PH Journals Podcast

In today's episode of PH Journals, we're tackling one of the most misunderstood topics in wildlife conservation: hunting.

Has emotion and popular culture poisoned the conservation conversation? Have we become so emotionally attached to certain species that we've forgotten what true conservation actually looks like?

From Kruger National Park's elephant population challenges to the economic realities of wildlife management, we dive into why hunting remains one of the most important conservation tools available when practised ethically and sustainably.

We discuss:

Why conservation isn't free.

How hunting has contributed to some of Africa's greatest wildlife success stories.

The overpopulation challenges facing elephants in Kruger National Park.

Why wildlife management is about ecosystems, not individual animals.

The "Disney effect" and how cartoons and emotional attachments influence public opinion on conservation.

Why we value certain species more than others.

How sustainable hunting generates funding for conservation and rural communities.

The difficult but necessary conversations surrounding population management and biodiversity.

Conservation isn't about saving every individual animal at all costs. It's about protecting healthy populations, preserving habitats and ensuring that future generations inherit thriving ecosystems.

Nature is brutally honest. Conservation isn't always comfortable. Sometimes the most ethical decisions are also the hardest to understand.

Whether you're a hunter, conservationist or simply someone who loves wildlife, this episode will challenge you to look beyond emotion and ask a simple question:

What does the ecosystem need?

Don't forget to like, subscribe and share the episode if you enjoyed the conversation.

In today's episode of PH Journals, we're tackling one of the most misunderstood topics in wildlife conservation: hunting.

Has emotion and popular culture poisoned the conservation conversation? Have we become so emotionally attached to certain species that we've forgotten what true conservation actually looks like?

From Kruger National Park's elephant population challenges to the economic realities of wildlife management, we dive into why hunting remains one of the most important conservation tools available when practised ethically and sustainably.

We discuss:

• Why conservation isn't free.
• How hunting has contributed to some of Africa's greatest wildlife success stories.
• The overpopulation challenges facing elephants in Kruger National Park.
• Why wildlife management is about ecosystems, not individual animals.
• The "Disney effect" and how cartoons and emotional attachments influence public opinion on conservation.
• Why we value certain species more than others.
• How sustainable hunting generates funding for conservation and rural communities.
• The difficult but necessary conversations surrounding population management and biodiversity.

Conservation isn't about saving every individual animal at all costs. It's about protecting healthy populations, preserving habitats and ensuring that future generations inherit thriving ecosystems.

Nature is brutally honest. Conservation isn't always comfortable. Sometimes the most ethical decisions are also the hardest to understand.

Whether you're a hunter, conservationist or simply someone who loves wildlife, this episode will challenge you to look beyond emotion and ask a simple question:

What does the ecosystem need?

Don't forget to like, subscribe and share the episode if you enjoyed the conversation.

#PHJournals #Conservation #Hunting #WildlifeManagement #KrugerNationalPark #ElephantConservation #SustainableHunting #AfricanWildlife

This week on the PH Journals Podcast, we're diving into one of the most overlooked yet important parts of every safari—hunting photography.

The hunt may only last a few moments, but the memories captured through a photograph last a lifetime. Before the trophies arrive months later, it's the photos that transport you back to the excitement, the emotion, and the respect shared in the field.

In this episode, I discuss:

Why trophy photography is so important

The camera gear I use in the bush, including the Sony FX30 Pro S, DJI Osmo Action 6, and even a smartphone

The pros and cons of each setup

Tips for creating respectful, memorable trophy photos

Why every Professional Hunter should take pride in preserving a client's hunting memories

Whether you're a hunter, photographer, PH, or simply love the outdoors, this episode will help you capture moments that tell the full story of the hunt.

If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and leave a comment sharing your favourite hunting photograph or the story behind it. We'd love to hear from you.

This week on the PH Journals Podcast, we're diving into one of the most overlooked yet important parts of every safari—hunting photography.

The hunt may only last a few moments, but the memories captured through a photograph last a lifetime. Before the trophies arrive months later, it's the photos that transport you back to the excitement, the emotion, and the respect shared in the field.

In this episode, I discuss:

• Why trophy photography is so important
• The camera gear I use in the bush, including the Sony FX30 Pro S, DJI Osmo Action 6, and even a smartphone
• The pros and cons of each setup
• Tips for creating respectful, memorable trophy photos
• Why every Professional Hunter should take pride in preserving a client's hunting memories

Whether you're a hunter, photographer, PH, or simply love the outdoors, this episode will help you capture moments that tell the full story of the hunt.

If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and leave a comment sharing your favourite hunting photograph or the story behind it. We'd love to hear from you.

 

What does it really take to spend 15 years as a Professional Hunter in Africa?

In this solo episode of PH Journals, I reflect on the journey that shaped me as a PH, from the early days of getting started to some of the defining moments that have influenced my approach to hunting and conservation.

I also dive into one of the most important topics in the hunting world: trusting your Professional Hunter. Understanding why a PH makes certain decisions, how we assess a hunter's capabilities, and when it becomes necessary to step in and finish an animal are all critical aspects of ethical hunting and responsible game management.

Whether you're an experienced hunter, a first-time safari client, or simply interested in the realities of life as a Professional Hunter, this episode provides an honest look behind the scenes of the profession.

In this episode:

My journey and 15 years as a Professional Hunter.

Defining moments and lessons learned.

Common misconceptions about professional hunting.

Why trust between hunter and PH is essential.

How a PH evaluates a hunter's abilities.

Knowing when a Professional Hunter should take over to ensure an ethical recovery.

Advice for aspiring Professional Hunters and hunters alike.

If you enjoy hunting stories, African safaris, conservation, and authentic conversations from the bush, make sure to subscribe to PH Journals and join the journey.

What does it really take to spend 15 years as a Professional Hunter in Africa?

In this solo episode of PH Journals, I reflect on the journey that shaped me as a PH, from the early days of getting started to some of the defining moments that have influenced my approach to hunting and conservation.

I also dive into one of the most important topics in the hunting world: trusting your Professional Hunter. Understanding why a PH makes certain decisions, how we assess a hunter's capabilities, and when it becomes necessary to step in and finish an animal are all critical aspects of ethical hunting and responsible game management.

Whether you're an experienced hunter, a first-time safari client, or simply interested in the realities of life as a Professional Hunter, this episode provides an honest look behind the scenes of the profession.

In this episode:

• My journey and 15 years as a Professional Hunter.
• Defining moments and lessons learned.
• Common misconceptions about professional hunting.
• Why trust between hunter and PH is essential.
• How a PH evaluates a hunter's abilities.
• Knowing when a Professional Hunter should take over to ensure an ethical recovery.
• Advice for aspiring Professional Hunters and hunters alike.

If you enjoy hunting stories, African safaris, conservation, and authentic conversations from the bush, make sure to subscribe to PH Journals and join the journey.

There are the obvious things you pack for safari… and then there are the items you don't think you need—until you're out in the bush wishing you had them.

In this solo episode of PH Journals, I share some of the most underrated pieces of gear that have earned a permanent place in my bag over the years. From recovery tools after long days on your feet, to action cameras, spotting scope adapters, leather gloves, beanies, neck cozies, and even a few unconventional additions that can save the day when things go wrong.

I also talk about why a small "gear first aid kit" containing items like thread, a needle, and super glue can be worth its weight in gold, plus why a Leatherman and an electric screwdriver have become must-haves on my safaris.

These aren't necessarily the first things people think to pack, but they've made a huge difference in camp and out in the field.

In this episode we cover:

Hyperice infrared and vibration belt for recovery

The GY6 action camera setup

Using Ollin with a spotting scope for incredible footage

Leather gloves for cold mornings and evenings

A simple gear repair and emergency kit

Beanies and neck cozies

Why a Leatherman multi-tool belongs on every safari

The surprisingly useful electric screwdriver

Whether you're planning your first African safari or have been hunting for years, hopefully this episode gives you a few ideas for items that can make your next adventure a little more comfortable and a lot more enjoyable.

There are the obvious things you pack for safari… and then there are the items you don't think you need—until you're out in the bush wishing you had them.

In this solo episode of PH Journals, I share some of the most underrated pieces of gear that have earned a permanent place in my bag over the years. From recovery tools after long days on your feet, to action cameras, spotting scope adapters, leather gloves, beanies, neck cozies, and even a few unconventional additions that can save the day when things go wrong.

I also talk about why a small "gear first aid kit" containing items like thread, a needle, and super glue can be worth its weight in gold, plus why a Leatherman and an electric screwdriver have become must-haves on my safaris.

These aren't necessarily the first things people think to pack, but they've made a huge difference in camp and out in the field.

In this episode we cover:

• Hyperice infrared and vibration belt for recovery
• The GY6 action camera setup
• Using Ollin with a spotting scope for incredible footage
• Leather gloves for cold mornings and evenings
• A simple gear repair and emergency kit
• Beanies and neck cozies
• Why a Leatherman multi-tool belongs on every safari
• The surprisingly useful electric screwdriver

Whether you're planning your first African safari or have been hunting for years, hopefully this episode gives you a few ideas for items that can make your next adventure a little more comfortable and a lot more enjoyable.

Enjoy the episode, and as always, thanks for listening to PH Journals.

 

Why do international hunters pay more than local South African hunters? Is it fair, or is there more to the story?

In this solo episode of PH Journals, Dylan Love takes a deeper look at one of the most debated topics in the hunting industry: local versus international hunting rates.

Drawing from industry statistics, conservation realities, and personal experience as a Professional Hunter, Dylan explores the role both local and foreign hunters play in sustaining South Africa's wildlife economy.

Topics discussed include:

• The economic impact of hunting in South Africa

• How international hunting contributes billions to conservation and rural communities

• Why local hunters remain the backbone of hunting culture

• The risks of pricing South Africans out of hunting

• The role stock farmers play in conservation and land management

• Comparing American and South African household incomes

• Why different pricing structures exist around the world

• Finding a balance that benefits conservation, outfitters, farmers, and hunters alike

This episode isn't about choosing sides. It's about understanding the bigger picture and asking how we can build a hunting industry where both local and international hunters continue to thrive.

If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow hunter.

Why do international hunters pay more than local South African hunters? Is it fair, or is there more to the story?

In this solo episode of PH Journals, Dylan Love takes a deeper look at one of the most debated topics in the hunting industry: local versus international hunting rates.

Drawing from industry statistics, conservation realities, and personal experience as a Professional Hunter, Dylan explores the role both local and foreign hunters play in sustaining South Africa's wildlife economy.

Topics discussed include:

• The economic impact of hunting in South Africa
• How international hunting contributes billions to conservation and rural communities
• Why local hunters remain the backbone of hunting culture
• The risks of pricing South Africans out of hunting
• The role stock farmers play in conservation and land management
• Comparing American and South African household incomes
• Why different pricing structures exist around the world
• Finding a balance that benefits conservation, outfitters, farmers, and hunters alike

This episode isn't about choosing sides. It's about understanding the bigger picture and asking how we can build a hunting industry where both local and international hunters continue to thrive.

If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow hunter.