gilet and investing in the most expensive equipment! There’s more to hunting than that, so follow these tips to begin paving your career:

What Kind of Hunting Do You Want?

While most hunters are the same, there are different ways you can make money of it. Consider what you want to hunt based on where you’re from, the season you’ll work in, and personal preference. Do you want to hunt big or small game, water creatures, or birds? What weapons will you specialize in: Bows, rifles, shotguns, or what?

Go Through the Application Process

If you want to apply as a professional hunter, there are organizations which hold annual screenings to fulfill particular positions. Whatever the position is, they will have various requirements but one similarity: Hunting experience!

Some organizations require hunter-videographers with years of experiences and a video resume. Blogs or media networks will want well-spoken, well-written, as well as highly knowledgeable hunters.

The Education, Certification, and Membership

It isn’t an absolute essential, but having a college degree related to animal sciences or wildlife management is a huge plus because you have the resources and knowledge which sets you apart from the rest of the applicants. If not, you’re able to work your knowledge up with certifications and hunter education courses, which many states offer.

Continue to Enhance Your Skills

Before, during, and even after getting a hunting job, you need to continue enhancing your skills and learning. Hunting isn’t just one course, but there is so much to learn and upgrade within yourself and your equipment. Continue to hone your skills with articles, guides, courses, and regular training

Invest In the Proper Equipment

Of course, you wouldn’t be alb to hunt well if you don’t have the proper equipment! Make sure that you have the quality weaponry, apparel, as well as other items you may need based on the way you hunt (such as cameras, attractants, ground blinds or tree stands, and the like). Just like learning, continue to upgrade your equipment as needed.

How much does a Professional Hunter earn in South Africa?

R174,268 (ZAR)/yr.

How do you become a Professional Hunter in South Africa ?

Preparation

License yourself.

Evaluate your hunting skill.

Hone your skills by hunting with a guide, reading hunting articles and practicing shooting regularly.

Practice shooting often.

Compete in amateur shooting contests to measure your skills.

Brush up on your verbal and written communication skills.

How Long is a Professional Hunter course in South Africa ?

The learning programme will be run over a period of two years: 18 months on site training at the SAWC, including six months practical work experience in the employment of a credible professional hunting outfitter.

What is the salary of a Professional Hunter in South Africa ?

Professional Hunter Salary

Annual SalaryMonthly Pay
Top EarnersR 1685110.44R 140415.79
75th PercentileR 1095699.61R 91298.23
AverageR 883829.09R 73646.13
25th PercentileR 460949.49R 38402.38

How do professional hunters make money in South Africa ?

If your dream job is to be a professional hunter, you have probably done some research and found out that they do not actually get paid to hunt. Instead, they use hunting as entertainment for the viewers and get paid by showing advertisements and partnering with sponsors.

What does a Professional Hunter do?

Hunters stalk, track and kill animals for their clients for money, or for the government. Some hunt with others, while others work alone using dogs to track and corner prey. Some hunters collect animals for museums.

Why is hunting a controversial issue?

Though it was, at one time, a way of life and necessary for survival,2 today, hunting is a controversial topic because it is frequently regarded as a recreational activity. Some hunters oppose certain practices they consider unethical, such as baiting, canned hunting (in fenced areas),3 and hunting of stocked animals.

Is hunting better than factory farming in South Africa ?

All factory farmed animals have been genetically manipulated to produce more faster. And hunting, in particular, holds the gleam of being a far more sustainable, honest way of killing animals for our meals. When we look at the numbers and methods side by side, it’s no question that hunting is far more sustainable.