Professional Hunter

Job overview
A professional hunter is a person who takes clients on organised hunting expeditions.
He/she tracks down the animal the client wants to hunt and assists the client to shoot it.

Thereafter the professional hunter oversees the skinning of the carcass and preparation of a trophy (preserved head).

What do people do in this job?
Hunting is a seasonal profession that takes place during certain months of the year.
Hunting seasons vary from country to country.

A professional hunter hosts a client and any other members of their hunting party for an average period of two weeks.

During this period the hunter oversees the provision of meals and ensures that the hunting party is comfortable.

On an average day, the hunting party departs for the bush in the morning and hunting activities take place over the course of the day until the early evening.

The professional hunter ensures the hunting party's safety, shows them places of interest and tracks down the animals the client wants to shoot. When the hunter has tracked down the animal, they assist the client to take up a shooting position and shoot the animal.

Should the client fail to successfully shoot an animal, the hunter will shoot it in the most humane way possible.

When the hunting party returns to their camp site, the hunter socialises with the hunting party.

This pattern continues with a client until they have all their trophies.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
A love for the outdoors is paramount for anyone who wishes to become a professional hunter.

One must have an interest in wildlife, basic mechanics, rifles and ammunition.

Hunting is dangerous work therefore a hunter must always be alert, authoritative and possess leadership skills.

The profession is guided by specific regulations so a hunter must be ethical and firm.

An easygoing personality and good communication skills will assist the hunter in establishing good working relations with different clients.

A professional hunter must be prepared to spend extended periods of time away from home.

What qualifications are needed?
A professional hunting license is a legal requirement for a person to become a professional hunter.

Licensing requirements differ in various countries. Generally professional hunters write a Learner Examination, and are then apprenticed to a fully-licensed Professional Hunter for a period averaging two years.

During this apprenticeship time they learn a wide array of skills that range from shooting and skinning, to tracking and camouflage techniques.

They must also pass several practical and written tests and obtain an Advanced First Aid Certificate before being granted a licence by the relevant wildlife management authority.

Most professional hunters are members of professional hunters associations.