BOOK SHELF

The Complete Professional Hunter’s Handbook

THIS is a collaborated work by three men well-known in the local hunting, writing and guiding community: Cleve Cheney, Magnum contributor and author with 45 years of experience in the wildlife industry; David Sutherland, professional hunter, outfitter and owner of a PH training school, the Sutherland Hunting Academy; and Pierre van der Walt, editor of various publications and author of African Dangerous Game Cartridges.

All three are highly experienced hunters who, perceiving that current prescribed reading matter to only superficially cover some aspects of professional hunter training – while other aspects were not covered at all – saw the need for a handbook to cover all related subjects. According to the authors, a further aim is to educate aspiring professional hunters on matters of conservation and ethics.

The hardcover book comprises 473 pages illustrated with hundreds of colour photographs, drawings and tables. Most chapters end with bibliographies for further reading or study for those wanting more in-depth knowledge of the subjects. The 24 chapters deal with every aspect of modern-day professional hunting.

Chapter 2 commences with a rather emancipated view of what ‘hunting ethics’ and ‘fair chase’ actually entail, questioning some long-standing beliefs in this regard – it makes for interesting reading and I found myself questioning my own beliefs on these subjects, eventually reading the chapter three times. Next is a chapter on hunting and conservation and the critical role hunting plays in the management of wildlife populations, as well as the major threat that Animal Rights organizations pose to our wildlife.

Next, is a chapter on wildlife behaviour – social, reproductive, communication, feeding, drinking, etc. – knowledge all good professional hunters must possess. Various chapters deal with firearms and ballistics, bow-hunting, shot placement, hunting optics, tracking, trophy estimation, hunting methods and techniques, trophy photography, skinning, trophy handling, trophy measurement, black-powder and muzzle-loader hunting, wingshooting, first aid, survival, and hunting accessories. Each subject is covered comprehensively.

I was somewhat surprised by the authors’ view on ‘modern day accommodation’ – they question southern Africa’s current approach of providing visiting hunters with all the mod cons like Wi-fi, jacuzzi, air conditioning and the rest, maintaining that we are robbing these hunters of the true hunting experience. Legislation and money are among the reasons given; the authors feel we are wrong in believing that modern luxury is what all hunters require. I must say, I agree.

The PH ‘business’ is covered in chapters on hunter-client relations, hunt marketing, administration, the economics of hunting, and hunting legislation. In addition to the compulsory legal requirements, these chapters provide practical business acumen. Both old-timers and newcomers to the game will benefit from this sound advice. Most hunters and shooters will agree that the hunting scene has changed dramatically over the last few years; competition is rife and many PHS have simply given up the profession, preferring the stability of a 9 to 5 job and a monthly pay cheque. Understanding and mastering the business side of the PH game has become crucial.

While the book is intended for aspiring professional hunters, it will be of interest to all sport hunters. My middleaged eyes found some of the explanations of the tables and drawings a bit difficult to read, but this did not detract from the overall benefit derived.

Published by the authors, The Complete Professional Hunter’s Handbook is available from www.huntacademy.co.za at R940 for online orders (R990 including courier costs within SA) or from selected Wildman franchises. – Francois van Emmenes