PH Journals Podcast

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.

What makes the ultimate hunting package? Is it the country, the species, the terrain, the rifle… or the feeling the hunt leaves behind? In this solo episode of PH Journals, I break down what my dream African hunting experience would look like. From mountain hunts in the Eastern Cape to open country safaris and thick bushveld tracking, we discuss the environments, animals and weapon setups that create unforgettable hunts. This episode is less about price tags and more about experience. The kind of hunts that stay with you long after camp has packed up. Honey Badger Blue Duiker Nyala Komga Bushbuck Vaal Reedbuck Red Lechwe Kudu We also dive into: Choosing the right hunting destination Rifle and calibre combinations Terrain and hunting style Why some species mean more than others The atmosphere that makes a safari special The animals that define wild Africa Sometimes the ultimate hunting package is not the biggest trophy… but the story behind it.

There’s a question I’ve been sitting with lately… Do I still enjoy hunting the way I used to, or has it slowly just become work? When your passion becomes your profession, things change. The pressure, the responsibility, the expectations—it all starts to shape the experience differently. In this solo episode of PH Journals, I unpack that internal conflict. The balance between gratitude and honesty, between loving what you do and feeling the weight of it. This isn’t about losing the passion—it’s about understanding how it evolves. If you’ve ever turned something you love into your livelihood, this one will hit home.

In this episode of PH Journals, I dive into what truly makes a great professional hunter—and it’s not what most people think.

We often measure a PH by their ability to shoot, their knowledge of species, or the size of the trophies they produce. But the truth is, those are just the basics.

The real difference lies in the traits no one talks about.

From handling pressure in high-stakes moments, to reading clients, managing expectations, and knowing when not to take the shot—this episode breaks down the unseen skills that separate good PHs from great ones.

I also reflect on personal experiences in the field—both the wins and the mistakes—and what they’ve taught me over the years.

Because at the end of the day, a client won’t remember your best shot…
They’ll remember how you made them feel.

And maybe the bigger question is—
Who is the next generation of great professional hunters?