PH Journals Podcast

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.

👉 Do you want me to also make a shorter, punchier IG post caption out of this to drive your followers to the YouTube episode?

In a world consumed by technology, money, and artificial intelligence, one question remains — what does true wealth really look like?

In this episode of PH Journals, I explore why hunters are among the wealthiest individuals on earth — not because of their bank accounts, but because of their connection to something far more valuable: moments, memories, nature, and one another.

As society races ahead, chasing digital status and financial gain, hunters quietly continue to invest in real interactions, human connection, and the raw beauty of the wild.

🔊 Tune in as we unpack the idea that it’s not what you own, but what you experience that defines wealth — and why hunting offers something that no tech, money, or AI ever can.

👇 Let me know in the comments what true wealth means to you.

#HuntingPodcast #PHJournals #TrueWealth #AIvsNature #HuntingLifestyle #OutdoorWisdom

In a world consumed by technology, money, and artificial intelligence, one question remains — what does true wealth really look like?

In this episode of PH Journals, I explore why hunters are among the wealthiest individuals on earth — not because of their bank accounts, but because of their connection to something far more valuable: moments, memories, nature, and one another.

As society races ahead, chasing digital status and financial gain, hunters quietly continue to invest in real interactions, human connection, and the raw beauty of the wild.

🔊 Tune in as we unpack the idea that it’s not what you own, but what you experience that defines wealth — and why hunting offers something that no tech, money, or AI ever can.

👇 Let me know in the comments what true wealth means to you.
#HuntingPodcast #PHJournals #TrueWealth #AIvsNature #HuntingLifestyle #OutdoorWisdom

In this episode of PH Journals, I dive into the gear I trust every day in the African bush. From boots to bullets, optics to knives, I break down exactly what I carry and why it’s earned a place in my hunting setup. Whether you’re a seasoned PH or a weekend warrior, this episode gives you insight into reliable, field-tested gear that performs when it matters most. Gear Covered in This Episode: Jim Green African Ranger Boots – Rugged, local, built for the African terrain. Vortex Fury HD 5000 Rangefinder Binoculars – Game-changing optics and rangefinder in one. Maven Spotting Scope – Clear glass and compact size for long-range spotting. Kuiu Camo Clothing – Lightweight, durable, and terrain-blending camo for every climate. Havalon & Custom Skinning Knives – Surgical precision and handcrafted durability. .270 150gr Hornady Ballistic Tip Bullets – Ethical, reliable, and powerful. Sako 85s .270 Rifle – Finnish craftsmanship meets South African performance. Dogtra Pathfinder GPS Dog Collars – Smart, signal-free tracking for your four-legged teammate. 🗣️ Got questions about my kit? Drop them in the comments or let me know what’s in YOUR gear bag. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss future episodes on gear, hunting ethics, field stories, and more.

In this episode of PH Journals, I dive into the gear I trust every day in the African bush. From boots to bullets, optics to knives, I break down exactly what I carry and why it’s earned a place in my hunting setup. Whether you’re a seasoned PH or a weekend warrior, this episode gives you insight into reliable, field-tested gear that performs when it matters most.

Gear Covered in This Episode:

Jim Green African Ranger Boots – Rugged, local, built for the African terrain.

Vortex Fury HD 5000 Rangefinder Binoculars – Game-changing optics and rangefinder in one.

Maven Spotting Scope – Clear glass and compact size for long-range spotting.

Kuiu Camo Clothing – Lightweight, durable, and terrain-blending camo for every climate.

Havalon & Custom Skinning Knives – Surgical precision and handcrafted durability.

.270 150gr Hornady Ballistic Tip Bullets – Ethical, reliable, and powerful.

Sako 85s .270 Rifle – Finnish craftsmanship meets South African performance.

Dogtra Pathfinder GPS Dog Collars – Smart, signal-free tracking for your four-legged teammate.

🗣️ Got questions about my kit? Drop them in the comments or let me know what’s in YOUR gear bag.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss future episodes on gear, hunting ethics, field stories, and more.

#PHJournals #GearReview #HuntingGear #ProfessionalHunter #AfricanHunting #Sako85 #VortexOptics #KuiuCamo #Havalon #Dogtra #JimGreenBoots

In this solo episode of PH Journals, we dive deep into one of the most debated topics in the hunting world — the ethical line between high-fence and free-range hunting in South Africa. With growing pressure from international clients, social media, and conservation purists, South African professional hunters often find themselves defending the integrity of their hunts — but is the presence of a fence really what defines an ethical hunt? 🎯 In this episode, I cover: The true definitions of “free-range” and “high-fence” hunting Why both exist — and thrive — in South Africa The misconceptions and stigma around high-fence hunting How client expectations are shaped by international media Why the ethics of a hunt go far beyond the presence of a fence Whether you're a first-time safari hunter, a seasoned PH, or someone passionate about conservation, this episode challenges you to think critically about how we define a “fair chase” and what it really means to hunt ethically in today’s world. 📩 Have thoughts or a story to share? Drop them in the comments or message me directly — let’s keep the conversation going. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon so you never miss an episode of PH Journals.

In this solo episode of PH Journals, we dive deep into one of the most debated topics in the hunting world — the ethical line between high-fence and free-range hunting in South Africa.

With growing pressure from international clients, social media, and conservation purists, South African professional hunters often find themselves defending the integrity of their hunts — but is the presence of a fence really what defines an ethical hunt?

🎯 In this episode, I cover:

The true definitions of “free-range” and “high-fence” hunting

Why both exist — and thrive — in South Africa

The misconceptions and stigma around high-fence hunting

How client expectations are shaped by international media

Why the ethics of a hunt go far beyond the presence of a fence

Whether you're a first-time safari hunter, a seasoned PH, or someone passionate about conservation, this episode challenges you to think critically about how we define a “fair chase” and what it really means to hunt ethically in today’s world.

📩 Have thoughts or a story to share? Drop them in the comments or message me directly — let’s keep the conversation going.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon so you never miss an episode of PH Journals.

#PHJournals #FreeRangeVsHighFence #EthicalHunting #SouthAfricaHunting #Conservation #TrophyHunting #ProfessionalHunter #HuntingPodcast

🎙️ Trophy Hunting: How the Landscape Has Changed Over the Last 10 Years

In this solo episode of PH Journals, professional hunter and conservation advocate Dylan Love explores the evolution of trophy hunting over the past decade.

From shifting public perception and social media scrutiny to changes in airline regulations, conservation funding models, and client expectations—this episode uncovers the key factors that have reshaped the modern hunting industry in Africa.

🎯 Topics Covered:

The impact of Cecil the Lion and media pressure

Airline bans & import restrictions

Community-based conservation efforts

The rise of ethical and selective hunting

COVID-19’s influence on the safari industry

The role of technology and influencer hunters

Where the trophy hunting industry is headed next

Whether you're a PH, outfitter, client, or conservationist, this episode dives into why trophy hunting today is more nuanced, intentional, and sustainability-focused than ever before.

👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments – how do YOU see trophy hunting evolving in the next 10 years?

🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations about African hunting, conservation, and the outdoor lifestyle.

📲 Connect with Dylan:

Instagram: @ph_journals

Podcast: PH Journals (available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more)

Website: www.phjournals.com

🎧 Listen to the podcast version on all major streaming platforms.

#TrophyHunting #ConservationHunting #PHJournals #AfricanHunting #EthicalHunting #ProfessionalHunter #HuntingAfrica #HuntingDebate #HuntingPodcast #WildlifeConservation #HuntEthical

In this solo episode of PH Journals, professional hunter and conservation advocate Dylan Love explores the evolution of trophy hunting over the past decade.

From shifting public perception and social media scrutiny to changes in airline regulations, conservation funding models, and client expectations—this episode uncovers the key factors that have reshaped the modern hunting industry in Africa.

🎯 Topics Covered:

• The impact of Cecil the Lion and media pressure

• Airline bans & import restrictions

• Community-based conservation efforts

• The rise of ethical and selective hunting

• COVID-19’s influence on the safari industry

• The role of technology and influencer hunters

• Where the trophy hunting industry is headed next

Whether you're a PH, outfitter, client, or conservationist, this episode dives into why trophy hunting today is more nuanced, intentional, and sustainability-focused than ever before.

👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments – how do YOU see trophy hunting evolving in the next 10 years?

🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations about African hunting, conservation, and the outdoor lifestyle.

🎙️ Inside Looking Out | A Raw Take on the Hunting Industry 🦌

In this week’s solo episode of PH Journals, I’m pulling back the curtain on the hunting industry — not from the outside looking in, but from inside the trade, looking out.

After years as a professional hunter, I’ve seen the highs and the lows of this industry. But it’s time we ask the hard questions:

Are we really just victims of anti-hunting pressure… or are we sometimes guilty of playing that card ourselves?

This episode dives into:

🔸 The internal struggles of the hunting world

🔸 Ethics, morals, and values we can’t afford to ignore

🔸 The lack of unity and support within our own ranks

🔸 How greed and ego can cloud our true purpose

🔸 The need to return to what really matters as hunters, outfitters, and influencers

This isn’t about pointing fingers — it’s about starting a conversation that could reshape the way we move forward as a community.

🎧 Listen in, reflect, and let me know your thoughts in the comments.

📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if this episode resonated with you.