PH Journals Podcast

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

n this episode of PH Journals, we dive into one of the biggest conservation headlines of the year — the High Court ruling in Kimberley that could change the future of rhino conservation in South Africa.

The court has opened the door for the legal and regulated export of rhino horn from conservation-bred animals — a potential game changer for funding wildlife protection, supporting rural communities, and taking the fight to poaching.

But beyond the headlines, I also explore a deeper question in the hunting world…

Why do we as hunters feel the need to constantly justify ourselves with phrases like “public land”, “free range”, or “ethical shot”?

When did storytelling turn into defence?

Join me as I unpack both topics — the new era of rhino conservation, and the way we as hunters can reclaim our narrative with pride, honesty, and respect.

🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or right here on YouTube.

#PHJournals #RhinoConservation #EthicalHunting #FairChase #AfricanSafari #HuntingPodcast #WildlifeConservation #ConservationThroughHunting

In this episode of PH Journals, we dive into one of the biggest conservation headlines of the year — the High Court ruling in Kimberley that could change the future of rhino conservation in South Africa.

The court has opened the door for the legal and regulated export of rhino horn from conservation-bred animals — a potential game changer for funding wildlife protection, supporting rural communities, and taking the fight to poaching.

But beyond the headlines, I also explore a deeper question in the hunting world…
Why do we as hunters feel the need to constantly justify ourselves with phrases like “public land”, “free range”, or “ethical shot”?
When did storytelling turn into defence?

Join me as I unpack both topics — the new era of rhino conservation, and the way we as hunters can reclaim our narrative with pride, honesty, and respect.

🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or right here on YouTube.
#PHJournals #RhinoConservation #EthicalHunting #FairChase #AfricanSafari #HuntingPodcast #WildlifeConservation #ConservationThroughHunting

The Kruger National Park — once the pride of South Africa — is showing cracks in its balance. In this episode, I unpack my recent visit to Kruger and the hard truths behind its management.

With over 2 million hectares of land and an estimated 31 000 elephants, 2 000 lions, and 12 000 buffalo, the park faces a growing question:

Is tourism alone enough to sustain it, or has emotional conservation replaced ecological science?

Join me as I break down the numbers, carrying capacity, and income comparisons between Kruger’s current tourism model and a potential controlled hunting approach — revealing just how massive the economic difference could be.

💬 I also discuss my personal frustrations with the current tourism culture, overcrowded sightings, and how we might merge two worlds — tourism and sustainable hunting — to secure Kruger’s wildlife for generations to come.

📊 Topics Covered:

Kruger’s estimated wildlife populations

The park’s annual tourism income vs potential hunting income

Predator overpopulation and its ecological impact

Tour guide behaviour and visitor ethics

The future of true wildlife management in South Africa

🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

🔗 Follow the journey: @phjournals

#KrugerNationalPark #PHJournals #Conservation #Hunting #WildlifeManagement #SouthAfrica #Safari #ElephantConservation #SustainableHunting #AfricanBush

The Kruger National Park — once the pride of South Africa — is showing cracks in its balance. In this episode, I unpack my recent visit to Kruger and the hard truths behind its management.

With over 2 million hectares of land and an estimated 31 000 elephants, 2 000 lions, and 12 000 buffalo, the park faces a growing question:
Is tourism alone enough to sustain it, or has emotional conservation replaced ecological science?

Join me as I break down the numbers, carrying capacity, and income comparisons between Kruger’s current tourism model and a potential controlled hunting approach — revealing just how massive the economic difference could be.

💬 I also discuss my personal frustrations with the current tourism culture, overcrowded sightings, and how we might merge two worlds — tourism and sustainable hunting — to secure Kruger’s wildlife for generations to come.

📊 Topics Covered:

• Kruger’s estimated wildlife populations

• The park’s annual tourism income vs potential hunting income

• Predator overpopulation and its ecological impact

• Tour guide behaviour and visitor ethics

• The future of true wildlife management in South Africa

Join me on this episode of the PH Journals Podcast as I sit down with Tabu Burger from HuntingPortal.com. We dive into the story behind the platform, how it connects hunters and outfitters across the globe, and why it’s becoming a trusted space for gear, guides, and the hunting community.

From the vision that started Hunting Portal to the challenges of building a trusted online hub, Tabu shares valuable insights into the future of hunting, conservation, and technology in our industry. We also discuss trends shaping the outdoor world, the importance of community, and where Hunting Portal is headed in the next five years.

Whether you’re a professional hunter, an outfitter, or simply passionate about the outdoors, this episode gives you a front-row seat to the changing landscape of modern hunting.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more hunting stories, industry insights, and conservation conversations.

#PHJournals #HuntingPortal #TabuBurger #HuntingPodcast #Conservation #Outfitters #GearStash

Join me on this episode of the PH Journals Podcast as I sit down with Tabu Burger from HuntingPortal.com. We dive into the story behind the platform, how it connects hunters and outfitters across the globe, and why it’s becoming a trusted space for gear, guides, and the hunting community.

From the vision that started Hunting Portal to the challenges of building a trusted online hub, Tabu shares valuable insights into the future of hunting, conservation, and technology in our industry. We also discuss trends shaping the outdoor world, the importance of community, and where Hunting Portal is headed in the next five years.

Whether you’re a professional hunter, an outfitter, or simply passionate about the outdoors, this episode gives you a front-row seat to the changing landscape of modern hunting.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more hunting stories, industry insights, and conservation conversations.

In this solo episode, I dive into a topic that often gets overlooked in the hunting world—empathy. From guiding first-time hunters through their emotions to respecting the sacrifice of the animal, empathy plays a powerful role in how we hunt, how we connect with clients, and how we are perceived as a community.

I explore:

Why empathy matters in professional hunting

Supporting clients through nerves, doubts, and their first harvest

Respecting the animal and telling its story with dignity

Building understanding between hunters, landowners, and even non-hunters

How empathy strengthens conservation efforts

Hunting is not just about the pursuit—it’s about respect, understanding, and responsibility. Join me as I unpack why empathy is not a weakness, but one of the greatest strengths in the field.

🎧 Listen now and let’s start shifting the conversation.

In this solo episode, I dive into a topic that often gets overlooked in the hunting world—empathy. From guiding first-time hunters through their emotions to respecting the sacrifice of the animal, empathy plays a powerful role in how we hunt, how we connect with clients, and how we are perceived as a community.

I explore:

• Why empathy matters in professional hunting

• Supporting clients through nerves, doubts, and their first harvest

• Respecting the animal and telling its story with dignity

• Building understanding between hunters, landowners, and even non-hunters

• How empathy strengthens conservation efforts

Hunting is not just about the pursuit—it’s about respect, understanding, and responsibility. Join me as I unpack why empathy is not a weakness, but one of the greatest strengths in the field.

🎧 Listen now and let’s start shifting the conversation.

In this episode of PH Journals, I share the story of my recent Bontebok hunt — a uniquely South African species that came back from the brink of extinction thanks to hunters and conservationists. The Bontebok is often overlooked, but it deserves its place as one of Africa’s great conservation success stories.

I also dive into the very real struggles South Africans face when trying to hunt abroad. From visa nightmares in Spain, the UK, Ireland, Scotland, the USA, and Canada, to the impact of the exchange rate, firearm permits, and the sheer logistics of traveling with gear — hunting overseas comes with challenges many don’t realize.

And of course, no PH Journals episode is complete without some campfire stories! This week features not one but two hilarious listener submissions — from baboon chaos in the blinds to a bushbaby “ambush” gone wrong.

📌 Topics covered in this episode:

• My Bontebok hunt and why it matters

• Conservation and the comeback of the Bontebok

• Visa struggles and costs of South Africans hunting abroad

• Bucket-list destinations like Spain, Scotland, USA, and Canada

• Listener hunting stories that will leave you laughing

If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to PH Journals for more hunting stories, conservation insights, and real talk from the field.