PH Journals Podcast

The last client has left, the rifle gets put away and the hunting season finally comes to an end… or does it?

In this solo episode of PH Journals, I break down what closing the hunting season actually looks like from both sides of the safari — the client and the Professional Hunter.

From a client's perspective, there’s still plenty to take care of after leaving Africa: staying in contact with your PH, following up on trophies, dealing with taxidermy, paperwork and making sure everything from your safari is properly wrapped up.

But for the PH, the work continues.

It's time to reconnect with clients, check in on their experiences, follow up with taxidermists, work through paperwork, make sure your PH registration is valid, service and maintain the hunting vehicle, check equipment and start preparing and marketing for the next season.

And then there's the part that is arguably the most important — knowing when to put the work down and spend quality time with your family.

The season might be over, but the relationships, memories and preparation for the next one are only just beginning.

Welcome to another PH Playbook.

What does it take to build a life around discipline, danger, discomfort and adventure?

In this episode of PH Journals, I sit down with Travis Sloan — a man whose journey has taken him from the French Foreign Legion and private security to bowhunting, teaching and some of the wildest places on earth.

But this conversation quickly became about a lot more than hunting.

We talk about what the Legion taught him, why men are drawn to difficult things, the reality of operating in dangerous environments, and how that mindset eventually found its way into bowhunting and Africa.

We get into the psychology behind hunting, the role of ego, why discomfort is important, what the bush does to your mind, and whether we're sometimes searching for something much deeper than an animal when we head into the wilderness.

This isn't your typical hunting interview.

It's a conversation about discipline, masculinity, purpose, adventure and what it means to deliberately choose the harder road.

If you've ever wondered why some people actively seek out difficult experiences instead of choosing the easy life, you're going to enjoy this one.

Watch. Listen. Share it with someone who needs to hear it.

What does it take to make a living capturing the moments hunters will remember for a lifetime?

In this episode of the PH Journals Podcast, we sit down with Nick from Lens Behind the Hunt to talk about wildlife photography, hunting content creation, and what it's really like being behind the camera in the South African hunting industry.

From photographing dangerous game and documenting unforgettable hunts to building a brand around your passion, Nick shares his journey and offers valuable advice for anyone looking to break into the hunting and outdoor media space.

Whether you're a hunter, photographer, filmmaker, or simply passionate about conservation and the outdoors, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice.

In this episode we cover:

Hunting photography in South Africa

Building a career in outdoor media

The realities of filming and photographing hunts

Creating authentic hunting content

Wildlife photography tips and gear

The future of hunting media in South Africa

Advice for aspiring hunting photographers and content creators

If you've ever wondered whether there's a place for you in the hunting industry beyond pulling the trigger, this episode might just inspire your next adventure.

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

#PHJournals #LensBehindTheHunt #HuntingPhotography #SouthAfricanHunting #OutdoorMedia

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.